What Apps to Use
China's domestic travel infrastructure is extensive — high-speed trains, budget airlines, and a huge range of accommodation. The key is knowing which platforms work for foreign visitors.
Trip.com (formerly Ctrip) supports English, accepts international credit cards, and covers trains, flights, hotels, and airport transfers. It is the most practical booking platform for first-time visitors who do not read Chinese.
12306 is China's national train booking system. It now has an English option and accepts foreign passports for registration. Tickets are cheaper here than on third-party platforms, but the interface is less polished. Worth setting up if you plan to book multiple train journeys.
International platforms like Booking.com and Agoda work in China (with a VPN if needed). For local guesthouses and smaller accommodation, Chinese platforms like Meituan offer more options. Always confirm your hotel has foreign guest registration — not all accommodation in China is legally permitted to host foreign visitors.
Register on Trip.com or 12306 before you leave home. Phone number verification and payment setup is easier with a reliable connection and your cards within reach. Last-minute booking is possible in China but harder without pre-registered accounts.
Plan Your Route
Our itineraries are designed around realistic train times and manageable city-to-city connections.