Practical China travel guides
Steps, current official sources and the ChinaLocal tools that help you act on them. Check the dates on each guide before relying on a rule.
Tickets · checked 2026-10-17Forbidden City tickets for foreigners: when and how to bookBook through the official Palace Museum WeChat mini program with your passport and enter only through the Meridian Gate.Read the guide →Payments · checked 2026-10-17How to pay in China as a tourist: apps, cards and cashSet up a mobile payment option before travel, check your own account limits, and keep a card or RMB cash backup.Read the guide →Tickets · checked 2026-10-17Terracotta Warriors tickets: booking and getting thereReserve through the museum’s official channels with your passport, then confirm the current Lintong transport route.Read the guide →Museums · checked 2026-10-17Shanghai Museum People’s Square: tickets and current exhibitsThe People’s Square building has a ticketed special exhibition during the stated 2026–2027 period; check the museum before visiting.Read the guide →Connectivity · checked 2026-10-17Internet in China for visitors: roaming, eSIM and offline prepCheck mainland coverage and app access with your provider, keep your SMS number reachable, and save essentials offline.Read the guide →Arrival · checked 2026-10-17China arrival card online: the free official wayUse the National Immigration Administration’s free official form or complete it at the port if needed.Read the guide →Entry rules · checked 2026-10-17China 240-hour visa-free transit: rules to checkNIA currently describes 57 eligible nationalities, 65 designated ports and an onward trip to a third country or region.Read the guide →Preparation · checked 2026-10-17First trip to China: a practical pre-flight checklistCheck entry rules, bookings, payments, connectivity and addresses before departure, then keep offline backups.Read the guide →