The China
field guide.
Practical answers for independent travel. Start with the details that matter to your trip.
10 guides · Sources reviewed 2026-10-28
UK or US passport? Start here.
The rules are different. Your passport, purpose and travel date matter.
Read the guide02 / Before you fly240 hours is a transit policy.
An onward journey to a third country or region is essential to the policy.
Read the guide03 / Everyday ChinaA payment plan with a backup.
Prepare the app, the bank verification and another way to pay.
Read the guide04 / Getting aroundYour first train, without the guesswork.
The station, original passport and issued ticket belong together.
Read the guide05 / Everyday ChinaA connected phone. An offline fallback.
Data and a working SMS number solve different problems.
Read the guide06 / Getting aroundShanghai Metro: choose how to pay.
Contactless cards, QR codes and single tickets are different options.
Read the guide07 / Before you flyYour stay includes registration.
Hotel check-in and a private-home stay have different practical steps.
Read the guide08 / Everyday ChinaDo not make one website your only plan.
Check access, then keep the important information offline.
Read the guide09 / Before you flyA place name is not a reservation.
Check the venue, branch, entrance and confirmation.
Read the guide10 / Everyday ChinaKeep the useful numbers close.
A small preparation for a moment when searching is difficult.
Read the guideYour first
24 hours.
A little preparation leaves more space for the trip.