Ultimate China Guide
Navigate China like a local – from pandas to Avatar mountains
Get Instant Access - $9.99Instant Notion access • Lifetime updates • Works offline
The guide I wish existed before my first China trip.
Let's be real – China is hard to travel. Google doesn't work, you can't pay with your credit card, nobody speaks English, and the language barrier is intense. I spent weeks figuring out how to actually navigate this country. You shouldn't have to.
This is everything I learned in 3 weeks crossing China – from setting up Alipay before landing to the exact times you can have the Avatar mountains in Zhangjiajie to yourself. No generic tourist advice, just what actually works.
Here's what's inside:
How to experience the Avatar mountains without the masses. The exact routes, timing windows, and which cable cars to skip. Most tourists do it wrong – you won't. Includes Tianmen Mountain glass skywalk timing and how to actually get empty photos at the floating pillars.
VPN that actually works, Alipay setup guide, and offline maps because Google Maps is blocked. I'll show you exactly how to set everything up BEFORE you land so you're not stuck at the airport with no internet and no way to pay for anything.
Chengdu → Chongqing → Zhangjiajie → Fenghuang → Beijing → Shanghai. Pre-planned routes for 7, 14, or 21 days with all train bookings, timing, and logistics figured out. Copy it exactly or customize based on your time.
Chengdu panda base timing guide – when to arrive for active pandas vs sleeping pandas. Plus the panda keeper experience where you actually feed them (sells out months ahead, I'll tell you how to book).
Skip Badaling. I'll show you the sections where you can walk for an hour without seeing another tourist. Mutianyu early morning strategy + the wild, unrestored sections for adventure seekers.
Fenghuang and Furong Town – the ancient water towns most Western tourists never visit. When to go for empty streets, where to stay for waterfall views, and the local food spots.
Sichuan hot pot, street food in Chongqing, dim sum in Shanghai – all mapped out. What to order, how to order it (with Chinese translations), and which tourist traps to avoid.
Hotels I actually stayed at across all budgets. From luxury with river views to budget-friendly options near train stations. All with booking links and location tips.
Real talk about traveling China:
China isn't easy. The language barrier is real, the internet is blocked, and paying for things without Chinese apps is nearly impossible. But once you figure it out? It's one of the most incredible countries on Earth.
I made every mistake so you don't have to. This guide gets you past the frustrating setup phase and straight to the good stuff.
The Difference
- ✗ Stuck without working VPN or payment
- ✗ 2-hour queue for Bailong Elevator
- ✗ Great Wall at Badaling = human traffic jam
- ✗ Can't read menus or communicate
- ✗ Miss the hidden ancient towns entirely
- ✓ Alipay + VPN set up before landing
- ✓ Bailong Elevator skip-the-line route
- ✓ Jinshanling section – tourists don't know it
- ✓ Food translations + what to order
- ✓ Furong waterfall town – hidden gem
What's Inside?
A preview of what you'll get instant access to
Day 14: Zhangjiajie National Park
Book the 3-day pass (¥228) – you'll need it to see everything properly.
Made by @travelrached
French content creator based in Switzerland. I spent 3 weeks crossing China from Chengdu to Shanghai, filming everything along the way. This guide is everything I learned – the good, the frustrating, and the absolutely mind-blowing.
Common Questions
How do I access the guide?
After purchase, you'll get a link to a Notion page with everything inside. Bookmark it, and you have lifetime access. Works on phone, tablet, and desktop – even offline with the Notion app.
Is the VPN/Alipay info still accurate?
Yes! I update the technical guides regularly. China changes its rules often, and I make sure the VPN recommendations and payment setup instructions stay current.
What if I'm only visiting for 7-10 days?
The guide includes flexible itineraries for different trip lengths. I'll show you exactly what to prioritize based on your time – whether that's focusing on Zhangjiajie + Beijing or doing the cities only.
Will the maps work in China?
The Google Maps lists require VPN to access in China. I also include instructions for Amap (Gaode), which works natively in China and is what locals use.
Is this useful if I'm going with a tour group?
Partially – the food recommendations, survival kit, and cultural tips will definitely help. But the crowd-avoidance strategies work best for independent travelers who control their own schedule.
Bonus: China Tech Setup Checklist
A step-by-step checklist for everything you need to set up before your flight lands. VPN, Alipay, offline maps, translation apps – do this at home, not panicking at the airport.
$9.99 – Less than one hot pot dinner in Chongqing.
Skip the confusion and get straight to the adventure.
Ready for China?
Instant access • Notion guide • Lifetime updates