China Survival Guide Archives

China Visa-Free Countries 2026: Full Guide for Travelers

The current unilateral visa exemption policy covers 48 countries across Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. Eligible travelers can visit China for tourism, business, family visits, exchange activities, or transit.

Ruqin China Travel July 22, 2026

China Survival Guide First-Time Travel Mistakes in China

6 Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Trip to Hangzhou

These are the mistakes I see travelers make most often on their first trip to Hangzhou. Avoid them, and you will spend less time fixing problems and more time enjoying the city like a local friend

Ruqin China Travel July 22, 2026

China Survival Guide Currency and Money Exchange in China

How to Use Credit Cards in Beijing for Foreigners

In this guide, I'll show you how I use credit cards in Beijing, where they are widely accepted, where they are not, and a few simple ways to make paying for things much easier during your trip.

Ruqin China Travel July 22, 2026

China Survival Guide Currency and Money Exchange in China

How to Exchange Money in Beijing for Foreigners

In this guide, I'll show you the easiest ways to get Chinese yuan after you arrive. We'll look at airport exchange counters, banks, ATMs, and a few simple tips that can save you both time and money during your stay in Beijing.

Ruqin China Travel July 22, 2026

China Survival Guide Mobile Apps for Travelers in China

Mobile Apps for Travelers in China: A Practical Foreigner’s Guide

By integrating these tools into your journey, you can explore China with confidence and ease. Prepare by downloading these apps before your trip and familiarize yourself with their features. With these essential apps for traveling in China, your solo adventure or family vacation will be both smooth and memorable. Check out China Survival Guide for more tips.

Ruqin China Travel July 22, 2026

China Survival Guide Mobile Apps for Travelers in China

Best Apps for Beijing Travel: Essential Guide for Foreign Visitors

I have divided this guide into two groups: must-have apps and useful apps to consider. Meanwhile, I will also share the local tools I recommend for getting around Beijing, paying, translating, ordering food, and handling everyday situations

Ruqin China Travel July 22, 2026

China Internet Access China Survival Guide

How to Access the Internet in Beijing: VPNs, SIM Cards & Wi-Fi

In this guide, I'll walk you through the options that work best for international visitors. We'll look at roaming, local SIM cards, eSIMs, VPNs, Wi-Fi, and a few practical tips that can save you time after you arrive in Beijing.

Ruqin China Travel July 18, 2026

China Survival Guide First-Time Travel Mistakes in China

8 Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Trip to Guilin

The Li River doesn't seem to rush downstream. Instead, it glides quietly between limestone peaks, reflecting every mountain like a sheet of green silk. Around each bend, another postcard view appears. This guide will help you avoid those pitfalls, so you can spend less time figuring things out and more time enjoying Guilin's remarkable landscapes.

Ruqin China Travel July 15, 2026

China Survival Guide First-Time Travel Mistakes in China

9 Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Trip to Xi’an

In Xi'an, from the wall, I could see Tang Dynasty pagodas, Ming Dynasty gates, and streams of modern traffic below. Everything belonged together. Nothing felt out of place. Here are nine mistakes I recommend avoiding on your first trip to Xi'an.

Ruqin China Travel July 14, 2026

China Survival Guide First-Time Travel Mistakes in China

7 Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Trip to Shanghai

Shanghai rewards travelers who come prepared. A few simple mistakes can waste time, cost money, or keep you from seeing the city's best side. Here are the seven mistakes I recommend avoiding on your first visit to Shanghai.

Ruqin China Travel July 14, 2026

China Visa-Free Countries 2026: Full Guide for Travelers

6 Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Trip to Hangzhou

How to Use Credit Cards in Beijing for Foreigners

How to Exchange Money in Beijing for Foreigners

Mobile Apps for Travelers in China: A Practical Foreigner’s Guide

Best Apps for Beijing Travel: Essential Guide for Foreign Visitors

How to Access the Internet in Beijing: VPNs, SIM Cards & Wi-Fi

8 Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Trip to Guilin

9 Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Trip to Xi’an

7 Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Trip to Shanghai

Xi’an Muslim Quarter: Walking Route Map, Foods & Travel Tips

Beijing 3-Day Sightseeing Map: A Practical Route for First-Time Visitors

How to Visit Tiananmen Square: Maps, Tickets & Security Checks

Chairman Mao Memorial Hall: Tickets, Hours & Reservation Tips

Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong: Train and Shuttle Map

Food Allergies in Beijing: A Safer Dining Guide for Travelers

Shanghai Travel Guide: Map, Itineraries, Top Attractions and Tips

Shanghai Railway Stations: Location Map, Metro Lines & Travel Tips

Luggage Storage in Beijing: Hotels, Stations and Subway Lockers and Attractions

How Much Walking to Expect in Beijing: A Practical Guide

Chengdu Panda Base: South Gate vs West Gate – Maps & Travel Tips

Chengdu Panda Base: Tickets, Transport and Travel Guide

Beijing Capital Airport to Daxing Airport: Transfer Guide

Where to Stay in Xi’an: Maps, Areas, Hotels and Travel Tips

How to Use the Xi’an Subway: A Guide for First-Time Travelers

Xi’an Railway Stations: North, Central and East Explained

Xi’an Airport to City Centre: Metro Route Map & Travel Tips

Huguosi Snack Street (Huguosi Street, Beijing): Maps & Tips

Beishan Street, Hangzhou: Walking Route, Maps & Highlights

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: East Gate Route Map & Travel Tips