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China EssentialsChina Essentials
Worst Time to Visit China in 2026: Crowds, Costs & Chaos to Avoid

Worst Time to Visit China in 2026: Crowds, Costs & Chaos to Avoid

These are the worst dates to visit China in 2026. The peak seasons 90% of tourists regret - avoid these mistakes or face crushing crowds and triple prices 🚫

Ben
Ben
China EssentialsChina Essentials
The Best Travel Card for China? Wise vs Revolut for Alipay & WeChat Pay

The Best Travel Card for China? Wise vs Revolut for Alipay & WeChat Pay

Don't get hit by surprise fees in China. Your bank card hides huge costs on Alipay & WeChat Pay. We tested Wise vs Revolut to see who really saves you money.

Ben
Ben
China EssentialsChina Essentials
How to Book China High Speed Rail Tickets: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide for Tourists

How to Book China High Speed Rail Tickets: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide for Tourists

Confused by China's train booking system? We cut through the noise. Discover which app to use, which station to choose, and how to pay without frustrating errors.

Ben
Ben
China EssentialsChina Essentials
How to Book China Hotels: A Pro Guide to the Best Prices & Experiences

How to Book China Hotels: A Pro Guide to the Best Prices & Experiences

Why do your usual booking sites fail in China? We reveal the platforms we use, the 3% payment fee to avoid, and how to decode reviews to avoid common mistakes.

Ben
Ben
China EssentialsChina Essentials
China's CCC Power Bank Rule: Don't Get Yours Confiscated

China's CCC Power Bank Rule: Don't Get Yours Confiscated

We clarify the confusing new CCC certification rule for China flights. And where you can buy CCC compliant power banks online.

Ben
Ben
China EssentialsChina Essentials
Essential China Travel Apps: Your Pre-Trip Download Guide

Essential China Travel Apps: Your Pre-Trip Download Guide

Your usual apps won't work in China! Download these essential apps you need to setup before your China trip for cashless payments, seamless navigation & more.

Ben
Ben
China EssentialsChina Essentials
Cashless Payment in China for Tourists

Cashless Payment in China for Tourists

The real-world guide for first time travellers to China. How to pay for stuff in China using WeChat Pay (aka Weixin Pay) and Alipay (not AlipayHK) for foreigners.

Ben
Ben
China EssentialsChina Essentials
How to Access Blocked Apps in China as a Tourist: VPNs or eSIMs for Google, Instagram, WhatsApp and more

How to Access Blocked Apps in China as a Tourist: VPNs or eSIMs for Google, Instagram, WhatsApp and more

This is how we setup our devices to continue to use banned apps like Netflix, Reddit, TikTok in China

Ben
Ben