Preparing for China is like packing for an expedition to another planet: everything seems clear, but the devil is in the details. Visa-free regime for Russian citizensfor up to 30 days has significantly simplified life, so now you can safely buy tickets to Beijing on Kupi.com or catch last-minute tickets to Chengdu, without spending weeks visiting the consulate.

However, to avoid standing bewildered in the middle of bustling Shanghai, not knowing how to buy water, you need to consider a dozen non-obvious nuances. Let's break down the preparation step by step.

What to study: logistics and life nuances

China is a country of vast distances and equally vast crowds.

• Download an offline metro map. In megacities like Chongqing or Guangzhou, transport hubs can have up to 20 exits. If you take the wrong one, you'll spend 30 minutes just walking around the building. The MetroMan app works offline and builds routes perfectly.

• Book trains in advance. In China, there are no commuter trains as we understand them – high-speed train tickets sell out a week in advance. Use the Trip.com platform: it accepts foreign cards and sends a confirmation that is automatically linked to your passport. At the station, you no longer need to print a ticket; just scan your passport at the turnstile.

• Iron discipline in queues. Or rather – its absence. In China, it's common to "squeeze" forward. If you politely wait to be let through, you risk waiting forever. Be more assertive; here, it's not rudeness, but the rhythm of life.

Digital preparation: Alipay and other "crutches"

Your smartphone is your passport, wallet, and only means of communication.

1. The magic of Alipay. It's not enough to just link a UnionPay or foreign card. Be sure to find the "Transport" mini-program within the app. There, you need to issue virtual cards for buses and subways in a specific city. You cannot pay with a physical card on the bus, and looking for change in 2026 is a task from the realm of fantasy.

2. Double VPN. Chinese authorities are constantly improving the "Great Firewall". What worked yesterday might "fail" today. Install one popular paid service and one less known "shadow" protocol (for example, one running on V2Ray).

3. eSim vs. physical SIM. If your phone supports eSim, buy a roaming package (e.g., Airalo). The nuance is that Google and WhatsApp often work through such internet even without a VPN, as traffic goes through foreign servers.

4. Local number. If you plan to stay in the country for a long time, it's better to buy a local SIM card. Without a Chinese number, you won't be able to order food delivery via Meituan or use public bicycles like HelloBike.

What to bring: a non-obvious list

In addition to the obvious things, your suitcase should contain:

• Three-flat-pin plug (Type I). Although many hotels have universal outlets, in budget hotels or old trains, you will only find the Chinese standard.

• Tissues and hand sanitizers. In public restrooms in China (even in shopping malls), toilet paper is extremely rare. Always carry a pack with you. And hand sanitizer will come in handy after walking through markets.

• Portable warmer or thermos mug. In China, there is a cult of hot water. You can find it everywhere: in airports, trains, parks. Locals believe that "boiling water" cures everything. If you don't want to drink cold soda, embrace the on-the-go tea culture.

• Snack food. Chinese cuisine is specific. After three days, you might intensely crave plain chocolate without a tea aftertaste or normal cheese. These products are incredibly expensive in China and are only sold in specialized import stores.

Cultural "hooks"

• Scan everything. See a QR code on a restaurant table? That's the menu. On a museum wall? That's an audio guide. On a bicycle? That's the lock. Don't wait for a waiter with a paper menu – it might simply not exist.

• Silence on the plane. Security control at Chinese airports is very strict. Don't even think about bringing lighters or matches – they will be confiscated mercilessly. And a Powerbank must have a clear capacity marking, otherwise, it will end up in the inspection trash bin.

China doesn't tolerate fuss, but it loves those who are prepared. Now that the visa issue is off the table, your main weapons are a charged smartphone and the right mindset. Enjoy your immersion in Asia!