The quickest way to travel to Hangzhou from Shanghai is China’s high-speed rail (G/D trains): about 50–70 minutes, trains run roughly every 10 minutes, and fares typically range from ¥60–¥200.

Alternatively, a Didi ride (China’s Uber equivalent) costs around ¥400–¥600 and takes about 2–2.5 hours.

We will also arrange a bus from a pickup point in Shanghai to Hangzhou on the morning of Thursday, October 22, details TBD.

In China, most everyday payments are made digitally using mobile apps such as Alipay and WeChat Pay rather than cash or bank cards. These apps are used almost everywhere, and payments are typically made by scanning a QR code with your phone.

For larger purchases at hotels, malls, and airports, international bank cards are usually still accepted. However, it’s very important to set up WeChat Pay or Alipay and link an international card before your trip so you can pay easily during your stay.

1. Download Alipay from your App Store or Google Play.

2. Choose the international version (interface in English).

3. Register with your international mobile number: Click 'Register', select your country/region, then enter your mobile number. You will receive an SMS containing a verification code.

4. Create a password: This password will allow you to log in and authorise certain payments.

5. Real-name authentication: the crucial step, you will need to:

- Take a photo of the personal information page of your passport.

- Follow the instructions for facial recognition.

- The system will automatically recognise and populate your name, passport number, and other information.

6. Add your Visa, Mastercard, or UnionPay card: You must enter your card number and provide the other requested information.

7. You can start scanning QR codes to make payments or use the other services offered.

Note: Please note that purchases over ¥200 may incur a 3% international card fee. On smaller purchases you can always ask to make payments in separate payments and on larger purchases card or cash should be accepted.

Citizens of many countries can enter China visa-free for short stays (usually up to 30 days). These include:

Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominica, Ecuador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Tonga, Turkey, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Uzbekistan.

If you are not a passport holder of one of these countries please make sure to apply 1-2 months before travel. Processing times can vary depending on the embassy and season, so avoid leaving it until the last minute.

Many apps and websites are blocked here in China, it is quite important to get VPN set up before entering the country.

VPN: We suggest LeafVPN (free/cheap on the App Store), or V1VPN (the best recommended VPN for China). Other VPNs like Nord have been reported not to work there.

E-SIM: If you get an e-sim then the 4G/5G data will most likely come with abilities to access your apps and websites. However, when you are on local wifi, these will still be blocked for you. So it is still advisable to download some VPN apps. I personally use leaf and buy 1 month of the premium version which is only $0.99.

Physical Sim: You can also get your sim card at a counter in the airport and the helpdesk will be able to set up VPN for you. If they don't then you can also download VPN apps.

If you are booking China eastern flights, I recommend booking through Trip.com. China Eastern's official website is horrible.