Traveling to China: What Foreign Couples Should Expect (Internet, Payments & Restrictions Explained)
By EverVows Team on
Planning a trip to China can feel daunting for travellers from the US, UK and Europe — especially anyone who remembers blocked apps and cash-only counters from years ago. The good news: travel in China has improved a great deal, and with a little preparation your trip can be smooth. Here are the practical things to know before a Lijiang wedding, and how to handle each.
Internet: The Great Firewall
China blocks many Western services — Google and Gmail, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and YouTube among them. The fix is simple but must be done in advance: install and test a reputable VPN before you arrive, since VPN websites are themselves hard to reach inside the country. Download offline maps of Lijiang and save your bookings offline too. Once there, WeChat handles messaging for almost everyone.
Payments: A Cashless Country
China is effectively cashless, and physical foreign cards are accepted in few places, particularly in a smaller city like Lijiang. The system runs on WeChat Pay and Alipay — and the good news is that visitors can now link international Visa, Mastercard, JCB and Amex to both. Set this up on arrival, keep a small amount of RMB as backup, and you'll pay for everything from taxis to street food with your phone.
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Visas and Entry
Most Western travellers still need a visa, though China has widened visa-free transit and short-stay entry for a number of countries — worth checking for your nationality, as the rules are changing quickly. Typical requirements are a passport valid for six months, a return flight and accommodation details. A planner can help assemble your documentation.
Language
English is limited in Lijiang and most second-tier cities. Download an offline translation app, keep your hotel address saved in Chinese, and — for a wedding — lean on a bilingual coordinator and an English-speaking celebrant so the language gap never touches your day.
Safety
China is one of the safest countries in the world for foreign tourists: low crime, friendly locals, clean cities and reliable transport. Lijiang in particular is welcoming and well set up for visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a VPN in China?
Yes, if you want to use Google, Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram or Facebook, which are blocked by the national firewall. Install and test a reputable VPN before you fly — VPN provider sites are hard to reach once you are inside China.
Can I use my foreign credit card in China?
Physical foreign cards are accepted in few places. China runs on WeChat Pay and Alipay, which now let visitors link international Visa and Mastercard. Set this up on arrival and carry a little cash as backup.
Do US, UK or EU travellers need a visa for China?
Most Western travellers still need a visa, though China has expanded visa-free transit and short-stay entry for many nationalities. Check the current rules for your passport before booking, as they change.
Is China safe for foreign tourists?
Yes. China has very low rates of violent crime, reliable transport and well-maintained cities, and is considered one of the safest destinations for foreign visitors.
Where to Read Next
- How to Travel to Lijiang — the best flight routes from Europe and the US.
- How EverVows Makes It Stress-Free — who handles the logistics on the ground.
- Best Time of Year to Get Married in Lijiang — a seasonal breakdown.
- What a Lijiang Wedding Costs — sourced 2026 pricing.