Preparation
How to use Alipay and WeChat Pay in China
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay for your China trip. Learn about foreign cards, QR payments, fees and what to do if a payment fails.
Read the guide: How to use Alipay and WeChat Pay in ChinaPlan your first
trip to China.
Practical guides from zhongli, based in China: entry rules, payments, getting around, where to go and how to plan your days.
zhongli · based in China
Former programmer, nine years working in Beijing
Before you go.
Sort out the basics before you fly.
Get connected
Your phone, data & useful apps
Set up payments
Alipay, WeChat Pay & cash
Plan your arrival
Beijing Capital Airport to your hotel
Plan your trip.
Browse the guidesPreparation
Why Visit China? Find Your Own Reason to Go
Food, landscapes, family, culture or a few days after work: find your reasons to visit China and use them to plan a trip that suits you.
Read the guide: Why Visit China? Find Your Own Reason to GoPreparation
China itinerary: 10–14 days in Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu and Shanghai
A 14-day route through Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu and Shanghai, a calmer 10-day version, how to travel between the cities and which days to cut when time is short.
Read the guide: China itinerary: 10–14 days in Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu and ShanghaiPreparation
Do you need a visa to visit China?
See if your passport qualifies for 30-day visa-free entry or 240-hour transit, how the rules apply to real routes, and where to apply if you need a China visa.
Read the guide: Do you need a visa to visit China?Where would you like to go?
Explore Shanghai’s waterfront or plan a day trip from Chengdu.
Shanghai
Shanghai sights: the Bund, Pudong and more
Explore Shanghai’s Bund, Pudong, Yu Garden, Wukang Road and Disneyland, with practical advice for airport transfers and choosing where to stay.
Read the guide: Shanghai sights: the Bund, Pudong and more
Chengdu & Sichuan
Dujiangyan: planning a day trip from Chengdu
Plan a Dujiangyan day trip from Chengdu: trains from Xipu to Lidui Park, the entrance to use, a walk around the irrigation works and return choices.
Read the guide: Dujiangyan: planning a day trip from ChengduHelp with your China trip.
A review of your draft, answers to planning questions, support while you travel, or a trip arranged by a licensed travel agency.
What a written review might look like
The written result would keep the draft, proposed changes, reasons and open questions together. For the practical route, see the airport guide and Temple of Heaven guide.
Ask about reviewing your draftYour draft · Day 1, November
Arrive at PEK Terminal 3 at 15:00 → train to a hotel near Chongwenmen → check in → visit the Temple of Heaven. The next morning is free.
My comment
The draft leaves little room for arrivals formalities, the train, the hotel transfer and check-in before the historic sights stop admitting visitors at 16:30.
Suggested change
Day 1: keep the arrival journey and hotel, then a meal and rest.
Day 2 morning: the Temple of Heaven, if the historic areas are open that day.
- Checked against official sources
- No provider contacted
- Still to confirm: dates and hotel check-in
See the checks and open questions
- Official information checked: the airport line serves T3 and connects with city subway lines. In November, the Temple of Heaven’s historic sights have last entry at 16:30 and close at 17:00; they normally close on Mondays except public holidays. Sources checked on 29 October 2026: Capital Airport rail information and Beijing’s park guide.
- Provider contact: no hotel or other provider was contacted for this example.
- Still to confirm: actual travel dates, the hotel’s check-in arrangements, and whether the next morning suits the rest of the trip. The draft doesn’t establish a reliable airport-to-hotel arrival time.
How reviews, advice and support work
- Send your plans.Share your draft, questions or travel dates. I usually reply within one working day (Beijing time) to let you know whether I can help.
- Agree the details.We’ll confirm what’s included, the price, delivery time and follow-up questions before starting. Pay by Wise, Payoneer, Alipay or WeChat Pay.
- Get your answer.Written comments or answers with anything unanswered clearly marked, or support on the days you booked.
Hi, I’m zhongli.
Based in China.
I’m a former programmer and spent nine years working in Beijing. My travels and longer stays have also taken me to Taiyuan, Liuzhou, Kunming, Yuxi, Fuxian Lake, Inner Mongolia and Shunde. Local food, neighbourhood walks and the small decisions that shape a trip are what interest me most.
Read my notes from ChinaAbout LanternGlow