China receives tens of millions of international visitors each year, and since the expansion of the 144-hour visa-free transit policy, it has never been easier to experience the country firsthand. Yet the sheer scale — geographic, linguistic, digital — can overwhelm first-time visitors. This section is divided into two parts: the places themselves, and the practical guides that turn a daunting trip into a smooth one.
Two Ways In
行前必读
Destinations
In-depth guides to China's most extraordinary destinations — Guilin's karst poetry, Huangshan's sea of clouds, Zhangjiajie's floating pillars, the water towns of Jiangnan, and the neon drama of Chongqing and Shanghai.
Practical Guides
Everything a foreign visitor needs to know before and during a trip to China — the 144-hour visa-free policy explained, how to pay for things, how to get around, and the practical tips that save you hours of confusion.
Before You Go: The Essentials
出行须知Visa-free transit: Citizens of 54 countries can stay in designated Chinese cities for up to 144 hours (6 days) without a visa, provided they hold an onward ticket to a third country. This is the single most important policy for short-term visitors. Read the full guide →
Payments: China is overwhelmingly cashless. Alipay and WeChat Pay now support international credit cards, but setup is required before you arrive. Cash is accepted but increasingly inconvenient. Read the full guide →
Getting around: China's high-speed rail network is the world's largest and connects virtually every major city. Domestic flights are cheap. Ride-hailing apps work in every city. Read the full guide →
Connectivity: Google services are blocked in mainland China. You will need a local SIM or eSIM, and either a VPN or alternative apps for navigation and translation. Read the full guide →