China is wonderfully easy to navigate once you're set up right. Here's what to prepare before you fly, which cities to land in, and how we get you to your trip once you're in the country.
A few things to sort before you board will make your first hours in China much smoother.
Most nationalities need a Chinese tourist visa (L visa). Apply at your nearest Chinese consulate or embassy before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Some nationalities now qualify for 30-day visa-free entry — check the latest policy before applying.
WeChat Pay (微信支付) or Alipay (支付宝) is how almost everything is paid for in China — restaurants, shops, transport, markets, and street food. Set up one or both before you fly and link an international Visa or Mastercard. Keep ¥200–300 cash as a backup only; you'll barely need it.
Google, Instagram, and WhatsApp are blocked in mainland China without a VPN. Pick up a Chinese SIM at the airport (China Mobile / China Unicom desks are in Arrivals) or buy an international eSIM before departure. Install a VPN before you land to restore access to your usual apps.
China has several major international gateways. The best one depends on where your trip goes — here's how to choose, and how you travel onward once you land.
Best for southern China & our Guilin–Yangshuo home region
Asia's biggest long-haul hub, with the widest choice of direct intercontinental flights and often the best fares. Hong Kong is visa-free for most nationalities, and from HK West Kowloon high-speed rail runs directly into the mainland (Guangzhou in about an hour, then onward). Note: entering mainland China still needs a China visa or visa-free eligibility — Hong Kong entry alone does not cover it.
Best for eastern China, city journeys & tea-forest country
China's main eastern gateway and a huge international hub. The natural entry for our Shanghai city journeys, eastern China, and the tea forests around Hangzhou and Wuyishan. Many nationalities qualify for visa-free transit here — check the current rules for your passport. Onward high-speed rail and domestic flights reach the whole country.
Best for northern China, the Great Wall & the grasslands
The capital and a major international hub. The natural entry for ourBeijing city journeys, the Great Wall, and the Bashang & Inner Mongolia grasslands. Xi'an is about 4.5 hours by high-speed rail or a short domestic flight. Visa-free transit is available to many nationalities — check the current rules.
Region-specific gateways
Guangzhou (CAN) is a strong southern hub close to Guilin and Yangshuo. Chengdu (CTU) is the gateway to western China — Sichuan, the G318 Sichuan–Tibet Highway, and high-plateau trips. For the western deserts and theSilk Road, Lanzhou, Dunhuang or Ürümqi are reached by domestic connection. We'll point you to the best airport for your specific itinerary.