Journal
Practical China Travel
Choose what you need for the next part of your journey, from preparation and reservations to everyday life in China.
Choosing your travel dates? Compare months and the 2027 holiday calendar.
Start here
Your first-trip checklist
A clear place to begin, from entry documents to your first day.
Read the checklistBefore you arrive
Documents, connection, reservations and what to pack.
Visas & entry
Check your passport, route and arrival documents.
Internet & eSIMs
Choose a connection and keep bank verification working.
Attractions & museum tickets
Find the booking route, enter passport details and keep a useful alternative when tickets are unavailable.
Packing & power banks
Pack for your route, chargers and transport restrictions.
Medication & medical supplies
Check the medicine itself, the documents it needs and the practical arrangements for your journey.
Arriving & getting around
Airports, local transport and the journey between cities.
Airport to hotel
Choose your airport transfer, find the meeting point and keep a clear backup for a late flight or a phone without data.
Metro & buses
Choose a ticket, activate a transport code and find the right station, direction and exit.
Apps & translation
Find an address, arrange a ride and make yourself understood.
High-speed trains
Book with your passport and navigate the station.
Domestic flights
Choose the right journey, book with your passport, and know what to check before the airport.
Flight & train disruptions
Choose the next step after a delay, cancellation or missed connection, then put the rest of the day back in order.
Luggage storage
Choose where to leave your bags, check how you will get them back and keep the last part of the day comfortable.
Everyday life in China
Staying, eating, paying and finding what you need.
Payments in China
Set up your wallet and learn the two ways to pay.
Hotels & check-in
Choose a useful location and check the room, booking terms, passport arrangements and arrival time.
Eating out & ordering
Read a menu, choose portions, order at the table and settle the bill with confidence.
Restaurant reservations & queues
Get from choosing a restaurant to a confirmed table, with clear questions about queues, rooms and booking conditions.
Etiquette & tipping
Approach shared meals, hospitality, cultural visits, photographs and gratuities with a little more ease.
Shopping & tax refunds
Buy thoughtfully, keep the right records and finish the refund process before departure.
Water & public toilets
Know where to refill safely, find a restroom and build comfortable stops into the day.
Health & useful backups
Prepare for care, protect your trip and know what to do if something is lost.
Dietary needs & allergies
Explain your needs clearly, ask about hidden ingredients and prepare a checked Chinese communication card.
Medical help
Know whom to call, what to bring and how to arrange language, payment and insurance support.
Travel insurance checklist
Read the cover against your actual route, health needs and travel arrangements before you leave.
Lost passport, phone or card
Choose the immediate action, protect access to your accounts, and keep the next few hours manageable.
Your travelling party
Specific arrangements for children, access and mobility needs.