1. What apps should I install before traveling to China?

WeChat (微信 Weixin) & Alipay (支付宝 Zhifubao)

These two apps are absolutely essential in China. Why you need them:

• Nearly all payments, restaurant orders, transportation, and ticket purchases use QR codes through these apps.
• Some services work only on one app, so having both is strongly recommended.
• Foreign bank cards can now be linked, but setup can be slow, as such, make sure to install before your trip.
• WeChat is also key for exchanging contacts and communicating with anyone in China. It is likely that Congress participants will communicate on WeChat too amongst themselves.

Tips:

• In most cases, to create a WeChat account, you must be invited (QR code) by a current user.
• Be sure to complete identity verification (“Real-Name Verification”) before your trip if possible. Be prepared to upload a copy of your ID.

Amap (高德地图 / Gaode Ditu)

Amap is China’s most accurate and foreigner-friendly map service. Benefits:

• Excellent for bus and public transport, showing detailed routes, stops, and alternatives.
• More reliable than Google Maps in China, where Google services are restricted.
• Available in English in most cities and regions.

Other options: Apple map, Baidu map (Chinese only)

Didi app

Ride-hailing app. Messages with the drivers are automatically translated. 

Ctrip.com

Useful for all train tickets, flights, and hotels booking in China. 

2. How do I make payments in China?

Most payments are made through the WeChat or Alipay apps. Foreign bank cards can now be linked to this apps, but setup can be slow, as such, make sure to install early. Download the app, verify your identity (passport), and link an international credit card (Visa/Mastercard).

Keep some cash in RMB. Small shops and rural ares or taxis (not Didi) prefer cash. It is also a good backup in case an app stops working. Exchanging foreign currency in China is possible at major banks or airports but inconvenient, queues may be long and will require your passport. You can also withdraw cash from most ATM machines with most international credit cards (Mastercard, Visa).

Standard Visa/Mastercard cards are rarely accepted for in-store payments, though they work for hotel deposits and some chain stores.

Revolut works reliably and allows you to open a dedicated RMB account for easy top-ups.

3. How do payments work in restaurants and markets?

Most places provide a QR code on the table or at the counter.

You scan it with WeChat Pay or Alipay, submit your order, and pay instantly. Note: Alipay offers an in-app translator.

Alternatively, you can show the staff the QR code displayed in your Alipay app for them to scan.

4. What translation app do you recommend?

While many younger people speak some English, daily interactions (taxis, markets, small eateries) may require translation.

Recommended Options:

• WeChat Built-In Translation: Works well for text and photos.
• Google Translate: Only works if you have a VPN (Google services are blocked). In particular the Google Lens option (accessed via the camera icon in the Google Translate app) is extremely useful for translating visual text, e.g. signs, store fronts, food packaging, etc. Can be slow or unreliable on local networks. 
• Apple Translate / Microsoft Translator: Work without a VPN for most features; good offline packs. 
• Baidu Translate: Best option for photos translation (e.g. menus, signs, etc). 

Tip:
Download offline language packs before you travel.

5. Is the internet restricted in China?

Yes. The “Great Firewall” blocks any major websites/apps:

• All Google services, including but not limited to Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube
• Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp calls
• Wikipedia (partially), some news sites
• Many foreign media publications

A VPN is essential if you rely on any of these.

6. Do I need a VPN in China?

Yes—install and test a VPN BEFORE entering China. Once inside the country, most VPN websites and app stores are blocked. Many VPN providers have a free trial version, but to ensure full access, we recommend the paid version. However, be aware that even paid VPNs can be inconsistent.

The VPN must be installed on any device you wish to access the internet with (phone, laptop, tablet).

Most reliable options:

• Leaf VPN
• VyprVPN
• ExpressVPN
• Astrill
• NordVPN

You will need the VPN to access Google services (Google Docs, Google Translate, etc), Instagram, Facebook, Wahtsapp calls and many new sites.

7. Will my phone work in China?

Most foreign SIM cards work, but data roaming is expensive. Some providers may offer special data packages for China for a reasonable price.

Alternatively, consider buying an eSIM (recommended option) or local SIM card on arrival. Local carriers: China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom. Buying a local SIM requires registration at a carrier store (China Mobile/Unicom) with your passport.

Tip:
If buying a local SIM, ask for an option that supports international calls and access to foreign websites (some plans block these without a VPN).

A data-only eSIM (e.g. Airalo, Holafly) can be purchased before traveling. This bypasses the firewall, so you do not need a VPN for data.

8. How do I get around the city?

Subway (best option)

Use Alipay’s “Transport” button and scan the QR code at the gates.

Public Buses

• Flat fare: 2 RMB per ride in most cities.
• Pay by scanning a QR code via WeChat or Alipay.
• Amap provides real-time bus arrival information and shows all the alternative routes.

Didi (Chinese Uber) 

• Bookable directly through Alipay/WeChat, sometimes also through the Didi app.
• Affordable and convenient for door-to-door travel.
• English interface available, and the app translates chat messages. 

Taxis

You can hail them on the street. It is better to show your destination written in Chinese and pay via QR code.

9. General tips

• Electricity: Type A / Type I plugs; 220V. Bring a universal adapter.
• Since June 2025, the Civil Aviation Administration of China requires power banks on domestic flight to have the CCC (China Compulsory Certificate) mark. This means the device has passed official safety tests for battery-quality, fire resistance, and electrical performance, making it safe for sale and use in China.
• Tipping: Not customary in China.
• Toilets: Public restrooms are common, but you need to carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as public restrooms often lack them.

• Keep your passport with you when traveling—needed for hotels, some attractions, and high-speed trains.
• High-speed trains are extremely efficient; booking is possible through apps like Trip.com (which accepts foreign cards). Important: you must carry your passport to travel by high-speed train.
• Masks: Commonly worn on public transport.
• Water: Drink only bottled or boiled water.
• Weather: the Congress will take place during the rainy season. Plan clothing adapted to hot and wet climate. 

10. Visa / Entry – What you need to know

Who can enter without a visa (short stay):

• As of now, citizens of certain countries holding a valid ordinary passport can enter mainland China without a visa for up to 30 days, if the trip is for tourism, business, visiting friends/family, cultural or academic exchange, or transit. Please verify online or with the embassy in your country to confirm whether you qualify.
• The 30-day visa-free stay begins the day after entry and lasts for 30 calendar days.
• You don’t need to apply in advance or declare this at an embassy/consulate if you meet the requirements.

Limitations & When You Need a Visa:

You will need to apply for a visa in advance if:

• You plan to stay in China for more than 30 days.
• Your stay involves purposes other than tourism, business, visiting, cultural/academic exchange or transit (e.g. work, long-term study, journalism, residence).
• You hold a service or official passport (exceptions may apply depending on bilateral agreements).

What happens if you need to stay longer than 30 days (but already entered on visa-free stay):

• If you are already in China and realise you need to stay beyond 30 days for “appropriate and sufficient reasons,” you must apply for a stay permit at the exit-and-entry authorities (public security bureau) within China.
• Whether such an application is approved depends on the authorities; staying beyond 30 days without proper permit may lead to penalties.

Important Practical Details:

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of departure.
• Be prepared to show supporting documents at entry, such as return (or onward) flight tickets, hotel/reservation confirmations, or invitation letters (if visiting friends/family or for business).
• As of November 2025, upon arrival, a digital entry card has replaced the old paper arrival form.
• For visa applications (for long stays), travellers typically need to submit biometrics (fingerprints) at a visa-application center and apply in person before travel.
• Some visas may require an invitation letter: the Jingdezhen Congress Secretariat will provide invitations upon registration.

11. What type of Visa should I get for a stay longer than 30 days ?

Tourist visa (L-visa): For the purpose of tourism or vacation. You must apply for the L-visa before your departure at a Chinese Embassy or Consulate. For longer stays (60-90 days), you must request the duration on the application form with an invitation letter; approval varies by Consulate.

Exchange,visits,study tours or other relevant activities (F-visa): For the purpose of Academc exchanges, Cultural exchanges (e.g. a non-profit performance), Religious exchanges, NGO activities, Volunteering (90 days or less), Foreign expert with pre-approved letters of invitation, Geographic surveying and mapping activities.

12. Advice for Groups / Members Travelling Together

If several people travel together (e.g. group tour), make sure every traveler carries their own passport and supporting documents (flight ticket, hotel booking, itinerary).

For extended stays, apply well in advance, leaving time for visa processing and possible delays (fingerprint submission, document check).

Keep copies of visa, passport data page, travel/reservation documents (digital + print), in case you need them at hotel registration or border checks.

Ensure every group member has their own Alipay/WeChat set up individually and make a WeChat group to share information. For hotel bookings, confirm the property is “foreigner-friendly” (has a Foreigner Entry Permit system), as smaller hotels may deny check-in to foreigners.

13. Helpful Links for Visa Information

• Visa-free & Entry Info (NIA): https://en.nia.gov.cn/index.html (covers visa exemption, transit rules, and general immigration policies)
• Visa-Free Entry FAQ (for foreign passport holders): https://ee.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/jy/ve/ (lists eligible countries, allowed stay duration, purposes)
• Travel-Advice Guide (non-official but widely used): “China Visa-Free Travel — A Complete Guide” on China-Briefing website (good for overview and understandable language): https://www.china-briefing.com/news/china-visa-free-travel-policies-complete-guide

• Chinese Embassy/Consulate: Official websites (check your local jurisdiction).
• China Visa Service Center (CVSC): The official visa application agency in most countries.

14. Checklist before your trip

□ Apply for visa (if applicable to your circumstances)

□ Download WeChat and Alipay apps, link to bank card if so desired. Complete the identity verification before your trip.

□ Download Amap app for easier navigation.

□ Download Didi app for use of local “Uber” services.

□ Download “offline dictionary” for your preferred translation app (e.g. Google Translate, Apple Translate)

□ Subscribe to, install and test a VPN on ALL used devices before you travel.

□ Exchange cash in RMB for your trip

□ Check your passport validity (valid 6+ months)

□ Print your visa (if applicable)

□ Purchase and activate an eSIM or international roaming (if applicable)

□ Book a travel insurance (recommended)

□ Print your hotel confirmations (if applicable) and return flight tickets