Travel China with complete confidence
Clear, field-tested answers to visa-free entry, digital payments, high-speed rail, and route planning. Updated for August 2026.
Everything you need in one place
Whether you are figuring out entry rules, setting up your phone for mobile payments, or choosing your route, jump straight into our dedicated topic hubs.
Visa-free 30-day rules, 240-hour transit, passport country guides.
Set up Alipay & WeChat Pay, high-speed rail, eSIMs, VPNs & apps.
First-timer planners, 7-day, 10-day & 14-day classic routes.
Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guilin & province hubs.
Restaurant etiquette, street food, tea culture, safety & tips.
Planning your first trip?
One comprehensive master checklist to prepare your trip — visa policy, how many days you need, essential phone setup, and classic routes.
Check entry rules by passport
Select your passport country for exact stay duration, visa-free status, 240-hour transit policies, and rule expiry dates.
Essential tourist survival kit
China is virtually cashless and heavily app-based. Solve the essential practical tasks before stepping off the plane.
Popular itineraries
Ready-made loops for first trips and scenic detours — built around high-speed rail and realistic day counts.
China Entry Policies At-a-Glance
Full Visa-Free List →Verified as of August 2026 — Policy details are continuously monitored and updated against official government announcements.
- 30-Day Visa-Free
- 50 countries enjoy visa-free entry up to 30 days (UK & Canada added Feb 2026).
- 240-Hour Transit
- 55 passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 10 days when transiting to a third country — how transit works.
- Policy Validity
- Most unilateral visa-free exemptions currently run through 31 December 2026.
Top city guides & hubs
China travel FAQ
Straight answers to the questions most visitors ask before booking flights and hotels.
Do I need a visa to visit China in 2026?
Many passport holders from about 50 countries can enter visa-free for up to 30 days under the current unilateral exemption (most schemes run through 31 December 2026). US passport holders usually still need a visa or may use 240-hour transit instead. Use our Visa Checker or passport guides to confirm your nationality.
What is China’s 240-hour visa-free transit?
Eligible travelers can stay up to 10 days without a visa when transiting to a third country or region, entering and exiting through approved ports. It is not the same as the 30-day visa-free scheme — itinerary and ticket rules are stricter.
Can foreigners use Alipay and WeChat Pay?
Yes. Most visitors link an international Visa, Mastercard, or other supported card in Alipay or WeChat Pay before arrival. Alipay is usually the smoother first setup; WeChat Pay is useful once your WeChat account is ready.
What is the best itinerary for a first trip to China?
The classic Beijing → Xi’an → Shanghai route remains the easiest first loop: history, the Terracotta Army, and a modern city, linked by high-speed rail. Plan about 7–10 days, or 14 if you want Chengdu or Guilin as well.
Do I need a VPN in China?
If you need Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, or many Western news sites, install and test a reliable VPN before you fly. Domestic apps and maps work without one; cross-border messaging and search often do not.