Guides

Travel Guide

Practical guides covering topics such as planning, culture, seasons, and cuisine to help you feel prepared before your trip.

12306 Guide – Complete Handbook for Foreign Travelers Purchasing Train (High-Speed Rail) Tickets in China

Welcome to China! China boasts one of the longest and most efficient high-speed rail networks in the world, making train travel an excellent way to explore this vast country. The official 12306 ticketing system may seem unfamiliar to first-time visitors from abroad, but this guide will walk you through every step—from account registration and identity verification to boarding—helping you travel smoothly across China.

Western Sichuan Travel Guide

Western Sichuan refers to the plateau and mountainous regions in western Sichuan Province, China, mainly encompassing most areas of Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture and Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. This region lies at the transition between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Sichuan Basin, renowned for its snow-capped mountains, grasslands, gorges, alpine lakes, and Tibetan culture. From Chengdu, visitors can experience dramatic landscape changes from plains to high altitudes within one or two days: the snowy peaks of Mount Siguniang, Tibetan villages in Damba, pastures in Xinduqiao, and sacred lakes and snow mountains in Daocheng Yading. Compared to Tibet, most standard routes in Western Sichuan do not require additional regional entry permits, and transportation is more convenient, making it a popular first destination for international travelers exploring high-altitude China. However, high elevation, complex road conditions, temporary traffic restrictions during peak travel seasons, and limited foreign language services in rural areas still require thorough planning in advance. This guide will sequentially cover how to reach the area, required documents, recommended trip duration, weather and clothing, internet and payment options, altitude sickness, scenic area visitor limits, cultural etiquette, and a packing checklist to help you enjoy a responsible, safe, and comfortable journey through Western Sichuan.

China's visa-free entry policy

As of September 2026, China has opened 30-day visa-free entry for ordinary passport holders from 50 countries worldwide. This guide helps you quickly determine if you qualify for visa-free entry, understand the regulations, entry procedures, and important considerations.

Alipay Guide to Help Ensure a Smooth Trip to China

China is rapidly advancing toward a cashless society, and mobile payments are at the core of this transformation. In China, nearly every city allows you to live without cash—or even bank cards—completely. Over 90% of daily transactions and payments are completed through smartphone apps, covering everything from everyday expenses to food delivery, train tickets, flight bookings, and attraction entry fees. Today, it's almost impossible to find a single paper bill in the hands of young Chinese people, as nearly all their transactions are conducted via mobile payment. Alipay has been a pioneer in this technological revolution. This article will comprehensively guide international travelers on how to register, set up, and use Alipay, making your trip to China effortless. We hope this guide helps make your trip to China even more perfect Note: For specific limits and fees, please refer to the real-time display within the Alipay App and the latest official announcements.

China 240-Hour Transit Visa-Free Complete Guide

The 240-hour transit visa-free policy is a facilitation measure introduced by China for citizens of 57 countries, allowing foreigners with connecting flight tickets to travel from China to a third country or region to stay visa-free for up to 10 days within designated areas across 24 provinces (regions and municipalities). This guide systematically outlines the latest applicable list of 57 countries as of September 2026, four essential eligibility requirements, the 240-hour time calculation rules, 65 open ports of entry, eligible provinces and regional restrictions, along with multiple classic travel itineraries and common misconceptions. Whether you're an international transit passenger or planning to take advantage of the transit opportunity for short-term business or tourism, this guide will help you precisely plan your itinerary, ensuring compliance, smooth passage, and efficient use of this policy.

A Complete Guide to Using WeChat When Traveling in China

WeChat is like a universal key in China. Install it, complete identity verification, and link your card before traveling abroad—your trip to China will go from "impossible to move" to "smooth access with just one QR code." Have a wonderful journey! Note: Fees, limits, and city coverage policies may change; please refer to the official WeChat Pay Help Center and the latest announcements from local attractions and transportation services.