China travel tips

Two foreign backpackers checking in at a modern Chinese hotel reception desk, interacting with a smiling Chinese staff member, warm ambient lighting

Can Foreigners Stay at Any Hotel in China? 2026 Guide

TL;DR Yes. Foreigners can stay at most hotels in China, and you do not need a special “foreigner hotel.” But in practice, some small hotels still do not accept foreign passports because their check-in systems are not set up for them, staff do not know the registration process, or the hotel simply does not want […]

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Illustration of a smartphone with essential China travel apps, passport, boarding pass, and Chinese city skyline silhouettes, IntoChinaTrip practical travel checklist guide

12 Apps to Install Before Landing in China: Day-One Survival Guide (2026)

Picture this: you just landed in China. Phone in hand, stomach empty, zero idea how to pay for anything. Your Apple Pay? Many places do not accept it. Google Maps? Outdated. Uber? Does not exist. Now imagine the other version: you spent the week before your trip downloading the right apps, linked your credit card

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Hongyadong stilt houses illuminated at night with bridge and river reflections in Chongqing, China

3 Days in Chongqing: Itinerary for First-Time Visitors (2026)

Chongqing is not like any other city in China. It is a place where subway trains run through apartment buildings, where the 1st floor of one building is the 10th floor of another, and where entire neighborhoods hang off cliffs above the Yangtze River. With 31.87 million residents across its municipal area, Chongqing is one

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Temple of Heaven & Hutong Culture Walk

3 Days in Beijing: A First-Timer’s Itinerary (2026)

Beijing rewards the traveler who gives it three days. If you’re planning a 3 days in Beijing itinerary, this city delivers more than you’d expect. In that time, you can walk through the world’s largest palace complex. You can stand atop a 600-year-old watchtower on the Great Wall. And you can lose yourself in narrow

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Smartphone showing eSIM activation screen next to a laptop on wooden desk

China eSIM for Tourists 2026: The Only Guide You Need

TL;DR eSIM is the fastest option. To start, buy before you leave. Then, use it the moment you land. No lines. No hassle. Physical SIM is cheapest. Tourist plans start at about $5 for short trips, $10–15 for 30 days. Additionally, you get a local phone number. China’s three carriers: Mobile has the most coverage.

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China payment qr

How to Pay in China as a Foreigner in 2026: Alipay, WeChat Pay & More

TL;DR Cash almost won’t work. In Shanghai, even street vendors scan QR codes. Leave your ATM panic at home. Both Alipay and WeChat Pay accept foreign cards. Visa, Mastercard, JCB work. Amex has limited support. Fees are simple. Under ¥200 = free. Over ¥200 = 3% on the full amount. WeChat Pay gives new users

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