The planning guide
China is easier to visit than you think.
Here is everything a first-time visitor needs to know about entry rules, paying for things, staying online and getting around, and which parts we take care of for you.
1 · Can I enter visa-free?
China has opened up dramatically. Pick your passport to see which way in fits you, and we’ll double-check it for every booking.
Choose your passport to see your options.
Results reflect published rules as of November 2026.
30-day visa-free entry
This route is open to ordinary passports from 50 countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, Japan and most of Europe. It covers tourism and currently runs until 31 December 2026.
240-hour visa-free transit
If you’re flying on to a third country, many more nationalities, including the United States, can stay up to 10 days without a visa. This route has rules about entry ports and permitted regions, so we check your exact flights.
Tourist visa + our letter
If neither route above fits, apply for a tourist (L) visa. Once you book, we send an invitation letter and your full itinerary for the application.
Travelling on a US passport?
You’re welcome, you just need one extra step.
US citizens aren’t on the 30-day visa-free list. Either fly in from the US and on to a different country to use 240-hour transit (you must stay within the regions allowed for your arrival port), or apply for a tourist (L) visa, which is simplest for multi-region trips and our Northwest road trips. Book first, and we’ll send the invitation letter and day-by-day itinerary your application needs. Read the US guide →
2 · Your pre-trip checklist
Once you book, we send you this list with reminders. Items marked We do it are already handled.
- 8 weeks beforeCheck your passport is valid for 6 months or moreConfirm your entry routeWe do it: entry check & letter
- 6 weeks beforeBook your international flightsPay the balanceWe do it: flight suggestions
- 2 weeks beforeSet up Alipay with your cardBuy an eSIM or roaming planWe do it: video walkthrough
- 1 week beforeJoin the group WhatsAppPack for big day–night temperature swingsWe do it: packing list
- Arrival dayLook for your name at arrivalsWe do it: everything from here
3 · Money & payments
China runs on mobile payments, and many small shops and taxis don’t take cards directly. The good news is that you can link your own Visa or Mastercard to Alipay or WeChat Pay as an international visitor.
On a Road Commune journey, your hotels, meals, tickets and transport are already paid for. You’ll only need your phone for snacks, souvenirs and the odd coffee.
Download Alipay before you flySwitch the app to English and verify your passport in the app.
Link your card and test itMake a small test payment. If it fails, call your bank before you travel.
Carry a little cash as backupThere are ATMs at every international airport. Your road leader can always cover you in a pinch.
4 · Internet & apps
Stay connected
Some Western apps and sites don’t work on mainland Chinese networks. Many travelers use an international eSIM or their home roaming plan, and we recommend options when you book.
Apps worth having
Alipay or WeChat for payments, a translation app with offline Chinese, and WhatsApp or WeChat to reach us.
No Chinese needed
Your road leader handles the menus, the check-ins and the conversations along the way. Just bring your curiosity.
5 · Getting around & when to go
Bullet trains link most of our destinations in a few hours, and tickets are tied to your passport. We book them, and all flights between regions, for you. Spring and autumn suit most of China; summer is best for the high Northwest; winter is for Harbin and Yunnan. Avoid Chinese New Year, 1–5 May and 1–7 October, when the whole country travels.
Still unsure about something? Ask a person, not a chatbot.
Our team in China answers in English, usually within a few hours. Or read the full FAQ.
Entry rules are set by Chinese authorities and can change at short notice. This guide was last reviewed in November 2026. Always confirm with official sources, such as the National Immigration Administration or your nearest Chinese embassy, or with us before you book flights.