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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 go6 min read

Your first 72 hours, in the right order

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

Checked · 25 Sep 2026

Do this in order

  1. At the airport, connect first, message your accommodation and open the saved Chinese address before joining any transport queue.

  2. Test one payment and keep the receipt; if it fails, switch wallet or card before moving on.

  3. Use the official taxi queue, airport rail or pre-booked transfer. Show the Chinese destination, not only an English hotel name.

  4. On day two, confirm your return route, nearest metro entrance, pharmacy and operator-owned SIM hall.

A little more preparation

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

Before you go

The 24-hour pre-flight checklist

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

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