❓ Häufig gestellte Fragen

You'll need to visit your local Chinese embassy or consulate. Requirements typically include: valid passport, application form, photo, invitation letter, and proof of accommodation. Our team will send you a detailed visa guide once you submit your trip request.

Yes, you can extend your stay at the local Public Security Bureau. Local travel agencies can assist with paperwork and translation. Most tourists get a 30-day stay initially, which can be extended by another 30 days.

Not at all! Our itineraries are in native English, and we provide translation apps and phrasebooks. Younger Chinese people often speak some English, especially in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Chongqing. Your itinerary includes everything you need — translation apps, phrase cards, and key phrases like "nǐ hǎo" (hello) and "xièxie" (thank you). Locals appreciate the effort!

You're never alone in China with PandaRoads. We provide 24/7 online support via WeChat and WhatsApp. Our team can help with translation, answer questions about your itinerary, and provide real-time assistance. You'll also get a local SIM card recommendation and a comprehensive pre-departure guide with everything you need.

We provide you with a local SIM card recommendation and WeChat (China's super-app). Our 24/7 online support team is just a message away. Plus, all our guests get a 24/7 emergency hotline. In 6 years, we've never had a guest we couldn't help quickly.

Absolutely! China has incredibly diverse cuisine. Whether you're vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, or have allergies, we'll customize your food experiences. We note dietary restrictions in your itinerary and recommend restaurants that can accommodate your needs. No one goes hungry on a PandaRoads trip! We even arrange special menus for kids and elderly travelers.

Not all Chinese food is spicy! Yes, Sichuan cuisine (Chengdu) is famous for heat, but Cantonese food (Guangzhou/Shenzhen) is mild and sweet. Even in Chengdu, we can customize your meals to be "micro-spice" or completely mild. Your taste buds, your rules!

We recommend drinking bottled or boiled water. Hot water (kāishuǐ) is available everywhere in China - hotels, train stations, restaurants. Locals drink warm water for health. Bring a reusable bottle — you'll find hot water dispensers in most public places.

China is one of the safest countries for tourists! Violent crime is extremely rare. You can walk alone at night in most cities. The biggest "danger" is pickpockets in crowded tourist spots - so keep your valuables secure. We also help you avoid scams by recommending government-approved shops and restaurants with fixed prices in your itinerary.

No mandatory vaccinations, but we recommend: Routine vaccines (MMR, DPT), Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and Japanese Encephalitis (if visiting rural areas). Check with your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel. We'll send you a health checklist after you book.

China has excellent hospitals, especially in major cities. We provide emergency contact numbers and travel insurance recommendations. Your itinerary includes the address of international clinics near your hotels where doctors speak English. We also recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance before your trip.

China runs on mobile payments — Alipay and WeChat Pay are used everywhere. We recommend bringing $200-300 cash as backup. Major hotels and international chains accept Visa/Mastercard, but most daily spending happens through your phone. Your itinerary includes step-by-step setup guidance for both payment apps.

It depends on your shopping habits! Souvenirs (tea, silk, calligraphy, panda merch) typically cost $10-50 per item. A nice silk scarf: $20-40. Custom-tailored suit: $100-200. We recommend budgeting $30-50/day for extras. Your itinerary includes bargaining tips and recommended shops with fair prices.

Yes, ATMs are everywhere in cities. Most accept foreign cards (look for the Plus/Cirrus logo). However, some rural areas might not have ATMs, so we recommend withdrawing enough cash before day trips. Your itinerary notes the best bank branches near your hotels.