Nacayo
Travel Guides
FAQ
Is China easy to travel around for first-time visitors?
Yes. China has an extensive high-speed rail network, large domestic flight network, modern metro systems and widely used ride-hailing apps. The main adjustment for first-time visitors is usually not transportation itself, but getting used to local payment methods, mobile apps and language differences.
Preparing your payment apps, mobile data and key travel apps before arrival can make the trip much easier.
Preparing your payment apps, mobile data and key travel apps before arrival can make the trip much easier.
How many days do I need for my first trip to China?
For most first-time visitors, around 10 to 14 days is a comfortable amount of time.
A 7-day trip can work if you focus on one or two areas, while two weeks gives you enough time to combine major cities with a nature or regional destination.
Trying to visit too many cities usually means spending too much of the trip moving between hotels, railway stations and airports.
A 7-day trip can work if you focus on one or two areas, while two weeks gives you enough time to combine major cities with a nature or regional destination.
Trying to visit too many cities usually means spending too much of the trip moving between hotels, railway stations and airports.
Where should I go on my first trip to China?
That depends on what you want to experience.
Beijing is ideal for imperial history and the Great Wall. Xi'an is known for the Terracotta Warriors and ancient Chinese history. Shanghai offers a more modern urban experience, while Chengdu is popular for pandas, Sichuan food and access to western China's landscapes.
For nature, travelers often consider Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Sichuan or Yunnan.
A good first itinerary usually combines two or three different sides of China rather than trying to see everything.
Beijing is ideal for imperial history and the Great Wall. Xi'an is known for the Terracotta Warriors and ancient Chinese history. Shanghai offers a more modern urban experience, while Chengdu is popular for pandas, Sichuan food and access to western China's landscapes.
For nature, travelers often consider Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Sichuan or Yunnan.
A good first itinerary usually combines two or three different sides of China rather than trying to see everything.
Do I need a visa to visit China?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality, passport, length of stay and travel route.
China currently offers several types of visa-free entry and transit arrangements, but the rules can change and do not apply to every traveler.
Always check the latest requirements with an official Chinese embassy, consulate or immigration authority before booking non-refundable travel.
China currently offers several types of visa-free entry and transit arrangements, but the rules can change and do not apply to every traveler.
Always check the latest requirements with an official Chinese embassy, consulate or immigration authority before booking non-refundable travel.
Can foreigners use Alipay and WeChat Pay in China?
Yes. International visitors can register for Alipay and WeChat and link supported overseas bank cards.
Mobile payment is widely used in China and is useful for restaurants, shops, taxis, attractions and many everyday purchases.
It is still a good idea to carry a physical bank card and some RMB cash as backup.
Mobile payment is widely used in China and is useful for restaurants, shops, taxis, attractions and many everyday purchases.
It is still a good idea to carry a physical bank card and some RMB cash as backup.
Do I need cash in China?
Cash is still accepted, but mobile payment is much more common in everyday life.
Most travelers will find Alipay or WeChat Pay more convenient, especially for smaller purchases and local services.
Keeping some cash is still useful in case your phone, mobile data or bank card is temporarily unavailable.
Most travelers will find Alipay or WeChat Pay more convenient, especially for smaller purchases and local services.
Keeping some cash is still useful in case your phone, mobile data or bank card is temporarily unavailable.
Can foreigners buy high-speed train tickets in China?
Yes. Foreign travelers can buy train tickets using a valid passport.
Tickets are available through China's official railway platform, 12306, as well as railway stations and other booking services.
Use the same passport for booking and travel, and keep it with you when entering the station and boarding your train.
Tickets are available through China's official railway platform, 12306, as well as railway stations and other booking services.
Use the same passport for booking and travel, and keep it with you when entering the station and boarding your train.
Is it better to travel around China by train or plane?
t depends on the distance.
High-speed trains are often more convenient for journeys between nearby major cities because stations are usually closer to city centers and you avoid airport procedures.
Flights make more sense for longer distances, especially when traveling between different parts of the country.
A well-planned China itinerary usually uses a combination of both.
High-speed trains are often more convenient for journeys between nearby major cities because stations are usually closer to city centers and you avoid airport procedures.
Flights make more sense for longer distances, especially when traveling between different parts of the country.
A well-planned China itinerary usually uses a combination of both.
What apps should I download before traveling to China?
Most first-time visitors should consider installing:
·Alipay for payments and everyday services
·WeChat for messaging and payments
·China Railway 12306 for train tickets
·DiDi for ride-hailing
·Amap for local navigation
·A translation app with offline access
You do not need dozens of apps. A small number of well-prepared tools is usually enough.
·Alipay for payments and everyday services
·WeChat for messaging and payments
·China Railway 12306 for train tickets
·DiDi for ride-hailing
·Amap for local navigation
·A translation app with offline access
You do not need dozens of apps. A small number of well-prepared tools is usually enough.