Everything you need for China — in your carry-on.
Honest guides, real local picks, and the small things nobody tells you. Written by someone who lives in Shanghai — for first-time visitors using the 240-hour visa-free transit.
Latest guides
The 240-Hour China Visa-Free Transit: Complete 2026 Guide for US/UK/AU Travelers
Everything you need to enter China visa-free for 10 days in 2026. Eligible countries, ports, application form, real traveler experiences — written by someone who watches the policy weekly.
2026-05-12
How to Use Alipay as a Foreigner in China (2026 Step-by-Step)
Set up Alipay Tour Pass with a foreign Visa or Mastercard in 20 minutes. The step-by-step guide for first-time visitors to China — no Chinese phone number required.
2026-05-12
Best eSIM for China 2026: Tested in Shanghai (Airalo vs Holafly vs 3HK)
I tested 5 eSIMs in Shanghai over 30 days. Here
2026-05-12
Does VPN Work in China in 2026? Honest Test from Shanghai
I tested 7 VPNs from my Shanghai apartment over 30 days. Three were blocked outright. Two worked but slowly. Here
2026-05-12
Shanghai French Concession Walking Tour: 4-Hour Self-Guided Route (2026)
A local\
2026-05-12
Internet in China for Tourists: The Complete 2026 Setup Guide
Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Gmail, Maps — what works, what doesn
2026-05-12
Shanghai Disneyland 2026: A Foreigner\
How to actually do Shanghai Disney as a non-Chinese-speaking visitor — buying tickets cheaper than at the gate, the FastPass strategy, what to eat, and which rides hit hardest in 2026.
2026-05-12
How Much Does a Shanghai Trip Cost in 2026? Real Budget from a Local
A 30-day audit of what Western visitors actually spend in Shanghai in 2026. Backpacker $475, mid-range $1,075, comfort $2,225 for 3 days — line by line, in USD.
2026-05-12
Solo Female Travel in Shanghai: Honest 2026 Safety Guide
Is Shanghai safe for women traveling alone in 2026? An eight-year resident\
2026-05-12
Where to Stay in Shanghai for First-Timers: 5 Neighborhoods Compared (2026)
A Shanghai local breaks down the 5 best neighborhoods for first-time visitors — Bund, French Concession, Jing\
2026-05-12
Zhujiajiao Day Trip from Shanghai: DIY vs Tour (2026)
The 1,700-year-old water town 50km west of Shanghai. How to get there cheap, which gardens are worth the entry fee, and whether to DIY or book a tour.
2026-05-12
Shanghai 3-Day Itinerary: The Perfect 240-Hour Visa-Free Trip (2026)
A complete hour-by-hour Shanghai itinerary for first-timers using China
2026-05-11