ChinaEase Buddy

China Travel Guides for Foreigners: Start Here

Quick answer

Before booking, check entry rules and your arrival plan. Next, prepare mobile data, payments, maps and transport. Then choose a 7-, 10- or 14-day route and open the city guides that match your trip. Each section below links directly to the relevant guide or free tool.

Last reviewed: October 10, 2026

Practical tips

  • Prepare core China travel tools before arrival when possible.
  • Keep backup options for payments, transport, and communication.
  • Use bilingual phrases when you need to show clear Chinese text to local staff.

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FAQ

What is this page about?

Plan a China trip with practical guides for visa-free entry, airport arrival, payments, apps, transport, hotels, food, safety and itineraries.

How can ChinaEase Buddy help?

Use the free toolkit to find practical China travel help for apps, payments, food, transport, hotels, and emergency situations.

Planning a China trip? Send me your dates or route.

I'm Lin — Chinese, lived abroad for years, and in China right now. Send me your dates or draft route and I'll reply within 48 hours with the 3 biggest route, timing or booking risks. Free. Human customized itinerary planning is a separate paid service.

  • Itinerary review & fix — from $20
  • Custom China itinerary (Trip Plan) — $39
  • Licensed English-speaking guides — I can recommend some; you book and pay them directly

I only recommend guides; I don't take payment for guide or driver services.

Email Lin your route Ask about paid trip planning

lin@chinaeasebuddy.com

Include your travel dates, cities and main questions. Please leave out passport numbers, payment details and other sensitive information.

Official or primary sources to verify

  • Official app instructions from Alipay, WeChat, Didi, Amap, and Trip.com.
  • Your airline, hotel, card issuer, embassy, consulate, or relevant official authority for time-sensitive requirements.

ChinaEase Buddy is a digital travel toolkit. It is not an official travel authority, visa service, immigration service, medical service, legal service, financial service, hotel booking service, or flight booking service. Always confirm important travel, payment, health, and entry information with official sources or service providers.