01Publishing soonDo I Need a Visa for China?
A plain-English starting point for visa-free transit, exemptions and tourist visas in 2026.
Preview guideNEXTCITY GUIDES · BEIJING
Arrive knowing
how Beijing works.
Clear, practical advice from people who live here—so you can spend less time figuring things out and more time experiencing the city.
On-the-ground adviceUpdated for 2026Written for international visitors
39.9306° NBeijing, understood.
PLAN WITH CONFIDENCE
Five useful ways into Beijing
Start with the question in front of you. Each section is designed to give a direct answer first, followed by the detail you need.
0102030405
Before you go
Plan Your Beijing Trip
Visas, payments, connectivity and the essential setup to finish before you fly.
Make the days count
Beijing Itineraries
Realistic routes for your first day, a short stay or a slower look at the city.
See Beijing
Sights & Reservations
What needs advance booking, where to reserve and what to expect when you arrive.
At the table
Eat Beijing
Order with confidence and understand the dishes, customs and flavours around you.
On the ground
Getting Around & Everyday Beijing
Airport transfers, the subway and practical details that make daily travel easier.
START HERE · 9 MIN READ
How to Pay in China: Set Up Alipay and WeChat Pay Before You Go
Link an international card, make your first mobile payment and keep a reliable backup. Includes step-by-step setup, common fixes, fees, safety notes and a before-you-fly checklist.
Read the complete guideReviewed and updated July 2026
THE BEIJING STARTER SET
Ten guides for a smoother first trip
01Publishing soon02Publishing soonHow to Apply for a Chinese Tourist Visa
Documents, application steps and practical checks before submitting your application.
Preview guide
03Publishing soonEssential Apps for China
The small set of apps that covers maps, translation, transport, communication and payments.
Preview guide04Set Up Alipay and WeChat Pay
Link an international card, make your first mobile payment and keep a reliable backup.
Read guide05Publishing soonSIM, eSIM and Roaming
Compare the easiest ways to get data, receive verification texts and stay reachable.
Preview guide06Publishing soonYour First 24 Hours in Beijing
A gentle first-day plan that accounts for airport arrival, jet lag, food and first impressions.
Preview guideWHY NEXTCITY
Advice tested in the city, not copied from a checklist.
Local perspectiveWe know where visitors get stuck because we help them here every week.
Useful detailClear steps, backup plans and the small things that change a travel day.
Current informationEvery guide shows when it was last reviewed, so you know what to recheck.