Before traveling to China, confirm entry eligibility and a realistic route first. Then book the items that control your dates—international transport, accommodation, long-distance trains and limited-entry attractions—before finishing flexible products such as mobile data and airport transfers.
Choose a well-connected base and compare cancellation terms.
Explore →02Train ticketsCompare 12306 and English-language booking options.
Explore →03China eSIMsGet mobile data ready before you arrive.
Explore →04Tickets & toursPlan timed attractions and useful guided experiences.
Explore →05Airport transfersChoose rail, taxi or a pre-booked pickup.
Explore →06Travel insuranceCompare coverage, limits and exclusions.
Explore →First: confirm entry eligibility and route
A visa, unilateral visa exemption, mutual exemption and 240-hour visa-free transit are different pathways. Confirm the rule that applies to your passport, purpose and complete itinerary through an official authority before buying non-refundable domestic services. Check that every passenger name and passport number matches the document used to travel.
Book international transport and first accommodation
Secure an arrival and departure plan that satisfies your entry pathway, then reserve at least the first nights in a location that works with the airport or railway station. Keep the property's verified English and Chinese names, address, telephone number and cancellation terms available offline.
Reserve high-demand trains and controlled attractions
Complete 12306 identity verification early or use a clearly priced booking platform. For the Palace Museum, Terracotta Army and other controlled-entry sites, use the current official reservation procedure and passport details. Never assume a guided product can bypass a sold-out official entry system.
Choose mobile data and payment backups
Confirm that the phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible before purchase, or compare roaming and a passport-registered local SIM. Install Alipay or WeChat, bind a supported card and keep another card plus a modest RMB reserve. Most travel eSIMs are data-only and do not provide a mainland phone number.
Book airport transfers only when they solve a real problem
Metro, airport rail and official taxis often work well. A pre-booked transfer is most useful for a late arrival, several large bags, children, mobility needs or a complex hotel location. Confirm airport code, terminal, flight monitoring, meeting point, waiting policy and total inclusions.
Create an offline arrival folder
Save passports and entry documents securely, accommodation addresses, rail and attraction confirmations, eSIM instructions, transfer details, insurance contacts and essential Chinese phrases. Keep sensitive identity copies protected and never store card credentials or passwords in the same unprotected note.
Official sources
Sources checked 14 August 2026. Reconfirm time-sensitive details before departure.
Frequently asked questions
What should I book first for a China trip?
Confirm entry eligibility and the route first, followed by international transport, accommodation, long-distance trains and limited-entry attractions.
How early should I book China train tickets?
Sales windows and availability can change. Complete passenger verification early and check the current official 12306 availability for your travel date rather than relying on an old universal rule.
Should I book airport transfers in advance?
Only when arrival time, luggage, group needs or location justify it. Public rail and official taxis are suitable for many arrivals.
Do I need to buy a China eSIM before departure?
Not necessarily, but purchasing and installing a compatible plan on reliable internet is often easier. Follow the provider's activation rule so validity does not start too early.