Practical knowledge
The details that decide whether a China trip feels effortless or impossible: transport, apps, permits, safety, food, and Plan B.
Shangri-La City Government officially banned hiking in large areas of the Haba Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, including sections of Tiger Leaping Gorge. Here are the 13 specific routes now closed, what activities are prohibited, and what this means for your Yunnan hiking trip.
A ¥88 ($12) 3-day tour? Here's the math: Chinese travel agencies sell tours below cost and make their profit by taking you to commission shops. The cheaper the tour, the worse your experience.
Most foreign travelers don't actually need a Chinese phone number — you need data. Here's why Trip.com's eSIM is the best option for visitors, how it compares to Airalo and Holafly, and when you actually need a physical SIM.
Google Maps and AllTrails have almost no trail data for China. Here's the exact workflow: download GPX from ChinaTrails, open in any offline map app, and hit the trail — no Chinese phone number required.
Hidden peanut in sesame sauce (二八酱), aromatic peanut oil, and the reality of kitchen cross-contamination. What every peanut-allergic traveler needs to know before eating in China.
A complete guide to Beijing's pilot program allowing full-sized bicycles on selected subway lines during weekends. Learn about eligible stations, fares, and rules for cyclists.
Stuck far from home or need to reach a trailhead? Learn how to use Huolala, China's ubiquitous on-demand van service, to safely transport your bicycle anywhere in the city.
