Visa
In 2024, China broadened its unilateral visa-free policy to include 38 countries, allowing a stay of up to 30 days. The country has been welcoming global travelers with open arms, as it further optimizes tourism policies, including the 240-hour visa-free transit option to 54 countries since Dec 17, 2024. Go on the National Immigration Administration official website (https://en.nia.gov.cn) for the detailed lists.
Language
Many destinations and transportation systems are posting English-language or even multilingual signage.
Technologies like AI are fulfilling the functions of translation. With mobile translation applications, it will be easier for visitors to get around. DeepSeek, an AI tool available on multiple websites and mobile apps, will always offer answers to questions like the historical background on any tourist attraction.
Always feel free to ask passersby, because Chinese people are known for their hospitality.
Currency and payment
Payment in China is highly digitalized, thus new measures have improved those mobile payment platforms' capabilities to link to international credit cards. More hotels are buying readers for international credit cards; please check before you transact. Platforms such as Alipay offer options for inbound visitors to board the Beijing subways with Mastercard.
And there is also traditional cash and banks for your service.
Traveling plan
Some trip-planning AI platforms offer real-time info on flights, transportation, attractions and the like. There's also one called Kayak, which, besides providing travel tips, integrates local car-hailing service Didi or others.
Or, visitors may check the hashtag for "China Travel" on social media like YouTube, TikTok and Instagram for more information as the optimized visa policies have already attracted many to experience China, several of whom are happy to share.
Tickets
Many cities have launched measures that enable foreigners to use passports onsite to get tickets for some top destinations, like the Forbidden City in Beijing and Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, Shaanxi province. Check the official websites of your destination for updated ticket information.
So download a map in English (or in your language), and enjoy China Travel!
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