First Day in China Arrival Guide
Last reviewed: 2026-09-08
Arrival hub — what to read first
| If you are asking… | Open this |
|---|---|
| Pay failed at airport | Payment failure question — order: hotel first |
| PVG → hotel tonight | Pudong Airport to Shanghai · story |
| PEK / PKX → hotel | Beijing Airport to city |
| Enable data on landing | eSIM essential → mobile data guide |
| Digital Arrival Card / 入境卡 | How to complete the arrival card |
| Didi or taxi? | Transport essential |
| Which China entry product? | Visa-free vs 240h vs L visa |
| 240h transit at immigration | Visa transit question |
| Wallet setup before flying | Payment checklist |
This guide is the hour-by-hour landing sequence only.
Landing Checklist (use in order)
| Step | Task | Required? | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Immigration + baggage | ✅ | 30–90 min |
| 2 | Enable eSIM/data line; disable home data roaming | ✅ | 5 min |
| 3 | Brief airport Wi‑Fi only if data fails | Optional | 5 min |
| 4 | Open Alipay + WeChat Pay; confirm login | ✅ | 5 min |
| 5 | Transport: metro / official taxi / prepaid pickup | ✅ | 45–90 min |
| 6 | Hotel check-in; get Chinese address card | ✅ | 15 min |
| 7 | ¥1–10 convenience store or metro test pay | ✅ | 10 min |
| 8 | Favorite hotel in Amap; 5-min orientation walk | Recommended | 15 min |
| 9 | Simple dinner nearby; sleep | ✅ | — |
| 10 | Major sightseeing | ❌ Skip today | — |