Everything I Thought About China Was Completely Wrong

Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting China: A Solo Traveler's Guide Planning a trip to China? Many people feel anxious about language barriers, the "Great Firewall," or whether they need a tour guide. In this video, I share my experience traveling independently across China to show you how easy, efficient, and safe it actually is to explore on your own. From navigating high-speed trains and using mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat, to managing internet access with eSIMs, this guide covers everything you need to prepare for your journey. 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:11 Payments (Cash vs. Mobile) 00:01:03 Visas & Immigration 00:01:20 Using Phone & Internet 00:02:21 Getting Around (Trains & Metro) 00:03:13 Language Barriers 00:03:59 Do You Need a Tour Guide? 00:05:10 Are All-Inclusive Tour Packages Worth It? 00:06:23 Security in China 00:08:17 Passport Requirements 00:08:45 How to Book Attraction Tickets 00:09:23 How to Book High-Speed Train Tickets 00:10:36 How to Get into Train Stations 00:11:47 Arrival & Border Experience 00:12:35 Private Pickup vs. Public Transport 00:12:58 DiDi vs. Taxi 00:13:36 Accessibility (Strollers & Wheelchairs) 00:14:07 Toilets 00:15:11 Food & Dining 00:16:55 Power Plugs & Power Banks 00:19:21 Conclusion Essential Apps for your China Trip: If you're planning to visit China, don't forget to set these up before you land: Alipay: For all payments and several services. WeChat: For communication and mini programs. Airalo: For seamless eSIM data that bypasses the firewall. Click https://airalo.pxf.io/B5EJeq to get 15% off your purchase or use code SUMAN7319 to get $3 off your first purchase. Amap (Gaode): For the most accurate local navigation. Didi: For easy ride-hailing (available inside Alipay). Connect with me: Read the full travel blog: sumanbhandari.com/travel Facebook   / 61572023968189