All guides

Every guide for navigating China

Research-first intel for foreign travelers — sourced, verified, updated.

Before You Go

WeChat for Foreigners in China (2026): Setup, Pay & What Breaks

Set up WeChat from outside China, link a foreign card to WeChat Pay, scan-to-pay quirks, what breaks at registration. A 2026 guide for first-time users.

6 min readRead →
 Before You Go

China Pre-Trip Checklist 2026 — Everything to Do Before You Fly

30-min checklist: what to install, what to set up, and what to print before you fly to China. Visa-free or full visa—both paths covered, with 2026 timing.

9 min readRead →
 Before You Go

China Visa Guide for Foreigners (2026): Do You Even Need One?

Do you need a China visa? Visa-free transit, 10-day TWOV, the digital arrival card, and which embassy form to use. Updated 2026 with the latest country list.

9 min readRead →
 Before You Go

Best eSIM for China 2026: The Foreigner's Phone Setup Guide

Which eSIMs work in China (Holafly vs Airalo tested), how to keep WhatsApp/Google alive, and the SIM-vs-eSIM decision. Foreigner setup guide, 2026.

5 min readRead →
 Before You Go

Best VPN for China (2026): What Actually Works for Foreigners

Which VPNs actually work in China right now—tested from inside the firewall, not from guidebooks. Plus the free-tier traps and 2024 favorites that died. 2026.

5 min readRead →
 Before You Go

How to Set Up Alipay as a Foreigner in China (2026)

Set up Alipay as a foreigner: what breaks at registration, which cards actually bind, and how to top up with foreign currency. From an industry insider, 2026.

5 min readRead →