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Routes

Worst itinerary mistakes first-timers make

Four critical errors travelers make before they even touch down — and how to dodge each one.

You've booked the flight, but most travelers make critical errors long before they touch down. Here are the 4 biggest mistakes I see people make:

1. The Payment Trap. Assuming Visa or Mastercard is sufficient is a rookie mistake. Without Alipay or WeChat Pay linked to an international card, you are effectively locked out of the local economy. Set this up before you leave home while you have reliable Wi-Fi.

2. Underestimating Transit Logistics. China's bullet trains aren't like catching a bus; they sell out days in advance. Also, avoid late-night arrivals if you plan to transfer immediately. Build in buffer time — you don't want to be stranded at midnight.

3. Booking Blind. A hotel might look great online, but if it's in a "transportation desert" with no subway access or DiDi coverage, you'll waste hours commuting. Always verify the location in Chinese and check the surrounding infrastructure.

4. Defying Geography. Flying from Beijing to Shanghai, then backtracking to Xi'an, is logistical suicide. Plan your route logically — either North to South or East to West — to maximize your travel time.

China has a steep learning curve, but it's worth it.

预订前先使用免费中国路线检查。