China Travel Guide — Beijing & Shanghai for Indian Travelers

Preparation

Before You Leave India

China's digital ecosystem is tightly integrated with mobile payments, and cash is rarely used in cities. Set everything up before departure.

Critical

Install a VPN app before leaving India. ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Astrill work best. Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Google Maps are blocked without a VPN.

Essential Pre-Departure Checklist

Valid Indian passport with at least 6 months validity and blank pages.
Chinese Tourist Visa (L Visa) from the Chinese Embassy/Consulate in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, or Chennai. Processing: 4–7 working days.
Travel insurance covering medical emergencies and trip cancellation.
Print hotel bookings and return flight tickets — immigration may ask.
Inform your Indian bank that you will use cards in China.
Download VPN, Alipay, WeChat, Didi, and Trip.com before departure.
Carry USD 200–500 in cash as emergency backup — better exchange rates than INR.

What to Pack

Comfortable walking shoes — expect 15,000+ steps daily.
Light layers: Beijing/Shanghai summers are hot (30–35°C) and humid.
Umbrella or light rain jacket — July is rainy season.
Basic medicines and prescriptions in original packaging.
Universal travel adapter: China uses Type A, C, and I plugs at 220V.
For kids: snacks, activity books, small toys for long queues.

Money & Apps

Phone & Payment Setup

This is the most important section. Without Alipay, you will struggle to pay for taxis, meals, subway rides, and attraction tickets.

Apps to Download Before Departure

Alipay (blue icon, white “支”) — primary payment app. Essential.
WeChat (green icon) — backup payment and messaging.
Didi (blue icon, “Didi Greater China”) — ride-hailing.
Trip.com (orange icon) — trains, hotels, attractions in English.
Amap (blue icon with red marker) — navigation; Google Maps does not work well.
Microsoft Translator — download the offline Chinese pack.

Phone Requirements

Phone must support 4G/LTE Bands 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41.
iPhone 8+ and Samsung Galaxy work fine.
Ensure the phone is unlocked if using a Chinese SIM.
iPhone users: set region to “China mainland” in Settings.

Phone Tip

Buy a Chinese SIM at the airport for one adult (the “primary account holder”). The other adult can use international roaming or eSIM for data.

Register Alipay (Tourist Version)

Alipay's Tour Pass is a prepaid card for foreign visitors — the easiest way for Indian passport holders to pay.

Registration Steps

Open Alipay and tap Me at the bottom right.
Select Sign Up and choose country code +91 (India).
Enter your Indian mobile number and verify with OTP.
Create a 6-digit payment password.
For ID verification, select Passport and upload clear photos of your Indian passport data page.
Take a selfie for facial recognition.
Verification is usually instant, but can take up to 24 hours.

Activate Tour Pass

Search Tour Pass in Alipay and tap Activate.
Top up with your Indian Visa/Mastercard (minimum 100 RMB).
You receive an equivalent RMB prepaid balance.
Top up multiple times, typically up to 2,000 RMB total.
Unused balance can be refunded after leaving China.

Indian Passport Tip

Use your full name exactly as on your passport. HDFC and ICICI cards work best with Alipay. SBI cards may have issues — test before travel.

Add Your Indian Card to Alipay

Go to Me > Bank Cards in Alipay.
Tap Add Bank Card and enter your Visa/Mastercard details.
Enter expiry date and CVV.

Card Reality Check

Tour Pass is more reliable than direct card linking. Keep Tour Pass topped up as your primary payment. Some merchants only accept Chinese bank cards — Tour Pass solves this. Your bank may charge 2–3.5% foreign transaction fee.

Using Alipay for Payments

Method 1: Scan Merchant QR

Open Alipay → Scan → point camera at the merchant's QR → enter amount in RMB → confirm with your 6-digit password.

Method 2: Show Your QR Code

Open Alipay → Pay/Collect → show your QR code to the cashier. Small amounts deduct automatically without a password.

Method 3: In-App Purchases

Didi rides: automatic payment after the ride.
Subway: use Alipay transit QR code.
Food delivery, movie tickets: all within Alipay.

WeChat Pay Alternative

Some vendors only accept WeChat Pay.

Install WeChat and sign up with your +91 number.
An existing WeChat user must verify you — ask the hotel concierge.
Go to Me > Services > Wallet > Add Card.
Enter your Indian Visa/Mastercard details.

WeChat Warning

Registration requires an existing user to scan your QR code. Some Indian cards are rejected. Monthly limit: 5,000 RMB for foreign cards. If verification fails, rely on Alipay + cash.

Cash Withdrawal (Backup Plan)

ATM Withdrawal with Indian Card

Look for ATMs with Visa/Mastercard/PLUS logos.
Bank of China, ICBC, and China Construction Bank are most reliable.
Airports, major malls, and bank branches have ATMs.
Daily limit: ~10,000 RMB; ATM fee: 20–30 RMB per withdrawal.
Your Indian bank charges a foreign ATM fee (150–500 INR).
Strategy: withdraw large amounts at once to minimize fees.

Currency Exchange

Airports have 24/7 exchange counters — rates are worse.
Bank of China branches offer the best rates (Mon–Fri, 9AM–4PM).
Bring your passport for all exchanges.
USD gets better rates than INR — bring USD cash.
Keep exchange receipts to convert leftover RMB back.

Cash Strategy

Day 1: Exchange USD 200–300 at the airport.
Day 2–3: Visit Bank of China for better rates.
Always keep 2,000–3,000 RMB as backup. Use Alipay as primary payment.

Connectivity

SIM Card & Connectivity

You need a Chinese phone number for Alipay verification, Didi registration, and some attraction bookings.

Option 1: Chinese SIM Card (Recommended)

Major carriers: China Mobile (best coverage), China Unicom (good balance), China Telecom (good for cities).

Tourist SIM Packages

30-day tourist SIM: 150–200 RMB (~1,700–2,300 INR).
Includes 10–20GB data + 50–100 minutes local calls.
Available at Beijing Capital (PEK) and Shanghai Pudong (PVG) arrivals.
Bring original passport — copies not accepted.
Activation is immediate; works within 5 minutes.

Option 2: International Roaming

Airtel: roaming packs from ~1,500 INR for 10 days.
Jio: affordable China roaming packs available.
Data speed may be slower than a local SIM.

Option 3: eSIM (Data Only)

Airalo and Holafly offer China eSIMs.
10GB/30-day plan: ~1,800–2,500 INR.
No Chinese phone number — limited for some apps.

Internet Access in China

Hotel WiFi is generally good and free at international hotels.
VPN is essential — install and test before leaving India.
ExpressVPN and Astrill are most reliable in China.
Download offline maps before you go.

Getting Around

Transportation

China's transportation system is world-class. Here's how to navigate Beijing and Shanghai.

Didi — China's Uber

Didi works exactly like Uber/Ola and is the dominant ride-hailing app.

How to Register

Download Didi — Greater China app (blue icon).
Open the app and select English.
Sign up with a mobile number (+91 works; Chinese number is better).
Link Alipay (recommended) or add an international credit card.
If neither works, select Cash Payment — widely accepted.

How to Book a Ride

Open Didi and enter your destination (English works).
Select ride type: Express (cheapest), Premier (nicer), or 6-seater (for families).
For a family of 4 with kids, choose 6-seater or Premier for more space.
Tap Confirm to see estimated fare and wait time.
Check the license plate matches before getting in.
Payment is automatic (Alipay/card) or pay cash to the driver.

Didi Tip

Save your hotel address in Chinese (ask concierge to write it). Most drivers don't speak English — use in-app message translation. Fares: 30–80 RMB for typical distances. Avoid rush hours 7:30–9:30 AM and 5:30–7:30 PM.

Beijing & Shanghai Subway

Using Alipay Transit QR Code

Open Alipay and tap Transport.
Select city (Beijing or Shanghai) and Metro/Subway.
Generate a QR transit code.
Scan at the gate turnstile to enter and exit.
Fare is calculated automatically and deducted from Tour Pass.

Buying Physical Tickets

Go to a station ticket machine (English available).
Select destination on the touchscreen map.
Pay with cash or Alipay/WeChat QR.
Collect single-journey card (plastic token).

Fares & Kids

Fares: 3–10 RMB in Beijing, 3–15 RMB in Shanghai.
Kids under 1.3m (4'3") ride free — no ticket needed.
Your 5–10 year old kids likely qualify for free subway rides.
Operating hours: ~5:00 AM – 11:30 PM.

Shanghai Maglev

Don't miss the world's fastest commercial train at 431 km/h. Route: Longyang Road Station to Pudong Airport. Price: 50 RMB one way, 80 RMB round trip. Kids under 1.3m ride free.

High-Speed Rail: Beijing to Shanghai

Distance: 1,318 km in 4.5–6 hours. One of the world's best train journeys.

How to Book

Use Trip.com app (English) — book 15–30 days ahead.
Enter passport details for all travelers, including kids.
Classes: Second Class (~550 RMB), First Class (~1,000 RMB), Business Class.
For families, First Class is recommended — wider seats, less crowded.
Kids under 6: free (no seat, on lap). Kids 6–14: 50% off.
Payment: international cards on Trip.com or via Alipay.

At the Station

Arrive 30–45 minutes before departure.
Bring passports — tickets are linked to passport.
Main terminals: Beijing South (北京南站) and Shanghai Hongqiao (上海虹桥).
Security check required (like airport) — no liquids over 100ml.

Beijing

Beijing Attractions

Beijing offers 7 days of incredible sightseeing. Most attractions require advance booking.

How to Book Tickets

Search the attraction's official WeChat Mini Program, or book through Trip.com, Klook, or GetYourGuide.
Select date and time slot — popular sites sell out days in advance.
Enter passport numbers for all visitors, including children.
Pay via Alipay or international card.
Receive QR code confirmation — screenshot it.
Show passport + QR code at entrance.

Attraction Details

Attraction	Adult	Child	Closed	Book Via
Forbidden City	60 RMB	Free under 18	Monday	WeChat Mini Program or Trip.com (7+ days ahead)
Great Wall (Mutianyu)	40 RMB	Free under 18	Open daily	Trip.com, Klook, or hotel
Summer Palace	30 RMB	Free under 18	Monday	WeChat or onsite
Temple of Heaven	34 RMB	Free under 18	Monday	WeChat or onsite
Tiananmen Square	Free	Free	Open daily	No booking (passport required)
Lama Temple	25 RMB	Free under 18	Open daily	Onsite purchase
Beijing Zoo + Pandas	19 RMB	Free under 18	Open daily	Onsite or Trip.com
Acrobat Show	180–580 RMB	Same as adult	Open daily	Trip.com or hotel
798 Art District	Free	Free	Open daily	No booking needed

Forbidden City Tip

Book the Forbidden City at least 7 days in advance — it sells out quickly, especially in summer. Search the official WeChat Mini Program “故宫博物院” or book via Trip.com.

Recommended 7-Day Beijing Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival & Tiananmen

Afternoon: Tiananmen Square (free, passport required).
Evening: Wangfujing pedestrian street for dinner.

Day 2

Forbidden City

Full day: Forbidden City (book 7+ days ahead).
Afternoon: Jingshan Park for panoramic palace photos.
Evening: Houhai Lake area for dinner.

Day 3

Great Wall

Full day: Mutianyu Great Wall (less crowded than Badaling).
Cable car available for kids; toboggan ride down.
Book via Trip.com or hotel concierge.

Day 4

Temples & Parks

Morning: Temple of Heaven.
Afternoon: Summer Palace (take boat ride on Kunming Lake).

Day 5

Hutongs & Culture

Morning: Nanluoguxiang hutong exploration.
Afternoon: Lama Temple (Yonghegong).
Evening: Acrobat Show at Chaoyang Theatre.

Day 6

Olympic Park & Modern Beijing

Morning: Olympic Park — Bird's Nest and Water Cube.
Afternoon: 798 Art District (contemporary art galleries).

Day 7

Last Minute

Morning: Panjiayuan Antique Market (weekends) or Pearl Market.
Afternoon: Pack, prepare for travel to Shanghai.

Shanghai

Shanghai Attractions

Shanghai blends ultramodern skyline with charming old neighborhoods.

Attraction Details

Attraction	Adult	Child	Closed	Book Via
The Bund	Free	Free	Open daily	No booking needed
Shanghai Tower	180 RMB	90 RMB	Open daily	Trip.com, Klook, or onsite
Yu Garden	40 RMB	Free under 6	Open daily	Trip.com or onsite
Shanghai Museum	Free	Free	Monday	WeChat (book ahead)
Disneyland	475–719 RMB	356–539 RMB	Open daily	Disney app (book ahead)
Oriental Pearl Tower	199 RMB	99 RMB	Open daily	Trip.com or onsite
Huangpu River Cruise	80–150 RMB	Same as adult	Open daily	Trip.com or pier office
Zhujiajiao Water Town	Free	Free	Open daily	No booking for town
Shanghai Aquarium	160 RMB	110 RMB	Open daily	Trip.com or onsite

Disneyland Tip

Book Shanghai Disneyland tickets well in advance, especially weekends. Download the Disney Shanghai app for ride wait times. Arrive before 8:30 AM opening. Must-do rides: Tron Lightcycle, Pirates of the Caribbean.

Recommended 7-Day Shanghai Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival & The Bund

Afternoon: The Bund — iconic waterfront skyline views.
Evening: Huangpu River Cruise for night skyline views.

Day 2

Pudong Skyline

Morning: Shanghai Tower observation deck (world's 2nd tallest).
Afternoon: Shanghai Aquarium or Science & Technology Museum.
Evening: Super Brand Mall for dinner with a view.

Day 3

Old Shanghai

Morning: Yu Garden and City God Temple.
Afternoon: French Concession — tree-lined streets, cafes.
Evening: Tianzifang — arts and crafts alleyways.

Day 4

Museums

Morning: Shanghai Museum (free, excellent Chinese art).
Afternoon: China Art Museum (free, contemporary art).
Evening: Xintiandi — upscale dining district.

Day 5

Zhujiajiao Water Town

Full day: Zhujiajiao ancient water town (“Venice of Shanghai”).
Take subway Line 17 to Zhujiajiao Station.
Boat rides through canals and traditional bridges.

Day 6

Disney Day!

Full day at Shanghai Disneyland.
Must-do: Tron Lightcycle, Pirates, castle fireworks.

Day 7

Departure

Morning: Nanjing Road shopping.
Head to airport via Maglev train experience.

Shopping

Shopping Guide

From high-end malls to traditional markets, here's where to find the best buys.

Beijing Shopping

Silk Street Market 秀水街

Yong'anli Subway Station, Line 1 · 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM daily

What to buy: Silk scarves, pearls, tailored clothing, souvenirs.

Tip: Sellers speak English; bargain heavily. Start at 30% of the quoted price.

Panjiayuan Antique Market 潘家园

Panjiayuan Subway Station, Line 10 · Weekdays 8:30 AM–6 PM, Weekends 4:30 AM–6 PM

What to buy: Antiques, calligraphy, jade, tea sets, vintage items.

Tip: Best on Saturday/Sunday mornings. Most “antiques” are reproductions — buy for decoration, not investment.

Wangfujing Street 王府井

Wangfujing Subway Station, Line 1 · 10 AM – 10 PM

What to buy: Mix of international brands and local shops; famous snack street.

Tip: Touristy but good for a stroll and snacks.

Hongqiao Pearl Market 红桥市场

Tiantan Dongmen Subway, Line 5 · 8:30 AM – 7 PM

What to buy: Pearls (freshwater and saltwater), jewelry, watches.

Tip: Get pearls certified at a gem lab if buying expensive items.

Sanlitun 三里屯

Tuanjiehu Subway, Line 10 · 10 AM – 10 PM

What to buy: International brands, trendy fashion, nightlife.

Tip: Visit Taikoo Li, an upscale outdoor shopping complex.

Beijing Shopping Tip

For electronics, visit Suning or Gome. For tea, try Maliandao Tea Street. Always bargain at markets — final price is often 30–50% of the first quote.

Shanghai Shopping

Nanjing Road 南京路

People's Square Subway, Lines 1/2/8 · 10 AM – 10 PM

What to buy: Everything from budget to luxury — China's most famous shopping street.

Tip: East Nanjing Road has historic department stores; West Nanjing Road has luxury brands. Visit in the evening for neon lights.

Tianzifang 田子坊

Dapuqiao Subway, Line 9 · 10 AM – 10 PM

What to buy: Arts, crafts, handmade jewelry, souvenirs, art prints.

Tip: Unique gifts in a maze of narrow alleyways inside traditional Shikumen houses. Prices somewhat negotiable.

AP Plaza (Yatai Market)

Science & Technology Museum Subway, Line 2 · 9 AM – 6 PM

What to buy: Replica bags, watches, clothing, electronics.

Tip: Famous underground market. Extreme bargaining required. Quality varies massively.

Xintiandi 新天地

South Huangpi Road Subway, Line 1 · 10 AM – 11 PM

What to buy: High-end boutiques, designer goods, art galleries.

Tip: Beautifully restored Shikumen architecture. Pricey but great atmosphere.

South Bund Fabric Market 南外滩轻纺面料市场

399 Lujiabang Road, near Nanpu Bridge Subway, Line 4 · 9 AM – 6 PM

What to buy: Custom-tailored suits, dresses, qipao, shirts.

Tip: Choose fabric, get measured, pick up in 2–3 days. A tailored suit costs 800–1,500 RMB. Bring a photo of what you want.

Shanghai Shopping Tip

Best souvenirs: customized qipao from South Bund Fabric Market, art prints from Tianzifang, certified pearls from the Pearl Market, and traditional tea from Yu Garden shops. For kids, visit the Disney Store on Nanjing Road.

Shopping Tips for Indian Travelers

Bargaining: Expected at markets. Start at 30–40% of quoted price. Walk away — they'll often call you back.
Fixed prices: Department stores, supermarkets, chain stores (no bargaining).
Tax refund: Foreign tourists can claim VAT refund at airports on purchases over 500 RMB from designated stores. Ask for “Tax Free” form.
Best souvenirs: Silk, tea, pearls, jade (from reputable stores), calligraphy supplies, qipao.
Electronics: JD.com and T Mall (via Alipay) deliver to hotels — often cheaper than stores.
Quality check: Examine items carefully before paying; most sales are final.
Payment: Alipay/WeChat preferred. Some markets accept cash only.

Daily Life

Other Essential Tips

Practical advice for food, health, language, and traveling with kids.

Food & Dining

Beijing: Peking Duck is the must-try dish. Shanghai: soup dumplings (xiaolongbao).
Famous chains: Haidilao (hotpot, excellent service), Din Tai Fung (soup dumplings).
Vegetarian: specify “no meat, no fish, no egg” — the concept differs from India.
Tap water is not drinkable — always drink bottled water.
Kids' meals: no dedicated kids' menus at most places. Order plain rice, noodles, or buns.

Health & Safety

China is very safe — violent crime is extremely rare.
Watch for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas and subway.
Air pollution: check AQI daily. If AQI > 150, limit outdoor activities with kids.
International clinics: Beijing (Oasis, Beijing United Family), Shanghai (Parkway Health).
Emergency numbers: Police 110, Ambulance 120, Fire 119.

Language

English is not widely spoken outside hotels and major tourist sites.
Key phrases: Ni hao (Hello), Xie xie (Thank you), Bu yao (No), Duo shao qian? (How much?).
Most restaurant menus have pictures — point and order.
Carry hotel address in Chinese to show taxi drivers.

Toilet & Baby Facilities

Public toilets are mostly squat-style — bring toilet paper and sanitizer.
Western-style toilets at hotels, malls, and international restaurants.
Baby changing facilities available at modern malls but not universal.

Weather in July

Beijing: Hot (28–35°C), humid, occasional thunderstorms.
Shanghai: Hot (28–36°C), very humid, frequent rain.
Pack: Light cotton clothes, sun hats, sunscreen, umbrella.

Cultural Etiquette

Tipping is not customary — tips may be refused.
Queueing is expected but not always followed — stand your ground politely.
Do not discuss sensitive political topics in public.

For the Kids

Kids under 1.3m get free subway rides and free/discounted attraction entry.
Bring a lightweight stroller — lots of walking required.
Shanghai Disneyland is the highlight — plan a full day.
Bubble tea shops are everywhere — a fun treat.
Convenience stores (FamilyMart, Lawson, 7-Eleven) on every corner for snacks.

Before You Leave India

Essential Pre-Departure Checklist

What to Pack

Phone & Payment Setup

Apps to Download Before Departure

Phone Requirements

Register Alipay (Tourist Version)

Registration Steps

Activate Tour Pass

Add Your Indian Card to Alipay

Using Alipay for Payments

Method 1: Scan Merchant QR

Method 2: Show Your QR Code

Method 3: In-App Purchases

WeChat Pay Alternative

Cash Withdrawal (Backup Plan)

ATM Withdrawal with Indian Card

Currency Exchange

SIM Card & Connectivity

Option 1: Chinese SIM Card (Recommended)

Tourist SIM Packages

Option 2: International Roaming

Option 3: eSIM (Data Only)

Internet Access in China

Transportation

Didi — China's Uber

How to Register

How to Book a Ride

Beijing & Shanghai Subway

Using Alipay Transit QR Code

Buying Physical Tickets

Fares & Kids

High-Speed Rail: Beijing to Shanghai

How to Book

At the Station

Beijing Attractions

How to Book Tickets

Attraction Details

Recommended 7-Day Beijing Itinerary

Arrival & Tiananmen

Forbidden City

Great Wall

Temples & Parks

Hutongs & Culture

Olympic Park & Modern Beijing

Last Minute

Shanghai Attractions

Attraction Details

Recommended 7-Day Shanghai Itinerary

Arrival & The Bund

Pudong Skyline

Old Shanghai

Museums

Zhujiajiao Water Town

Disney Day!

Departure

Shopping Guide

Beijing Shopping

Silk Street Market 秀水街

Panjiayuan Antique Market 潘家园

Wangfujing Street 王府井

Hongqiao Pearl Market 红桥市场

Sanlitun 三里屯

Shanghai Shopping

Nanjing Road 南京路

Tianzifang 田子坊

AP Plaza (Yatai Market)

Xintiandi 新天地

South Bund Fabric Market 南外滩轻纺面料市场

Shopping Tips for Indian Travelers

Other Essential Tips

Food & Dining

Health & Safety

Language

Toilet & Baby Facilities

Weather in July

Cultural Etiquette

For the Kids

Have a Wonderful Trip!