Preparation checklist
Mark your own preparation progress. Your selections are saved only in this browser and do not guarantee readiness.
Read the full guide →Departure checklist
Track your own planning progress. Check items you’ve handled; skip any that don’t apply. This is a self-reported checklist, not a readiness check.
A passport country's presence on a selected policy list is only one screening input, not full eligibility or an entry guarantee. Check the current official rules for your complete itinerary.
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Original checklist
Check the documents and entry steps that apply to your trip.
Read China entry requirementsKeep your arrival details and next leg of the journey in mind.
Explore itinerary planningCheck whether an arrival card step applies to your journey.
Read the China arrival card guidePlan another way to pay in case your preferred method does not work.
Read payment tips for ChinaPlan phone access and save your accommodation addresses where you can find them.
Explore China travel appsReview the connections you expect to use between cities.
Read about train ticketsReview reservation needs for places you plan to visit. Beijing’s Forbidden City is one example, not a requirement for every trip.
See the Beijing Forbidden City ticket exampleKeep your confirmations and emergency contacts available without a connection.
Read first-day travel tips
Entry documents
Before booking and again before departure
Use the exact name and document number on your bookings; check the rules for your route.
Entry requirements guideCheck the current conditions for the visa or visa-free arrangement you intend to use.
Visa-free guideReview your passport, onward itinerary, ports and permitted travel area.
Transit guide
Payments
Before departure
Check your card settings and keep a suitable backup for your plans.
Alipay guideComplete any setup you choose and test the account information you can access.
WeChat Pay guideInclude meals, local trips, tickets and room for changes.
First-day guide
Connectivity
Before departure
Compare your device compatibility and expected data needs.
eSIM guideMake sure you can receive any sign-in codes needed while traveling.
Travel apps guideSave hotel addresses and booking references where you can reach them without data.
First-day guide
Transport
While shaping your route
Confirm departure and arrival station names for each rail leg.
Train tickets guideInclude the trip across town if two legs use different stations.
Train tickets guideKeep your arrival address and a route to the lodging handy.
First-day guide
Lodging
Before confirming each stay
Compare it with your arrival point and planned sights.
Hotels guideCheck dates, guest names, room terms and the property's current instructions.
Hotels guideKeep the property's address and contact details available offline.
First-day guide
Reservations
As your dates become firm
Look up current admission arrangements for your chosen date.
Forbidden City tickets guideMatch the date, stations, passenger details and fare shown at checkout.
Train tickets guideSave the references and instructions for bookings you actually make.
Travel apps guide
Offline essentials
A few days before departure
Keep arrival, lodging and transfer details accessible without a connection.
First-day guideStore copies securely and retain the originals required for travel.
Entry requirements guideSave addresses, maps or notes your chosen apps support offline.
Travel apps guide
Departure check
Shortly before travel
Confirm the rules for your passport and itinerary using current official information.
Entry requirements guideCheck any current arrival-form instructions relevant to your entry.
Arrival card guideCheck transport and lodging details for changes before setting out.
First-day guide
More preparation
Understand mainland app restrictions, Wi-Fi versus roaming and travel eSIMs, bank SMS, and the offline backups to prepare before flying.
Read guidePractical restaurant ordering in China, QR-menu fallbacks, ingredient checks and preparation for travelers with medically important food allergies.
Read guideMainland China emergency numbers, practical medical-help steps, foreign passport loss procedures and recovery after losing phone or payment access.
Read guideCheck mainland domestic flight CCC requirements, international power bank rules, train limits, chargers, baggage allowances and medication paperwork.
Read guide
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