First trip to China? This master checklist takes you from booking to boarding without missing anything critical.

8–12 weeks before

  1. Check if you need a visa (see Visa & Entry) and apply if required
  2. Book international flights
  3. Get travel insurance with medical evacuation
  4. Check passport validity: 6+ months, 2 blank pages

4–6 weeks before

  1. Book high-speed rail legs on Trip.com or 12306 (tickets open 15 days ahead — set a reminder)
  2. Reserve the big attractions: Forbidden City and major museums need advance booking
  3. Install and set up apps: Alipay (bind your card!), WeChat, Amap, Didi, translator with offline packs
  4. Arrange connectivity: travel eSIM or plan for airport SIM

1–2 weeks before

  1. Tell your bank you're traveling (avoid card blocks)
  2. Download offline maps and translation packs
  3. Screenshot your first hotel's Chinese name and address
  4. Check weather and pack accordingly (see Packing guide)

48 hours before

  1. Complete the online arrival declaration (saves time at immigration)
  2. Print or save offline: passport copies, insurance, onward ticket (essential for visa-free transit)
  3. Charge everything; pack power bank in carry-on

On arrival

  1. Immigration → baggage → customs (green channel)
  2. Get online (eSIM activation or SIM kiosk)
  3. Withdraw a little cash as backup, then set up Alipay TourPass-style payments
  4. Metro or official taxi to your hotel — read the Arrival guide step by step
The three things that most often ruin a first trip: no working payment method, no working maps, and attractions sold out because you didn't book ahead. Solve all three before you fly and you'll have a great trip.