Travel Guides & Articles | Roam China Travel

China Metro Systems Compared: Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi'an, Hangzhou & More

A city-by-city guide to metro systems in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xi'an, Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Wuhan — which lines serve tourist attractions, how to pay, and local tips for each city's subway.

Updated May 2026

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metro

How to Pay on China's Metros in 2025: QR Codes, Transit Cards & Contactless Explained

A complete guide to every payment method for Chinese metro systems — which app to use in which city, how to set up metro QR codes via Alipay and WeChat, transit card options, and how to avoid getting stuck at the turnstile.

Updated May 2026

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metro

China Metro Safety, Etiquette & Survival Tips for Foreign Visitors

Essential metro safety rules, unspoken etiquette norms, and practical survival tips for navigating China's subway systems as a foreign visitor — from security checks to rush hour survival.

Updated May 2026

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connectivity

China Mobile Data Coverage 2025: 5G, 4G & Where You'll Lose Signal Explained

A realistic guide to mobile data coverage across China — which carriers have the best rural and mountain coverage, where 5G is available, and what connectivity to expect in Tibet, Xinjiang, and remote hiking areas.

Updated May 2026

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payment

Shopping and Paying Online in China as a Foreigner: Taobao, JD.com & More

How to shop on Chinese e-commerce platforms as an international visitor — from setting up Taobao to paying at hotel checkouts online — with tips on delivery to hotels and navigating Chinese-language checkout pages.

Updated May 2026

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transport

China Overnight Sleeper Trains: A Complete Guide to Hard Sleeper, Soft Sleeper & Night Trains

Everything you need to know about overnight sleeper trains in China — the difference between hard and soft sleeper, how to book as a foreigner, what to pack, and which routes are worth taking.

Updated May 2026

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