7 Things You Must Do Before Visiting China in 2026 (Updated Guide)

I've lived in China for over five years now, and I still remember my first trip like it was yesterday. I landed at Pudong Airport with a pocket full of cash, zero apps on my phone, and the naive assumption that things would “just work” the way they do back home. They didn't. I spent my first three days fumbling through broken Wi-Fi, getting turned away from hotels, and eating at the same McDonald's because I couldn't figure out how to pay for anything else.

Here's the thing: China is an incredible country to visit. The food alone is worth the flight. But it operates on a completely different digital infrastructure than what most Western travelers are used to. In 2025, China welcomed over 82 million foreign visitors — a number that keeps climbing as visa policies loosen and the country actively courts international tourism. But the travelers who have the best trips? They're the ones who did their homework before they got on the plane.

This visiting China guide is that homework. I've updated it for 2026 with the latest policy changes, app updates, and on-the-ground realities. Let's get into it.

#1 Get an eSIM Before You Land

If you take nothing else away from this article, remember this: you need mobile data the moment you step off the plane in China. Everything — from paying for coffee to calling a taxi to checking into your hotel — runs through your phone. And public Wi-Fi in China is spotty, slow, and often requires a Chinese phone number to authenticate.

The good news is that in 2026, getting connected is easier than ever thanks to eSIMs. You no longer need to hunt down a physical SIM card at the airport or deal with language barriers at a China Mobile store. You can buy and activate an eSIM right from your phone before you even board your flight.

We recommend Airalo — it's the eSIM provider I personally use and have tested across multiple trips. Their China plans are affordable (starting around $5 for 1GB, with larger plans available), the activation is instant, and you can top up directly in the app. There are other providers out there, but Airalo's coverage reliability in China — including in second- and third-tier cities — has been consistently solid in my experience.

#2 Download These 5 Essential Apps

China runs on apps. If your phone isn't loaded with the right ones before you arrive, you'll feel like you showed up to a gunfight with a spork. Here are the five apps you absolutely need:

Alipay (支付宝)

This is your wallet in China. From street food vendors to high-end malls to subway turnstiles, Alipay is how you pay for virtually everything. In 2026, Alipay's foreign user experience has improved dramatically — we'll cover the setup in detail in the next section, but for now, just download it.

WeChat (微信)

Part messaging app, part social media, part payment platform, part everything. WeChat is how Chinese people communicate, and it's how you'll communicate with anyone you meet — from your tour guide to your Airbnb host. You'll also need it to scan QR codes at restaurants to view menus and place orders.

Maps.me or Amap (高德地图)

Google Maps doesn't work well in China (surprise, surprise). Apple Maps has improved but still has gaps. For navigation, I recommend Maps.me for offline maps (download the China map before you go) or Amap if you can navigate the Chinese interface. Baidu Maps is another option, but it's entirely in Chinese.

Pleco

The best Chinese dictionary app bar none. It works offline, supports handwriting recognition (draw characters you can't type), and includes OCR — point your camera at a menu or sign and it translates in real time. This app has saved me from ordering some truly questionable dishes.

Google Translate

Yes, despite Google being blocked in China, the Google Translate app works offline if you download the Chinese language pack before you arrive. Its camera translation feature is incredibly useful for signs, menus, and packaging.

#3 Set Up Alipay Travel Wallet

Let's talk about the biggest change for foreign visitors in 2026: you can now link Visa and Mastercard directly to Alipay. This is a game-changer, and it's relatively new.

When I first moved to China, paying for things as a foreigner was a nightmare. You needed a Chinese bank account to use mobile payments, and getting a Chinese bank account required a residence permit, which required a long-term visa... it was a chicken-and-egg problem that left many tourists carrying wads of cash and hoping for the best.

Here's how to set up Alipay for foreigners in 2026:

1. Download Alipay from your app store and create an account using your passport and phone number (your home country number works fine).
2. Tap “Me” → “Bank Cards” → “Add Card” and enter your Visa or Mastercard details.
3. Alipay will verify your identity — this usually takes a few minutes but can take up to 24 hours in some cases.
4. Once verified, you can use Alipay anywhere it's accepted, which is basically everywhere in China.

The Travel Wallet feature automatically converts your home currency to RMB at competitive exchange rates. There's a small transaction fee (usually around 3%), but the convenience of paying with your phone everywhere — from street vendors to taxis to museums — is absolutely worth it.

One important note: Some smaller merchants may have trouble processing foreign cards. Always carry a small amount of cash (200-500 RMB) as backup. And yes, you can withdraw cash from ATMs with international cards at most major banks — Bank of China and ICBC are the most reliable.

#4 Get a VPN That Actually Works

Let's address the elephant in the room: the Great Firewall. Google, YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, many Western news sites — they're all blocked in China. If you want to access any of these (and let's be honest, you probably do), you need a VPN.

But here's what most guides won't tell you: not all VPNs work in China. The Chinese government actively blocks VPN traffic, and many popular VPN services that work fine in other countries are completely useless in China. Some VPNs work sporadically — great one day, gone the next.

After years of testing, we recommend Surfshark for China. Here's why:

• Camouflage mode disguises VPN traffic so it's harder to detect and block
• Consistent performance across multiple Chinese cities (I've tested it in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guangzhou)
• Unlimited devices on a single subscription, which is great if you're traveling with a partner or group
• Affordable pricing compared to competitors

Other options that have worked reasonably well include ExpressVPN and Astrill, though they tend to be pricier.

Note for 2026: VPN enforcement fluctuates. During major events or politically sensitive periods, VPN connections may slow down or drop entirely. This is normal and usually temporary. Don't panic — just try a different server or wait a few hours.

#5 Book a Foreigner-Friendly Hotel

This is one of those things that catches a lot of first-time visitors off guard: not all hotels in China accept foreign guests. It's not discrimination — it's a licensing requirement. Hotels need a specific permit to register foreign nationals, and many budget hotels and smaller properties simply don't have one.

I've seen exhausted travelers show up at 11 PM only to be told “we can't check in foreigners” and sent back into the night. Don't let this be you.

Use Booking.com

We recommend Booking.com for booking hotels in China because it clearly indicates which properties accept foreign guests. When you search for hotels, look for the “Foreign guests welcome” filter or check the property policies section. Booking.com's customer service is also available in English, which can be a lifesaver if something goes wrong with your reservation.

What to Look For

• International chain hotels (Marriott, Hilton, IHG, etc.) always accept foreigners
• Mid-range and above Chinese hotels typically have the proper licensing
• Budget hotels and hostels are hit or miss — always verify before booking
• Airbnb is available in China but requires separate registration with local police within 24 hours of check-in (your host usually handles this, but confirm)

Registration Requirement

Speaking of registration — all foreign visitors must register their address with the local police within 24 hours of arrival. If you're staying at a hotel, they do this automatically when you check in (this is why they take your passport). If you're staying with friends or at an Airbnb, you or your host need to visit the local police station. Keep the registration slip — you may need it when departing China.

#6 Check Your Visa Requirements

China's visa policy has undergone massive changes in recent years, and 2026 is no exception. The good news? It's easier than ever to visit China. Here's the current landscape:

Visa-Free Entry

China now offers visa-free entry to citizens of over 70 countries, covering roughly 73% of major tourism source markets. This includes most of the EU, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many Southeast Asian nations. Visa-free stays typically range from 15 to 30 days depending on your nationality.

144-Hour Transit Visa

If your country isn't on the visa-free list, the 144-hour transit visa exemption is your best friend. This allows citizens of 54 countries to stay in certain Chinese cities for up to 144 hours (6 days) without a visa, provided you're transiting to a third country. Eligible cities include Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi'an, and several others.

In 2026, this has been expanded to 240 hours (10 days) in select regions, which gives you significantly more time to explore. Check the latest policy for your specific transit route, as eligible cities and conditions vary.

Regular Tourist Visa (L Visa)

If you need a standard tourist visa, the process has been streamlined. Many Chinese embassies now accept online applications, and processing times have improved. The L Visa typically allows stays of 30 to 60 days.

#7 Screenshot Everything in Chinese

This might be the most underrated tip on this list, and it's something I learned the hard way.

China's digital ecosystem is heavily Chinese-language, and while translation apps have gotten much better, they're not always reliable — especially in areas with poor internet connectivity or when you're dealing with handwritten characters, stylized fonts, or poorly lit signs.

Here's my screenshot strategy:

Before You Leave Home

• Screenshot your hotel address in Chinese — show this to taxi drivers. English addresses are often useless.
• Screenshot key phrases: “I'm allergic to [common allergens],” “Where is the bathroom?”, “I need a hospital,” “Please call the police.” Have both Chinese and pinyin versions.
• Screenshot your visa and passport info page — keep these accessible offline.

During Your Trip

• Screenshot restaurant dishes you've successfully ordered — build your own visual menu of things you like.
• Screenshot subway station names in Chinese — station signs are primarily in Chinese, and having the characters ready on your phone makes navigation much faster.
• Screenshot your payment confirmations — if something goes wrong with a transaction, having proof is invaluable.

Create a “China Travel” Photo Album

Organize all these screenshots into a dedicated album on your phone. When you're standing on a street corner in Chengdu trying to show a taxi driver where your hotel is, you don't want to be scrolling through 3,000 photos to find the right screenshot.

Ready to Explore China?

China is one of the most rewarding travel destinations on earth — the history, the food, the sheer scale of everything — but it rewards the prepared. The seven steps in this china travel preparation guide aren't optional; they're the difference between a trip you'll remember forever and a trip you'll want to forget.

If you're planning your China adventure and want more detailed, up-to-date guidance, AI Workshop offers comprehensive China travel resources, including city-specific guides, real-time policy updates, and personalized trip planning tools. We help travelers navigate the complexities of visiting China so you can focus on what matters — actually enjoying the experience.

Check out our China Travel Hub for more guides, tips, and tools to make your 2026 China trip unforgettable.

Last updated: May 2026. Visa policies and app features change frequently — always verify the latest information before your trip.