China Travel Articles

Practical, honest guides written for foreign visitors to China. Everything from visa to VPN to avoiding scams.

How to Pay in China as a Foreigner (2026 Complete Guide)
Essential Guide

How to Pay in China as a Foreigner (2026 Complete Guide)

China is 95% cashless. This guide covers setting up Alipay & WeChat Pay with foreign cards, using Didi, paying on the subway, and surviving without cash in Beijing.

14 min read2026-03-22
Beijing Airport Arrival Guide: Your First Hour in China (Step by Step)
Essential Guide

Beijing Airport Arrival Guide: Your First Hour in China (Step by Step)

From landing to your hotel: immigration, customs, SIM cards, transport to city center, and everything you need for a smooth arrival at Beijing Capital or Daxing Airport.

12 min read2026-03-21
Internet in China: VPN Guide & Digital Survival Kit for Tourists (2026)
Essential Guide

Internet in China: VPN Guide & Digital Survival Kit for Tourists (2026)

Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram are blocked in China. Learn which VPN to use, how to stay connected, essential Chinese apps, and how to prepare before your trip.

10 min read2026-03-20
Beijing Itinerary: 1-Day, 3-Day & 5-Day Plans (Copy & Use)
Travel Planning

Beijing Itinerary: 1-Day, 3-Day & 5-Day Plans (Copy & Use)

Ready-to-use Beijing itineraries with exact times, transport, restaurants, and costs. Just copy and go. Includes budget breakdowns and rainy day alternatives.

18 min read2026-03-19
Best Time to Visit Beijing in 2026: Month-by-Month Guide
Travel Planning

Best Time to Visit Beijing in 2026: Month-by-Month Guide

Planning a trip to Beijing? Learn the best months to visit based on weather, crowds, prices, and festivals. Complete seasonal guide with insider tips.

8 min read2026-03-15
China Visa Guide for Americans (2026): Requirements, Process & Tips
Travel Planning

China Visa Guide for Americans (2026): Requirements, Process & Tips

Complete step-by-step guide to getting a Chinese visa as a US citizen. Covers tourist visas, transit visas, visa-free transit, and the latest 2026 policy changes.

12 min read2026-03-10
Great Wall Sections Compared: Mutianyu vs Badaling vs Jinshanling
Attractions

Great Wall Sections Compared: Mutianyu vs Badaling vs Jinshanling

Which Great Wall section should you visit? We compare the most popular sections by difficulty, crowds, scenery, and accessibility from Beijing.

10 min read2026-03-05
Beijing Street Food Guide: 15 Must-Try Dishes & Where to Find Them
Food & Drink

Beijing Street Food Guide: 15 Must-Try Dishes & Where to Find Them

From Jianbing to lamb skewers, discover the best Beijing street food. Includes exact locations, prices, and tips for ordering like a local.

15 min read2026-02-28
Beijing Subway Guide: How to Navigate Like a Local
Travel Planning

Beijing Subway Guide: How to Navigate Like a Local

Everything you need to know about using the Beijing Metro: buying tickets, apps, lines for tourists, and money-saving tips.

7 min read2026-02-20
Forbidden City Visitor Tips: Skip Lines, Best Routes & Hidden Gems
Attractions

Forbidden City Visitor Tips: Skip Lines, Best Routes & Hidden Gems

Make the most of your Forbidden City visit with these insider tips. Learn how to skip the lines, which route to take, and secret spots most tourists miss.

9 min read2026-02-15
Beijing on a Budget: How to Visit for Under $50/Day
Travel Planning

Beijing on a Budget: How to Visit for Under $50/Day

Beijing doesn't have to be expensive. This budget travel guide covers cheap accommodation, free attractions, affordable food, and money-saving transportation tips.

11 min read2026-02-10
Beijing Hutong Guide: 5 Historic Neighborhoods You Must Explore
Culture

Beijing Hutong Guide: 5 Historic Neighborhoods You Must Explore

Discover the charm of Beijing's ancient Hutong alleyways. Our guide covers the best neighborhoods, what to see, where to eat, and how to find hidden gems.

10 min read2026-02-05
Common Scams in China: How to Protect Yourself as a Tourist (2026)
Safety

Common Scams in China: How to Protect Yourself as a Tourist (2026)

Tea house scam, fake monks, taxi tricks, overcharging, fake markets — learn the most common scams targeting foreigners in China and how to avoid every one of them.

10 min read2026-03-23
Leaving China: Departure, Customs & Airport Guide for Foreigners
Essential Guide

Leaving China: Departure, Customs & Airport Guide for Foreigners

Everything you need to know about leaving China: airport arrival time, security, customs declarations, tax refunds, prohibited export items, and departure tips.

8 min read2026-03-24
Best Souvenirs from China: What to Buy & What Customs Allows
Shopping

Best Souvenirs from China: What to Buy & What Customs Allows

What to bring home from China: tea, silk, calligraphy, snacks, and more. Plus what customs won't let through and where to find authentic (not tourist trap) items.

8 min read2026-03-24