Travel Guides & Articles | Roam China Travel

China Internet & Apps Guide 2026: What's Blocked, What Works & Essential Downloads

The complete China internet picture — what's blocked (Google, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter/X, most Western news), what works without VPN (Telegram, Spotify in some regions, LinkedIn), the essential downloads before arriving (Amap, DiDi, Baidu Translate, WeChat, Alipay), and the apps that genuinely replace blocked Western ones.

Updated May 2026

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toolkit

Essential Mandarin Phrases for Tourists 2026: What You Actually Need to Know

The 30 most useful Chinese phrases for tourists — not a language course, but the specific phrases that genuinely help (ordering food, asking prices, saying thanks, getting a taxi, saying you don't understand). Pronunciation guide in pinyin, the four tones explained simply, and why even attempting a few words makes a significant difference to how people treat you.

Updated May 2026

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transport

China to Laos by Train 2026: The New China-Laos Railway from Kunming to Vientiane

The China-Laos Railway (opened 2021) — how to travel from Kunming to Vientiane via the new high-speed railway, train schedules and tickets, the Boten (China) to Boten (Laos) border crossing, visa requirements, stops along the way, and why this is now one of Asia's most exciting train journeys.

Updated May 2026

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lgbtq

LGBTQ+ Travel in China 2026: Cities, Reality & What to Expect

LGBTQ+ travel in China — the legal status (homosexuality decriminalised since 1997, not a mental disorder since 2001, but no legal protections or recognition), Shanghai's underground queer scene (Jing'an district, JJ Bar is the institution), Chengdu's more relaxed queer culture, the 'don't ask, don't tell' dynamic for same-sex couples, and what's changed in 2025-2026 (some outdoor Pride events have been blocked again).

Updated May 2026

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transport

China Overnight Sleeper Trains Guide 2026: Hard Sleeper, Soft Sleeper & What to Expect

Taking overnight sleeper trains in China — the difference between hard sleeper (六铺卧铺, cheapest, communal) and soft sleeper (软卧, private 4-berth, quieter), the T and K series slower overnight trains vs the high-speed D series overnight services, booking berths, dinner on board, and how to sleep through the night in a communal berth.

Updated May 2026

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china long stay visa

China Long Stay Visa Guide 2026: Tourist, Business, Student & Work Visa Options Explained

Planning an extended stay in China? This comprehensive 2026 guide breaks down every long-stay visa option — from L tourist visa extensions and M business visas to X1 student visas, Z work permits, and S1/S2 family reunion visas. Learn eligibility requirements, application procedures, processing times, costs, and the path to a residence permit for stays beyond 180 days.

Updated May 2026

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