Planning
16 articles in this topic.
Book Your China Trip: All the Links in One Place
Every link you need to book your China trip — flights, hotels by city, day tours, an airport transfer and an eSIM. All in English, with a foreign card.
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Best Time to Visit China by Region (and How to Dodge the Crowds)
China spans every climate, so the best time to visit depends on where you go. A region-by-region guide, season-by-season route ideas, and the domestic-holiday dates to avoid.
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Get a Feel for China Before You Go: Films, Shows, Games & Books
The best films, documentaries, a video game and books to soak up Chinese culture, food and history before your trip — from A Bite of China to Black Myth: Wukong.
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How Much Does a China Trip Cost? Real Prices & Daily Budgets
A clear breakdown of what a China trip actually costs — daily budgets for every style, real prices for meals, transport, hotels and attractions, and how to save.
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Which Airlines Fly to China? A Guide to Your Options
The major airlines flying to China from North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia — plus how to find the best fare.
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What to Pack for China: A Minimalist Practical Checklist
A no-nonsense packing checklist for a trip to China, season by season.
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Who Runs China Travel? An Insider’s Guide to the Players
A behind-the-scenes look at the companies that power Chinese tourism — the OTAs, hotel groups, airlines and super-apps — and what it means for your trip.
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Your Complete China Trip Roadmap: From Planning to Departure
A step-by-step summary of a China trip — every stage from planning and visas through to departure and tax refunds, with links to the detailed guides.
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Must-Have Apps for Travelling in China
The essential apps for maps, translation, taxis, and payments in China.
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Roaming vs eSIM vs Local SIM in China: Which to Choose
The three ways to get online in China compared — international roaming, a travel eSIM, or a local SIM card — including which ones bypass the Great Firewall.
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Self-Guided vs Package Tour in China: Which to Pick?
An honest comparison of travelling China independently versus on an organised tour — cost, freedom, language, and who each suits.
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Do You Need Travel Insurance for China?
Whether travel insurance is worth it for China, and what to look for in a policy.
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Best eSIM for China in 2026: Stay Connected Instantly
An eSIM gets you online the moment you land — and some even bypass the Great Firewall. Here are the best options.
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China Visa Requirements by Nationality (2026 Guide)
Who needs a visa for China, who qualifies for visa-free entry, and how to apply without the stress.
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Best VPN for China in 2026: What Actually Works
The VPNs that reliably get past the Great Firewall, plus how to set one up before you arrive.
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How Foreigners Pay in China: Alipay & WeChat Pay Setup
China is nearly cashless. Here is how to set up Alipay and WeChat Pay with a foreign card before you go.