China Travel Survival Guide
The stuff nobody tells you β tickets, hotels, and essential apps
π« Attraction Tickets
β οΈ Many popular attractions require online booking with a Chinese ID number. Foreigners are often locked out.
Here's how to book tickets as a foreigner:
- βΈ Use Trip.com (English interface) for major attractions
- βΈ Some attractions accept passport numbers on their English website
- βΈ Ask your hotel concierge to help book tickets
- βΈ Consider booking through a travel agency for complex trips
- βΈ Visit early morning for on-site ticket availability
π¨ Hotel Warning
β οΈ Not all hotels in China are licensed to accept foreign guests. You may be turned away at check-in.
How to find foreigner-friendly hotels:
- βΈ Filter by 'Accepts Foreign Guests' on Booking.com
- βΈ International chains (Marriott, Hilton, IHG) always accept foreigners
- βΈ Call ahead to confirm β especially for smaller hotels
- βΈ If turned away, ask hotel to recommend a nearby foreigner-friendly option
- βΈ Always keep your passport with you β hotels must register you with police
π± Essential Apps
β οΈ Life in China runs on apps. Without them, you can't order food, hail a ride, or buy train tickets.
Alipay
Payments, ride-hailing, food delivery, train tickets β the Swiss Army knife of China
App Store / Google Play
Messaging, payments, mini-programs for everything
App Store / Google Play
DiDi
Ride-hailing (like Uber). English interface available.
App Store / Google Play
Meituan
Food delivery & restaurant bookings
App Store / Google Play
12306
Official train ticket app. English version available.
App Store / Google Play
Amap / Baidu Maps
Navigation. Amap has limited English support.
App Store / Google Play
Google Translate
Download Chinese offline pack before arrival
App Store / Google Play
β οΈ Install these apps BEFORE arriving in China