Start Here: Your China Survival Path
For tourists, business visitors, Canton Fair buyers, transit travelers, and anyone preparing for a smoother trip to China.
This page is for anyone preparing for a trip to China — first-time tourists, returning travelers, business visitors, Canton Fair buyers, and short-stay or transit passengers. Follow the five steps below in order, and you will have the core systems in place before you land. This is not general travel inspiration — it's the practical preparation path Mr. Panda recommends to every visitor, no matter how many times they've been to China.
The path
The 5-step China survival path
Each step builds on the one before it. Work through them in order.
- 1
Check entry rules before booking
Before you book flights, confirm whether you qualify for visa-free entry, visa-free transit, or need a regular visa — the rules depend on your passport and route. Get the full pre-departure picture, then check current entry basics in Trip Planning.
- 2
Prepare internet before arrival
Your maps, translation app, and taxi apps all depend on a working connection from the moment you land. Set up a travel eSIM, local SIM, or roaming plan before your flight — not after.
- 3
Set up payment and backup cash
China runs on QR code payments. Link a foreign card to Alipay or WeChat Pay before you arrive, and keep some cash as a backup for the few places that don't take mobile payment.
- 4
Learn how to get around
High-speed rail is usually the fastest way between cities, and most visitors also rely on the metro and ride-hailing apps once they land. Start with how rail tickets, passports, and station security actually work.
- 5
Save essential guides before your trip
Bookmark the full guide library and the YouTube channel before you fly, so you can check something quickly even without a strong connection. China Essentials covers every topic in one place.
Need a simple pre-trip checklist?
Get the free China First-Day Survival Checklist for payment, internet, transport, hotel check-in, documents, and backup plans.
Related survival guides
The full guides behind each step above.
5 Things to Prepare Before You Fly to China
The pre-trip checklist: entry route, internet, payment, hotel address, and arrival basics.
Read the guide PaymentHow to Use Alipay and WeChat Pay in China
Link a foreign card, pay by QR code, and avoid the most common payment mistakes.
Read the guide InternetHow to Get Internet in China
Compare travel eSIMs, local SIM cards, and roaming before your trip.
Read the guide TransportHow to Take High-Speed Rail in China
Buy tickets with your passport, pass security, and board correctly.
Read the guide ShoppingChina Tax Refund for Tourists
How the departure tax refund works and the airport mistakes to avoid.
Read the guide