practical
All travel guides tagged with "practical".
32 articles — page 2 of 6
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toolkitFirst-Time China Visit Checklist 2026: Everything to Do Before You Fly
The complete pre-departure checklist for first-time China visitors — 6-8 weeks before (apply for visa, book major attractions), 3-4 weeks before (book trains, set up Alipay, buy travel insurance), 1-2 weeks before (download apps, set up VPN, get some RMB cash), 2-3 days before (print confirmations, check passport validity, pack layers). The things people discover they need at the airport.
Updated May 2026
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toolkitLGBTQ+ Friendly Cities in China 2026: Shanghai, Chengdu & Where to Go
Which Chinese cities are most welcoming for LGBTQ+ visitors — Shanghai's underground gay scene (Jing'an district), Chengdu's relaxed queer culture, the reality in Beijing and Guangzhou, how public displays of affection are perceived, gay bars and events that exist, and the 'don't ask, don't tell' dynamic that shapes most LGBTQ+ visitors' experiences.
Updated May 2026
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Gift Giving & Social Etiquette in China 2026: What to Give, What to Avoid
Gift giving etiquette in China — the gifts to avoid (clocks symbolise death, pears symbolise separation, green hats are an adultery reference), good gifts (quality tea, wine, fruit), the Chinese practice of not opening gifts immediately, the red envelope (hongbao) tradition, and basic social etiquette around meals (the host orders, the host pours drinks, the host pays).
Updated May 2026
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toolkitChina 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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toolkitEssential 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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photographyPhotography in China 2026: Rules, Tips & Getting the Best Shots
Photography in China — what's officially prohibited to photograph (military installations, some government buildings, certain ceremonies), the drone regulations (DJI is Chinese but drone permits are still required in scenic areas), the best golden hour timings in major cities, dealing with crowds at iconic spots, and the Chinese social media culture of 'IG spots' that reveals undiscovered photogenic locations.
Updated May 2026
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