China travel checklist 2025-2026
Planning a trip to China in 2025-2026? Make sure you’re fully prepared! From visa requirements to must-have apps, this China Travel Checklist will ensure a smooth and unforgettable journey.
📌 1. Travel Documents & Visa
☑ Valid Passport – Must have at least 6 months’ validity from the entry date.
☑ Chinese Visa – Apply in advance at a Chinese embassy or via an e-visa service if eligible.
☑ Entry Requirements – Check for any new health or travel restrictions for 2025.
📱 2. Essential Apps for China
💡 China has limited access to Google, Facebook, and WhatsApp, so download these before you go:
☑ VPN – Astrill, ExpressVPN, or NordVPN for unrestricted internet access.
☑ WeChat – Essential for communication, payments, and translations.
☑ Alipay or WeChat Pay – Most places don’t accept foreign credit cards, so mobile payment is a must.
☑ DiDi – The Chinese version of Uber for taxis.
☑ Baidu Maps & Pleco – Navigation and translation apps for getting around.
💰 3. Money & Payment
☑ Exchange Some RMB – Credit cards are not widely accepted; cash and mobile payments dominate.
☑ Set Up Mobile Payments – Link your foreign card to WeChat Pay or Alipay for convenience.
☑ Daily Budget – Plan around $50–$200 per day, depending on your travel style.
🧳 4. Packing Essentials
☑ Power Adapter – China uses Type I plugs (same as Australia).
☑ Comfortable Walking Shoes – Lots of sightseeing & uneven terrain.
☑ Reusable Water Bottle – Stay hydrated; tap water isn’t drinkable without boiling.
☑ Tissues & Hand Sanitizer – Public restrooms often lack toilet paper.
☑ Medications & Prescriptions – Bring personal medicine as some may not be available in China.
🚆 5. Transportation Tips
☑ High-Speed Trains – Book in advance for long-distance travel.
☑ Metro Cards – Cities like Beijing & Shanghai have easy-to-use subway systems.
☑ Taxi Apps – Use DiDi instead of hailing a taxi (few drivers speak English).
🍜 6. Food & Dining Tips
☑ Learn Basic Phrases – Not all menus are in English, so knowing “不辣” (bù là – no spice) can help!
☑ Street Food Safety – Go for busy stalls with high turnover for fresh food.
☑ Try Local Delicacies – Peking Duck in Beijing, Hotpot in Chengdu, and Dim Sum in Guangzhou.
🚀 7. Cultural & Safety Tips
☑ Respect Local Customs – Be mindful of temple etiquette and local traditions.
☑ Use VPN Before You Arrive – You may not be able to download one in China.
☑ Keep Hotel Addresses in Chinese – Taxi drivers may not understand English.
🎟️ 8. Must-Visit Destinations in 2025
🏯 Beijing – Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven
🐼 Chengdu – Panda Base, Sichuan cuisine, Leshan Giant Buddha
🏞 Zhangjiajie – Avatar Mountains, glass bridge
🏜 Silk Road – Dunhuang, Urumqi, Kashgar
🌊 Guilin & Yangshuo – Li River cruise, karst landscapes
🏔 Tibet – Lhasa, Potala Palace, Everest Base Camp
📩 Need help planning your trip? Visit HelloChinatrip.com for a custom itinerary!
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