China Travel
Guide Center

Alipay vs WeChat Pay for Tourists in China: Which One Should You Set Up First?

Alipay vs WeChat Pay for tourists: here is the practical answer on setup, payment reliability, merchant use, and which app to prioritize before your China trip.

Why Is My Foreign Card Not Working on Alipay? The Most Common Fixes for Travelers

Foreign card not working on Alipay? Here are the most common reasons, how to troubleshoot them, and when to switch to a backup payment plan.

Can Foreigners Go to Hospitals in China? What to Expect and How to Prepare

Yes, foreigners can use hospitals in China. Here's how the three main options work, which one fits your situation, and what to prepare before you go.

Can You Use Cash in China as a Tourist? (2026 Honest Answer)

Can you use cash in China as a tourist? Short answer: yes, but with real limits. Here's what actually works, where cash gets rejected, and how much to bring.

What Apps Do I Need Before Going to China? A Practical 2026 Setup Checklist

What apps do you need before going to China? Not 15 — just the right 5 to 8, set up before you fly. Here's the practical checklist for first-time travelers.

Can Foreigners Use Alipay in China? What Actually Works in 2026

Can foreigners use Alipay in China? Yes — but setup matters. Here's what actually works, what trips people up, and how to prepare before you fly.

Can Foreigners Use Chinese Public Hospitals? The Real Pros and Cons

Yes, foreigners can use Chinese public hospitals. Here is when that makes sense, what the process feels like, and what trade-offs to expect.

China Health Check vs Home Country Cost Comparison: When the Numbers Make Sense

How does a health check in China compare with your home country? A realistic guide to cost, convenience, travel overhead, and when the savings are real.

Dental Treatment in China: Cost, Quality, and Travel Tips for Foreign Patients

A practical guide to dental treatment in China for international patients, including cost drivers, clinic choice, timing, and travel planning.

Do Chinese Hospitals Accept International Insurance? What Foreign Patients Should Expect

Do hospitals in China accept international insurance? Sometimes, but often only in certain departments or under reimbursement rules. Here is what foreign patients should verify before treatment.

Eye Treatment in China for Foreigners: What International Patients Should Know

Considering eye treatment or eye surgery in China? Here is what foreign patients should know about city choice, hospital fit, costs, and follow-up.

Full Body Health Check in China: Cost, Process, and Is It Worth It?

Considering a full body health check in China? Here is what foreign visitors and expats should know about costs, booking, test scope, and how to use the results.

Hainan Boao Medical Tourism Guide: Why Patients Are Paying Attention

A cautious guide to Hainan Boao medical tourism for international patients, including what makes the zone different, who it may suit, and what to verify before traveling.

Healthcare in Shenzhen for Foreigners: A Practical Guide

A practical guide to healthcare in Shenzhen for foreigners, including where the city is strong, where it is weaker, and how to choose hospitals with fewer surprises.

How to Book a Hospital Appointment in China from Overseas

A step-by-step guide for booking hospital appointments in China from overseas, including department selection, records, language support, and timing.

How to Get Medical Treatment in China as a Foreigner: Step-by-Step

A step-by-step guide for foreigners seeking medical treatment in China, from case preparation and hospital selection to payment, travel, records, and follow-up.

Medical Tourism in Guangzhou: What Foreign Patients Should Know

Guangzhou is a major healthcare city in South China. Here is what international patients should know about medical tourism, hospital choice, and travel planning.

Medical Treatment in China for Foreigners: Complete Guide (2026)

A realistic guide for international patients considering medical treatment in China, including when it makes sense, when it does not, key risks, and how to choose safely.

Medical Visa for China: What Patients Need to Know Before Traveling

Planning medical treatment in China? Learn what foreign patients should check about visas, invitation documents, timing, and travel preparation.

Orthopedic Surgery in China for International Patients: Is It Worth Considering?

A practical guide for international patients exploring orthopedic surgery in China, including suitability, records, rehab planning, and travel risks.

Why More Foreigners Are Choosing Medical Care in China

More international patients are exploring medical care in China. Here are the real reasons, from cost and speed to specialist access and health checks.

3 Days in Beijing: Complete Itinerary for First-Timers (2026)

See Beijing's highlights in 3 days: Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, and more. Day-by-day schedule with practical tips.

Best Time to Visit China: Season by Season Guide (2026)

When to visit China for best weather, lowest crowds, and cheapest prices. Plus holidays to avoid and regional timing tips.

Booking Hotels in China as a Foreigner (2026 Guide)

Not every Chinese hotel accepts foreign passports. Here's how to find ones that do, book correctly, and avoid check-in disasters.

First 24 Hours in China: Your Arrival Survival Guide (2026)

Land in China and hit the ground running. Immigration, SIM activation, getting to your hotel, and your first payment—step by step.

Cultural Differences in China: What to Expect (2026)

Personal space, noise, staring, toilets, and tipping. Real talk about Chinese culture that travel guides skip over.

China Travel Budget: How Much Money Do You Need? (2026)

Real costs for 14 days in China: accommodation, food, transport, and attractions. Budget, mid-range, and comfort breakdowns.

China Travel Safety: What You Actually Need to Know (2026)

China is one of the safest countries for tourists. Here's what to watch for: scams, health, emergencies, and common sense tips.

China Visa for US Citizens: Complete 2026 Guide

US citizens need a visa for China. Here's the full process: COVA application, consulate visits, timeline, and costs. Updated for 2026.

Traveling China with Kids: Family Guide (2026)

Take your kids to China. Family-friendly attractions, practical tips for meals, transport, and keeping everyone happy.

How to Book Forbidden City Tickets in 2026 (Foreigners Guide)

Forbidden City tickets sell out fast. Book 7 days ahead, use your passport number, and avoid the crowds. Step-by-step booking guide.

Great Wall of China: Which Section Should You Visit? (2026)

Badaling vs Mutianyu vs Jinshanling. Compare crowds, difficulty, and scenery to choose the right Great Wall section for your trip.

3 Days in Shanghai: Complete Itinerary for First-Timers (2026)

Experience Shanghai in 3 days: The Bund, French Concession, Yu Garden, and Pudong skyline. Day-by-day plan with local tips.

WeChat for China Travel: Setup and Essential Features (2026)

Set up WeChat before your China trip. Use it for hotel communication, backup payments, and translation. Step-by-step guide.

Working Remotely from China: Digital Nomad Guide (2026)

Work from China with reliable VPN, stable internet, and timezone strategies. Practical setup for remote workers and digital nomads.

Xi'an Travel Guide for First-Timers (2026)

Everything you need for Xi'an: Terracotta Army, Muslim Quarter, Ancient City Wall. Practical tips from our September trip.

China High-Speed Rail for Tourists: Booking, Stations, and Tips (2025)

Book China's bullet trains with Trip.com, skip the airport hassle, and travel between cities at 350 km/h. Here's everything you need to know.

Surviving the Language Barrier in China: A Practical Guide (2025)

Only 5% of Chinese people speak English. Here's exactly how we managed 14 days with zero Mandarin—using apps, screenshots, and gestures.

Using the Metro in China: Alipay QR, Tickets, and Tips (2025)

Pay with Alipay QR, skip the ticket lines, and ride Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an metros like a local. Step-by-step setup guide.

China Travel Tech Setup: Complete App Checklist (2025)

Every app you need for China—Alipay, VPN, Amap, translation—plus the exact setup steps. Do this 2 weeks before you fly.

VPN and Internet in China: What Actually Works in 2025

Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram are blocked in China. Here's how to stay connected with eSIM, VPN, and backup plans when things fail.

How to Set Up Alipay as a Foreigner (2025 Guide)

Set up Alipay with your Visa or Mastercard before flying to China. Step-by-step verification, card linking, and payment tutorial.

How to Use DiDi in China Without a Chinese Phone Number (2025)

Skip the headaches. Use DiDi through Alipay's mini-program to hail rides instantly in China—no separate app or Chinese number needed.

How to Order Food in China Without Speaking Chinese (2025)

Use translation apps, QR menus, and pointing to eat amazing Chinese food—even when you don't speak a word of Mandarin.

best-hospitals-shanghai-foreigners

can-foreigners-go-hospitals-china

cancer-treatment-china-international-patients

is-healthcare-china-safe-foreigners

is-healthcare-in-china-affordable-for-foreigners