China, the third-largest country on Earth, is a kaleidoscope of landscapes—from lush tropical jungles to the stark Himalayan plateau—teeming with biodiversity, rare flora, and iconic wildlife like the giant panda. Since 1994, its 244 National Scenic and Historic Interest Areas have showcased this splendor. In 2021, China launched a groundbreaking national parks system, unifying vast […]
China’s internet restrictions block many Western websites and apps, including news outlets (e.g., NYT, BBC), Google services (Maps, Translate, YouTube), Meta platforms (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), X/Twitter, Wikipedia, and others. This poses challenges for foreign visitors, as Chinese alternatives are often in Chinese or provide limited information. Smartphones are vital for daily life in China, used […]
China has developed a robust digital payment ecosystem that can be challenging for foreign visitors to navigate. Key points to understand: Cash is rarely used; most transactions occur via digital payment apps. Western credit cards are typically accepted only at upscale hotels and restaurants. To ensure a seamless trip, take these three steps before you […]