Practical China travel answers
China travel guides for first-time visitors.
Get the practical checks in place before you fly: entry, payment, apps, trains, hotel check-in, and the first days on the ground.
Start with the China travel readiness checklist- Guides
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- Practical trip questions
- Source checks
- 258
- Official references reviewed
- Risk guides
- 38
- Extra care before booking
Start here
Answers to sort out before your first trip
Each guide gives you the practical answer first, then the conditions and next steps.
Transport
How to Use DiDi or Taxi in China as a Foreigner
Use Chinese addresses, clear pickup points, license-plate checks, and payment backups.
Power Bank Rules·Transport
China Power Bank Rules 2026: CCC & 100Wh
Carry no more than two power banks, each at or below 100Wh, with a clear CCC mark and no recall; keep them in hand luggage and check your airline's rules.
Holiday Crowds·Travel Tips
China Golden Week 2026 Dates: October 1–7
Golden Week 2026 has ended; check your travel year's notice before booking.
Season Planning·Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit China for a First Trip
Use spring or autumn as a default, avoid major holiday peaks, and verify city-level weather before booking.
Customs Basics·Practical Info
China Customs Declaration Basics for Travelers
Use red channel when uncertain, keep documents ready, and do not carry prohibited or commercial-looking goods casually.
Solo Safety·Travel Safety
Is China Safe for First-Time Solo Travelers?
Solo safety is mostly redundancy: phone, payment, hotel, transport, and emergency backups.
Before you book
Get the foundations right before dates get fixed.
Use these guides to check the details that are hardest to change once your route, hotel, or ticket is set.
Browse by task
Find the guide for the problem in front of you
Trains, metro, stations, taxis, and city transfers.
30 high-speed rail guides available below.
All guides
China travel guide index
30 high-speed rail guides available.
01
Transport
China High-Speed Rail for Foreigners: Passport & 12306
Foreigners can take China high-speed rail using real-name tickets and a valid passport, but the passport information must match the ticket. 12306 states that foreign passengers can purchase real-name tickets with valid passports and that passengers should show the ID document used to buy the e-ticket for check-in, station exit, and boarding. Arrive early...- Intent
- Transport-execution-workflow
- Facts
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- Sources
- 2
- Updated
- Jun 28, 2026
Transport
How to Use Metro Systems in Chinese Cities
Chinese metro systems are usually the simplest urban transport option for foreign visitors, but each city has its own ticketing app, QR rules, security checks, and transfer layout. Plan with a China-capable map, save station names in Chinese, carry a backup payment method for ticket machines or service counters, and allow time for bag security. Do not...- Intent
- Transport-execution-workflow
- Facts
- 6
- Sources
- 3
- Updated
- Jun 28, 2026
Transport
How to Use DiDi or Taxi in China as a Foreigner
Foreigners can use DiDi or taxis in China, but the reliable workflow is preparation: save the destination in Chinese, choose an accessible pickup point, confirm the license plate, keep payment backup, and avoid arguing through long machine translations. DiDi platform listings support English-interface and global-visitor use, while Beijing and Shanghai...- Intent
- Transport-execution-workflow
- Facts
- 6
- Sources
- 7
- Updated
- Jun 28, 2026
Domestic Flights
Domestic Flights in China with a Foreign Passport
For domestic flights in China, book with the exact foreign passport name and number you will carry, arrive early enough for staffed check-in or document review, and keep battery and power bank rules in mind before security. Airline sources confirm domestic passengers must complete check-in with valid ID documents and that check-in or boarding cut-off...- Intent
- Transport-execution-workflow
- Facts
- 6
- Sources
- 6
- Updated
- Jun 28, 2026
Power Bank Rules
China Power Bank Rules 2026: CCC & 100Wh
For a China domestic flight in 2026, a power bank needs a clear CCC (3C) mark, must not be from a recalled model or batch, and must stay in carry-on baggage. CAAC's domestic-flight restriction has applied since June 28, 2025. Separately, IATA's 2026 passenger guidance says passengers are limited to a maximum of two lithium-ion power banks, each not...- Intent
- Transport-execution-workflow
- Facts
- 6
- Sources
- 4
- Updated
- Jul 14, 2026
Airport Transfer
China Airport Transfer to Hotel on Arrival Day
On arrival day, choose the least fragile transfer, not the cheapest on paper. Metro is reliable when you arrive during operating hours with manageable luggage and a metro-connected hotel. Official taxi queues are practical when you have a Chinese hotel address and can pay with a supported method. Ride-hailing can work well but depends on app setup,...- Intent
- Transport-execution-workflow
- Facts
- 6
- Sources
- 5
- Updated
- Jun 28, 2026
Luggage Storage
China Luggage Storage Guide for Train Stations, Airports, and Hotels
Yes, you can usually store luggage in China, but the safest workflow is to choose the most accountable counter for your situation: your hotel before or after check-in, an official airport luggage-storage counter, a railway-station luggage service counter or locker where available, or a clearly identified platform partner if you accept third-party risk....- Intent
- Transport-execution-workflow
- Facts
- 6
- Sources
- 4
- Updated
- Jul 4, 2026
Self-Driving
Can Foreigners Drive or Rent a Car in China?
A foreign driving license or International Driving Permit should not be treated as permission to drive a rented vehicle in mainland China by itself. Beijing guidance says a foreign visitor who wants to drive a rental vehicle must apply for a temporary driving permit from the local traffic-management authority where the rental company is located, and a...- Intent
- Transport-execution-workflow
- Facts
- 6
- Sources
- 3
- Updated
- Jul 29, 2026
Delay & Cancellation Recovery
China Train or Flight Delayed or Cancelled?
When a China train or flight is delayed or cancelled, first verify the status and stated cause through the responsible railway, carrier, airport, or station channel. For 12306 tickets, the official FAQ explains that changes require available capacity, refunds can be requested through 12306 before departure, and staff should provide arrangements when a...- Intent
- Transport-execution-workflow
- Facts
- 6
- Sources
- 3
- Updated
- Jul 29, 2026
Train Luggage
China Train Luggage Rules: Size, Weight and Storage
China Railway's current passenger guidance gives most passengers a free cabin-baggage allowance of 20 kg. Each item must weigh no more than 20 kg. The total outside dimensions of each item must not exceed 130 cm on EMU trains, including most high-speed trains, or 160 cm on conventional trains; qualifying folding wheelchairs and infant strollers have...- Intent
- Transport-execution-workflow
- Facts
- 6
- Sources
- 3
- Updated
- Aug 12, 2026
Train Ticket Timing
China Train Tickets: Release Times and 12306 Waitlist
The normal China Railway ticket presale period is 15 days including the travel date, subject to announced adjustments. For example, a journey on November 1 normally enters that window on October 18; confirm the live 12306 calendar before acting. Use the official sale-time lookup for the exact departure station and sale date, not a single national release...- Intent
- Transport-execution-workflow
- Facts
- 6
- Sources
- 6
- Updated
- Oct 13, 2026
Cross-Border Travel
Hong Kong-Mainland China Border Crossing Guide
Hong Kong and mainland China have separate immigration controls. Before travel, confirm that your passport and Mainland entry permission cover the exact itinerary, and check the live opening hours for the control point you will use. At Hong Kong West Kowloon, use the same valid passport used for the ticket and complete real-name checking, security, and...- Intent
- Transport-execution-workflow
- Facts
- 6
- Sources
- 3
- Updated
- Aug 22, 2026
Sleeper Trains
China Overnight Sleeper Trains: Booking and Berths
Choose a sleeper only after checking the exact train and date in China Railway 12306. Berth labels, compartment layout, privacy, amenities, and availability vary by train, so the product shown in the live listing and ticket matters more than a generic class description. Book every traveler under the valid passport they will carry, verify the assigned...- Intent
- Transport-execution-workflow
- Facts
- 6
- Sources
- 3
- Updated
- Aug 22, 2026
Rail Seat Classes
China High-Speed Rail Seat Classes Explained
For most trips, start with the lowest class that meets your mobility, space, and journey-length needs, then compare the live options for the exact train in 12306. Second, first, business, premium, and sleeper labels are not offered on every train, and the same label does not guarantee one universal carriage layout, lounge, meal, seat direction, or...- Intent
- Transport-execution-workflow
- Facts
- 6
- Sources
- 3
- Updated
- Aug 22, 2026
Child Train Tickets
China Train Child Tickets: Ages, IDs and Seats
China Railway's current age rule says a child aged 6 to under 14 needs a child discount ticket, while a traveler aged 14 or older needs a full-price ticket. Each adult holding a paid ticket may accompany one child under 6 on a declared free child ticket without a reserved seat; additional under-6 children need child discount tickets. Add the child with a...- Intent
- Transport-execution-workflow
- Facts
- 6
- Sources
- 3
- Updated
- Aug 22, 2026
Accessible Travel
Accessible China Travel: Wheelchairs and Assistance
Accessible facilities and assistance exist in China, but availability and continuity vary by station, airport, hotel, attraction, vehicle, and route. Build the itinerary one segment at a time: confirm the step-free entrance, lift or ramp, accessible restroom, equipment dimensions, transfer method, and staffed contact. For China Railway, registered 12306...- Intent
- Transport-execution-workflow
- Facts
- 6
- Sources
- 3
- Updated
- Aug 22, 2026
Severe Weather
China Typhoon and Severe Weather Travel Guide
Use official meteorological warnings and the affected transport operator's live notice, not social posts or a generic weather-app icon, to make travel decisions. China's warning system commonly uses blue, yellow, orange, and red levels, but the required action depends on the hazard and the local authority notice. When a warning affects the route, stop...- Intent
- Transport-execution-workflow
- Facts
- 6
- Sources
- 3
- Updated
- Aug 22, 2026
Flight Baggage
China Domestic Flight Baggage and Security
There is no single baggage allowance for every China domestic ticket: check the operating airline, fare family, route, and aircraft shown in the live booking. Civil aviation security rules apply separately. CAAC guidance says domestic-flight passengers generally cannot carry ordinary liquids through cabin screening, while limited travel cosmetics may be...- Intent
- Transport-execution-workflow
- Facts
- 6
- Sources
- 3
- Updated
- Aug 22, 2026
Missed Train
Missed a Train in China? Change Your Ticket
A missed China Railway train is not automatically a cancelled service. Stop at the station service counter or open the original order in 12306 and ask whether an eligible change is still available. China Railway's current English FAQ allows a change to a same-day train after departure when seats exist; a later-date change can carry a fee, and a ticket...- Intent
- Transport-execution-workflow
- Facts
- 6
- Sources
- 3
- Updated
- Sep 26, 2026
Wrong Train Station
Wrong China Train Station? Check the Ticket First
A city name is not a boarding station. Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai Hongqiao, Shanghai South, and Shanghai West are separate places, and other Chinese cities also have multiple stations. Read the complete departure and arrival station names in the issued ticket, then navigate to that exact station. If you are already at the wrong one, ask its...- Intent
- Transport-execution-workflow
- Facts
- 6
- Sources
- 3
- Updated
- Sep 26, 2026
Train Lost Property
Lost Something on a China Train? Use 12306
Tell railway staff as soon as you notice the item is missing. China Railway provides official lost-property search and registration through 12306; a registered user may file online, while a person without an account can register or call the 12306 service line. Give the travel date, train number, car and seat if known, boarding and exit stations, precise...- Intent
- Transport-execution-workflow
- Facts
- 6
- Sources
- 3
- Updated
- Sep 26, 2026
Intercity Coach
China Intercity Bus Tickets with a Passport
Intercity coaches are a different service from local city buses. Start with the licensed operator or station for the exact origin, destination, and departure terminal. A Shanghai operator's 2026 holiday presale notice lists passports among accepted documents for real-name coach ticketing and shows staffed station ticket windows; Shanghai's 2026 English...- Intent
- Transport-execution-workflow
- Facts
- 6
- Sources
- 3
- Updated
- Sep 26, 2026
City Bus Payment
How Foreign Visitors Pay for City Buses in China
A shop payment QR and a city's transit ride code are not interchangeable. Beijing's official foreign-visitor guidance says its buses may accept RMB cash, a bus card, or an activated Alipay transport code; its detailed guide advises exact small change where cash is used. Shanghai's official guide also lists cash, bus card, and transit-code paths, and its...- Intent
- Transport-execution-workflow
- Facts
- 6
- Sources
- 3
- Updated
- Sep 26, 2026
Taxi Lost Property
Lost an Item in a China Taxi or DiDi?
Use the ride's own evidence first. For a DiDi booking, find the completed trip in the Greater China app and use its current lost-item or customer-service flow; for a street taxi, keep the fare receipt, vehicle or company details, pickup and drop-off points, and ride time. A 2026 Jinan transport authority answer identifies a DiDi lost-property service...- Intent
- Transport-execution-workflow
- Facts
- 6
- Sources
- 3
- Updated
- Sep 26, 2026
Missing Checked Bag
Missing Checked Bag After a China Flight
Before leaving the arrival airport, report a missing or damaged checked bag to the operating carrier's baggage service counter or its ground-handling agent. CAAC's passenger-service rules require a baggage claim tag and say the carrier or agent should provide a written statement of baggage irregularity when requested. Air China's published procedure is a...- Intent
- Transport-execution-workflow
- Facts
- 6
- Sources
- 3
- Updated
- Sep 26, 2026
Train Name Mismatch
China Train Ticket Name Mismatch: What to Do
Treat a misspelled or incomplete passenger name as something to resolve before travel, not as a harmless display issue. The current 12306 passenger form instructs foreign-passport users to enter their English name in document order and retains spaces within and between names. Its current long-name guidance differs from older help pages that describe a...- Intent
- Transport-execution-workflow
- Facts
- 6
- Sources
- 3
- Updated
- Oct 2, 2026
Separate-Ticket Connection
China Airport Connections on Separate Tickets
Separate tickets need an explicit connection plan: do not assume that the first airline will check your bag through, issue the second boarding pass or protect an independently booked onward flight. Beijing Capital Airport’s transfer guide distinguishes through-service passengers from those who must collect baggage and pass security again. Ask both...- Intent
- Transport-execution-workflow
- Facts
- 6
- Sources
- 3
- Updated
- Oct 2, 2026
Shared Bike Workflow
Shared Bikes in China: Unlock, Ride and Return
A working Alipay account does not guarantee that every shared-bike provider will accept your document, phone number and linked card. Beijing and Shanghai government guides describe shared-bike access through operator apps or mini programs, including Alipay, but provider verification and parking rules still control the actual rental. Choose the operator...- Intent
- Transport-execution-workflow
- Facts
- 6
- Sources
- 3
- Updated
- Oct 2, 2026
Shanghai Boat Choice
Shanghai Ferry or River Cruise? Choose the Right Boat
A Huangpu River commuter ferry and a sightseeing cruise are different trips. Shanghai’s official ferry information describes crossings between Puxi and Pudong; its boat guide separately describes sightseeing cruises departing from their own piers. Choose a ferry when your task is to reach the other bank, and a cruise when you want the booked sightseeing...- Intent
- Transport-execution-workflow
- Facts
- 6
- Sources
- 3
- Updated
- Oct 2, 2026
Last Metro Return
Missed the Last Metro in China? Plan Your Return
Check the last train for your boarding station, direction and every transfer, not a citywide “metro closes at midnight” estimate. Official Shanghai notices show that late-night trains can be date-limited, direction-specific and limited-stop; a holiday extension is not a permanent all-network schedule. Work backward from the last usable connecting train...- Intent
- Transport-execution-workflow
- Facts
- 6
- Sources
- 3
- Updated
- Oct 2, 2026
Topic hubs
Browse the essentials by travel task
Six focused starting points for the decisions that affect a first visit most.
53 guides
First-time preparation
Readiness, documents, apps, and first-day execution.
Prepare before departure →5 guidesMoney and payments
Mobile payments, cards, cash backup, and payment failures.
Pay with fewer surprises →3 guidesInternet and travel apps
Connectivity, eSIM, maps, and travel apps that work on arrival.
Stay connected →30 guidesTrains and city transport
Rail, metro, taxis, stations, transfers, and timing buffers.
Move between places →8 guidesHotels and check-in
Passport check-in, registration, booking details, and hotel backups.
Check in smoothly →8 guidesArrival and entry
Visa, transit, arrival-card, and border preparation guidance.
Enter with confidence →