Free first-trip setup pack
Prepare for China with one free, practical pack
Enter your email to receive the 30-point China First-Trip Setup Checklist plus the complete preparation guide and Mandarin phrase cards for common travel situations.
30 checks
Documents, payments, apps, hotels, safety, and arrival
2 PDFs
The printable checklist plus the full phone-friendly guide
4 emails
Short, practical follow-ups over the next two weeks
No signup required
Use the shorter web checklist now
The web version stays open to everyone. The email download is more detailed, printable, and includes the complete starter guide and Mandarin phrase cards.
Documents and entry
- Check whether your passport, entry route, and stay length fit your plan.
- Save copies of your passport, bookings, insurance, and emergency contacts.
- Confirm current official entry rules shortly before departure.
Payment and phone setup
- Prepare Alipay or WeChat Pay if available to you.
- Carry a backup card and a small amount of RMB cash.
- Decide on roaming, eSIM, local SIM, or another data plan before arrival.
Apps and transport
- Install map, translation, ride-hailing, rail, and hotel apps you expect to use.
- Save your hotel name and address in Chinese.
- Check whether train-ticket identity verification is needed before travel.
Arrival and first day
- Know your first transport option from airport or station to hotel.
- Keep your passport accessible for hotel check-in.
- Avoid overloading the first day with hard-to-book sights.
Mandarin survival
- Prepare phrases for asking help, showing destinations, ordering food, and payment issues.
- Keep allergy, medical, hotel, and emergency phrases saved offline.
- Use Chinese characters for showing staff when pronunciation is difficult.
Planning attraction bookings next?
Once the basics are ready, use a city guide only for the places that need advance reservations, passport details, official platforms, or timed entry.