A journey through China becomes much easier when a few practical details are organised before departure.
Entry policies, digital services and attraction-booking procedures can change, so use this guide as a preparation checklist and confirm time-sensitive requirements through official channels before travelling.
Check your entry requirements
Visa and visa-free arrangements depend on your nationality, passport, purpose of travel, route and intended length of stay.
Before booking non-refundable arrangements:
- Check the National Immigration Administration of China
- Consult the Chinese embassy or consulate responsible for your location
- Confirm that your passport meets the applicable validity requirements
- Check whether your journey qualifies for visa-free entry or transit
- Make sure your onward ticket meets any transit requirements
Do not rely solely on an old article or social-media post. Entry policies can change and may apply differently to different passports.
Use only official government channels when submitting arrival information or checking immigration requirements.
Keep your passport details consistent
Transport and attraction bookings in China often use real-name registration.
Enter your name exactly as it appears in your passport. Avoid changing the order, omitting a middle name or using a nickname unless the booking system specifically instructs you to do so.
Before departure, check:
- Full name
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Passport expiry date
Carry the same passport used for the reservation when boarding trains, taking domestic flights or entering attractions that require identification.
Keep digital and printed copies of the passport information page separately from the original.
Understand accommodation registration
Hotels normally complete the required accommodation registration when you check in. Present your passport at reception and allow time for the registration process.
If you stay in a private home, apartment or accommodation that does not provide hotel registration, additional registration with the local public security authority may be required shortly after arrival.
Confirm the procedure with your host before choosing private accommodation.
When moving between hotels, each property will normally register the relevant stay.
Reserve major attractions in advance
Many popular museums and historic sites use timed or real-name reservations. Availability can be limited during weekends, public holidays and peak travel periods.
The Forbidden City, major museums and some scenic areas may require advance booking using passport information.
Before each sightseeing day:
- Confirm the opening day
- Check the reservation time
- Carry the required passport
- Save the confirmation offline
- Check whether large bags are permitted
- Allow time for security screening
Do not build a tightly timed itinerary around an attraction until its booking has been confirmed.
Wandorld guests receive assistance with the reservations included in their itinerary.
Plan intercity travel carefully
China’s high-speed railway network makes travel between major cities efficient, but large cities can have several railway stations.
Always check the complete station name. Beijing Railway Station, Beijing South and Beijing West are different places, just as Shanghai, Shanghai Hongqiao and Shanghai South serve different routes.
For train travel:
- Book using your passport details
- Arrive earlier than you would for a local commuter train
- Carry the original passport used for booking
- Check the station and departure gate
- Keep your luggage manageable
- Bring water and essential medication
Train tickets can be purchased through China Railway’s official 12306 service or established booking platforms.
Domestic flights may be useful for longer routes such as Beijing to Chengdu or Shanghai to Guilin. Allow extra time for airport transfers and security procedures.
Prepare payments and mobile data
Mobile payment is widely used in China. Set up Alipay and WeChat Pay before departure if possible and link an eligible international bank card.
Carry a physical card and some Chinese yuan as backup. A payment app depends on your phone, battery, mobile data and bank verification all working correctly.
Arrange international roaming, a compatible travel data plan or a local SIM. Keep access to the mobile number used by your bank in case you need a verification code.
For a complete setup checklist, read our guide: Payments, Internet & Essential Apps in China.
Save important information in Chinese
English is used in many international hotels and tourism services, but it is not guaranteed everywhere.
Save the following in both English and Chinese:
- Hotel name and address
- Destination addresses
- Guide or emergency contact
- Dietary restrictions
- Important medical information
- Your next railway station or airport
Showing a written Chinese address is often more reliable than attempting to pronounce it to a driver.
A translation app with an offline language pack is useful for menus, signs and simple conversations.
Pack for the route, not just the season
China covers several climate zones. Conditions can differ significantly between Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Guilin during the same journey.
Check each destination shortly before departure.
Useful items include:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light layers
- Rain protection
- Sun protection
- A compact power bank
- A universal travel adapter
- Personal medication
- A small day bag
- Tissues and hand sanitiser
Carry essential medication in its original packaging. If you travel with prescription medicine, bring the relevant prescription or supporting medical documentation and confirm any import restrictions in advance.
Allow for walking and security checks
Historic districts, palaces, city walls, gardens and scenic areas can involve long walking distances, uneven surfaces and steps.
Tell your travel designer about mobility limitations, recent injuries or the need for regular breaks before the itinerary is finalised.
Security screening is common at airports, railway stations and major attractions. Keep passports and booking confirmations accessible, and avoid packing restricted items in your day bag.
Food, water and dietary needs
China’s regional food traditions are one of the highlights of a journey, but flavours, ingredients and spice levels vary widely.
Tell your guide about allergies and strict dietary requirements. A translated written note can be helpful, particularly when travelling outside major cities.
Use bottled or properly boiled drinking water. Refill from a trusted filtered-water source when available.
Try local dishes gradually if you are not accustomed to unfamiliar ingredients or spice levels.
Respect local customs and site rules
A thoughtful approach makes interactions easier.
Useful habits include:
- Ask before photographing people
- Observe photography restrictions
- Speak quietly in temples and memorial spaces
- Queue where required
- Dress respectfully at religious sites
- Follow instructions at protected heritage areas
- Avoid photographing restricted or sensitive facilities
Tipping is not generally required in ordinary shops and restaurants. For private guides and drivers, a gratuity may be offered when you feel the service deserves special recognition, but it should remain voluntary.
Keep emergency information accessible
Nationwide emergency numbers include:
- Police: 110
- Fire: 119
- Medical assistance: 120
- Traffic accidents: 122
Save your insurer’s assistance number and your travel organiser’s contact details offline.
If your passport is lost, report the loss to the local police and contact your embassy or consulate promptly.
Travel insurance should cover medical treatment, cancellation, disruption and the activities included in your itinerary.
Your final pre-departure checklist
Before leaving home, confirm that you have:
- Checked current entry requirements
- Reviewed passport and booking details
- Purchased suitable travel insurance
- Installed and tested essential apps
- Arranged mobile data
- Prepared more than one payment method
- Saved hotel addresses in Chinese
- Downloaded bookings for offline access
- Checked weather in every destination
- Shared important health or mobility needs
- Stored emergency contact details
Arrive prepared, then travel slowly
Good preparation should create more freedom once the journey begins.
With the practical arrangements handled, you can spend less time solving avoidable problems and more time experiencing local neighbourhoods, landscapes, food and history.
Tell Wandorld your dates, interests and preferred travel pace through our Plan My Trip form. We will shape the route and practical arrangements around you.