Journal
Practical answers to the questions I get asked before a trip is booked.
Do Australians need a visa for China?
Australians can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days until 31 December 2026. How the days are counted, when you still need a visa, and what to carry.
How many days do you need in China?
What actually fits in one week, ten days, two weeks or three in China — and why the number of places matters more than the number of days.
The best time of year to visit China, region by region
There is no single best month to visit China. A region-by-region guide to when to go, plus the Chinese public holidays worth planning around.
Private guide or group tour in China?
What a private guide actually gets you in China, what a coach tour does better, and how to tell which one suits the trip you want. Written without a sales pitch.
How to pay for things in China
Australian cards, Alipay and WeChat Pay, and how much cash to carry in China — plus the four things worth setting up before you fly.