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China Travel Checklist
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A practical guide for first-time visitors

China Travel Checklist 2026

Use this China travel checklist before departure to confirm entry, mobile payments, data, essential apps, hotel check-in, train tickets, luggage rules, and restricted-area permits. Start with the risks that can stop a trip, then open the guide that matches the gap in your plan.

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Each question opens a focused guide with current guidance and official sources where they matter.

  1. 01EntryCan you enter on your exact passport and route?Visa-free routes depend on nationality, arrival port, onward travel, and passport validity.
  2. 02PaymentsCan you pay if your foreign card is declined?Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before departure and keep a cash fallback for everyday purchases.
  3. 03Arrival dayWill your phone work when you land?Prepare mobile data, maps, translation, ride-hailing, and account access before boarding.
  4. 04Domestic flightsCould airport security reject your power bank?Check the printed capacity and CCC/3C mark before you leave for the airport.

    Domestic flights reject power banks without a clear CCC/3C mark, with unclear labeling, or from recalled models. Read the CAAC notice.

  5. 05StayCan your hotel register a foreign passport?Confirm the property can complete passport registration before you arrive at check-in.
  6. 06Travel between citiesIs your 12306 train account ready?Passport verification takes time, and popular routes can sell out during holidays.
  7. 07CommunicationCan you show your key information in Chinese?Save hotel addresses, food requirements, and essential phrases before you need them.
  8. 08Tibetan areasDoes your route need a Tibet Travel Permit?The permit applies to the Tibet Autonomous Region, not every Tibetan area in China.
  9. 09XinjiangDoes your Xinjiang route reach a border area?Most mainstream destinations are straightforward, but some frontier routes need local confirmation.

Quick answers

China travel FAQ

What should I prepare before traveling to China?▼

Check entry requirements first, then set up mobile payments, data, maps, translation, accommodation, and transport. Before domestic flights, check power-bank rules; before remote routes, verify whether permits apply.

Do I need both Alipay and WeChat Pay in China?▼

One mobile wallet can be enough, but having a second option and some renminbi cash gives you a useful fallback if a card or verification step fails.

Can I rely on Google Maps and my usual apps in China?▼

Prepare a China-friendly map, translation, and ride-hailing option before departure. Some familiar international services may not work reliably after you arrive.

Do I need a permit to visit Tibetan areas in China?▼

You need a Tibet Travel Permit for the Tibet Autonomous Region. Tibetan areas in Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan, and Yunnan are outside the TAR, though route-specific checks can still apply.

Last updated: July 24, 2026