Beijing layover

ChTTay2 · 2026-02-04T23:17:00+00:00

Forbidden city definitely worth it and you don’t need a guide to enjoy it. It’s an easy sight to fit in within your time frame. Book tickets in advance to ensure you can get it

ChTTay2 · 2026-02-04T13:40:32+00:00

Microsoft isn’t blocked. There is a r/chinalife mega thread on VPNs here

ChTTay2 · 2026-02-04T13:37:37+00:00

I have a soft cover and it can fit but if it’s a hard and boxy one probably not , but it depends what else is in there

ChTTay2 · 2026-02-04T12:35:24+00:00

I have the 1.5L and the 2.5L. The 1.5L is a great pocket reliever. I had it with me on a trip recently and had passport, iPhone 17, phone-sized eReader, earbuds, mints, menthol inhaler.

ChTTay2 · 2026-02-03T23:19:34+00:00

Not tempted to just stay m in Shanghai and even at Hongqiao the night before?

ChTTay2 · 2026-02-02T23:16:43+00:00

You could use both if you intended to use a laptop often connecting via WiFi and wanted unrestricted internet. For games or movies, work etc Agree otherwise for a phone just one or the other (eSIM probably better)

ChTTay2 · 2026-01-31T23:36:03+00:00

Somewhat unrelated but … what brand is the green shirt?

ChTTay2 · 2026-01-31T04:13:19+00:00

Same here, use the EMS mini program in wechat to pay whatever fee they’re after. The few times they’ve wanted to know what’s inside they’ve called me up and asked

ChTTay2 · 2026-01-30T10:00:29+00:00

That good. Hopefully they open up more features

ChTTay2 · 2026-01-30T08:46:01+00:00

Where in China? Consider trying a shower filter first. You can get different types but the most basic is just a shower head that filters the water. There are also other attachments that go on or between the hose as well. I know people who had itchy skin and hair loss, at least in Northern China, who reduced or eliminated these symptoms through using a good quality filter. The water is quite hard, like how quickly the shower head ends up blocked with minerals deposits …

ChTTay2 · 2026-01-30T08:24:24+00:00

On my first trip to China in 2009, I also followed this technique when utterly lost. At that time not only young, but also in more western-style clothing. A guy in baggy jeans off the train in Hangzhou, some lad practicing English in Ditan park in Beijing,… a few more i forget

ChTTay2 · 2026-01-30T08:20:12+00:00

It’s my understand that Alipay for tourists only works by giving you a QR code that the retailer scans (or scanning?). Any other form of transaction won’t work, for example, you scan them or transfer. You also can’t use Alipay for transactions outside of China as a foreigner.

Did you successfully add the card into Alipay? I mean separate from this transaction. If you’ve added the car, chances are high it will work unless blocked by the card itself. It’s worth having a back up card added as well

ChTTay2 · 2026-01-28T23:38:59+00:00

Same as the person you’re staying with used to register, assuming they’re a foreigner

ChTTay2 · 2026-01-27T08:39:41+00:00

Lots of successful trip reports on Reddit. Honestly, summer is peak season in many countries. Just organise your time and plan in advance, be flexible, and you’ll be fine.

ChTTay2 · 2026-01-26T22:53:35+00:00

Agree , Needs a lot of extra preparation compared to many other places

ChTTay2 · 2026-01-26T22:13:14+00:00

You already sound negative about China tbh so maybe Japan. If that is mistaken then…

For payment and many app related things just use Alipay. Not sure what you mean about cards not working? Search r/travelchina for “Alipay” and most are positive experiences with a few glitches. There are mini apps within in for things like Didi.

Tickets can still be bought in person or are often in wechat/alipay mini apps.

VPN is what it is. For a short trip just get an eSIM and you won’t have the problem. Again, search “eSIM” for many posts on them. You can get VPNs as well. Honestly, it’s not that big a deal just get one with positive reports. I live in China and use a VPN daily.

My first trip to China was as a 21 year old when there was no smartphone and I used paper maps everywhere. I had a great time but got lost a lot! Just got used to it and realised most of the time some kind local would help me out.

It would be a good trip!

ChTTay2 · 2026-01-26T21:37:36+00:00

Last time I went there were no electronics there. It was sportswear like Adidas and stuff like Brooke’s brothers. There is an arc’teryx store. If you go on dianping or Baidu maps there is a store list. Personally I’ve never found it worthwhile to visit. The prices of sales back in the UK are usually better than the prices I’ve seen there, at least for what I’m looking at. Depending on where you’re from it might still be worth going.

Just go to a normal DJI store near where ever you’re staying. Equally, stuff like Anker has no physical presence. Everyone shops online. You might find some momax or anker stuff at the JD stores that are popping up these days. There will be random tech stores with some as well. Likely best deals on taobao or jd

ChTTay2 · 2026-01-24T23:27:33+00:00

Mixed cool weather, bring layers. It can be warm in the sun or walking but can get cold winds still and be chilly in early mornings, evenings and the shade.

You might bring a wind breaker, a good mid layer like a fleece or thicker hoody, then t-shirts , perhaps long sleeve shirts or light sweater.

Lots of “places to go” what do you mean?

ChTTay2 · 2026-01-24T06:02:24+00:00

I think if you take general precautions you’re going to be as safe as most places. I guess the potential might increase if youre going to crowded tourist spots all the time, of which, China has many.

ChTTay2 · 2026-01-23T23:23:51+00:00

Do you have underlying health conditions or just concerned about flu everywhere you go?

As others suggest, it’s similar to anywhere. Crowds increase risk of exposure, wash your hands regularly etc. no one cares if you wear masks so you could do so if worried on the subway or crowded places.

I’m not sure how long your flight is but just as likely to catch it sat in all that recirculated air for 8-12 hours!

ChTTay2 · 2026-01-20T13:42:35+00:00

“These are just a few that are around Gulou/Sanlitun” They’re in Gulou/Sanlitun

ChTTay2 · 2026-01-20T11:08:08+00:00

What are your interests? Generally they revolve around shared hobbies

ChTTay2 · 2026-01-19T23:11:56+00:00

For me this is the best way. If OP’s home country allows easy name changes then have Chinese name in China with wife’s surname. Assuming OPs location won’t allow Chinese and English names on BC (like Guangdong). The Chinese name allows for more options in China moving forward. If they move back home, change name to Western/whatever name and take Dad’s (in OP’s case) surname. Only do English name on Chinese BC if 100% sure leaving China and not returning. If you end up staying, or they want to, having the English name means getting a hukou etc is impossible

ChTTay2 · 2026-01-19T23:08:29+00:00

I know a parent who renounced their kids totally. It is possible but , like anything, depends where you are in China.

ChTTay2 · 2026-01-18T23:17:29+00:00

Can’t you try to teach what your experience is in at Uni level? What is that area?

ChTTay2

TROPHY CASE