The China Route
Travel tips

China travel tips

Visas, money, transport and planning.

PlanningPracticalTransportFood
Best Time to Visit China: Month by Month Weather Guide
Planning

Best Time to Visit China: Month by Month Weather Guide

China's climate swings wildly from Arctic winters in Harbin to tropical summers in Guangzhou, so timing your trip right saves you from crowds and extremes.

12 July 2026Read
First Time in China: 15 Mistakes to Avoid
Planning

First Time in China: 15 Mistakes to Avoid

Skip the trial-and-error: these 15 mistakes cost first-time visitors time, money and opportunity in 2026.

12 July 2026Read
How Much Does a Trip to China Cost? Full Budget Breakdown
Planning

How Much Does a Trip to China Cost? Full Budget Breakdown

Independent travel in China costs ¥300-900 per day depending on accommodation, transport choices, and dining style across your itinerary.

12 July 2026Read
Internet in China: VPN, SIM Cards and eSIM for Travellers
Practical

Internet in China: VPN, SIM Cards and eSIM for Travellers

China blocks Google, Facebook and WhatsApp, but staying connected is straightforward with a VPN, local SIM or eSIM costing from CNY 30.

12 July 2026Read
Getting Around Chinese Cities: Metro, DiDi, Buses and Bikes
Transport

Getting Around Chinese Cities: Metro, DiDi, Buses and Bikes

Chinese cities run on metro cards, DiDi, shared bikes and buses: here's how to pay, navigate and troubleshoot when apps fail.

12 July 2026Read
China Visa Guide 2026: Requirements, Costs and Visa-Free Entry
Planning

China Visa Guide 2026: Requirements, Costs and Visa-Free Entry

China's visa policy changed significantly in 2024-2025, with 54 countries now eligible for 15-day visa-free entry and expanded transit options.

12 July 2026Read
How to Use Alipay and WeChat Pay as a Tourist in China
Practical

How to Use Alipay and WeChat Pay as a Tourist in China

Alipay and WeChat Pay power 90% of transactions in China, and tourists can now use both apps without a Chinese bank account using TourPass and foreign cards.

12 July 2026Read
China Packing List: What to Bring and What to Buy There
Planning

China Packing List: What to Bring and What to Buy There

Pack light, buy local, and download the right apps before you land: this checklist covers what you must bring and what you can save money on in China.

12 July 2026Read
Chinese Food for First-Timers: What and How to Order
Food

Chinese Food for First-Timers: What and How to Order

Chinese restaurant menus overwhelm first-timers with hundreds of unfamiliar dishes, but ordering well comes down to mastering five core categories.

12 July 2026Read
China High-Speed Trains: How to Book Tickets and What to Expect
Transport

China High-Speed Trains: How to Book Tickets and What to Expect

China's high-speed rail network covers 45,000 km and reaches 350 km/h, but booking tickets as a foreigner requires specific apps and documents.

12 July 2026Read