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China in Scenes画 里 中 国
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StoryA world of stories, stitched into a sleeveStoryChina is worth getting up forStoryA garden you read one view at a timeStoryThe journey outside the train windowStoryOne small boat, a country of waterwaysStoryA morning, a chair, a cup of ChengduStoryThree cities, three ways to light the nightStoryRead the city through its moving partsStoryThe electric car passing your windowStoryThrough the doors of China's international fairsStoryYunnan, through the hands that make itStoryFour Yunnan landscapes, four ways to exploreStoryYunnan in song, from the snow mountain to the stagePractical guideThe 24-hour pre-flight checklistPractical guideMake mobile payment work before arrivalPractical guideeSIM or local SIM: choose by what you needPractical guideYour first 72 hours, in the right orderPractical guideThe small app stack that covers most tripsPractical guideHow to get around: metro, bus and high-speed railPractical guideHigh-speed rail without the station panicPractical guideHow to communicate: a pocket Chinese phrasebookPractical guidePlan a supplier or factory visit that stays on schedule
Before you go4 min read

The 24-hour pre-flight checklist

Put entry documents, payment, internet and Chinese addresses in the right order before you board.

Checked · 25 Sep 2026

Do this in order

  1. Confirm your own visa or visa-free eligibility on an official immigration or embassy page; transit rules depend on nationality, route and onward ticket.

  2. Save your hotel name, full address and phone number in Chinese, plus a screenshot that works offline.

  3. Install Alipay and WeChat, add an international card, and tell your bank you will use the card in China.

  4. Choose a travel eSIM or note the airport/operator-owned shop where you will buy a physical SIM with your passport.

A little more preparation

Keep a useful answer close, then get back to exploring.

Before you go

Your first 72 hours, in the right order

A calm arrival sequence from airport Wi-Fi to your first local journey and payment test.

Read the guideHow to…

Make mobile payment work before arrival

A practical Alipay-first setup with WeChat Pay and cash as real backups.

Read the guideHow to…

eSIM or local SIM: choose by what you need

Buy data before flying, or get a +86 number at an airport counter or operator-owned hall.

Read the guide