What to Know Before Visiting China
Set Up Your eSIM & VPN Before You Go
Set up your internet access before arriving in China. A travel data eSIM is a convenient way to stay connected without needing a physical SIM card. You can find China travel eSIMs on Klook and Trip.com. Look for a plan that offers international routing if you want to access services such as Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram without a VPN.
If you prefer to use a VPN, install and test it before your trip. VPN reliability can change, so having a backup is a good idea. Common options used by travelers include Proton VPN and Astrill VPN. Don’t wait until you arrive in China to download or set up your VPN.
Essential Apps to Download
Alipay
Alipay is a payment app, but in China it also works as a gateway to many everyday services. For international travelers, setting up Alipay before your trip can make daily life much easier, as many of the services you may need while traveling are available within the same app.
International visitors can register with an overseas mobile number and link an eligible international bank card to Alipay. Major international card networks such as Visa and Mastercard are supported, although available options can vary.
The international version of Alipay has a fairly simple home screen. At the top, you will see Scan, Pay & Receive, Transfer, and Pocket. Scan, Pay & Receive are the main payment functions: you can scan a merchant’s QR code to pay, show your own payment code for a shop to scan, or receive a payment. Transfer can be used to scan a QR code when using public transport, such as buses and the metro. Pocket provides access to other useful services and features.
Further down, you will find travel and everyday services such as DiDi for booking rides and Hotels for finding and booking accommodation. You can also use Alipay to book train and flight tickets, use translation services, and purchase an eSIM.
Alipay also has some useful features that are easy to overlook. You can scan a QR code to unlock a shared bicycle, order food delivery, or scan QR codes at shops and other businesses to access their services. This makes Alipay much more than a payment app—it can be a useful tool for many everyday tasks during your trip.
WeChat is primarily a messaging and communication app, but it also has a built-in wallet that allows you to send, receive, and make payments. For travelers, its communication features can be just as useful as its payment function.
Many Chinese businesses use WeChat Official Accounts and Mini Programs to provide information and services. For example, attractions may use an Official Account to post the latest opening information, announcements, or travel updates, and their Mini Program may allow you to check availability or book tickets.
You will also find WeChat QR codes in many Chinese restaurants. A QR code on your table will often take you to the restaurant’s Mini Program, where you can view the menu, order your food, and sometimes pay directly through WeChat. This is especially common in local restaurants and busy city areas.
WeChat is also widely used for communicating with service providers. You can add hotels, restaurants, tour operators, activity providers, or other local businesses and contact them directly through WeChat. For some businesses, WeChat may be the easiest way to ask a question, confirm a booking, or communicate during your trip.
Amap
For navigation, download Amap (Gaode Maps). It is a useful navigation app for finding attractions, saving places to your favorites, checking different ways to get there, and planning routes. You can also use Amap to call a car when needed. Google Maps is often unreliable in mainland China, so Amap is a better choice for getting around Guilin and Yangshuo.
Trip.com
Trip.com is a one-stop travel platform that can be useful throughout your trip. You can use it to book train and flight tickets, hotels, car rentals, attraction tickets, and guided tours and activities. It is also particularly convenient for international travelers, with an English interface and multilingual customer support. For train travel, Trip.com can be a convenient option for international visitors. China Railway also operates its official 12306 website and app, which accept foreign passports for train-ticket purchases.
When booking a hotel in China, Trip.com can also make it easier to find places that are suitable for international travelers. You can filter hotels that offer English-language services, and when checking a hotel’s details, look under Amenities → Policies to see whether it accepts foreign guests before booking.
Language & Safety
- The language barrier can be significant in many parts of China, but Yangshuo has welcomed international travelers for many years, so English is generally more accessible here than in less-visited destinations.
- China is one of the safest countries to travel in, including for solo female travelers. As anywhere else, simply keep an eye on your belongings and valuables, especially in crowded places.
Small Things to Keep in Mind
Always carry your passport with you — you may need it for tickets, transportation, or hotel check-in.
Carry some toilet paper — not all public toilets provide it.
Check your power bank — if you take domestic flights in China, make sure it has a clear 3C (CCC) mark.