A lot of people think China is hard to visit, or even dangerous. After many trips there, I can tell you it's one of the most fun and safe places I've ever traveled. You just need to set a few things up before you go. Here's everything I'd tell a friend taking their first trip to China.

1. Download Alipay and WeChat (they're a must)

Alipay and WeChat are how China runs. You use them to pay for almost everything, and you'll want them set up before you land.

  • Didi (rides): you don't need a separate Didi app. You can use the Didi mini program right inside Alipay, and it's all tied together.
  • Load money before you go: put some money on Alipay before you get to China, just in case you have connection issues when you arrive.

2. Paying: almost everything is digital

In China you'll pay for almost everything through Alipay. I link my Chase Sapphire card to Alipay because it has no foreign transaction fees, and I'm linking a credit card instead of handing over my real banking info. If you want one, here's my Chase Sapphire referral link (I can be rewarded if you apply through it and are approved).

Still carry some cash. I bring about $75 USD in Chinese yuan as a backup. Most of the time I never touch it. The one time I needed it was in Genhe, in Inner Mongolia, where some taxis only took cash and Didi didn't work. (Read about that trip: Christmas in Aoluguya reindeer village.)

3. Getting online: plan for blocked apps

Google, Instagram, YouTube and many other apps you use at home are blocked in China, so plan ahead.

  • My setup: I use Google Fi as my phone plan, and I can use the internet like I do at home. I can even hotspot to my computer.
  • VPN as a backup: I also carry a VPN (I use Surfshark) just in case. Set it up before you leave home.

4. Use Apple Maps, not Google Maps

Google isn't really allowed in China, so Google Maps isn't very accurate there. Apple Maps works much better for finding your way around.

5. The language barrier is real, but your phone fixes it

Not many people in China speak fluent English, so language is a big barrier. The good news: China is very technologically advanced, so translation tools make it easy. I usually use Google Translate, but there are lots of good translator apps. Many times, locals would pull out their phones and use really cool translator apps I'd never even seen before.

6. Visas: my advice is the 10-year visa

If you're from the U.S., there are two common ways to visit:

  • The 10-year tourist visa: a multiple-entry visa you apply for before your trip.
  • Visa-free transit: if you're flying through China on your way to another country, you may be able to stay up to 10 days (240 hours) without a visa, within certain regions.

My advice: get the 10-year visa, even if you're planning to use visa-free transit. Some airlines and countries aren't familiar with the transit rules. My mom and my aunt actually had trouble in Tokyo, because staff in Tokyo were afraid to send them on to China, even though they met all the requirements. Rules change often, so always check the official Chinese embassy website before you book.

7. Take the fast trains, and book on Trip.com

China's fast trains are super convenient for getting between cities. I recommend booking your train tickets and hotels through Trip.com. It's the main travel booking system used throughout China. You can book on Trip.com here (affiliate link: I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you).

8. My biggest tip: China is extremely safe

Many people think China is dangerous, but it's honestly the safest country I've ever been in. I wouldn't let your guard down completely, but don't be so nervous about safety that you miss out on how fun China actually is.

First-time China checklist

  • Set up Alipay and WeChat, and load some money onto Alipay.
  • Link a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card to Alipay.
  • Bring about $75 USD in Chinese yuan as a backup.
  • Sort out your internet: an international phone plan, a VPN, or both.
  • Use Apple Maps and download a translator app.
  • Get your visa (I recommend the 10-year visa) and check the latest rules.
  • Book fast trains and hotels on Trip.com (affiliate link).

Where to go on your first trip

For a first trip to China, here's what I recommend:

If you have more time, also check out:

Watch: 48 hours in Beijing without a tour guide

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