Answer: For a 3-night stay in Guilin in March (2 adults, city-centre, breakfast included and mid-price range) here are some hotel recommendations plus what to look out for.

Answer: Your proposed route—flying into Beijing, taking the train to Guilin, then continuing by train to Shanghai before flying back to the UK—is workable, but there are some important considerations regarding travel time and convenience.

Answer: Arriving in Shenzhen at 1:10 am presents a challenge for reaching Guangzhou immediately, as most public transport options, including buses and trains, will have stopped operating for the night. The distance between Shenzhen and Guangzhou is around 120–140 km depending on your route, which is roughly a 1.5–2 hour drive under normal traffic.

Answer: The 240-hour (10-day) transit visa is indeed a convenient option for travelers with longer stopovers in certain Chinese cities. It allows you to stay in a designated region, including multiple cities, without applying for a full visa in advance, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.

Answer: Yes, it is possible to obtain a physical metro card (Jinlingtong) in Nanjing even if you do not have a Chinese bank account or phone number. The Jinlingtong card is the standard rechargeable card for Nanjing Metro and can be purchased at metro stations across the city.

Answer: The 144-hour visa-free transit (VFTF) policy in China allows eligible travelers to transit through certain Chinese cities, including Beijing, for up to 144 hours (6 days) without a visa, provided they meet the entry requirements. This is particularly useful if you want to stop in Beijing on your way to another country like Japan.

Answer: For a family trip to Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Macao with a 5-year-old, choosing hotels with kids clubs or child-friendly facilities can make a big difference, especially if you want some downtime from sightseeing. While hotels with full-scale kids clubs can be expensive, there are several well-located options that balance comfort, activities, and affordability.

Answer: Using an eSIM in China is possible, but there are some important considerations and limitations you should be aware of, especially if your goal is to use services like AliPay, WeChat Pay, or other local apps.

Answer: Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (CTU) is a modern and spacious airport that opened in 2021, replacing the older Shuangliu Airport as the main hub for Chengdu. A 5-hour layover provides sufficient time to enjoy some of the airport's facilities and grab a meal.

Answer: Hi,

Answer: Both the Stanford Hillview Hotel and Harbour Grand Kowloon are good choices, but they cater to different travel styles and locations within Kowloon. The best option depends on your priorities — whether you prefer convenient access to shopping and MTR lines or a more scenic, upscale waterfront experience.

Answer: The Pudong Shangri-La Hotel in Shanghai is located in the Lujiazui area of Pudong, which is a central business district. While hotel transfer services may be convenient, there are several alternative ways to get to and from Pudong Airport that are generally more cost-effective.

Answer: Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) is located about 40 km northwest of Xi’an city center. If your flight arrives after midnight, the airport shuttle buses will most likely have stopped operating, as most city shuttle services run roughly between 6:30 AM and 9:30 PM. The exact last bus may vary depending on the route.

Answer: Kai Tak Cruise Terminal is located in Kowloon East and does not have a direct public ferry route to Aberdeen Island. While Hong Kong has many ferry services, the terminal itself is primarily designed for cruise ship arrivals and departures, and there is no scheduled ferry from Kai Tak directly to Aberdeen Island.

Answer: Hello, traveling from Hong Kong Airport to Disneyland and arranging groceries for a child with food allergies requires a bit of planning, but there are several practical options. Unfortunately, many online grocery services in Hong Kong require a local phone number for registration, which can be a limitation for visitors. However, there are workarounds.

Answer: If you have a question specifically about the 24-, 72-, or 144-hour visa-free transit (TWOV) policy in China, the most reliable sources of information are official government and consular channels. Here’s a detailed guide on who to contact and how to verify your eligibility.

Answer: The Peak Tram in Hong Kong is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, offering spectacular views of Victoria Harbour and the surrounding skyline. While it is possible to purchase tickets on the day of your visit, there are some considerations regarding capacity and waiting times.

Answer: Both Hilton Garden Inn Mongkok and Cordis, Hong Kong offer good options for families, but they cater to slightly different priorities depending on what you value more: space versus location and luxury.

Answer: The train ride from Chengdu city to Dujiangyan is relatively short and convenient. There are multiple options depending on the train type you choose:

Answer: With your arrival in Shanghai on Friday, 2 May, and departure on Monday, 5 May, your itinerary is ambitious but achievable. However, it's important to note that your visit coincides with China's Labour Day holiday (1–5 May), a peak travel period. This means major attractions will be crowded, and transportation may be busier than usual. Planning ahead and starting your days early will help you make the most of your time.

Answer: For a visit to Guangzhou focused on history, traditional architecture, and Chinese culture, a 2-night stay over a weekend is usually sufficient. This allows you to arrive on a Friday evening, explore the city on Saturday and Sunday, and return to Hong Kong on Sunday night or Monday morning. Guangzhou is large, but key cultural and historical sites can be comfortably covered in two full days.

Answer: Traveling from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie (ZJJ) can be approached either by direct flight or via Changsha with a high-speed train. Both options have pros and cons depending on your priorities, such as convenience, cost, and scenic experience.

Answer: If you are taking the train from Nanjing to Shanghai and want to stay near the Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre, the most convenient train station is Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station or Shanghai Railway Station, depending on the train type, but one is significantly closer.

Answer: Wuhan is a large, vibrant city with several neighborhoods offering different experiences. Since you are looking for local eats, bars, and convenient access to the train station, the following areas are worth considering:

Answer: Sheung Wan is a convenient and lively area on Hong Kong Island, close to Central and plenty of nightlife, so your evening arrival should be manageable.

Answer: Planning a trip to China in mid-June requires some attention to the weather, as it is the beginning of the summer season and the rainy season in many parts of the country.

Answer: Your planned itinerary — flying from Glasgow to Beijing (via Amsterdam), staying in Beijing and Shanghai, and then flying onward to Hong Kong — can qualify for China’s Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy under the 144-hour visa-free transit rule, provided you meet certain key conditions. Let’s break it down carefully to ensure your route is compliant.

Answer: Hi Cha,

Answer: In Hong Kong, there is no legal requirement for tourists to carry their passport at all times while sightseeing. However, it is important to have valid identification available if requested by authorities, for example, in situations like police checks, banking, or other official matters. For most everyday tourist activities, carrying a photocopy of your passport along with another form of ID is usually sufficient.

Answer: Here’s a breakdown of your itinerary and how it relates to the 240-hour Visa-Free Transit Policy (sometimes called “10-day visa-free transit”) for mainland China, along with what you should be aware of when planning to use it.

Answer: As a Sri Lankan passport holder residing in the UAE, you can apply for a Hong Kong e-Visa (also known as an electronic visa or pre-arrival registration) on your own or through a visa agency. Both methods are valid, but applying by yourself is straightforward and avoids extra service fees charged by agencies.

Answer: December is winter in Hong Kong, but it’s a very mild one compared to most temperate regions. For visitors coming from Australia’s summer heat, it will definitely feel cool to chilly, especially in the evenings. Daytime highs of around 18–22°C and nighttime lows of 10–13°C are typical. The air is dry, and there can be a light breeze, especially near Victoria Harbour or at Disneyland, which is located on Lantau Island where temperatures can feel cooler due to open spaces and wind.

Answer: Hi John,

Answer: Arriving at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) at 9:40pm and planning to get to Lo Wu via Sheung Shui MTR can be tight, mainly due to the MTR operating hours and transfer times. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Answer: Visiting Mount Hua Shan (Huashan) from Xi’an is most commonly done via high-speed train to Huashan North Railway Station, which is indeed the fastest and most convenient method for day trips or overnight trips.

Answer: When bringing dried food products such as dried scallops and bird's nest into mainland China from Hong Kong as a tourist, it is important to be aware of Chinese customs regulations. China has strict rules regarding the import of animal products, seafood, and bird-related products, even for personal use.

Answer: Visiting the Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) and the Po Lin Monastery in Hong Kong from the airport in the mid-afternoon is doable, but you’ll need to manage your time carefully. The Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car ride takes about 25–30 minutes one way, and visiting the Buddha and monastery can take 1–2 hours depending on how much you explore.

Answer: China does maintain a “no-fly” or restricted list, but it is not publicly searchable for individuals. Being denied a visa exemption in the past could indicate that your record may flag certain types of entry, but it does not necessarily mean you are on a no-fly list for transit. Transit through China while staying airside (without entering the country) generally has different rules than visa-free or visa-required entries.

Answer: The 240-hour visa-free transit policy in China allows eligible travelers to stay in certain cities for up to 10 days (240 hours) without a visa, provided they are transiting to a third country or region. Since your itinerary involves London → Shanghai → Hong Kong → London, here’s how it applies:

Answer: The 144-hour and 240-hour visa-free transit policies in China are designed to allow travelers to visit certain cities without a visa if they are transiting to a third country. However, the rules depend heavily on the specific cities and the mode of travel.

Answer: Accessing email services like Outlook and Yahoo in China can be challenging due to the country's internet restrictions, often referred to as the "Great Firewall." Some services are partially or fully blocked, and hotel WiFi networks are subject to these restrictions.

Answer: If you have successfully obtained your Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) for Hong Kong but the place of birth (POB) on the form does not exactly match what is on your passport, it is generally not considered a major issue for most travelers. Hong Kong Immigration tends to be flexible, especially if the discrepancy is minor, such as omitting the district or repeating the city name.

Answer: Visiting Mount Kailash in Tibet requires careful planning because it is located in a restricted area and foreign travelers cannot go independently. Since you prefer entering China via Beijing, here is a detailed overview of the process:

Answer: Arriving early in Beijing and staying in Wangfujing gives you a central location to start exploring the city even if you cannot check in immediately. After leaving your luggage at the hotel, a relaxed first day is recommended to adjust to the time difference and enjoy some light sightseeing.

Answer: In China, the Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) has specific rules regarding the transport of power banks on flights. The key regulation is that power banks carried on domestic flights must have the Chinese CCC (China Compulsory Certification) mark. This is intended to ensure safety standards for batteries and prevent fire hazards.

Answer: Your proposed 2-week itinerary for China in mid-April is quite balanced between cultural sites and natural scenery, and it is doable, but there are a few points to consider given your group includes elderly travelers and a child.

Answer: Traveling overland from Vientiane (Laos) to Beijing is technically possible but highly complex and not straightforward. There is no single direct train or bus route covering the entire distance, so you would need to combine several train and bus segments, and likely cross multiple borders, including Laos–China and possibly Vietnam–China if you choose alternative routes.

Answer: Flying from Xinjiang (Kashgar or Urumqi) to Lhasa is indeed the fastest and most practical option, especially during July and August when overland travel is long and high-altitude roads can be challenging. However, international flight search engines often do not show domestic Chinese flights, which is why you may not see results on Kayak or Skyscanner.

Answer: Here is a detailed overview regarding transportation in Hong Kong for your party of four with luggage:

Answer: Visiting Victoria Peak using the Peak Tram and Ruby Pass is generally straightforward, but planning your timing is key to ensure you’re back at Central MTR by 2pm. Allow yourself a comfortable buffer for queues, walking, and enjoying the views.

Answer: Using Alipay from outside China can indeed be tricky, as many international bank cards are restricted from performing cross-border transfers to Chinese accounts for security reasons. This is a common issue for travelers who try to pre-load or send money to local agencies before arriving in China.

Answer: Guangzhou is a vibrant city with a lively shopping scene that extends into the late evening, especially around popular commercial streets and night markets. While most large malls close by 10:00 PM, certain areas and markets stay open later, offering a mix of shopping, street food, and entertainment.

Answer: Yes, the route you’re describing is a practical way to return from the Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) on Lantau Island to Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour without using the cable car for the descent. This combination of bus and ferry allows for a scenic and cost-effective journey, and it is possible to pay using the Octopus card (Hong Kong’s Oyster-style card).

Answer: When a Chinese visa application is marked as “returned” by VFS, it generally indicates that the application cannot proceed in its current form and must be resubmitted. This status usually means the application is considered closed, and simply updating documents under the same application number is not accepted.

Answer: Shanghai is a modern city where mobile payment platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted, often more so than cash. For most restaurants, cafes, shops, and even street vendors, these apps are the preferred method of payment. Tourists who have Alipay set up with an international card can generally pay without issues at major stores, chain restaurants, supermarkets, and even some local markets.

Answer: The Kunming to Lijiang train route has been affected by seasonal adjustments and maintenance schedules, which may explain why direct services are temporarily unavailable. In recent years, Yunnan’s railway operators sometimes suspend or reduce direct train services, especially in winter months, due to lower passenger volumes, track maintenance, or operational adjustments.

Answer: For your group traveling from Singapore, Malaysia, and New Zealand, here’s a detailed explanation regarding traveling from Hong Kong to Guangzhou and back to Hong Kong:

Answer: Both Sofitel Harbin and Mercure Central are well-regarded hotels in Harbin, but they differ slightly in location and convenience depending on what tourist attractions you want to prioritize.

Answer: Traveling from Citygate Outlets / Lantau (near Ngong Ping / Big Buddha) to Shenzhen is quite feasible, but with a family and kids, it’s important to consider comfort, convenience, and border crossing time.

Answer: The Grand Harbour Hotel is located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, a lively area with many dining, shopping, and sightseeing options. Being just before Christmas, you can enjoy festive decorations and events around the area.

Answer: With a 3:30pm arrival and 12:30pm departure the next day, staying at the Regal Airport Hotel is very convenient, especially if you want minimal hassle with luggage and check-in times. The hotel is directly connected to the airport, so you can easily rest before heading into the city.

Answer: Travelling to China in September or October 2025 is a great choice, as the weather is generally pleasant in most regions, with autumn bringing cooler temperatures and less rain compared to the summer months.

Answer: Visiting Yangshuo and the surrounding Guangxi region during China’s Golden Week (1st week of October) can be challenging due to the massive domestic tourist crowds. The first week of October is one of the busiest travel periods in China, with most popular destinations, train stations, airports, and scenic spots experiencing extremely high traffic.

Answer: For holders of an Irish passport traveling to China under the current 30-day visa-free policy, the 30-day period generally applies to each individual entry, not as a cumulative total over multiple trips. This means that each time you enter China under the visa-free arrangement, you are allowed to stay for up to 30 days from the date of entry.

Answer: The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall has been temporarily closed due to heavy rainfall and the associated risk of geographic hazards. The authorities have issued a red alert, indicating that conditions are very dangerous and potentially life-threatening. This precaution is taken to ensure the safety of visitors, as landslides, slippery paths, and structural instability can occur during or after heavy rains.

Answer: Taking a taxi from Dongzhimen area to Badaling Great Wall is a common option, especially for travelers who prefer convenience over public transport. Since you don’t speak Chinese, arranging the taxi through your hotel is a smart choice to avoid communication issues.

Answer: Visiting Xi’an and combining the Terracotta Warriors with Huaqing Hot Springs in one day is possible, but it requires careful planning due to the distance and the time each site requires.

Answer: Cycle touring in China can be a rewarding experience, but it does come with challenges, particularly regarding road access. China generally prohibits bicycles on expressways and motorways, which are designated for motor vehicles only. Therefore, planning your route carefully is essential to avoid restricted roads.

Answer: Air China’s online check-in system can sometimes be tricky, especially if you booked through a third-party website like Booking.com. The error message “Sorry, there are no flights for which you can check in” usually occurs due to timing, flight eligibility, or technical issues with the website.

Answer: It seems there might be some confusion in the place names. Based on your location in Guilin, you probably mean Yangshuo, not Yangzhou, which is in Jiangsu Province, far from Guilin. Traveling to Yangshuo from Guilin for a day trip is very common and feasible.

Answer: Traveling from Shanghai to Suzhou and Hangzhou can be done efficiently either by Didi (ride-hailing app) or by bullet train (high-speed train). The best choice depends on your priorities such as speed, comfort, cost, and convenience.

Answer: Ten days in Beijing can feel long if you plan to stay strictly in the city, but it’s actually a good amount of time if you want to travel at a relaxed pace, especially with elderly parents. Beijing has many major attractions that can be tiring if done back-to-back, so spacing them out and adding day trips is a good idea.

Answer: For a group of 5 adults with 5 check-in suitcases and 5 carry-on bags arriving at Hong Kong International Airport and heading to the Royal Plaza Hotel in Mong Kok, there are several transport options to consider depending on convenience, cost, and luggage handling.

Answer: Visiting Jiuzhaigou as a first-timer can be very rewarding, but it requires some planning due to the logistics from Chengdu and within the scenic area.

Answer: Booking China Eastern Airlines’ free transit hotel in Shanghai (PVG) has become increasingly difficult in recent years due to website issues, app unavailability, and inconsistent customer service. Many travelers report the official website either failing to process requests or showing errors, and phone support often loops you back to the website. Despite the official policy offering a free hotel for eligible long layovers, successfully securing a booking can require persistence and alternative approaches.

Answer: With 2 ½ days in Zhangjiajie, self-guided, it’s important to prioritize and group attractions based on location and travel time. Your idea of staying one night near Zhangjiajie Station and two nights in Wulingyuan is practical. It reduces early morning travel and maximizes your time in the scenic areas.

Answer: Booking high-speed train tickets in China is fairly straightforward, but there are some tips to make your planning smoother, especially for a first trip in mid-October when travel can be busy.

Answer: If you only have 24–30 hours in Beijing and want to see the key attractions, it's best to focus on the city's most iconic sights and plan your route efficiently. Beijing has excellent public transport, so you can combine metro and taxis to save time.

Answer: Hong Kong has an excellent metro system (MTR) that makes staying near a station very convenient, especially if you want easy access to tourist spots, shopping areas, and the airport express. Choosing accommodation close to MTR stations can save a lot of commuting time.

Answer: Good news — the show you’re referring to, The House of Dancing Water (often shortened to “Dancing Water”) at in Macau is still running.

Answer: For US citizens planning to visit China with a standard 30-day tourist visa (L visa), there is no requirement to enter and leave from the same airport. This requirement you may have seen applies mainly to certain transit visas or 72/144-hour visa-free transit policies at specific cities.

Answer: In general, airlines in China are quite strict about the passenger name matching exactly with the passport. However, in your case, since the ticket itself shows the correct passport details (first, middle, and last name) and the discrepancy is only in the Frequent Flyer profile, this is usually not a problem for boarding.

Answer: Using an eSIM in China is possible, but there are several important considerations due to the local telecommunications regulations and internet restrictions.

Answer: In China, high-speed train tickets can generally be booked up to 15-30 days in advance, depending on the train and the platform you use. Trip.com and other third-party platforms often allow online bookings for most routes, sometimes with slightly extended advance periods compared to official Chinese railway websites.

Answer: The China Beijing Hotel is a centrally located hotel in Beijing, near the Wangfujing shopping street and within walking distance of many major attractions including Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. It is a large hotel that caters to both business and leisure travelers.

Answer: Hi Hannah,

Answer: Xinjiang is a region in China with more limited mobile coverage compared to eastern provinces, so not all travel SIMs or eSIMs will work there. Many international providers such as Airalo may not have full coverage, as you found out.

Answer: Eating gluten-free (GF) in Hong Kong is manageable but requires some planning. While awareness of gluten intolerance and celiac disease is growing, GF options are not as widespread as in Western countries. Many restaurants do not specifically label GF dishes, and cross-contamination can occur in kitchens, especially in traditional Chinese restaurants where soy sauce and wheat-based sauces are commonly used.

Answer: Planning your departure from Beijing Daxing Airport early in the morning requires balancing convenience, travel time, and check-in procedures. Here’s a detailed overview based on your questions.

Answer: Visiting Shanghai as a solo traveler in May for 12 days gives you plenty of time to explore both the city and make a side trip to Beijing. Shanghai is very navigable for foreigners, especially if you are comfortable with English and using translation apps. Public transport is extensive, including metro lines, buses, and taxis, making solo travel fairly convenient.

Answer: For a China Transit Visa on Arrival (VOA), the passport requirements are slightly more relaxed than applying for a standard visa at an embassy. While a full visa application usually specifies at least two blank pages, the transit visa on arrival is smaller in size and typically does not require a full page.

Answer: If you hold a Portuguese passport and are planning to travel to China for 10 days, you will generally need a Chinese visa. Currently, China does not issue a standard e-visa for Portuguese nationals; most travelers need to apply for a visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate, or through a visa service center authorized by the Chinese government.

Answer: Zhangjiajie Railway Station provides basic luggage storage facilities for travelers who have long layovers or want to explore the city without carrying their bags. These services are convenient for tourists planning a day trip before catching an evening train.

Answer: The Transit Without Visa (TWOV) or 144-hour visa-free transit policy in China allows travelers from certain countries to stay in designated cities for up to 144 hours (6 days) without obtaining a Chinese visa, provided they meet specific conditions. One common question is whether the entry and exit points in China need to be the same city or airport.

Answer: The “China Uncovered” 21-day tour by Inspiring Vacations is designed to give travelers a comprehensive experience of China’s highlights while staying in comfortable accommodations. Based on recent traveler experiences, here is a detailed overview:

Answer: If you submitted the Hong Kong Pre-arrival Registration (PAR) form twice, but the first submission contains all the correct and valid information, you can generally use the first submission for your entry. The immigration system recognizes the latest successful submission, but if the first one is accurate, it should suffice.

Answer: Doing a morning bike tour in Shanghai is definitely possible and can be a fun way to explore both the historical neighborhoods and the modern cityscape. While platforms like GetYourGuide, Klook, or Viator often have tours, there are local Shanghai-based companies or independent guides that offer similar experiences at a more reasonable price, especially for smaller groups.

Answer: WeChat's account verification process can be tricky if you are outside China or in a region where few people use the app. The QR code scan by another user is part of their security to prevent spam and fake accounts. Unfortunately, there is no official way to bypass this requirement.

Answer: Yes, convenience stores in China, such as 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson, do sell alcohol. However, the selection and packaging sizes vary depending on the store and city.

Answer: Visiting Hong Kong and Macau in mid-May is generally pleasant, but it is the beginning of the wet season. You can expect warm temperatures, typically ranging from 22°C to 28°C, with high humidity. Rainfall is more frequent compared to winter months, often as short, heavy showers or thunderstorms in the afternoons. It’s not peak tourist season, so it tends to be less crowded than summer or Chinese New Year periods, which can make traveling easier.