According to forum posts, digital payment apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay are the predominant methods of transaction in China. These platforms are widely accepted from high-end hotels to street vendors, and even for public transport and small purchases. Travelers have mentioned that both apps can be linked to foreign credit cards, although there may be a 3% transaction fee for payments over 200 RMB with Alipay.

Some travelers said that while digital payments are prevalent, cash is still accepted everywhere. It's useful to carry some cash as a backup, particularly for smaller transactions where vendors might not have change readily available. Moreover, ATMs are accessible and generally accept international debit cards without additional fees.

For many users, international credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are rarely accepted outside of upscale establishments. However, China has advised mid- to high-end hotels to accept these cards, easing transactions for foreign visitors in such settings. Nonetheless, linking a credit or debit card to a digital payment app is recommended for broader use across the country.

According to forum posts, China offers a 24-hour visa-free transit policy for travelers passing through without leaving the airport. This policy is applicable to most nationalities and does not require any paperwork if travelers stay airside.

For travelers wishing to leave the airport during their transit, a 24-hour visa-free entry permit may be obtained. This allows them to leave the secure area of the terminal and enter China, provided the transit is at least 8 hours but not more than 24 hours.

Travelers staying in China for more than 24 hours, or who need to change airports, generally require a transit visa (G type) or a tourist visa (L type) obtained in advance from a Chinese embassy or consulate. This is mandatory for transits involving multiple airports or when the total duration in China exceeds 24 hours.

Some travelers have shared that getting transit visas can be complex, and it's often advised to check the latest requirements with official sources or consult directly with the relevant Chinese embassy before traveling.

According to forum posts, high-speed trains are a popular option for intercity travel in China, linking major cities like Shanghai and Beijing efficiently. For instance, the Shanghai to Beijing route can be completed in about four hours, with second-class train tickets costing around 75 euros per person.

Some travelers have also utilized domestic flights as a quick way to travel between cities. For example, flights between Chengdu and Shanghai are mentioned as being sometimes cheaper and quicker than high-speed trains.

Bus travel is noted as the cheapest, albeit slowest and least comfortable, option for intercity transport. Specific price details for buses were not provided, but travelers were advised to check online for the most current information.

For longer distances, such as from Beijing to Xian, night trains are available. This option allows travelers to save on accommodation costs while moving between cities.

Chinese visa applications vary by purpose and duration of stay. For example, a Z work visa requires a job offer and usually an application from outside China. A student visa (X1) is issued for educational stays over 180 days, while a tourist visa (L) might involve shorter stays but requires regular exits every 60 to 90 days unless a longer period is justified.

According to forum posts, visa applications often start online, where applicants can fill out forms and learn about necessary documents. For instance, a business visa application for a Canadian in the Philippines involves an online application specifying all required documentation.

Travelers have noted that some visas, like the long-duration tourist visa, allow multiple entries over 10 years but require the holder to exit China every 60 or 90 days. Transitioning from certain visa types to others within China, such as from a student to a work visa, generally isn't straightforward and might require leaving the country.

Some users have highlighted updates, such as the temporary resumption of visa applications from Europe during the pandemic or new visa-free policies under consideration for Irish citizens, indicating a dynamic and changing visa policy environment.

According to forum posts, travelers can purchase SIM cards at major airports such as Guangzhou and Beijing upon arrival in China. Additionally, SIM cards are available at China Telecom, China Unicom, and China Mobile stores throughout the country.

Some travelers have preferred purchasing SIM cards online for convenience and to avoid language barriers. Websites like Nihao Mobile and 3G SOLUTIONS offer SIM cards with various data and call packages, which can be delivered to a local address in China.

Travelers have noted that when purchasing SIM cards in China, it is important to ensure that the SIM card is compatible with their phone and that their phone is unlocked. It is also necessary to bring a passport as identification when applying for a SIM card.

According to forum posts, the high-speed train from Beijing to Shanghai is a popular route among travelers, offering a quick and efficient way to travel between these two major cities. The journey can be as fast as 4.5 hours with trains running punctually, which is often faster than flying when accounting for airport delays.

Some travelers have mentioned the high-speed train routes connecting major tourist cities such as Xian and Chengdu. These routes allow quick access to famous attractions like the Terracotta Warriors in Xian and the panda sanctuaries in Chengdu.

For those looking to explore regional China, routes like the sleeper train from Zhangjiajie to Huangshan offer a way to see multiple scenic areas, although they are slower. The route from Beijing to the Great Wall via Badaling is also facilitated by a new high-speed service, making it a convenient day trip.

The route between Shanghai and nearby cities like Suzhou and Hangzhou is also popular, enabling travelers to explore the classical gardens of Suzhou and the scenic West Lake in Hangzhou within a short train ride.

According to forum posts, foreigners can use WeChat Pay in China by linking their overseas credit or debit cards directly to the app. This eliminates the need for a Chinese bank account. However, the setup process might require identity verification, which can be completed by uploading passport details.

Travelers have called out that WeChat Pay is widely accepted in China for various transactions, including payments at restaurants, hotels, and stores. However, some users have experienced issues such as needing a local SIM card for complete functionality or encountering limitations on receiving money without a Chinese ID.

Some travelers said that transaction issues occasionally arise, particularly with credit cards linked to the app, which might trigger fraud alerts from the user's home bank. Additionally, for seamless transactions, real-name verification within the app is necessary, which could involve providing additional documentation.

For many users, having both WeChat Pay and Alipay has been beneficial as it covers more bases, given that some vendors may prefer one app over the other. Also, it is advisable to test the app with small amounts initially to ensure functionality before relying on it for larger transactions.

Some travelers suggested starting in Guangzhou, then moving to Guilin/Yangshuo, and progressing north to Beijing, with possible stops in Chengdu, Xian, and Shanghai. This south-to-north route aligns well with an entry from India and a subsequent visit to Japan.

For a comprehensive exploration, a minimum of four to five days in Beijing is recommended to cover major attractions like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. Xian, known for the Terracotta Warriors, and Shanghai are also must-visit cities. Nearby cities like Suzhou and Hangzhou can be explored as day trips from Shanghai.

Travelers have noted that moving between cities can consume a full day due to logistics such as hotel check-ins and travel to stations or airports. Planning for these transit times is crucial to maximize the enjoyment and efficiency of the trip.