Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting China (2026 Travel Guide)
China is currently one of the most exciting international destinations, especially as the country expands their visa-free entry to 50 countries across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. As more and more people look to plan a trip to China, some feel the trip can be daunting. China has its own digital ecosystem plus a complex language that can feel overwhelming.
Don't worry, visiting China isn't difficult. And we'll make it even easier with this essential guide of everything you need to know before visiting. Covering payments, transit, and must-visit food capitals, this China travel guide will help you plan, prepare, and make your trip the best it can be.
The FoodaQuest team and our local guides have a simple approach: master the basics so visitors can eat (and travel) like a local.
How to Pay in China
During the 2010s, China transitioned from a mostly cash-based economy straight to payment apps, practically skipping widespread credit card adoption. Today, cash and credit cards are rarely used in everyday purchases. While legally cash has to be accepted by a vendor, most places do not have a way to accept credit cards.
This creates an obvious difficulty for international travelers, showing up expecting to pay with their credit cards. To avoid this issue, you will need to set up one of the payment apps (Alipay or WeChat) beforehand.
The most accessible payment app for international visitors is Alipay. Before getting on your plane, follow these steps:
Download Alipay from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Enter your home country mobile number (including country code) and then enter the SMS verification code sent to your phone.
Enter identity information by going to Account -> Settings -> Account and Security. Then tap Identity Information and fill in your personal details exactly like they are on your passport.
Verify your passport and face by following the prompts to take a picture of your passport and do a facial recognition scan.
Link your international card by going back to the Account tab and selecting Bank Cards.
Tap Add Card and input your credit card information, then complete any verifications required by your bank.
*A quick note about phone service in general: if you are using a Chinese SIM card or local wifi, most Western apps and websites will be blocked. Google, most social media, etc., are not accessible in China. If you are using a foreign SIM on roaming, you should be able to access these websites. Otherwise, you will need to download a VPN to bypass the restrictions. It can vary which is the best, but as of September 2026, the most consistently working VPN is Mullvad VPN. Download it before arriving in China.
Getting Around in China
Within Cities - Metro Systems
All major cities in China have an extensive, clean, and inexpensive metro system with English signage. They are easy to navigate, following clearly marked signs to the necessary line. For navigation between point A and point B, there are two apps worth downloading. iPhone users can use Apple Maps for metro (and other types of) navigation. The Chinese app Amap has an English setting and is great for navigation as well.
For payment, your previously set up Alipay account has Metro QR codes that you can use in any Metro system. Just look for Transport at the top of your screen and select Metro. Your first time using it requires acceptance of their Terms & Policies, but after that it's quick access to the QR code to enter and exit the metro station.
Between Cities - High-Speed Trains & Flights
Getting between major cities in China is easier and faster than ever. While flights can be inexpensive, the best way to travel between regions is the high-speed bullet train. These trains are fast, smooth, clean, and comfortable.
Buying train tickets is also easy. The official 12306 app sells tickets, but sometimes verification on that app is tricky, and they don't sell tickets until two weeks before the date of the trip. If you book on Trip.com, you can pre-purchase tickets before they're on sale, and Trip will buy them for you as soon as they're available. Trip also has an easy-to-use app, English customer service, and member rewards.
Once you have a ticket bought (whether with 12306 or Trip), you will use your passport to enter and exit the train station and the train platform. Look for the gate/desk with the person working, avoiding the gates with digital scanners, and they'll input your passport information to verify you have a ticket.
Key Destinations & What to Eat
Shanghai
Vibe: Modern energy and iconic bites
Where to go: The Bund, Former French Concession, and backstreet longtangs.
What to eat: Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and Jianbing (Chinese crepe)
What to book: Cultural Food Tour with Michelin Guide Dumplings
Beijing
Vibe: Imperial history and alleyway flavors
Where to go: Forbidden City, Great Wall, and historic Hutong alleyways.
What to eat: Peking Duck served with thin pancakes and Hutong grill skewers.
What to book: Cultural Food Tour with Peking Duck & Hutong Grill
Chengdu
Vibe: Sichuan culture and bold spices
Where to go: Neighborhood markets, tea houses, and vibrant residential quarters.
What to eat: Numbing sichuan pepper dishes, hand-cut noodles, and hot pot.
What to book: Food Tour with Sichuan Secrets and Hot Pot Experience
What's the deal with FoodaQuest?
Once you get your mobile pay and metro/train logistics set up, China is easy to navigate. But when it comes to experiencing local culture, knowing the best places to eat, and skipping tourist traps...a local guide is the most helpful option.
Booking with FoodaQuest sets you up with a local guide, someone who can give you a deeper look at the culinary traditions, family-run kitchens, and neighborhood secrets. Anybody can eat the food in China, but only a local guide can tell you the stories behind the food, the flavors, and the people who make it.
