Before your trip
First Trip to China Checklist
A practical pre-trip checklist for payments, apps, hotels, transport, and daily essentials.
China Travel Checklist
Review the practical essentials before departure, after arrival, and before major travel days in China.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Quick answer
Quick answer
Before departure, set up payment, internet access, key apps, passport documents, and hotel details. After arrival, test mobile data, payment apps, maps, and your first transport route.
Free printable checklists
Free China Travel Checklists for First-Time Visitors
Save these practical checklists before your first trip to China. Use them to prepare payments, apps, hotel check-in, arrival steps, and your first day on the ground.
After landing
China Arrival Checklist
What to check after landing, from immigration and airport transport to hotel check-in.
Payments
Payment Setup Checklist
Prepare Alipay, WeChat Pay, backup cards, and small cash before your first day in China.
In China
On-the-Ground Quick Reference
Useful Chinese phrases and a final check for mobile data, payment, hotel details, transport, and emergencies.
Your progress
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Before departure
Set up the essentials before you fly. These are the items that make the biggest difference during your first days in China.
Mobile data & internet
Choose how you will stay connected before relying on maps, QR codes, or payment apps.
Useful apps
Install important apps before arrival, especially if app stores or verification steps are harder later.
Documents and bookings
Keep your passport details and booking confirmations easy to access.
After you arrive
Start with a few quick checks to confirm that the basics are working before you begin sightseeing.
Check your phone setup
Confirm mobile data, maps, and messaging tools before leaving the airport or hotel.
Get familiar with local transport
Try one simple metro, taxi, or DiDi route before a busy travel day.
Before moving between cities
City-to-city travel in China is usually efficient, but stations, airports, and boarding steps can take time.
High-speed rail days
Prepare your passport, station name, train time, and boarding information before leaving the hotel.
Domestic flight days
Domestic airports can be large, and security rules may affect your luggage.
Hotel transfer days
Changing cities usually also means luggage, transport, and check-in timing.
Before visiting attractions
Many famous attractions use real-name booking, time slots, QR codes, or passport checks.
Ticket and entry check
Prepare the right booking information before you arrive at the entrance.
Emergency backup
Prepare simple backup information so you can solve problems faster if something goes wrong.
Important numbers and contacts
Keep emergency numbers and local support information easy to find.
Continue planning
Next steps
Keep planning
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