Getting Set Up
Visas — What You Actually Need
Tourist, business, and long-stay visas explained simply
Essential Apps
WeChat, Alipay, Didi & everything to download before you land
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SIM Cards & Mobile Data
Best plans for foreigners, eSIM options & setup
VPNs — The Real Guide
What works, what doesn't, and how to set it up before you land
Getting Your Driver's License
Get a driver's license quick and easy when you land
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City Guides
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Hangzhou
West Lake & tech hub
Shanghai
The international city
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Beijing
History & culture
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Shenzhen
Tech & manufacturing
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🌿
Chengdu
Food & laid-back life
Guangzhou
Canton & trade hub
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🏔️
Chongqing
Mountain city & hot pot
Urumqi
Silk Road & the far west
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More Cities
Coming soon
Daily Life
Flights, Arrival & Health
Best routes, airports, vaccinations, and what to expect on arrival
Banking & Money
Opening a bank account, cash vs. digital payments
Getting Around
High-speed rail, Didi, metro — how to get anywhere in China
Food & Eating Well
Real Chinese food, delivery apps, and how to eat well for cheap
Finding a Place to Live
Renting as a foreigner — apps, agents, what to watch out for
Language Basics That Actually Help
The phrases that get you through daily life without Mandarin