All guides by topic

Every guide is dated, sourced and written from a local's perspective. New topics are added continuously.

Internet & eSIM

• eSIM vs pocket WiFi vs local SIM — which should you choose?
  Internet · 22 Sep 2026
• Best eSIM for China — what actually works in mainland
  Internet · 12 Sep 2026

Transport

• Chengdu airport to city — Tianfu, Shuangliu, metro and bus
  Transport · 24 Sep 2026
• Shenzhen airport to city — metro, taxis, buses and coaches
  Transport · 25 Sep 2026
• Chongqing airport to city — metro, express bus and coaches
  Transport · 26 Sep 2026
• China train seat classes — the official list and what each class decides
  Transport · 26 Sep 2026
• Guangzhou airport to city — terminals, intercity, metro and buses
  Transport · 22 Sep 2026
• Shanghai airport to city — maglev, metro and the airport link line
  Transport · 17 Sep 2026
• Beijing airport to city — express lines, buses and taxis compared
  Transport · 14 Sep 2026
• How to book China high-speed rail tickets in 2026 (12306 English guide)
  Updated 12 September 2026 · 15-day release window, e-ticket boarding, official refund & change fee tiers
• Guilin airport to city — shuttles, taxis and buses
  Transport · 2 Oct 2026
• Hong Kong high-speed rail — tickets, changes, refunds and luggage
  Transport · 8 Oct 2026

Accommodation

• Best area to stay in Guangzhou — first visit
  Accommodation · 20 Sep 2026
• Best area to stay in Guilin — first visit
  Accommodation · 23 Sep 2026
• Best area to stay in Shenzhen — first visit
  Accommodation · 27 Sep 2026
• Best area to stay in Hangzhou — first visit
  Accommodation · 28 Sep 2026
• Best area to stay in Shanghai — first visit
  Accommodation · 18 Sep 2026
• Best area to stay in Beijing — first visit
  Accommodation · 14 Sep 2026
• Best area to stay in Chongqing — first visit
  Accommodation · 1 Oct 2026
• Best area to stay in Xi’an — first visit
  Accommodation · 7 Oct 2026
• Best area to stay in Wuhan — which side of the rivers
  Accommodation · 10 Oct 2026

Trip Planning

• How many days in China? What 5, 7, 10 and 14 days actually cover
  Trip Planning · 6 Oct 2026
• What to eat in China — a first-timer's food survival guide
  Planned · not yet written

Visa & Essentials

• How to pay in China as a foreigner: Alipay, WeChat Pay, cards and cash
  Essentials · 19 Sep 2026
• Travel insurance for China 2026 — do you need it, and what should it cover?
  Essentials · 16 Sep 2026
• China visa-free entry 2026 — who can enter without a visa
  Essentials · 16 Sep 2026

City Guides

• Guilin travel guide 2026 — how many days you need (+ Yangshuo)
  City Guides · 16 Sep 2026
• Beijing travel guide 2026 — 3 days, where to stay and how to get around
  City Guides · 16 Sep 2026
• Shanghai travel guide 2026 — 3 days, metro fares and where to stay
  City Guides · 16 Sep 2026