China travel guides that take you from planning to arrival
Choose a city, solve the practical setup and build a route that works in the real Greater Bay Area — not only on a map.
Choose your base in the Greater Bay Area
Four very different cities, connected by fast trains, ferries and one remarkable bridge.
Technology · food · designShenzhen travel guide
What to do, where to stay, a two-to-three-day itinerary and the local apps that make the city easy.
Read the Shenzhen guide →
Dim sum · history · tradeGuangzhou travel guide
Cantonese food, historic neighbourhoods, the riverfront and a practical one-to-two-day plan.
Read the Guangzhou guide →
Harbour · markets · gatewayHong Kong travel guide
The classic sights, a two-day itinerary and how to continue into Shenzhen without wasting a day.
Read the Hong Kong guide →
Portuguese lanes · food · CotaiMacau travel guide
A one-day route through the UNESCO old town, Macanese food and the Cotai resorts.
Read the Macau guide →Set up China before China sets the pace
Entry rules, payments, connectivity and transport — explained for international visitors without unnecessary jargon.
Start hereFirst trip to China
The complete preparation checklist for a smooth first arrival.
Open the guide →
Arrival ruleAccommodation registration
Hotels, private stays, the 24-hour rule and Shenzhen steps.
Register the right address →
ShoppingChina tourist tax refund
Refund rates, qualifying purchases, 2026 rules and departure steps.
Claim the refund correctly →
Entry rules240-hour visa-free transit
Eligibility, the third-destination rule and practical routes.
Check the rules →
Step by stepAlipay & WeChat Pay
International cards, verification, fees and backup options.
Set up payments →
Stay connectedChina eSIM & internet
Travel eSIMs, local SIMs, blocked services and backups.
Get connected →
Phone setupBest apps for China travel
The smallest useful app stack for payments, maps and transport.
Build your app stack →
Rail travelChina high-speed trains
Booking, passports, stations, seats, boarding and luggage.
Plan your train journey →Turn separate bookings into one journey
Use these guides to choose the right border, check realistic timing and understand the practical risks before committing.
Border guideHong Kong to Shenzhen
High-speed rail, MTR border crossings and ferries compared.
Choose your crossing →
One-week routeSouthern China in seven days
Hong Kong, Macau and Shenzhen without rushing every day.
See the itinerary →
Balanced adviceIs China safe for tourists?
Everyday safety, local laws, scams, health and emergency numbers.
Read the safety guide →New articles, local observations and route ideas
The Guides section is your structured reference library. The Blog is where I publish timely updates, deeper explanations and new ways to experience China.
Take the 10-point China arrival checklist with you
A printable one-page PDF covering entry documents, connectivity, payments, transport and the first hour after landing.
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