China All Set
Practical, tested notes for visiting and living in China

Hi, I'm David. I've spent years being the new foreigner: in the US for a long stretch, then Germany, France, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam and Australia. Now I live in China, and this is where I write down what actually works here, tested in person and dated so you know it's current. More about me →

Not sure if you need a visa? Check in 1 minute →

Trending

What’s new and what everyone’s talking about, with the practical bit the headlines skip. See all →

TRENDINGOct 10

Your power bank might not be allowed on domestic flights in China

Since June 2025, power banks without China's 3C mark are banned on domestic flights. Most bought abroad don't have it. What to check and what to do instead.

Read →
TRENDINGOct 6

What the “Chinamaxxing” videos don’t show you

Billions of views of young Westerners trying everyday Chinese life. The setup that happens before they press record, and what to copy.

Read →
TRENDINGOct 2

China’s visa-free deal runs to 31 December 2026. What happens next?

Nothing has been announced for 2027 yet. What happened the last two times, and how I’d plan a trip for early next year.

Read →
TRENDINGSep 29

After IShowSpeed: what to know before you go to Chongqing

Five livestreams, 35 million views, and a mountain city most Westerners couldn’t place on a map is suddenly on everyone’s list. Practical notes before you go.

Read →
TRENDINGOct 3

China’s visitor numbers for the first half of 2026, and what they mean for your trip

45.91 million foreign entries and exits in six months, up 20.6%. Nearly four in five foreign arrivals came without a visa. Here’s how to read it.

Read →