CRChina Ready

Your field guide to modern China

China, without
the confusion.

Get your payments, internet and travel apps ready. Find a way forward when something stops working.

Prepare for my trip Fix a problem
Traveler using a phone in a modern Chinese railway station
Need a quick fix?Alipay payment failedPassport verification failedNo mobile data

Before you fly

Your next step starts here.

Tick what you’ve done. Get a guide for the next thing on your list.

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Find the right steps

What are you trying to do?

Pay in China

Build a payment stack: mobile wallet, card and cash.

 Get online

Choose an eSIM, SIM or roaming plan.

 Book a train

Use 12306 with a foreign passport.

 Use DiDi

Request, find and pay for your ride.

 Ride the metro

Browse the published guides for transport and app information.

 Set up your apps

Maps, metro QR codes, rides and payments.

Troubleshooting desk

Something not working?

Start with the exact error. Get the likely cause, the fastest fix and a backup plan.

See every fix
TICKETSThe booking page will not take my passport→ PAYMENTMy Alipay foreign card is not working→ TRAINS12306 passport verification failed→ RIDESMy DiDi driver can’t find me→ ACCOUNTBrowse setup guides for SMS problems→

On the ground

Practical guides by city

City-specific guides are being prepared. These links currently open all published guides.

ShanghaiPVG · SHA · MetroBeijingPEK · PKX · 7 sightsChengduTFU · CTU · Panda BaseChongqingCKG · Metro · CablewayXi’anXIY · Metro · Terracotta Army

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