Survival Basics
Everything that has to be sorted before or during your first trip — entry rules, money, apps, trains, food, shopping and medical care. No history, no top-ten lists.
Visa & Entry
240-hour transit, 30-day visa-free entry, visa types and customs.
Open guide → 02 · Core guidePayments, Apps & Internet
Alipay, WeChat Pay, eSIM, VPN, Amap and DiDi — set up before you land.
Open guide → 03 · Core guideTransport & Trains
High-speed rail, 12306 booking, metro systems and airport transfers.
Open guide → 04 · Core guideFood & Etiquette
Allergies, dietary restrictions, QR-code ordering and table manners.
Open guide → 05 · Core guideShopping & Medical
Shopping lists, 30-minute glasses, tax refund, hospitals and TCM clinics.
Open guide →The phrases that go with the basics
Payment failed, taxi can’t find the hotel, pharmacy doesn’t understand “allergy” — the phrasebook covers the situations where basic English stops working.
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