Should I Stay in Shenzhen or Hong Kong When Visiting Hong Kong?
Compare the real costs and time tradeoffs of staying in Shenzhen vs Hong Kong for your trip, including accommodation, daily transport, and commute times.
travel-tips (3/5)
82 total posts
How to Pay in China as a Foreign Tourist - Alipay, WeChat Pay, Cash and Cards
This guide explains how foreign travelers can pay in China using Alipay, WeChat Pay, cash, or cards, with step-by-step setup and common mistakes to avoid.
Vegan and Vegetarian Food in China for Foreign Travelers - A Practical Survival Guide
A practical guide for vegan and vegetarian foreign travelers visiting China, covering essential Chinese phrases, Buddhist vegetarian restaurants, city-by-city tips, and common pitfalls.
Why Chinese Apps Have So Many Ads and How to Survive Them as a Foreigner
A practical guide for foreign visitors on why Chinese mobile apps layer aggressive pop-up ads and how to navigate the ad maze with proven tactics.
What Legal and Social Rules Must Foreigners Follow in China?
Learn what laws and social rules can get foreigners into serious trouble in China, from visa issues and drug laws to police interactions and public conduct.
How to Get Along with Your Chinese In-Laws as a Foreigner
Practical guide for foreigners married into Chinese families: learn the three essential etiquette rules for Chinese in-laws, from the mother-in-law name taboo to indirect refusal and face-saving communication.
How to Get a Mainland China Phone Number as a Foreign Traveler (or Work Around Needing One)
A mainland China phone number is required for maps, payment apps, queue systems, and store purchases. Here is how to get one and what to do if you cannot.
Can You Travel in China Without Speaking Chinese? What Foreign Tourists Need to Know
The short answer is yes, but preparation determines everything. Learn what apps, maps, and tools you need before arrival, and why some travelers succeed while others struggle in China without knowing Chinese.
What Are the Most Underrated Travel Destinations in China That Most Tourists Miss?
Beyond Beijing and Shanghai, China's most overlooked destinations are in the west and southwest: Ngari Tibet, southern Xinjiang, northeastern Yunnan, and Hainan's west coast offer world-class scenery and culture without the crowds.
Is China Worth Visiting? An Honest Assessment for Foreign Travelers
China can be worth visiting for specific travelers, but foreign visitors should know what to expect. This guide covers realistic expectations, common tourism problems, and practical strategies for a better trip.
Guizhou Hiking Guide: Karst Caves, Minority Villages and Hidden Trails
A practical guide for foreign travelers who want to hike Guizhou's karst landscapes, explore minority villages, and plan a 6-day trip starting from Guiyang.
Are Chinese People Friendly to Foreign Tourists? What First-Time Visitors Actually Experience
One of the top concerns for first-time travelers is whether locals will be welcoming. This guide explains what social interactions in China are really like — the genuine helpfulness, the no-tipping norm, and how to handle being stared at in smaller towns.
Is China Dirty? What Foreign Tourists Really Discover About Cleanliness in China
Most foreign visitors arrive expecting dirty streets but leave surprised by how clean Chinese cities actually are. This article explains what first-time visitors really find about street cleanliness, public parks, and construction site standards across China.
What Practical Challenges Do Foreign Tourists Face in China? Squat Toilets, Digital Payments, and Culture Shock
This guide honestly explains the real difficulties foreign tourists face in China — squat toilets, digital payment barriers, smoking in public, and being stared at — and how to prepare so none of them ruin your trip.
How to Use PayPal in China 2026: Complete Guide to WeChat Pay QR Code Payments
US travelers can now use PayPal in China by scanning WeChat Pay merchant QR codes. This guide explains how the PayPal-WeChat Pay integration works, what fees apply, and what you need to do before you go.
PayPal Fees in China for Travelers 2026: Complete Guide to Costs When Using WeChat Pay Integration
Understand every fee layer when using PayPal with WeChat Pay QR codes in China — the 3% processing fee, the ¥200 fee-free threshold, PayPal's conversion markup, and how to minimize costs.
How to Pay, Navigate, and Survive in China With Just Your Phone as a Foreign Visitor
A practical guide to China's mobile-payment ecosystem for foreign travelers: how to set up WeChat Pay and Alipay before arrival, what the phone replaces in daily life, and what to do when things go wrong.
What Do Chinese People Eat for Breakfast? A Regional Guide for First-Time Visitors
A practical guide to Chinese breakfast foods across different regions, from northern wheat-based dishes to southern rice noodles, and how a foreign traveler can navigate the variety without getting lost.
Why Chinese Residential Neighborhoods Have Everything You Need Within a 5-Minute Walk
What makes everyday life in a Chinese residential neighborhood so convenient compared to Western suburbs, and what a foreign visitor can actually find within walking distance.
Fuzhou Travel Guide: Top Attractions and Authentic Food in Fujian's Overlooked Capital
A practical guide to Fuzhou's best attractions — Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, Yantai Mountain, and Guling — plus what to eat, from lychee pork to seafood hotpot, and why this overlooked capital is worth 1–2 days.