China Survival Guide

Start Here

First trip to China? This page is your beginner path.

I’m Mr. Panda, your local friend in Guangzhou. If you are planning your first China trip — for travel, business, the Canton Fair, or the Greater Bay Area — and you are not sure where to begin, don’t worry. You don’t need to read everything on this site. Just read the five guides below, in order, and you will be more prepared than most first-time visitors.

Each guide covers one thing that actually affects your trip: what to prepare before you fly, how to pay, how to get online, how to take the train, and how to get your shopping tax refund.

If you already know what you are looking for, browse the full library on the Guides page instead.

The beginner path: read these guides in order

Each step builds on the one before it:

  1. 5 Things to Prepare Before You Fly to China — The overview. Read this first to see the full picture.
  2. How to Use Alipay and WeChat Pay in China — Set up mobile payment before you arrive. This is the step that matters most.
  3. How to Get Internet in China — Prepare eSIM, SIM card, roaming, and backup connectivity.
  4. How to Take High-Speed Rail in China — Use your passport, pass security, and board correctly when traveling between cities.
  5. China Tax Refund for Tourists — If you plan to shop, avoid the airport mistakes that cost you the refund.

More guides on culture mistakes and local expectations are coming soon.