China

🇨🇳 China is the size of Europe with five times the population. Nearly 1.4 billion people across 9.6 million km?. The country has been inhabited and governed for longer than any other civilisation on Earth.

🚀 The reality of travelling here has changed dramatically since 2024. Visa-free entry for 50+ nationalities, mobile payments that work with foreign cards, the world's largest high-speed rail network. 💡 The Great Firewall still blocks Google and WhatsApp, but a VPN installed before you land solves that.

🌸 What makes it worth the trip: Beijing's imperial palaces and the Great Wall. Shanghai's neon-lit skyline and soup dumplings. Sichuan's face-numbing hotpot and giant pandas. Yunnan's Tiger Leaping Gorge. Zhangjiajie's sandstone pillars that inspired Avatar.

Each region feels like a different country with different food, different landscapes, and often a different language.

🌟 China stretches from subarctic Heilongjiang to tropical Hainan, so "best time" depends entirely on where you go. April to June and September to October are the safest bets for most popular destinations.

⚠ The deciding factor is not weather but holidays. Chinese New Year (late Jan/Feb), Labour Day week (early May), and National Day Golden Week (Oct 1-7) cause the largest human migration on Earth. Trains sell out weeks ahead, hotel prices triple, and major attractions become genuinely unpleasant.

Month-by-Month Overview

China occupies most of East Asia, bordered by 14 countries — more land neighbours than any other nation. The country stretches roughly 5,500 km from the Amur River in the northeast to the tropical waters off Hainan in the south, and 5,200 km from the Pamir Mountains in the west to the Pacific coast. The terrain ranges from the Tibetan Plateau (average 4,500 m) through the Gobi and Taklamakan deserts to fertile eastern plains fed by the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers. The main travel corridor runs along the eastern seaboard and the high-speed rail arteries connecting Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guilin, and Shanghai.

Chinese public holidays have an outsized impact on travel logistics. The country operates a unique “golden week” system where the government designates multi-day breaks, and adjacent weekends are shifted to create longer holidays. During these windows, roughly 300–600 million domestic trips happen simultaneously. Trains sell out within minutes of release, hotel prices double or triple, and major attractions can see 50,000+ daily visitors.

Holidays, Festivals & Events

China is too large to treat as a single destination. Think of it as a continent divided into regions, each with distinct food, landscapes, dialects, and travel rhythms. Most first-timers stick to the eastern corridor (Beijing–Xi’an–Shanghai). Returning visitors head southwest (Yunnan, Sichuan) or northwest (Silk Road). The regions below follow the main travel circuits.

North / Beijing

Imperial China’s heart. The Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, hutong alleys. Beijing needs 3–4 full days. Nearby: Datong (Yungang Grottoes), Pingyao (preserved Ming-era walled town). Cold winters (–10°C), hot summers (35°C+). Best: April–May, September–October.

East Coast / Shanghai

Modern China meets old-world charm. The Bund, Yu Garden, French Concession, Pudong skyline. Day trips to Suzhou (classical gardens, canals), Hangzhou (West Lake, Longjing tea), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain — granite peaks, sea of clouds). Shanghai needs 3 days minimum. Humid summers, mild winters.

Central / Xi’an

The ancient Silk Road capital. Terracotta Warriors (8,000 life-sized figures), ancient city walls (cycle the full 14 km loop), Muslim Quarter street food. Gateway to the Silk Road heading west. 2–3 days covers the highlights. Connected to Beijing by 4.5h high-speed rail.

Southwest / Sichuan & Chongqing

Pandas, hotpot, and dramatic mountain scenery. Chengdu is the gateway: Giant Panda Research Base, Sichuan cooking classes, tea houses, nightlife. Beyond the city: Jiuzhaigou (turquoise alpine lakes), Leshan Giant Buddha (71 m carved into a cliff), Emeishan. Chongqing for the Yangtze Three Gorges cruise starting point.

South / Yunnan

China’s most ethnically diverse province. Kunming (eternal spring climate), Dali (Bai culture, Erhai Lake), Lijiang (Naxi old town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain), Shangri-La (Tibetan culture at altitude), Tiger Leaping Gorge (world-class trek). 25+ ethnic minority groups. Best: October–April (dry season). 7–10 days for a proper Yunnan loop.

South-Central / Guilin & Hunan

China’s most iconic natural scenery. Li River cruise to Yangshuo through karst peaks. Yangshuo for cycling, rock climbing, countryside exploration. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Avatar’s floating mountains, Bailong Elevator, glass bridge). Fenghuang ancient riverside town. 4–7 days for the combined region.

Northwest / Silk Road

Desert, oases, and ancient trade routes. Dunhuang (Mogao Caves — 1,000 years of Buddhist art, singing sand dunes), Zhangye (Rainbow Mountains / Danxia Geopark), Jiayuguan (Great Wall’s western end in the desert), Turpan (ancient ruins, grape valleys). Remote and slow. Needs 7–10 days. Best: May–October.

Tibet

The Roof of the World. Lhasa (Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery), Yamdrok Lake, Shigatse, Everest Base Camp at 5,200 m. Requires a Tibet Travel Permit (book 1–2 months ahead through a licensed tour agency). Foreigners must travel with an organised tour and guide. Altitude serious — acclimatise 2–3 days in Lhasa before moving higher. Best: May–October.

China has 59 UNESCO World Heritage Sites — more than any country except Italy. The sheer volume of historically significant and naturally spectacular places is overwhelming. These ten are the non-negotiable highlights that justify the trip.

1. Great Wall

Over 21,000 km of walls built across 2,000 years. The best-preserved sections are near Beijing. Mutianyu (restored, cable car, manageable crowds). Jinshanling (semi-wild, fewer people, best for photography and the Jinshanling-to-Simatai hike). Badaling (most accessible, most crowded). Allow a full day including transport from Beijing.

2. Forbidden City

The world’s largest palace complex. 72 hectares, 980 surviving buildings, 500+ years of imperial history. Book tickets online in advance (daily cap enforced). Allow 3–4 hours minimum. Combine with Jingshan Park (hill behind the palace — best panoramic view). Morning entry is less crowded.

3. Terracotta Warriors

8,000 life-sized clay soldiers guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb since 210 BCE. Three excavation pits to explore. Pit 1 is the most impressive (6,000 figures in military formation). 45 minutes east of Xi’an by bus or taxi. ¥120 entry (~€15). Audio guide recommended — context transforms the experience.

4. Zhangjiajie

Quartzite sandstone pillars rising 200 m from subtropical forest. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inspiration for Avatar’s floating mountains. Key spots: Yuanjiajie (Avatar Hallelujah Mountain), Tianzi Mountain (cloud sea at sunrise), Golden Whip Stream (valley-floor walk), Bailong Elevator (326 m glass lift). Allow 2–3 full days. ¥224 scenic area + eco-bus ticket valid 4 days.

5. Li River & Yangshuo

The most photographed landscape in China. Limestone karst peaks rising from emerald water, bamboo rafts, water buffalo, rice paddies. The classic Li River cruise runs Guilin to Yangshuo (4 hours, ¥210–450). In Yangshuo: rent a bicycle for the countryside loop, take a cooking class, rock climb on the karst cliffs. 2–3 days covers it well.

6. Giant Panda Base

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Around 200 pandas in a naturalistic setting. Go at opening time (07:30) when the pandas are active and feeding. By 10:00 they sleep until afternoon. ¥55 entry (~€7). Half-day visit. For a wilder experience, Wolong Nature Reserve (2.5h from Chengdu) has pandas in larger enclosures with mountain forest backdrop.

7. Potala Palace

Former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas, rising 117 m above Lhasa at 3,700 m altitude. 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines, 200,000 statues. Daily visitor cap strictly enforced — book well ahead through your tour agency. ¥200 entry (May–Oct peak). Allow 2–3 hours. Take it slow — the altitude makes stairs exhausting.

8. Jiuzhaigou Valley

Alpine valley in northern Sichuan with turquoise lakes, multi-level waterfalls, and Tibetan villages. UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fall colours (late September to mid-October) are among the most spectacular on Earth. Timed-entry system limits daily visitors. 2h flight or 8h bus from Chengdu. Allow 2 days for the valley.

9. The Bund, Shanghai

A 1.5 km waterfront promenade of colonial-era buildings facing the futuristic Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River. Best at dusk when both sides light up. Walk the full stretch, then take the ferry across (¥2) for the view back. Combine with Yu Garden and the Old City. Shanghai Tower observation deck (632 m, ¥120) for the aerial perspective.

10. Tiger Leaping Gorge

One of the world’s deepest river gorges. The Yangtze (here called the Jinsha) drops through a 3,900 m-deep chasm between Jade Dragon and Haba Snow Mountains. The 2-day high trail trek is China’s best accessible multi-day hike. Guesthouses along the route. Located between Lijiang and Shangri-La in Yunnan. No permit needed. ¥65 entry.

🍴 Chinese food is not one cuisine. It is at least eight major regional traditions, each as distinct from the others as French cooking is from Thai. 💡 Every region you visit will have completely different flavours, ingredients, and eating customs. This is the single best reason to travel across multiple provinces.

Sichuan — Fiery & Numbing

The cuisine that converts people. Sichuan peppercorn creates a unique tingling numbness (málà) layered with chili heat. Mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, dan dan noodles, Sichuan hotpot (order half-and-half: spicy and mild broth). Chengdu is the epicentre. Expect to sweat.

Cantonese — Dim Sum & Seafood

Guangdong province’s gift to the world. Delicate, ingredient-focused, less spice, more technique. Morning dim sum (yum cha) with dozens of small dishes: har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai, char siu bao (BBQ pork buns), congee. Roast goose, wonton noodle soup, steamed fish. Best in Guangzhou.

Beijing — Imperial & Hearty

Peking duck is the headline (crispy skin wrapped in thin pancakes with scallion and hoisin). But Beijing food goes deeper: zhajiangmian (thick noodles with fermented soybean paste), jianbing (savoury breakfast crepes from street carts), lamb hotpot in winter, baozi (steamed buns) everywhere. Heavier, wheat-based northern cooking.

Shanghai — Sweet, Soy-Braised & Delicate

Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings — bite carefully, the broth inside is scalding). Red-cooked pork belly (slow-braised in soy, sugar, Shaoxing wine). Hairy crab season (October–November). Scallion oil noodles. Shengjianbao (pan-fried soup buns). Shanghai food balances sweet and savoury in ways that surprise first-timers.

Xi’an — Silk Road Street Food

The Muslim Quarter is one of China’s best street food experiences. Roujiamo (“Chinese hamburger” — shredded lamb or pork in flatbread), biang biang noodles (hand-torn belt noodles, impossibly wide), yangrou paomo (lamb soup with torn bread), persimmon cakes. Halal cuisine reflecting the city’s Silk Road heritage.

Yunnan — Mushrooms & Minority Flavours

China’s most biodiverse cuisine. Wild mushroom hotpot (porcini, matsutake, chanterelles — summer season), crossing-the-bridge noodles (Kunming’s signature), Dai minority grilled fish, Bai cheese fans in Dali, yak butter tea in Shangri-La. Influences from Southeast Asia, Tibet, and 25+ ethnic groups. Milder than Sichuan but far more varied.

Eating Customs

China’s sheer geographic scale means activities range from Himalayan trekking to tropical diving, from desert camping to rice-paddy cycling. The infrastructure for adventure tourism has improved dramatically — trails are marked, cable cars access remote peaks, and high-speed rail gets you to trailheads that used to take days to reach.

China is one of the world’s 17 megadiverse countries. The terrain spans from tropical rainforest to alpine tundra, from desert to temperate broadleaf forest. The country hosts over 35,000 plant species and more than 6,400 vertebrate species. Several animals exist nowhere else on Earth — and the national park system, formally established in 2021, is rapidly improving conservation infrastructure.

Giant Panda

Around 1,860 wild pandas survive, almost all in Sichuan, with small populations in Shaanxi and Gansu. The Giant Panda National Park (established 2021) covers 27,134 km² across 67 reserves. Best viewing: Chengdu Research Base (200 pandas, easy access) or Wolong Nature Reserve (wilder setting, 2.5h from Chengdu). Arrive at opening for active feeding.

Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey

Striking blue-faced primates living at 1,500–3,400 m in central and southwestern China. Around 20,000 remain. Best viewing at Shennongjia National Park (Hubei) or Foping Nature Reserve (Shaanxi). Winter is actually best — troops descend to lower altitudes and are easier to spot against snowy backgrounds.

Red-Crowned Crane

Symbol of longevity in Chinese culture. Fewer than 2,750 remain worldwide. Zhalong Nature Reserve in Heilongjiang (northeast China) hosts a breeding population and is the best place to see them dance. Winter congregations also at Yancheng Wetland Reserve (Jiangsu). Designated a National Nature Reserve.

Chinese Giant Salamander

The world’s largest amphibian — up to 1.8 m long. Critically endangered. Found in cool, fast-flowing mountain streams across central and southern China. Zhangjiajie’s Golden Whip Stream hosts a population. Captive breeding programmes at Zhangjiajie and Guizhou facilities. Extremely rare to see in the wild.

National Parks & Nature Reserves

Planning a trip to China requires consideration of several factors that affect routing, timing, and budget. Visa requirements vary by nationality, domestic transport ranges from modern highways to unpaved mountain roads, and seasonal weather can dramatically alter your experience. The routes below are designed around China's geography and transport networks, but conditions change — always verify road access, border crossings, and transport schedules before departing.

Before choosing a route, consider: your time frame (a focused one-week trip differs vastly from a three-week exploration), your budget (some routes require domestic flights or private transport), what you want to see (cities, nature, culture, adventure), and seasonal conditions (monsoon, dry season, temperature extremes). Each route is a template — adjust it to fit your style.

The classic first-timer circuit. Three cities connected by high-speed rail, covering imperial history, ancient civilisation, and modern China in 10 days. This is the “Golden Triangle” that most first-time visitors start with — and for good reason. Logistics are simple, the sights are extraordinary, and the high-speed rail connections make the whole thing feel effortless. Extend to 14 days by adding Hangzhou/Suzhou day trips from Shanghai.

Southwest China is where the landscapes become surreal and the cultural diversity explodes. This route covers Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guangxi — three provinces with completely different food, terrain, and ethnic identities. You will go from panda bases to Tibetan plateaux, from rice terraces to the deepest gorge in Asia. Less polished than the Golden Triangle, far more rewarding if you have the time.

The ultimate China trip. This route combines the Golden Triangle (Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai) with the Southwest and adds the Silk Road and Tibet. Four weeks covers the cultural and geographic breadth of China better than most people manage in a lifetime. You will cross from temperate northern plains through desert, over the Tibetan Plateau, into subtropical Yunnan, and finish in the tropical karst of Guangxi. This is not a rush — every stop deserves its time.

China’s transport infrastructure is extraordinary. The high-speed rail network is the largest on Earth (over 42,000 km), domestic flights are frequent and cheap, and even bus networks reach remote villages. Getting around is rarely the problem — navigating the booking apps is. Here is what actually works.

High-Speed Rail (Gaotie / G-trains)

The best way to travel between major cities. Trains run at 250–350 km/h on dedicated tracks. Beijing–Shanghai in 4.5 hours, Shanghai–Hangzhou in 1 hour, Chengdu–Xi’an in 3.5 hours. Second-class seats are comfortable and about 1/3 the price of flights. Book via Trip.com (English interface, accepts foreign cards) or the 12306 app (official, Chinese only, requires Chinese phone number). Book 2–5 days ahead for popular routes. Passport required for ticket collection.

Domestic Flights

Essential for long distances (Chengdu–Lhasa, Beijing–Dunhuang, Guilin–Kunming). Prices are reasonable: ¥400–1,200 (~€50–150) for most routes. Book on Trip.com, Qunar, or airline websites. Luggage allowance varies — budget airlines like Spring Airlines charge for checked bags. Allow extra time: Chinese airport security is thorough and domestic terminals get crowded.

City Transport

Long-Distance Bus

Still necessary for reaching national parks, small towns, and places without rail connections. Comfortable sleeper buses exist for overnight routes. Book at the bus station on the day or one day ahead. Quality varies wildly — newer routes have modern coaches, older routes may have no air conditioning. Bring snacks and water.

Booking Apps

• Trip.com (Ctrip international) — best overall for foreigners. Trains, flights, hotels, all in English. Accepts foreign credit cards
• Baidu Maps — the Google Maps of China. Accurate transit directions, walking navigation, restaurant listings. Download offline maps
• Amap (Gaode) — alternative to Baidu Maps, slightly better for driving/taxi routes
• 12306 — official railway booking app. Cheaper than Trip.com but Chinese-only and requires Chinese ID or passport registration

China is surprisingly affordable for the quality of experience. Accommodation, food, and transport cost a fraction of what you would pay in Japan, South Korea, or Western Europe. The high-speed rail alone saves thousands compared to flying. The one area that can get expensive is Tibet (mandatory guided tours) and remote western destinations (fewer budget options, more complex logistics).

Daily Budget Ranges

Money & Payment

• Currency: Chinese Yuan Renminbi (¥ / CNY). ~¥7.8 = €1 (June 2026)
• Cash: Still accepted but increasingly unnecessary. ATMs dispense ¥100 notes. Withdraw from Bank of China or ICBC for the best rates. Some small vendors in rural areas still prefer cash
• Alipay: Essential. Foreign passport holders can now link international Visa/Mastercard directly in the app. Set this up before arrival. Nearly everything scans to pay — restaurants, taxis, metro tickets, street carts, vending machines
• WeChat Pay: Similar to Alipay but requires a Chinese bank account or a Chinese contact to send you ¥0.01 to activate the wallet. Alipay is easier for visitors
• Credit cards: Accepted at international hotels, upscale restaurants, and tourist shops. Not accepted at most local businesses, transport kiosks, or street vendors

Tipping

Not expected. Not in restaurants, not in taxis, not in hotels. Adding a tip can cause confusion or even offence. The only exception: private tour guides may appreciate a small tip (¥50–100/day) if the service was excellent, but it is never required.

Visa

Most nationalities require a visa. China now offers visa-free transit (144 hours) for citizens of 54 countries including most European nations, the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand — valid at major airports and ports. This covers stays up to 6 days without a visa if you have an onward ticket to a third country. For longer stays, apply for a tourist visa (L-visa) at the Chinese embassy/consulate. Processing takes 4–7 business days. Cost varies by nationality (€126 for most EU citizens). 30-day single entry is standard; 60-day and multiple-entry options available.

Internet & The Great Firewall

Google, Gmail, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, and many Western news sites are blocked in mainland China. A VPN is essential. Install and configure it before you arrive — VPN websites are blocked inside China. Recommended: ExpressVPN, Astrill, or NordVPN. Download offline Google Maps and any needed content before crossing the border. Chinese alternatives: Baidu Maps (navigation), WeChat (messaging), Bilibili (video).

SIM Cards & Connectivity

• eSIM: Airalo or Holafly China eSIMs work immediately on arrival. Data only, no local number. From ~€5 for 1 GB / 7 days. Some eSIMs include VPN tunnel (check before purchase)
• Physical SIM: China Unicom or China Mobile tourist SIMs available at airports. Requires passport. ~¥100–200 for 30 days with data. Gives you a local phone number (useful for some apps)
• Wi-Fi: Hotels, cafes, and restaurants almost always have free Wi-Fi. Airport Wi-Fi requires a Chinese phone number for login (use your SIM)

Health & Vaccinations

• No mandatory vaccinations for entry (unless arriving from a yellow fever zone)
• Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus, and seasonal flu. Japanese Encephalitis if visiting rural areas in summer
• Tap water is not drinkable. Always drink boiled or bottled water. Hotels provide electric kettles (used constantly — Chinese people drink hot water year-round)
• Pharmacies are widespread. Basic medications available without prescription. Bring your own prescription medicines with the original packaging and a doctor’s letter
• Hospitals in major cities are modern and well-equipped. International clinics in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage recommended

Safety

China is one of the safest countries for travellers. Violent crime against foreigners is extremely rare. Petty theft (pickpocketing in crowded areas, tourist scams) is the main risk. Common scams: “art students” inviting you to a gallery, “tea ceremony” invitations from friendly strangers, fake monks asking for donations, taxi drivers who refuse the meter. The standard defence: politely decline unsolicited invitations from strangers near tourist sites.

Language

Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua) is the official language. English is very limited outside international hotels, airports, and major tourist sites in Beijing/Shanghai. In smaller cities and rural areas, assume zero English. Essential tools: Google Translate (download Chinese offline pack before arrival), Pleco (best Chinese dictionary app), and saved Chinese-character names of your hotel, destinations, and dietary needs on your phone. Learn at least: nǐ hǎo (hello), xièxie (thank you), duōshao qián (how much?).

Electricity

220V / 50Hz. Outlets accept Type A (two flat pins), Type I (Australian-style), and Type C (European two-round-pin). Most modern Chinese sockets are universal and accept all three types. A universal adapter is safest but often unnecessary. USB charging ports are common in hotels, trains, and airports.

Tibet Special Rules

Things That Catch People Off Guard

• Alipay/WeChat Pay is not optional. Set up Alipay with your international card before you arrive. Without it, you cannot pay at most restaurants, shops, or transport. Cash is technically legal tender but many vendors no longer handle it smoothly. Test a small payment immediately after setup
• VPN before you land. You cannot download or configure a VPN inside China because VPN provider websites are blocked. Install and test it at home. If your VPN stops working (common during political events), try switching servers or protocols. Have a backup VPN app
• Google nothing works. Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps, Google Translate — all blocked without VPN. Download offline maps and translation packs. Baidu Maps and Baidu Translate are the local alternatives and work better for Chinese addresses anyway
• Book train tickets early for holidays. Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb), National Day (1–7 October), and Labour Day (1–5 May) involve the largest human migrations on Earth. Tickets sell out within minutes of release (30 days before departure). Avoid travel during these periods if possible
• Squat toilets are standard. Western-style toilets exist in hotels, malls, and airports. Everywhere else, expect squat toilets. Carry your own toilet paper (none provided) and hand sanitiser. Some public toilets use facial-recognition dispensers that give you 60 cm of paper per face per 10 minutes
• Spitting and loudness. Cultural norms around personal space, queuing, and noise differ from Western expectations. Do not take it personally. Nobody is being rude to you — the norms are just different
• Pollution days happen. Beijing and northern cities can have severe smog, especially in winter. Check AQI (Air Quality Index) on the IQAir app. Bring a decent mask (N95/KN95) for bad days (AQI above 150). Southern and western China are significantly cleaner

Common Mistakes

What to Pack

• Universal power adapter — most Chinese sockets accept multiple plug types but bring one to be safe
• Toilet paper & hand sanitiser — carry a small supply everywhere
• KN95/N95 masks — for pollution days in northern cities
• Layering system — China spans from tropical to subarctic; temperature swings within a single trip can be 30 °C+
• Rain jacket — summer monsoon season (Jun–Sep) brings sudden downpours, especially in the south and southwest
• Comfortable walking shoes — Chinese cities and sights involve enormous amounts of walking. The Forbidden City alone is a 5 km walk
• Prescription medications in original packaging — with a doctor’s letter if possible

China is hard to travel in and impossible to forget. The language barrier is real, the internet restrictions are frustrating, and the scale of the country makes every logistical decision feel consequential. None of that matters once you are standing on the Great Wall at Jinshanling with nobody around you, or watching a Sichuan grandmother hand-pull noodles in a steam-filled street stall, or hiking above Tiger Leaping Gorge as the Yangtze roars 3,000 metres below.

The food alone justifies the trip. Eight distinct regional cuisines, each deep enough to spend a lifetime exploring, and all of them better on the ground than anything you have tasted outside China. The infrastructure is the best in Asia — 350 km/h trains, spotless metro systems, mobile payment for everything. The history is 5,000 years deep and physically present everywhere.

Start with the Golden Triangle if you have 10 days. Add the Southwest if you have 3 weeks. Give it a month and you will only scratch the surface, but you will understand why people come back.

Set up Alipay and your VPN before you land. Everything else you can figure out on the ground.