Planning a trip to China involves a few steps that may be unfamiliar to first-time visitors: confirming the correct entry route, setting up payments, matching passport details on train bookings and preparing the apps you will use after arrival. This checklist puts those tasks in a practical order so you can solve the important issues before departure.
Last reviewed: July 2026. Entry rules, payment services and transport procedures can change. Always confirm current requirements with the relevant authority or provider before you travel.
6–12 weeks before departure
1. Confirm your entry requirements
Check the visa or visa-free arrangement that applies to your passport, trip purpose, length of stay and route. Transit-without-visa policies have specific nationality, port, onward-ticket and permitted-area conditions; they are not a general substitute for a tourist visa. Use the National Immigration Administration’s current policy guidance and the Chinese embassy or consulate responsible for your location.
- Make sure your passport will remain valid for the required period.
- Check that your ticketed route matches the entry policy you intend to use.
- Save digital and paper copies of your passport, visa and travel insurance.
- Keep the address and phone number of your first accommodation accessible offline.
2. Choose a realistic route
China’s distances are easy to underestimate. For a first trip, two or three regions usually provide a better experience than a rapid tour of the whole country. Build around one clear theme—history, food, landscapes, family travel or contemporary cities—and include at least two nights in most stops.
Compare our China destinations and China tour ideas before locking in your route.
3. Book the itinerary anchors
Reserve international transport and your first accommodation once the route is stable. Popular museums, scenic areas and holiday-period trains can require advance planning, while opening days and ticket-release windows vary. Avoid building a day around an attraction until you have checked its official booking channel and current schedule.
3–6 weeks before departure
4. Prepare rail and flight bookings carefully
China Railway uses real-name ticketing. Foreign travelers can use a valid passport and may need to complete identity verification before purchasing tickets. Enter your name and passport number exactly as instructed and carry the same passport during the journey. The 12306 English website is the official China Railway booking channel.
If your trip includes a domestic flight, compare total travel time with high-speed rail; airports are often farther from city centers and require more security time.
5. Confirm accommodation details
Ask the property to confirm that it can register an international guest and that the booking name matches your passport. Hotels normally handle accommodation registration at check-in. If you stay in a private home or other non-hotel accommodation, registration requirements may apply within 24 hours; review the current official guidance for your location.
6. Buy suitable travel insurance
Check medical coverage, evacuation, trip interruption, missed connections and any exclusions relevant to your activities. Save the assistance number and policy details offline. Insurance is not a replacement for checking the entry, health and safety advice issued by your own government.
1–2 weeks before departure
7. Set up more than one way to pay
Mobile payment is common, but visitors should not depend on a single app or card. The Chinese government’s payment guide for overseas visitors lists mobile payment, bank cards and cash as available options.
- Install Alipay and/or Weixin Pay and attempt identity and card verification before departure.
- Carry at least two cards from different issuers where possible.
- Tell your bank you will be in China and check its foreign-transaction policy.
- Keep a modest amount of RMB cash as a backup.
- Do not assume every small merchant will accept an overseas bank card directly.
8. Prepare connectivity and essential apps
Decide between international roaming and a local SIM. If buying a local SIM, bring your passport and check that your phone is unlocked and compatible. Download translation, maps, airline, hotel and rail information before you fly. Save addresses in Chinese characters as well as English.
9. Review your devices and batteries
Pack a China-compatible plug adapter; mainland China commonly uses 220V electricity, so check that each device supports the voltage. If you plan to take domestic flights, review the current airline and Civil Aviation Administration rules for lithium batteries and power banks. Since June 2025, power banks without a clear CCC mark, with an unclear mark or from recalled batches are prohibited on domestic flights in China. See the CAAC notice.
48 hours before departure
- Recheck your flight, visa and passport details.
- Download offline copies of reservations and the day-one route.
- Confirm airport or station pickup instructions.
- Charge devices and label your luggage.
- Share your itinerary and insurance details with a trusted contact.
- Check the forecast and any attraction closures or transport disruptions.
Your arrival-day plan
Keep the first day simple. Get connected, reach your accommodation, complete check-in, test one payment method and rest. Avoid booking a long-distance train or an irreplaceable attraction immediately after an international arrival; delays and jet lag are easier to manage when the schedule has breathing room.
Quick China packing list
- Passport, visa or entry documents, insurance details and copies
- Payment cards, RMB backup cash and payment apps
- Phone, charging cable, compliant power bank and plug adapter
- Prescription medicines in original packaging and supporting documents where needed
- Comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for the season and region
- Offline addresses, translation tools and emergency contacts
For a route tailored to your dates and interests, contact CHINA FACE. We can help turn the checklist into a workable day-by-day China itinerary.