First time visiting China? The preparation can feel overwhelming — there's a lot that works differently here. But if you tackle things in the right order, it's surprisingly manageable. Follow this sequence:
Visa → Payment → eSIM → Local Phone Number → Essential Apps
Here's why this order matters: your visa is the non-negotiable prerequisite for everything else. Alipay is your survival tool in China; without it, even buying a bottle of water can be a challenge. A travel eSIM keeps you connected from the moment you step off the plane — and bypasses the Great Firewall so Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram all work normally (all travel eSIMs do this, not just "Hong Kong routing" plans). A local phone number is essential because most Chinese apps have no email sign-up option — phone number is mandatory for Didi, Meituan, food delivery, and more. And the right apps — Didi for rides, Dianping for restaurants, Pleco for translation — turn daily friction into smooth sailing.
⚠ 5 Things That Shock First-Time Visitors
- China is cashless. Even street vendors prefer QR code payment. Without Alipay or WeChat Pay, daily life is extremely difficult. Many restaurants don't even accept cash — you must scan a QR code to order.
- You need a Chinese phone number. Most apps have no email registration option. Without a local number, you can't use food delivery, ride-hailing, or shared bikes. Buy a SIM card at the airport.
- Google Maps doesn't work well. Locations are offset by up to 500 meters, and real-time transit data is unavailable. Use Apple Maps or Amap (高德地图) instead.
- Many websites are blocked. Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube — all blocked. Get a travel eSIM to bypass the Great Firewall automatically (all travel eSIM plans work, not just "Hong Kong routing" ones).
- Holiday crowds are on another level. During Golden Week (Oct 1-7) and Chinese New Year, tourist sites are packed shoulder-to-shoulder. Plan around these dates.
China Basics
The essential groundwork — visas, connectivity, payment, and packing. Handle these before your flight and everything else falls into place.
China Visa Guide
Tourist visa, 144-hour transit-free policy, required documents, and how to apply in 2026.
Payment Guide
Set up Alipay with your foreign card, WeChat Pay, and when to carry cash.
eSIM & Internet
All travel eSIMs bypass the Great Firewall — Airalo vs Nomad vs Saily compared. Plus: why you also need a local SIM card.
Essential Apps
Must-install apps before you go: Alipay, Didi, Dianping, Pleco, Metro. Plus: QR-only ordering & remote work tools.
Safety Guide
Is Hangzhou safe? What to watch out for, emergency numbers, health tips.
Weather & Seasons
Best time to visit Hangzhou, month-by-month guide, what to pack by season.
Packing List
What to bring to China: clothing, tech, medicine, and items you can't find locally.
Got the basics sorted? Great. Now let's figure out how to get to Hangzhou — and how to move around once you're here. China's high-speed rail network makes Hangzhou incredibly accessible from Shanghai (45 minutes) and Beijing (4.5 hours). Once in the city, the metro, Didi, and dockless bikes cover every corner.
Transportation
From high-speed trains to ride-hailing apps — every way to reach and explore Hangzhou.
Shanghai to Hangzhou
High-speed train (45 min), bus, private transfer — every option compared.
Beijing to Hangzhou
Flights, high-speed trains, sleeper trains — best options for every budget.
Hangzhou Airport (HGH)
Xiaoshan Airport guide: terminals, transport to city, facilities, nearby hotels.
Airport Transfer
Taxi, Didi, Metro Line 1, Airport Express Bus — every transfer option explained.
Hangzhou Metro Guide
Line maps, fares, how to buy tickets as a foreigner, tips for peak hours.
Taxis in Hangzhou
How to hail, typical fares, tips to avoid scams, when to use Didi instead.
Didi Ride-Hailing
Complete Didi guide for foreigners: setup, English interface, payment, tips.
Bike & Scooter Rental
Hellobike, Meituan Bike — how to use dockless bike share as a foreigner.
Useful Extras
The details that turn a good trip into a great one — when to go, what to wear, how to stay safe, and more.
Best Time to Visit
Peak vs. shoulder vs. low season — when to go for the best weather and fewest crowds.
Weather Guide
Month-by-month climate breakdown, rainy season, typhoon risk, and what to expect.
Packing List
What to bring to China: clothing, tech, medicine, and items you can't find locally.
Safety Guide
Is Hangzhou safe? What to watch out for, emergency numbers, health tips.
Language Tips
Survival Mandarin, translation apps, and how to navigate when no one speaks English.
Accessibility
Wheelchair access, accessible hotels, metro elevators, and sights with step-free routes.
Traveling with Pets
Pet import rules, quarantine requirements, pet-friendly hotels, and vet info.
Day Trips from Hangzhou
Wuzhen, Moganshan, Shaoxing — easy escapes you can do in a single day.