Land in China without the guesswork.
I'm a Chinese developer who's helped dozens of foreign friends navigate their first days here. These are the guides I wish existed — payments, apps, food, transit, and the digital infrastructure that makes China different from anywhere else.
For everyone landing in China.
The guides my friends read before landing.
Alipay, WeChat Pay, foreign cards, and cash — I walk you through what actually works and what doesn't.
Apps The Only Apps You Actually Need in ChinaI've seen too many "top 20 apps" lists. Here's the honest tier list from someone who lives here.
Checklist Your First 48 Hours in China: A Complete Landing ChecklistHour-by-hour guide to your first two days — SIM card, payments, first meal, first ride, settling in.
Everything you need, organized by what breaks first.
The basics that break on day one.
Payments, SIM cards, apps, food ordering, airport transfers, internet access.
A developer explains the infrastructure.
Why QR codes run everything, what mini programs are, why Google Maps is wrong here.
Your first 48 hours in each city.
1,000+ Chinese dishes, translated.
Search by Chinese characters, English name, or pinyin. Built for the moment you're staring at a menu with no English anywhere.
What my friends always ask first.
How do foreigners pay in China?
Most foreigners use Alipay (支付宝) with a foreign credit card linked. WeChat Pay also works but setup is harder. Cash (RMB) is accepted everywhere as backup. Our payment guide covers the full setup process step by step.
Do I need a VPN in China?
Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, and many Western services are blocked by the Great Firewall. Whether you need a VPN depends on what services you rely on. Our internet guide explains what works, what doesn't, and the practical alternatives locals use.
Can I travel China without speaking Chinese?
Yes, but it requires preparation. Translation apps, pre-downloaded offline tools, and knowing how to use QR code ordering in restaurants will get you through most situations. Our food ordering guide and first 48 hours checklist cover the key strategies.
Is China safe for tourists?
China has very low rates of violent crime compared to most countries. The main risks for tourists are scams and traffic. Our safety guide covers what to actually watch out for and what not to worry about.