First-Time China Travel Preparation Guide for Foreigners: Solve Key Pain Points
- China Travel Guide
- Sep 10
- 3 min read
You’ve been captivated by online videos of China and decided to plan your first trip—but once you dive into research, you realize traveling to China isn’t as straightforward as you thought. Language barriers (barely manageable with Google Translate or Microsoft Translator) are just the start. The bigger surprises? Most of your go-to apps won’t work, navigation tools need switching, and crafting a 10-day visa-free itinerary feels overwhelming. This First-Time China Travel Preparation Guide for Foreigners breaks down these challenges and shows you a time-saving solution.
1. The Big App Problem: What Won’t Work in China (and How to Fix It)
One of the biggest shocks for first-time visitors is that 主流 (mainstream) Western apps are restricted in China. Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, and even TikTok (the global version) won’t load without extra steps. If you need these apps to stay connected or share your journey, you have two options:
eSIM with global data: Some international eSIM providers offer plans that let you access restricted apps in China. Buy one before your trip and activate it upon arrival.
VPN (Virtual Private Network): A reliable VPN can bypass restrictions, but choose one that’s known to work in China (note: some free VPNs may be unreliable). Install it on your phone/laptop before entering China—you won’t be able to download it once you’re there.
It’s normal to feel anxious about this, but with a little prep, you’ll stay connected smoothly.
2. Navigation: Ditch Google Maps—Use Amap Instead
Google Maps is useless in China, which can be a panic-inducing realization for travelers used to relying on it. The solution? Download Amap (Gaode Maps) before your trip—it’s China’s most popular navigation app, and it has an English version.
Amap works for everything Google Maps does: walking directions, public transit routes (buses, subways, high-speed trains), and even ride-hailing (you can link it to Alipay or WeChat Pay if you set those up). Pro tip: Download offline maps for the cities you’ll visit—this saves data and works even in areas with weak signal.
3. Crafting a 10-Day Visa-Free Itinerary: The Overwhelm of Too Much Info
If you’re visiting China with a 10-day visa-free stay (common for transit or bilateral visa-free agreements), planning a logical route feels daunting. The internet is flooded with travel tips and itineraries, but separating “useful” from “false” info takes hours—time you don’t have if you’re balancing work and trip prep.
You might turn to trusted guides like Lonely Planet or DK, but their China content is often sparse and not deep enough for a seamless trip. You need more than just “top attractions”—you need details like:
How to buy high-speed train tickets (and which stations to use).
Where to stay for easy access to sights (not just “downtown”).
Must-try local foods (and which stalls/restaurants are authentic).
Attraction opening hours and ticket booking links (critical for spots like the Forbidden City).
Creating this from scratch could take months—but it doesn’t have to.
First-Time China Travel Preparation Guide for Foreigners: The Time-Saving Solution
Enter DolphinUnion—a China travel expert that creates city-specific guides designed for first-time visitors. Unlike generic travel books, their guides are hyper-detailed and ready to use immediately—no extra research needed.
DolphinUnion currently offers guides for China’s top destinations, including:
Beijing (Forbidden City, Great Wall)
Shanghai (the Bund, Disneyland)
Xi’an (Terracotta Army)
Chengdu (panda encounters, Sichuan food)
Chongqing (mountain city views, hot pot)
Guangzhou (Cantonese dim sum, food streets)
Guilin (Li River cruises, karst mountains)
Zhangjiajie (Avatar-style peaks)
Huashan (dangerous hiking trails)
Jiuzhaigou (colorful lakes)
More cities are added regularly. The best part? You can mix and match these city guides to build your 10-day itinerary. For example, pair Beijing (3 days) + Xi’an (2 days) + Shanghai (3 days) + a day trip to Suzhou—all with step-by-step transport tips, accommodation picks, and food recommendations.
Traveling to China for the first time doesn’t have to be stressful. With this First-Time China Travel Preparation Guide for Foreigners, you know how to solve app/navigation issues—and with DolphinUnion’s ready-made guides, you skip the months of planning and start your trip with confidence. All you need to do is pack your bags and go!
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