Traveler using Alipay for mobile payment in mainland China

China Practical Guide

Payments, layover timing and transit basics for mainland China — pick a guide below before you lock the itinerary.

Browse GuidesAlipay Setup

Quick Answer

Before building a China itinerary, confirm entry eligibility, payment readiness and the digital services you will depend on after arrival.

Check visa or visa-free-transit rules against your passport and route, set up mobile payment while you can still receive home-country verification messages, and keep a backup bank card or RMB cash. Some international internet services may be restricted or unreliable in mainland China, so solve practical access questions before relying on them during the trip.

Last modified:

All Guides In This Hub

Start with transit eligibility, layover timing, or Alipay setup — then move to destination planning when the practical basics are covered.

240-hour visa-free transit planning for China travel
240-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Eligibility basics for transit stays through China — confirm official rules for your passport and route.

Beijing layover planning — airport transfer and usable time windows
Layover Guides

Hours, airport logic, and when leaving PEK or PKX is realistic for a Beijing layover.

Traveler using Alipay for mobile payment in mainland China
How to Set Up and Use Alipay

Foreigner setup, English UI, international cards, QR pay, metro, fees and troubleshooting.

Why These Guides First

  • Transit: Confirm whether 240-hour visa-free transit applies before building a layover or city day.
  • Layover timing: Use the Beijing layover guide to judge PEK vs PKX usable time.
  • Payments: Set up Alipay before arrival so SMS codes and card linking are easier to finish.

Plan Your Trip

Planning a Beijing stopover or private China trip? DragonTrail can help with airport pickup, private vehicles and itinerary planning once payment and transit basics are sorted.

Request a Quote