How do I get a SIM card in China as a foreigner?

You can get a local SIM card at the airport from China Unicom, China Mobile, or China Telecom. Bring your passport. Alternatively, buy an eSIM before arrival for instant connectivity. Prices range from ¥69-199 for 7-30 day plans.

How do I set up Alipay as a foreigner in China?

Download Alipay, register with your phone number, then link an international Visa/Mastercard. Since 2023, foreigners can use Alipay without a Chinese bank account. You can also use WeChat Pay the same way.

What is the best way to get from the airport to the city in China?

Most major Chinese cities have airport express trains (fastest, ¥25-35). Metro is cheapest (¥5-10). Didi (Chinese Uber) is convenient if you have the app set up. Avoid unlicensed taxis at the airport.

Do I need a VPN in China?

Yes, Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and most Western apps are blocked in China. Download a VPN before arriving. Popular options include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Astrill. Set it up before you land.

What are the must-try foods in China?

Must-try dishes include Peking Duck (Beijing), Xiaolongbao soup dumplings (Shanghai), Mapo Tofu and Hot Pot (Chengdu), Biangbiang Noodles (Xi'an), and Dim Sum (Guangzhou). Our food guide covers 150+ dishes across 8 regions.

Reservation Radar — beat China's booking wall | TravelerLocal.ai

The Forbidden City

Beijing →

Booking: Required
Release: 7 days out, 20:00
Foreigners: Passport works
Resellers: None official
Checked: ✓ 2026-06-02

Open official booking →

National Museum of China

Beijing →

Booking: Required
Release: Daily 17:00, up to 7 days
Foreigners: Passport works
Resellers: None official
Checked: ✓ 2026-06-02

Open official booking →

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Chengdu →

Booking: Required
Release: Online in advance; peak season (summer, holidays) sells out early
Foreigners: Passport works
Checked: ✓ 2026-06-04

Li River cruise (Guilin → Yangshuo)

Guilin →

Booking: Required
Release: Book a day or more ahead in peak season; boats are limited
Foreigners: Yes
Checked: ✓ 2026-06-04

Shanghai Museum (People's Square / East branch)

Shanghai →

Booking: Required
Release: Free, real-name reservation released a few days ahead online
Foreigners: Passport works
Resellers: None official
Checked: ✓ 2026-06-04

The Terracotta Army (Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum)

Xi'an →

Booking: Required
Release: Online, opens up to ~8 days ahead
Foreigners: Passport works
Resellers: None official
Checked: ✓ 2026-06-04

Open official booking →

Leshan Giant Buddha

Chengdu →

Booking: Unclear
Foreigners: Yes
Checked: ✓ 2026-06-04

Reed Flute Cave

Guilin →

Booking: Walk-up OK
Foreigners: Yes
Checked: ✓ 2026-06-04

The Bund

Shanghai →

Booking: Walk-up OK
Foreigners: Yes
Checked: ✓ 2026-06-04

Xi'an City Wall

Xi'an →

Booking: Walk-up OK
Foreigners: Yes
Checked: ✓ 2026-06-04

Rules come from official ticketing sources and are re-checked monthly. We never sell or resell tickets — for attractions like the Forbidden City there is NO authorized third-party seller; book only through the official channel above.