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[{"title":"Essential Apps for China","url":"/en/apps/","desc":"The apps you actually need in China — with setup guides for non-Chinese speakers.","body":"import Layout from '@layouts/Layout.astro'; const title = 'Essential Apps for China'; const description = 'The apps you actually need in China — with setup guides for non-Chinese speakers.'; --- CATEGORY Essential Apps The apps you actually need in China. Note: Detailed app guides coming soon. Must-Have Apps WeChat (微信) — Messaging, payments, everything Alipay (支付宝) — Payments and services Didi (滴滴) — Ride hailing Amap / Baidu Maps — Navigation (Google Maps doesn't work well) Meituan — Food delivery Dianping — Restaurant reviews"},{"title":"Beijing Travel Guide: What to See, Eat, and Know","url":"/en/cities/beijing-guide/","desc":"Your complete Beijing guide — attractions, transport, food, and where to stay.","body":""},{"title":"Beijing vs Shanghai: Which Chinese City Should You Visit First?","url":"/en/cities/beijing-vs-shanghai/","desc":"Beijing is the China of dynasties and imperial palaces; Shanghai is the China of skylines and modern ease. They are 4.5 hours apart by bullet train — here is how to pick which one to visit first.","body":"import Layout from '@layouts/Layout.astro'; const title = 'Beijing vs Shanghai: Which Chinese City Should You Visit First?'; const description = 'Beijing is the China of dynasties and imperial palaces; Shanghai is the China of skylines and modern ease. They are 4.5 hours apart by bullet train — here is how to pick which one to visit first.'; --- Back to City Guides 🏙️ City Guides Beijing vs Shanghai: Which Chinese City Should You Visit First? One is the China of dynasties and imperial palaces; the other is the China of skylines and modern ease. They're 4.5 hours apart by bullet train — here's how to choose. 📅 Last updated: September 2026 ⏱️ 6 min read 📄 What this page is (and isn't): The Beijing Travel Guide and Shanghai Travel Guide cover each city in full — every sight, restaurant, neighborhood. This page is the comparison page : it only covers the differences that matter when you're deciding between them. For what to do inside either city, jump to its guide. 🎯 Quick Answer Beijing is the China of dynasties, Great Walls, and imperial palaces — the history that made the country. Shanghai is the China of skylines, futuristic architecture, and the smoothest foreigner experience anywhere in the country — the future it's building. If you have 7+ days, do both (they're 4.5 hours apart by bullet train). If you only have one, pick by temperament: Beijing if you came for iconic sights, Shanghai if you came for ease, food, and modern China. 📋 In This Guide 🏛️ These Two Cities Are Different in Kind, Not Just in Style 🚄 The 4.5-Hour Bridge: You Usually Don't Have to Choose 🎯 What Kind of China Do You Actually Want to See? 💰 Which City Is Cheaper, Really? 📅 When Should You Go? 👣 How Do the Trip Rhythms Differ? 🍜 How Does the Food Differ? 🧭 So Which City Should You Visit First? 🏛️ These Two Cities Are Different in Kind, Not Just in Style Beijing and Shanghai aren't two versions of the same thing — they represent different eras of China, and that's what makes the choice interesting. Beijing is the seat of power and the keeper of history: 800 years of imperial capitals, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall in its backyard. Shanghai is the commercial and cultural frontier: barely 180 years since it became a treaty port, and today it's where China's future is being built, one skyscraper and one specialty coffee shop at a time. Once you see them that way, most of the practical comparisons fall out of that one difference. 🚄 The 4.5-Hour Bridge: You Usually Don't Have to Choose Before any comparison matters, note the big one: Beijing and Shanghai are connected by a 4.5-hour high-speed rail ride, with G-series trains every 15–30 minutes between Beijing South and Shanghai Hongqiao (¥596–667 second class). So the real question is never \"which city?\" — it's \"which city first , and how do I split my days?\" If you have a week or more, the standard first-time route (Beijing 3 days → train → Shanghai 3 days) is the single most popular itinerary in China for go"},{"title":"Chengdu Travel Guide: Pandas, Spicy Food & Slow Life","url":"/en/cities/chengdu-guide/","desc":"Visit Chengdu — see giant pandas, eat the world","body":""},{"title":"How Many Days Do You Need in China? Itinerary by Trip Length","url":"/en/cities/city-select/","desc":"Plan the perfect China trip. From a 3-day whirlwind to a 3-week adventure — find the itinerary that fits your timeline.","body":""},{"title":"Guangzhou Travel Guide: Food Capital of China","url":"/en/cities/guangzhou-guide/","desc":"Explore Guangzhou — China","body":"import Layout from '@layouts/Layout.astro'; const title = \"Guangzhou Travel Guide: Food Capital of China\"; const description = \"Explore Guangzhou — China's food capital with world-famous dim sum, Cantonese culture, and easy access to Hong Kong.\"; --- Back to City Guides 🏙️ Guangzhou Guangzhou Travel Guide: Food Capital of China Explore Guangzhou — China's food capital with world-famous dim sum, Cantonese culture, and easy access to Hong Kong. 📅 Last updated: June 2026 ⏱️ 7 min read ⚡ Quick Answer If you eat to live in Beijing, you live to eat in Guangzhou . This southern city is widely regarded as China's food capital , and the cradle of Cantonese cuisine — arguably the most famous Chinese cuisine in the world. Beyond the food, Guangzhou offers subtropical greenery, a relaxed pace, and proximity to both Shenzhen and Hong Kong. 📋 In This Guide 🥟 Why Visit Guangzhou? 📅 How Many Days Do You Need? 🎯 Top Attractions 🚇 Getting Around 🏨 Where to Stay 🍜 What to Eat 🥟 Why Visit Guangzhou? Guangzhou has been a trading port for over 1,000 years. It's where Cantonese cuisine — dim sum, roasted meats, slow-cooked soups — was perfected and exported worldwide. The city has a subtropical climate (warm year-round), a vibrant riverfront, and a distinctly Cantonese culture that feels different from the north. It's also the gateway to the Pearl River Delta: Shenzhen is 30 minutes by high-speed rail, and Hong Kong is about an hour. 📅 How Many Days Do You Need? 2–3 days (standard): Dim sum, Canton Tower, Shamian Island, and a food tour 4–5 days (comfortable): Add Chimelong Safari Park, Kaiping Diaolou, or cross to Shenzhen 5+ days (extended): Combine with Shenzhen and Hong Kong for a complete Pearl River Delta trip 🎯 Top Attractions Canton Tower (广州塔) 🎫 Advance booking recommended — book your observation deck time slot to skip the line. 🛒 Book your Canton Tower visit → Locals call it the \"Supermodel\" for a reason — at 600 meters, it's the tallest structure in Guangdong. Go up to the 450-meter open-air deck for the bubble tram that circles the tower's waist, or try the sky drop ride if heights don't faze you. Time your visit for sunset when the whole city turns golden below, then stay for the light show after dark. Shamian Island (沙面岛) This tiny river island once housed European consulates in the 1860s, and those European consulate buildings still line the boulevards today. Giant 150-year-old banyan trees shade the pedestrian paths, their roots draped like curtains. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from one end to the other — best done in the late afternoon when the heat drops and the light filters through the leaves. Chen Clan Ancestral Hall (陈家祠) 🎫 Entry via WeChat mini-program QR code at the gate — no advance booking needed Built in 1894 by the Chen clan as an academy and temple, this complex has 19 halls packed with the finest Lingnan wood carvings you'll find anywhere in China. Every ridge beam and roof peak is covered in ceramic figurines — lions,"},{"title":"Hainan Travel Guide 2026 — Visa-Free for 61 Countries","url":"/en/cities/hainan-visa-free/","desc":"Plan your trip to Hainan, China tropical island. 30-day visa-free for 61 countries. Tropical beaches, rainforest hikes, local food, and travel tips in one guide.","body":""},{"title":"Shanghai Travel Guide: The Most Foreigner-Friendly City","url":"/en/cities/shanghai-guide/","desc":"Shanghai guide — attractions, food, transport, and where to stay in China","body":"import Layout from '@layouts/Layout.astro'; const title = \"Shanghai Travel Guide: The Most Foreigner-Friendly City\"; const description = \"Shanghai guide — attractions, food, transport, and where to stay in China's most international city.\"; --- Back to City Guides 🏙️ Shanghai Shanghai Travel Guide: The Most Foreigner-Friendly City Shanghai guide — attractions, food, transport, and where to stay in China's most international city. 📅 Last updated: June 2026 ⏱️ 10 min read ⚡ Quick Answer Shanghai is China's most foreigner-friendly city . It has the largest English-speaking population, the most international restaurants, and a skyline that rivals any in the world. From the iconic Bund waterfront and the soaring Shanghai Tower to the historic charm of Yu Garden and the magic of Shanghai Disneyland — there is something for everyone. If you're nervous about the language barrier or culture shock, Shanghai is the gentlest introduction to China. 📋 In This Guide 🌆 Why Visit Shanghai? 📅 How Many Days Do You Need? 🎯 Top Attractions 🚇 Getting Around 🏨 Where to Stay 🍜 What to Eat 🌆 Why Visit Shanghai? Shanghai feels like a city of the future. The Pudong skyline — with the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower piercing the clouds — is the face of modern China. But the old city still has charm: the tree-lined streets of the Wukang Road–Anfu Road area, the art deco buildings along the Bund, and the winding lanes of Old Town. Add to that one of the most unique Disney parks in the world and a food scene that ranges from Michelin-starred fine dining to dollar-a-plate street stalls, and you have a city that truly has it all. 📅 How Many Days Do You Need? 3 days (standard): The Bund, Old Town, the Wukang Road–Anfu Road area, and a skyline visit to Shanghai Tower or Oriental Pearl 4–5 days (comfortable): Add Shanghai Disneyland, Zhujiajiao Water Town, or a day trip to nearby Suzhou 5+ days (deep dive): Explore the city's museums, art galleries, and nightlife neighborhoods in depth 🎯 Top Attractions The Bund (外滩) Shanghai's iconic waterfront promenade is a must-see for every visitor. On one side, a row of 26 magnificent colonial-era buildings — the \"Exposition of World Architecture\" — showcasing Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, and Art Deco styles. On the other, the dazzling Pudong skyline with the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower lighting up the night. The Bund is best visited at sunset, when the golden light hits the old buildings and the city lights gradually flicker on across the river. A leisurely walk along the 1.5-kilometer promenade is the perfect way to start your Shanghai experience. Shanghai Tower (上海中心大厦) 🎫 Advance booking online recommended — reserve your time slot to skip the line. 🛒 Book your Shanghai Tower view → China's tallest building and the third tallest in the world at 632 meters. The observation deck at 546 meters offers a jaw-dropping 360-degree view over all of Shanghai — on a clear day you can see the Huangpu River snaking all "},{"title":"Shenzhen Travel Guide: Tech Hub Next to Hong Kong","url":"/en/cities/shenzhen-guide/","desc":"Visit Shenzhen — China","body":""},{"title":"Xi","url":"/en/cities/xi-an-guide/","desc":"The capital of 13 dynasties over 1,100 years — Terracotta Warriors, the best-preserved city wall in China, and a Muslim Quarter that has been a Silk Road trading hub for a thousand years.","body":"import Layout from '@layouts/Layout.astro'; const title = \"Xi'an Travel Guide: What to See, Eat, and Know\"; const description = \"The capital of 13 dynasties over 1,100 years — Terracotta Warriors, the best-preserved city wall in China, and a Muslim Quarter that has been a Silk Road trading hub for a thousand years.\"; --- Back to City Guides 🏛️ Xi'an Xi'an Travel Guide: What to See, Eat, and Know The capital of 13 dynasties over 1,100 years — Terracotta Warriors, the best-preserved city wall in China, and a Muslim Quarter that has been a Silk Road trading hub for a thousand years. 📅 Last updated: August 2026 ⏱️ 10 min read ⚡ Quick Answer Xi'an is where China's history hits hardest — this was the capital of 13 dynasties over 1,100 years. The Terracotta Warriors alone are worth the trip: 8,000 life-sized clay soldiers standing in battle formation, each with a unique face, buried for 2,200 years and still watching east. But Xi'an is also a living city with the best-preserved city wall in China (you can bike the full 14km loop), a Muslim Quarter that has been a Silk Road trading hub for a thousand years, and a food scene that rivals anything in the country. 📋 In This Guide 📅 How Many Days Do You Need? 🎯 Top Attractions 🚇 Getting Around 🏨 Where to Stay 🍜 What to Eat 📅 How Many Days Do You Need? 2 days (minimum): Day 1 Terracotta Warriors, Day 2 City Wall + Muslim Quarter 3 days (comfortable): Add Shaanxi History Museum and a day trip 4+ days (deep dive): Add Huashan hike, Famen Temple, or a cooking class 🎯 Top Attractions Terracotta Warriors (兵马俑) 🎫 Strict daily visitor cap — book online ahead, peak season sells out fast. 🛒 Reserve your Terracotta Warriors tickets → The scale is what hits you first. Pit 1 alone covers the size of three football fields, and the warriors stand in silent rows — thousands of them, all facing east, as if waiting for a command that never came. Then you notice the faces. Every single soldier is different — different hairstyles, different armor, different expressions, different ages. Some look proud, some tired, some amused, as if the sculptor caught each man mid-thought 2,200 years ago. The museum has three pits: Pit 1 is the main army, Pit 2 is the cavalry and archers, and Pit 3 is the command center. The bronze chariots — half-scale, intricately detailed, over 2,000 years old — are the quiet masterpieces most people rush past. Should you hire a guide? Yes. A guided tour transforms this from \"a room full of statues\" into one of the most mind-blowing historical experiences on earth — the stories behind the weaponry, the construction techniques, the fact that each warrior was originally painted in vivid colors (the pigment vanished within minutes of excavation, a conservation tragedy that still haunts the site). An electronic audio guide costs 30-40 yuan per unit. However, I would recommend hiring an experienced tour guide instead. They typically charge from 200-300 yuan for a 2-hour tour. Practical tips: Go at the"},{"title":"China reisefertig in 10 Minuten: Visum, Bezahlen, Transport","url":"/en/german-travelers/","desc":"Visumfreie Einreise für Deutsche (bis zu 30 Tage), Alipay & WeChat Pay einrichten, Hochgeschwindigkeitszüge und DiDi — alles, was du vor deiner China-Reise wissen musst.","body":"import Layout from '@layouts/Layout.astro'; const title = \"China reisefertig in 10 Minuten: Visum, Bezahlen, Transport\"; const description = \"Visumfreie Einreise für Deutsche (bis zu 30 Tage), Alipay & WeChat Pay einrichten, Hochgeschwindigkeitszüge und DiDi — alles, was du vor deiner China-Reise wissen musst.\"; --- 🇩🇪 Für deutsche Reisende China reisefertig in 10 Minuten: Visum, Bezahlen, Transport Kurz & direkt: Als Deutscher brauchst du für China kein Visum — du reist bis zu 30 Tage visumfrei ein. Vor Ort zahlst du mit dem Handy statt mit Bargeld, und das öffentliche Netz aus Hochgeschwindigkeitszügen und Metros bringt dich in jede Stadt und an fast jeden Ort — du brauchst weder Mietwagen noch Vorbestellung. Hier steht, was du vor der Reise wirklich wissen musst. 🛂 1. Visum & Einreise: kein Visum, aber eine Einreisekarte Für Deutsche gilt: kein Visum nötig. China gewährt deutschen Staatsbürgern visumfreie Einreise für Aufenthalte bis zu 30 Tagen — für Urlaub, Geschäftsreisen und Familienbesuche. Kein Konsulat, kein Antrag, keine Gebühr: Du reist einfach mit deinem Reisepass ein. Der einzige Formalkram ist die Einreisekarte. Die füllst du am besten schon zu Hause online aus. Das dauert nur ein paar Minuten und erspart dir das Ausfüllen am Schalter direkt nach der Landung. 📋 Einreisekarte online ausfüllen — Schritt für Schritt mit Screenshots 💳 2. Bezahlen: Alipay & WeChat Pay vor der Reise einrichten Bargeld ist in China selten geworden. Cafés, Taxis, kleine Läden — fast alles läuft übers Handy. Die gute Nachricht: Als Tourist kannst du deine deutsche Karte an die beiden Zahl-Apps binden, und zwar schon von zu Hause aus , bevor du fliegst. Alipay und WeChat Pay akzeptieren internationale Karten (Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay) Einrichten geht in wenigen Minuten direkt in der App Vor Ort zahlst du, indem du den QR-Code des Ladens scannst — der Betrag wird automatisch umgerechnet Tipp: Richte beide Apps ein. Manche Läden akzeptieren nur Alipay, andere nur WeChat Pay. 📱 Alipay einrichten — Anleitung 📱 WeChat Pay einrichten — Anleitung 🚄 3. Transport: Chinas Hochgeschwindigkeitszüge — ein Erlebnis, das du nicht verpassen solltest Wer China besucht, sollte unbedingt mit dem Hochgeschwindigkeitszug fahren. Das Netz ist eines der dichtesten und schnellsten der Welt — du gleitest mit über 300 km/h zwischen den Metropolen, pünktlich auf die Minute, mit großen Sitzen und Bord-Service. Es ist nicht nur Verkehrsmittel, sondern ein Stück China-Erlebnis, das du so nirgendwo sonst bekommst. Hochgeschwindigkeitszüge verbinden die Metropolen in wenigen Stunden — von Stadtzentrum zu Stadtzentrum, ohne Flughafen-Checks Tickets buchst du bequem online, deine Kreditkarte wird akzeptiert Innerhalb der Stadt: DiDi , Chinas Antwort auf Uber, mit übersichtlicher App In den Großstädten bringt dich die Metro praktisch überallhin — schnell, günstig und mit englischer Beschilderung 🚄 Zugtickets buchen — Schritt-für-Schritt 🚕 DiDi nutzen — Einrichtung & Tipps 📶 4. Vo"},{"title":"How to Book Hotels in China for Foreigners","url":"/en/life/china-hotels-guide/","desc":"Book hotels in China as a foreigner — Trip.com, hotel prices, foreign-guest policies, check-in, and where to stay.","body":"import Layout from '@layouts/Layout.astro'; const title = \"How to Book Hotels in China for Foreigners\"; const description = \"Book hotels in China as a foreigner — Trip.com, hotel prices, foreign-guest policies, check-in, and where to stay.\"; --- Back to Life 🏨 Life in China How to Book Hotels in China for Foreigners Prices, foreign-guest policies, booking platforms, and check-in — what to know before you book. 📅 Last updated: August 2026 ⏱️ 6 min read 🎯 Quick Answer Yes, you can book hotels in China as a foreigner — the key is choosing one that accepts foreign guests. Use Trip.com (the international site): English interface, passport-based booking, and Visa/Mastercard payment all work. Expect to pay roughly ¥120–¥300 ($18–$44) for a clean budget chain (Home Inn, Hanting, 7 Days), ¥400–¥900 ($59–$133) for a mid-range stay (All Seasons, Atour), and ¥900+ ($133+) for international 4–5 star hotels. Bring your original passport — a photo will not work — and be ready for a 5–15 minute check-in while the front desk registers you with the police. 📋 In This Guide 💰 How Much Do Hotels Cost in China? 🛂 Do All Hotels Accept Foreigners? 🏨 Which Booking Platform Should You Use? 📝 What Happens at Check-In? 📍 Where Should You Stay? 💰 How Much Do Hotels Cost in China? Type Typical nightly rate What you get Budget chain ¥120–¥300 ($18–$44) Home Inn (如家), Hanting (汉庭), 7 Days (7天), Jinjiang. Clean, modern, sometimes small rooms. Can drop below ¥100 in smaller cities. Mid-range ¥400–¥900 ($59–$133) All Seasons (全季), Atour (亚朵), Orange (桔子), Vienna. The sweet spot — feels like a Western 3–4 star. High-end ¥900–¥2,000+ ($133–$296+) International chains (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Shangri-La) and domestic luxury brands. Often noticeably cheaper than the same brand in Western cities. Prices spike hard during National Day Golden Week (early October), Chinese New Year, and summer in tier-1 cities — a ¥150 budget room can hit ¥900 in central Beijing during peak. Book early or shift dates if you can. 🛂 Do All Hotels Accept Foreigners? Officially, yes — in practice, not always. A July 2024 notice from seven Chinese ministries told hotels they may not refuse foreign guests for lacking a \"foreign guest\" license, and asked platforms to stop publishing \"no foreigners\" listings. Enforcement, however, is uneven: most hotels in big cities take foreigners without issue, but budget chains and small guesthouses — and even different branches of the same chain — vary. A Hanting that accepts foreigners downtown might not accept them in a smaller city. The reliable workaround: before making a reservation, you can check the hotel's policy page on Trip — it lists whether the hotel accepts guests from other countries and regions. This way, you can eliminate those hotels that do not accept you. If you do get refused at the desk with a confirmed booking, you have three options: call the bilingual hotline 12367 (National Immigration Administration) or 12345 , or — usually the fastest —"},{"title":"Essential Chinese Phrases for Travelers","url":"/en/life/chinese-phrases/","desc":"Learn these basic Chinese phrases before your trip — pronunciation, when to use them, and tips for being understood.","body":""},{"title":"Common Scams in China & How to Avoid Them","url":"/en/life/common-scams/","desc":"Don","body":""},{"title":"Cultural Dos and Don","url":"/en/life/cultural-taboos/","desc":"Chinese cultual etiquette guide for foreigners: chopstick rules, gift giving, saving face, photography rules, and what not to do in China.","body":"import Layout from '@layouts/Layout.astro'; const title = \"Cultural Dos and Don'ts in China — A Practical Guide\"; const description = \"Chinese cultual etiquette guide for foreigners: chopstick rules, gift giving, saving face, photography rules, and what not to do in China.\"; --- Back to Life in China Life in China Cultural Dos and Don'ts in China— A Practical Guide Know a few key things, and your trip will go much smoother. 📅 Last updated: June 2026 ⏱️ 6 min read 🎯 Quick Answer Chinese people are incredibly understanding of foreign visitors who don't know local customs. Nobody expects you to be perfect. But knowing a few key things will make your trip smoother and help you connect with locals better. 📋 In This Guide ✅ The Basics ⭐ Things That Will Impress Locals ⚠️ Things That Actually Matter 🚬 What About Smoking? 💎 The Golden Rule Chinese people are incredibly understanding of foreign visitors who don't know local customs. Nobody expects you to be perfect. But knowing a few key things will make your trip smoother and help you connect with locals better. I've organized this into three levels: things most people already know, things that will genuinely impress locals, and things that really matter. ✅ The Basics 🥢 Chopstick Rules Don't stick them upright in your rice bowl (resembles funeral incense) Don't tap them on your bowl (that's what beggars do) Rest them on the chopstick rest or across your plate 🍵 Pour Drinks for Others In China, you pour drinks for the people around you, and they pour for you. Pouring your own drink is seen as a bit self-centered. 🎁 Gift Giving Don't give clocks (sounds like \"attending a funeral\" in Chinese) Wrap gifts in red or gold, not white or black (funeral colors) Don't open gifts in front of the giver — it's polite to open them later 🚫 Don't Point or Touch Heads Pointing at people with your finger is considered rude. Use an open hand or gesture with your chin instead. The head is considered personal/sacred in Chinese culture. Even patting a child on the head can feel off. The number 4 sounds like \"death\" in Chinese. Buildings often skip the 4th floor. Avoid giving gifts in sets of 4. ⭐ Things That Will Impress Locals These are small gestures that show you've made an effort. Chinese people will genuinely appreciate them: 🍽️ Dining Etiquette Wait for the host to start eating before you begin Try everything that's offered to you — even if you're not sure what it is. It shows respect for the host Say \"I'm full\" (我饱了 / wǒ bǎo le) when you're done When receiving a gift or business card , use both hands If someone offers you tea , accept it. Refusing can feel like rejecting hospitality 🍶 The Baijiu Ritual If a Chinese host offers you baijiu (Chinese liquor), they're showing you respect. You don't need to drink it all — a small sip is fine. But refusing entirely can feel dismissive. When toasting, hold your glass slightly lower than the person you're toasting with — it's a traditional sign of respect. �面子 Saving "},{"title":"Emergency Numbers & What to Do If You Need Help in China","url":"/en/life/emergency-numbers/","desc":"Emergency numbers in China: 110 (police), 120 (ambulance), 119 (fire). Also: embassy contacts, lost passport steps, and emergency phrases.","body":""},{"title":"10 Apps You Need to Download Before Traveling to China","url":"/en/life/essential-apps/","desc":"The apps you need to survive and thrive in China — payment, transport, translation, and more.","body":""},{"title":"Is it safe to travel to China?","url":"/en/life/is-china-safe/","desc":"Wondering if China is safe for tourists? A Chinese local shares real experiences about safety in China — no government slogans, just honest talk.","body":""},{"title":"What to Pack for China — Seasons & Climate Guide","url":"/en/life/packing-guide/","desc":"What to pack for China based on seasons and cities — from Beijing winters to Guangzhou summers.","body":""},{"title":"Seeing a Doctor in China: Clinics, Hospitals & Insurance","url":"/en/life/seeing-a-doctor/","desc":"What every traveler needs to know about seeing a doctor in China: clinics vs hospitals, costs, international departments, and travel insurance.","body":""},{"title":"Best SIM Card & eSIM for Tourists in China","url":"/en/life/sim-card-guide/","desc":"Compare eSIM and physical SIM options for China — Airalo, Holafly, China Mobile, and more.","body":""},{"title":"Top Hospitals with International Departments in China","url":"/en/life/top-hospitals/","desc":"China","body":""},{"title":"Travel Insurance for China: What to Look For","url":"/en/life/travel-insurance/","desc":"Why you need travel insurance for China, what it should cover, and recommended providers verified for China coverage.","body":""},{"title":"Best VPNs for Traveling in China","url":"/en/life/vpn-guide/","desc":"The best VPNs for China — what works, what doesn","body":""},{"title":"Trip to China Cost 2026: Complete Budget Guide","url":"/en/payment/china-travel-budget/","desc":"How much does a trip to China cost in 2026? A complete budget guide covering flights, hotels, food, transport, and attractions, with a 10-day total budget breakdown.","body":"import Layout from '@layouts/Layout.astro'; const title = \"Trip to China Cost 2026: Complete Budget Guide\"; const description = \"How much does a trip to China cost in 2026? A complete budget guide covering flights, hotels, food, transport, and attractions, with a 10-day total budget breakdown.\"; --- Back to Payment 💰 Travel Budget Trip to China Cost 2026: Complete Budget Guide How much does a trip to China cost in 2026? A complete budget guide covering flights, hotels, food, transport, and attractions. 📅 Last updated: August 2026 ⏱️ 9 min read ⚡ How Much Does a Trip to China Cost in 2026? Quick answer: A 10-day trip to China runs roughly ¥14,400-¥30,000 ($2,000-$4,200) per person, all in . The wide range reflects three things: where you fly from, the season you travel in, and how you sleep. Round-trip airfare from North America swings from ¥5,000 to ¥15,000 depending on the month, and is the single biggest variable. Mid-range travelers can budget ¥720-¥1,080 ($100-$150) a day once on the ground; budget travelers scrape by on ¥360 ($50) ; comfortable travelers with five-star hotels and private drivers spend ¥1,440+ ($200+) a day. The two biggest peak-season offenders are Lunar New Year (late January or early February) and National Day Golden Week (October 1–7), when most Chinese people travel. Summer (June–August) and May Day (May 1–5) also push prices up. Aim for shoulder months — March, April (outside May Day), September, and November — to catch the best fares. Here's the real breakdown from a 10-day trip I planned for a friend from New York — three cities, about ¥15,200 total, right in the middle of the mid-range bracket. The biggest surprise? How little she spent on food, even at decent restaurants. How much are flights to China? Flights are the biggest line item in the whole trip — and the one that swings the most. Here's roughly what a round-trip looks like from the main departure regions. Flight costs by region (¥ and USD, 2026) Route Low Season (¥ CNY) Low Season ($ USD) Peak Season (¥ CNY) Peak Season ($ USD) US West Coast ¥5,040-¥7,200 $700-$1,000 ¥8,640-¥12,960 $1,200-$1,800 US East Coast ¥6,480-¥9,360 $900-$1,300 ¥10,800-¥15,840 $1,500-$2,200 UK / Europe ¥4,320-¥6,480 $600-$900 ¥7,200-¥11,520 $1,000-$1,600 Southeast Asia ¥1,440-¥2,880 $200-$400 ¥2,880-¥5,040 $400-$700 Australia ¥3,600-¥5,760 $500-$800 ¥6,480-¥10,080 $900-$1,400 These are estimated ranges based on typical seasonal trends. Check Trip.com or Skyscanner for your specific travel dates — prices shift constantly. Flights are cheapest from October to March (excluding Chinese New Year). Book at least 6 weeks ahead for the best prices. How much should I budget for hotels? After the flight, the roof over your head is the next big number. It varies more than you'd think depending on where you aim, so here's the whole range in one glance. Accommodation costs (per night, single occupancy, 2026) Level Price (¥ CNY) Price ($ USD) What You Get Budget hostel ¥58-¥108 $8-$15 Dorm bed, "},{"title":"Can You Use Foreign Credit Cards in China? A Realistic Look","url":"/en/payment/foreign-cards/","desc":"Where Visa and Mastercard actually work in China, ATM withdrawal costs, and why mobile payments are the way to go for travelers in 2026.","body":""},{"title":"What to Do When Your Payment Fails in China","url":"/en/payment/payment-fails/","desc":"Common payment failure reasons for foreign travelers in China and step-by-step troubleshooting when your QR code payment won\\","body":""},{"title":"How to Pay in China: Complete Guide for Foreign Visitors","url":"/en/payment/payment-guide/","desc":"Alipay, WeChat Pay, cash, or credit cards — a complete overview of payment options in China for foreign visitors in 2026.","body":""},{"title":"How to Set Up Alipay as a Foreigner (2026): Step-by-Step Guide","url":"/en/payment/setup-alipay/","desc":"Step-by-step guide to setting up Alipay as a foreigner in China. 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A quick guide for foreign visitors on what to do (and what not to do) when it comes to tipping.","body":""},{"title":"From Airport to City in China: What Usually Works Best","url":"/en/transport/airport-to-city/","desc":"Metro, Didi, taxi, or airport bus — how to choose and what to expect at major Chinese airports.","body":""},{"title":"How to Use Didi in China as a Foreigner","url":"/en/transport/didi/","desc":"Set up and use DiDi (China\\","body":""},{"title":"Domestic Flights vs High-Speed Rail in China: Which Should You Choose?","url":"/en/transport/flights-vs-rail/","desc":"Train or plane for your China trip? An honest, numbers-backed comparison — plus the overnight-sleeper trick that saves you an entire hotel night.","body":"import Layout from '@layouts/Layout.astro'; const title = 'Domestic Flights vs High-Speed Rail in China: Which Should You Choose?'; const description = 'Train or plane for your China trip? An honest, numbers-backed comparison — plus the overnight-sleeper trick that saves you an entire hotel night.'; --- Back to Transport 🚄 Transport Domestic Flights vs High-Speed Rail in China: Which Should You Choose? Train or plane for your China trip? Here's the honest, numbers-backed answer — plus the overnight-sleeper trick that saves you an entire hotel night. 📅 Last updated: August 2026 ⏱️ 9 min read 🎯 Quick Answer If the train ride is under 4.5 hours, take the train . You'll get there about as fast once you count the airport shuffle, the price won't jump around on you, and you skip the two-hour \"be at the airport early\" tax. Planes only pull ahead on the long hauls — Beijing to Chengdu, Shanghai to Kunming — or when you happen to catch a genuinely cheap last-minute fare. The classic case is Beijing–Shanghai: 4.5 hours on the train versus roughly 5.5 hours door-to-door by air, for about the same money or less. And if your budget is tighter than your schedule, there's a third option most guides skip entirely: the overnight sleeper, which quietly saves you a fare difference and a night of hotel. More on that below. 📋 In This Guide 🚄 Train or Plane on Beijing–Shanghai? 🧭 How Do You Decide? Three Rules of Thumb ✈️ When Does Flying Actually Make Sense? 💸 The Hidden Cost of Flying 🚆 When Should You Just Take the Train? 🛏️ Want to Save Money? Take an Overnight Sleeper You don't need a booking walkthrough here — for that, see the High-Speed Rail Guide and the Transport Guide . What you actually need is one answer: for this trip, train or plane? It's the first thing nearly every first-time visitor asks, and the honest answer is \"it depends — but usually the train.\" 🚄 Train or Plane on Beijing–Shanghai — Which Actually Wins? The busiest corridor in the country makes the whole argument for you: Factor High-Speed Rail Flight Travel time 4h28m–6h (fastest G trains) ~2h15m in the air Door-to-door ~5h (station is downtown both ends) ~5.5–6h (airport + 2h early arrival) Price (2nd class / economy) ¥596–667, stable year-round ¥400–1,200, volatile; doubles at holidays Booking window 15 days ahead; sells out at holidays, otherwise usually available Up to departure Hassle factor Low — off-peak security takes under 30 min High — 2h early, baggage fees on budget carriers Reliability Very high — trains rarely cancel Weather delays are common 🧭 How Do You Decide? Three Rules of Thumb 1️⃣ Under 4.5 hours by rail → just take the train Beijing–Shanghai (4.5h), Beijing–Xi'an (4.5h), Shanghai–Hangzhou (45 min — barely worth the word \"trip\"), Chengdu–Chongqing (1h). There's no real debate. 2️⃣ 4.5–6 hours → pause and compare Beijing–Wuhan lands right here. The train usually still wins on total time, but glance at both — once in a while a flight edges it. 3️⃣ Over 6 hours by "},{"title":"How to Book and Ride China High-Speed Rail: Step-by-Step Guide","url":"/en/transport/high-speed-rail/","desc":"Book high-speed train tickets in China with just your passport — Trip.com or the official 12306 English site. Step-by-step booking, station, and onboard guide.","body":""},{"title":"Metro & Bus Guide for Major Chinese Cities","url":"/en/transport/metro-bus/","desc":"How to use public transit in Chinese cities. 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