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PayPal now works in China via direct integration with WeChat Pay (Weixin Pay) 240-Hr Visa-Free Transit now covers 54 countries — enter and exit through different cities, Digital Arrival Card required 30-Day Visa-Free now open to 50+ countries including UK, EU, Canada, Australia, Japan and South Korea — US not included Digital Arrival Card (CDAC) mandatory for all foreign arrivals since Nov 2025 — complete within 72hrs before landing Shanghai: Alipay and WeChat Pay international wallets accepted without Chinese SIM card (2026) Tibet Individual Permits: Processing time extended to 15 business days — plan ahead Beijing: DiDi International accepts Visa/Mastercard — no WeChat needed Zhangjiajie: Tianmen Cave elevator restored — re-opens June 2026 Forbidden City, Zhangjiajie, Terracotta Warriors: advance online booking required — peak slots sell out weeks ahead PayPal now works in China via direct integration with WeChat Pay (Weixin Pay) 240-Hr Visa-Free Transit now covers 54 countries — enter and exit through different cities, Digital Arrival Card required 30-Day Visa-Free now open to 50+ countries including UK, EU, Canada, Australia, Japan and South Korea — US not included Digital Arrival Card (CDAC) mandatory for all foreign arrivals since Nov 2025 — complete within 72hrs before landing Shanghai: Alipay and WeChat Pay international wallets accepted without Chinese SIM card (2026) Tibet Individual Permits: Processing time extended to 15 business days — plan ahead Beijing: DiDi International accepts Visa/Mastercard — no WeChat needed Zhangjiajie: Tianmen Cave elevator restored — re-opens June 2026 Forbidden City, Zhangjiajie, Terracotta Warriors: advance online booking required — peak slots sell out weeks ahead
On the Ground

China Travel Logistics

Three practical guides for independent travelers — where to stay, how to get around, and where to shop. All vetted for foreigners with international payment cards.

Lodging
Where to Stay

Lodging

Trusted hotel chains that reliably accept foreign passports, plus apartment and short-term rental alternatives for longer stays.

Lodging guide
Shopping
Markets & Malls

Shopping

From luxury malls and electronics markets to e-commerce platforms — how foreigners shop in China with an international card.

Shopping guide
Transport
Getting Around

Transport

High-speed rail, Didi, metro, intercity bus, and domestic flights — complete setup guide for foreigners.

Transport guide