規劃第一次中國之旅
第一次到中國旅遊的基本須知：如何挑選城市、搭乘高鐵、使用 Alipay 或 WeChat Pay 付款，以及出發前先準備好上網方案。
快速解答
- For a first trip, pick just two to four cities: Beijing for history, Shanghai for the modern city, Chengdu for pandas and food, Xi'an for the Terracotta Army, and Guilin-Yangshuo for scenery, linked by high-speed rail.
- Most payments in China run through Alipay or WeChat Pay, and visitors can link a foreign card to them. Set them up before you travel and carry a little backup cash.
- Google, WhatsApp, Instagram and many other foreign services do not work normally on China's networks. A roaming-type eSIM routes your traffic outside China so they work; a local-exit one does not. Install your eSIM before you fly.
Choosing cities for a first trip
China is enormous, and distances between the major cities are longer than many first-timers expect. The general advice is to pick fewer cities and see them properly rather than trying to cover everything in one trip.
- Beijing: the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven; suits anyone interested in history
- Shanghai: the skyline along the Huangpu River, older neighbourhoods, and a huge range of restaurants and cafes
- Chengdu: panda research centres, Sichuan cuisine and a relaxed city feel
- Xi'an: the Terracotta Army, the ancient city wall and a Muslim Quarter full of street food
- Guilin-Yangshuo: limestone peaks and the Li River; suits travellers after scenery and countryside cycling
| City | 最適合 | Getting there |
|---|---|---|
| 北京 | History and landmarks | International airports and high-speed rail to many cities |
| 上海 | Modern city, food, shopping | International airports and major high-speed rail lines |
| 成都 | Pandas and Sichuan food | Direct flights from several countries, or high-speed rail |
| Xi'an | Ancient history and the Terracotta Army | High-speed rail from Beijing or Chengdu, or domestic flights |
| Guilin/Yangshuo | Scenery and mountain views | Domestic flight or high-speed rail, then a bus or boat on to Yangshuo |
Getting around by high-speed rail
High-speed rail is a convenient and punctual way to travel between cities. Big stations check tickets and passports at the platform gates, so arrive well before departure and keep your passport on you.
- Book ahead through an app or booking site that accepts foreign passports, especially around public holidays when tickets sell out quickly
- Check the station name carefully; some cities have several stations a long way apart
- For very long distances or routes without rail, a domestic flight may suit better
Paying with Alipay and WeChat Pay
Many shops and street stalls in China take payment mainly by scanning a QR code in an app. Visitors can link a foreign credit or debit card to Alipay or WeChat Pay. Set this up and link your card before you travel, since some verification steps may need a stable internet connection.
Foreign apps that may not work normally
On mobile networks and Wi-Fi inside China, many foreign services do not load normally, for example Google and Google Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. If you rely on these to message family, translate or navigate, plan ahead before you go.
- Use a roaming-type eSIM that routes traffic outside China, so foreign apps generally work as normal
- Or prepare a VPN installed before you arrive, since once inside you often cannot download VPN apps or sites; check the rules and risks of using a VPN first
- Download offline maps and install a map and translation app that works in China as a backup
Best seasons to visit
Spring (roughly March to May) and autumn (roughly September to November) tend to be the comfortable seasons for many northern and central cities. Summers are hot, humid and rainy in many areas, and northern winters such as Beijing's are very cold. The country is huge, so check the forecast for each city before you go.
What to pack and prepare
- A passport with enough validity left, and up-to-date visa or entry requirements; always check the official Chinese embassy or consulate website, as rules can change
- A plug adapter and charger, plus a power bank within airline rules, since your phone does the paying and navigating all day
- Hotel and destination names in Chinese, saved or screenshotted to show taxi drivers or ask for directions
- Season-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes, since days often involve a lot of walking
Staying connected with an eSIM
An eSIM gives you data the moment you land, with no hunting for a SIM at the airport. The key detail is how it connects: a roaming-type eSIM routes your data outside China, so Google, WhatsApp and Instagram work, while a local-exit one reaches the internet inside China and has the same restrictions as local networks. Read the plan details before you buy.
常見問題
Can I use Google Maps in China?+
It often does not work normally on local networks, but a roaming-type eSIM that routes data outside China, or a VPN, usually gets you through. It is also wise to download offline maps and keep a backup map app.
Can foreign visitors use Alipay or WeChat Pay?+
Generally yes; you can usually link a foreign card. Set it up before you travel and carry backup cash, and check the current conditions inside each app.
Do I need a visa?+
It depends on your nationality and timing, and rules can change, so check the official Chinese embassy or consulate website before you book.
When should I install my eSIM?+
Install it before you fly while you still have Wi-Fi, then activate it when you reach China so you are online the moment you land.
Instagram 和 TikTok 沒有網頁分享按鈕，因此我們會改為開啟手機的分享選單，或直接複製連結。