China in 2026 is open, easier to enter than in years, and still confusing on the ground. Use this index to skip the chapters you don’t need and dive into the ones that matter for your trip.
1 Start here
China can feel overwhelming on paper — different apps, new payment habits, visa rules that change year to year. This guide cuts through the noise so you can focus on the experience, not the paperwork.
2 What’s inside
The guide runs in six short chapters — from “am I even allowed in?” to “I’ve landed and I know what I’m doing.” Read them in order, or skip straight to whatever’s on your mind this week.
- 01 Overview: What China is actually like in 2026, why now is a good time to visit, the cities worth your days, and the numbers you’ll want at a glance.
- 02 Before You Go: Visas, 30-day visa-free entry, the 240-hour transit rule, flights, where to stay, paying without cash, essential apps, and staying connected.
- 03 First 24 Hours: Off the plane, through customs, into the city, hotel check-in, and police registration — plus a first-day checklist so nothing slips.
- 04 Getting Around: Subway, DiDi, taxis, high-speed rail (HSR), buses, bikes, and intercity travel without the headache.
- 05 Culture & Lifestyle: Eating and drinking, manners that actually matter, staying safe and healthy, shopping and services, essential phrases, and how locals socialize.
- 06 Traveller’s Toolkit: Handy calculators and translation cards you’ll actually open at the airport or at the table, plus cheat sheets for emergencies, transport, vocabulary, FAQs, and packing.
3 How to use this guide
- Start where you are. Planning months out? Begin at Chapter 02. Flying in tomorrow? Jump straight to Chapter 03.
- Use the left rail. It stays with you on every page so you never lose your place in the guide.
- Keep the tools handy. Chapter 06 has converters and translation cards you’ll actually open at the airport, at the table, or in a hurry.
This guide is a living companion. Policies and apps change — we keep the essentials current for 2026.