China travel essentials

Six things to sort out before you fly. Each guide answers its question first, keeps to what a visitor needs, and links to the official page to check, with the date it was last checked.

Visas and visa-free entry
Can I visit China without a visa? Updated October 2026
Citizens of 50 countries get 30 days visa-free until 31 December 2026, 57 nationalities get 240 hours in transit, everyone else applies online. Lists change.
Paying for things
How do I pay for things in China without a Chinese bank account? Updated October 2026
Link a Visa or Mastercard to Alipay or WeChat Pay before you fly: no fee up to RMB 200, 3% above. Keep some cash for stalls and small towns.
Internet and apps
Will Google and my other apps work in China? Updated October 2026
Google, WhatsApp and Instagram are blocked on Chinese networks. A roaming plan or travel eSIM set up before you land gets round it; add Amap, Alipay and Didi.
Trains and 12306
How do I book train tickets in China with a foreign passport? Updated October 2026
Register on 12306 with your passport, allowing a few days for verification, or book through Trip.com. Sales open 15 days ahead and your passport is the ticket.
Book popular sights early
Which sights in China need booking in advance, and how? Updated October 2026
The Forbidden City, National Museum, Terracotta Army, Mogao Caves, Potala Palace and Jiuzhaigou cap daily visitors and sell real-name tickets days ahead.
When to go
When is the best time to visit China? Updated October 2026
Late April to May and September to mid-October for most routes; skip the Spring Festival and 1 to 7 October. Yunnan in winter, Tibet and Xinjiang in summer.

Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan have their own entry arrangements, currencies and mobile networks; check before you go.