Everything to Do Before You Fly—and After You Arrive No Google Maps? No Mandarin? No Chinese bank account? Passport checks, enormous railway stations, QR-code payments and apps you may never have used before? When first-time travellers begin researching China, the list can make the country sound far more difficult than it really is. Elaine and I had many of the same worries before our early independent journeys through China. But after travelling...
Most first-time travellers prepare their passport, flights and hotels. Far fewer prepare how they are going to experience China. If you’ve already booked your trip, congratulations—you’ve got an incredible journey ahead of you. Right now, you’re probably researching visas, payment apps, high-speed trains, hotels and what to pack. Those are all important, and we’ve gathered them into our 👉 First Time Travelling to China? Start Here guide. But after several trips across Beijing, Xi’an, Tianjin, Baoji...
An Honest First-Timer’s Guide to Independent Travel in China (2026) “Everyone told us China would be difficult.” No Google.No cash.Apps you’ve never heard of.A language you can’t read. It sounds intimidating. Yet after several independent trips across Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Hong Kong and many other parts of China, we discovered something surprising. China isn’t difficult. It’s simply different. Once you understand a few key systems, travelling around China becomes remarkably smooth, safe...
Many first-time visitors planning a trip to Beijing, China usually start with the same famous attractions: The Forbidden City (故宫).The Great Wall of China (长城).The Temple of Heaven (天坛).The Summer Palace (颐和园). And yes — these are some of the most important places to visit in Beijing. But after several journeys back to China’s ancient capital, Dad and Elaine slowly discovered something: Beijing is not just a destination. Beijing is one of...
From emergency instant noodles to supermarket discoveries — how we survived weeks travelling China without carrying a suitcase full of snacks. Before travelling around China with children, many parents probably have the same secret worry. Not the Great Wall. Not transportation. Not hotels. Something much simpler. “What will my child EAT?” 😂 I understand. When Elaine and I started our longer China journeys, I had the same “Dad question”. China is huge....
Why ChinaTravelBUG believes the best journeys begin with curiosity, stories, and understanding civilisation Many years before traveling deeply through China with my daughter Elaine, I discovered something important while walking through the streets of London, Amsterdam, Paris and Istanbul. A meaningful journey is never only about visiting famous attractions. A castle is not only a castle. A museum is not only a building full of old objects. A river, bridge, railway, market,...
We’re a father and daughter exploring China through real journeys, real traveler questions, and the little things that make us stop and ask, “Why?”
ChinaTravelBUG.com helps you travel China — and understand it better.
Come for practical answers to plan your trip. Follow our journeys to see what traveling in China is really like. And when something makes you curious, look a little deeper into the culture, history and everyday life behind what you see.
Along the way, we share our firsthand experiences, answers to real traveler questions, and insights from licensed local guides.
Come with us — SEE China. ASK questions. UNDERSTAND it better.
