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.
Updated · September 2026
Shenzhen 3-day itinerary
Choose the right base, group Futian and Nanshan sensibly, then use day three for the coast or a deliberate city contrast.
Plan the Shenzhen route →
New · September 2026
Shenzhen technology guide
Robots, drones, electric vehicles and visitor-accessible technology with honest availability caveats.
Explore Shenzhen’s technology →
Updated · September 2026
Guangzhou food guide
Dim sum, roast meats, local food streets, ordering help and a practical one-day route.
Read the Guangzhou food guide →
Harbour · markets · gateway
Hong 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 →
Updated · September 2026
Macau casino guide
Cotai resorts, the peninsula’s old town, the 21+ entry rule and a non-gaming first-day route.
Read the Macau casino guide →Set up China before China sets the pace
Entry rules, payments, connectivity and transport — explained for international visitors without unnecessary jargon.
Start here
First trip to China
The complete preparation checklist for a smooth first arrival.
Open the guide →
Arrival rule
Accommodation registration
Hotels, private stays, the 24-hour rule and Shenzhen steps.
Register the right address →
Shopping
China tourist tax refund
Refund rates, qualifying purchases, 2026 rules and departure steps.
Claim the refund correctly →
Entry rules
240-hour visa-free transit
Eligibility, the third-destination rule and practical routes.
Check the rules →
Step by step
Alipay & WeChat Pay
International cards, verification, fees and backup options.
Set up payments →
Stay connected
China eSIM & internet
Travel eSIMs, local SIMs, blocked services and backups.
Get connected →
Phone setup
Best apps for China travel
The smallest useful app stack for payments, maps and transport.
Build your app stack →
Rail travel
China 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 guide
Hong Kong to Shenzhen
High-speed rail, MTR border crossings and ferries compared.
Choose your crossing →
One-week route
Southern China in seven days
Hong Kong, Macau and Shenzhen without rushing every day.
See the itinerary →
Balanced advice
Is 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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