May 28, 2014, 8:47 am
Last edit by: moondog
Please contact any of the China Ambassadors if you feel there is a post or thread that should be added to this guide.
5/20/25 Update (Moondog)
The last update to this Wiki was performed 2 years ago by @gududan. What's changed since then is that we have fewer active forum participants, so most important threads are on the first page. We also might appear to be biased towards Shanghai, but this is more a function of us spending more time in Shanghai than other cities (i.e. not because we think Shanghai is superior).
@gugdan's thread list below is still pretty good/current, but I'll add a few more insights:
China Forum Guide
Most Helpful Threads in the China Forum
FAQ [coming soon]
5/20/25 Update (Moondog)
The last update to this Wiki was performed 2 years ago by @gududan. What's changed since then is that we have fewer active forum participants, so most important threads are on the first page. We also might appear to be biased towards Shanghai, but this is more a function of us spending more time in Shanghai than other cities (i.e. not because we think Shanghai is superior).
@gugdan's thread list below is still pretty good/current, but I'll add a few more insights:
- In spite of it being a monopoly, Ctrip is an invaluable resource for booking flights and hotels within China (they do trains too, but 12306 is arguably better for that mission)
- Get WeChat and Alipay working before your trips
- You probably also want a working V solution (look at that thread in order to make an informed decision; the cheaper options often don't work well or at all)
- There are numerous "~10 days in China" threads. Some of them are quite old, but it's fine if you bump any that seem relevant to you. It's also fine to start new threads; we enjoy those conversations
- Didi is the easiest ride sharing app for foreign visitors to use. You can access it via Alipay and WeChat, but having the native app is slightly better, performance wise
- Eleme is another great app; it allows you to order pretty much any type of food (I don't think it has an English version, but you can search for things like "Taco bell" and order based on pictures)
- Use Dianping (Chinese only, I think) if you want to find restaurants near you
- The visa, TWOV, and visa exempt countries threads are also important because you want to ensure that your plans are legally compliant
China Forum Guide
Most Helpful Threads in the China Forum
- China Visas and Getting Into China
- All Things Transportation
- AliPay and WeChat Pay, which replaces Banks & Exchanging Money (outdated)
- Avoiding Scams
- Best and Fast VPN, also Optimal cell phone strategies in China and Mobile Phones, Internet, and Computers
- Food in China
- Hotels
- Language & Culture Primer
- The Big Three: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou
- Activities, Tours, and Places to Visit
- Meeting Up with Other FT-ers in China
- Connecting/transiting within PEK Beijing Capital Airport
- Connecting/transiting within PVG Shanghai Pudong Airport
- Connecting/transiting within CAN Guangzhou Baiyun Airport
FAQ [coming soon]
PLEASE READ FIRST: China Board FAQ/Most Important Threads
Jun 9, 2023 | 12:18 pm
#31
Join Date: Jan 2020
Programs: SQ Gold, Marriott Lifetime Platinum, Caesars Diamond, Hilton Diamond, Atmos Silver, IHG Platinum
Posts: 2,229
The main item that has changed since pre-COVID is the Wechat/Alipay one. I've added a wiki to the Wechat/Alipay thread and added the link to this thread's wiki.
Visas are the same, etc. The VPN thread isn't prominently linked above either, I have done that too.
EDIT: Added the cell phone thread link.
Visas are the same, etc. The VPN thread isn't prominently linked above either, I have done that too.
EDIT: Added the cell phone thread link.
Last edited by gudugan; Jun 10, 2023 at 7:27 pm Reason: Added the cell phone thread link.
May 20, 2025 | 9:18 am
#32
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 46,400
The main item that has changed since pre-COVID is the Wechat/Alipay one. I've added a wiki to the Wechat/Alipay thread and added the link to this thread's wiki.
Visas are the same, etc. The VPN thread isn't prominently linked above either, I have done that too.
EDIT: Added the cell phone thread link.
Visas are the same, etc. The VPN thread isn't prominently linked above either, I have done that too.
EDIT: Added the cell phone thread link.
May 20, 2025 | 9:25 am
#33
Join Date: Jan 2020
Programs: SQ Gold, Marriott Lifetime Platinum, Caesars Diamond, Hilton Diamond, Atmos Silver, IHG Platinum
Posts: 2,229
Thanks! It is worth revamping the visa thread as two main changes have happened:
- Several countries no longer need a visa for short visits
- TWOV was expanded to more countries, increased to 240 hours, and now you can travel between the TWOV areas instead of being locked to one. This might alleviate visa requirements completely for many leisure travelers. Conditions for Foreign Nationals Applying for the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Eligibility_Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United States of America
May 20, 2025 | 10:21 am
#34
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 46,400
Thanks! It is worth revamping the visa thread as two main changes have happened:
- Several countries no longer need a visa for short visits
- TWOV was expanded to more countries, increased to 240 hours, and now you can travel between the TWOV areas instead of being locked to one. This might alleviate visa requirements completely for many leisure travelers. Conditions for Foreign Nationals Applying for the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Eligibility_Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United States of America
ETA::I skipped over the "Flights to China" thread, which has been extremely relevant since COVID.
Last edited by moondog; May 20, 2025 at 11:02 am