Before the flight: prepare a return address
Save the hotel name, full Chinese address and reception number in an offline note. Add the airport or station at which you actually arrive, plus the first transfer you intend to use. A neighbourhood name is not enough for a driver, and a booking screenshot can be difficult to retrieve if it depends on a connection. Check the property’s arrival instructions and what happens if you are delayed.
Arrival: finish one task at a time
Collect luggage, establish connectivity and take the planned transfer. At the accommodation, check in and identify where to get a simple meal. If the arrival is early and you feel rested, take a short walk nearby. If it is late, remove the walk. Do not place an important museum reservation after a long flight unless losing that reservation would be acceptable.
The first full day: keep the route compact
Choose one confirmed cultural visit or a public neighbourhood walk. Use a small payment to learn the actual checkout process, then check the map route back to the hotel. Put a seated meal into the day rather than hoping you will find something between attractions. A compact first day is especially useful when time-zone change or unfamiliar transport slows you down.
Before the second evening
Confirm the next day’s entry slot, excursion pickup or intercity station. Save the document you need and the actual meeting point. If a payment method has not worked, solve the problem while you still have a backup rather than discovering it at a time-sensitive gate. The arrival toolkit collects these tasks into a phone-friendly workbook, including Chinese communication phrases and a departure checklist.
Keep a practical guide with you.
Our concise English PDFs include usable routes, planning decisions and reference details. For a route shaped around your dates and interests, explore the custom planning service.
China arrival toolkit PDF · $9 ↗Explore custom planning ↗Source desk
- National Immigration Administration: current entry and transit guidance
- China Railway: official passenger and ticket guidance
- Official payment guidance for overseas cardholders
Checked 12 October 2026. Route choices and pacing advice are China Sideways editorial recommendations. Recheck current booking, venue, transport and entry information for your dates.