Pre-departure checklist for China

One week before departure

• [ ] Confirm your entry basis
• [ ] Check passport validity
• [ ] Confirm accommodation
• [ ] Confirm your first airport transfer
• [ ] Install Alipay (支付宝)
• [ ] Install WeChat (微信)
• [ ] Install Amap (高德地图)
• [ ] Set up eligible payment cards
• [ ] Confirm roaming, eSIM or SIM plan
• [ ] Save emergency numbers
• [ ] Download important bookings for offline access

If you will use trains

• [ ] Create a Railway 12306 (铁路12306) account or confirm your booking platform
• [ ] Check the exact departure station
• [ ] Make sure the passport details on the booking are correct

If you will visit major attractions

• [ ] Check whether advance reservation is required
• [ ] Check weekly closing days
• [ ] Confirm the correct entrance or ticket type

If you will take domestic flights

• [ ] Check airline baggage limits
• [ ] Check current power-bank requirements
• [ ] Check whether your power bank has an acceptable CCC / 3C mark where required

If your trip crosses very different regions

Check the forecast for each major stop.

Packing for Harbin (哈尔滨) is completely different from packing for Sanya (三亚).

Save offline

At minimum, save:

• passport copy;
• first hotel name and Chinese address;
• first flight or train;
• insurance contact;
• emergency numbers;
• important reservation confirmations.

Final check

You do not need every detail of the trip solved before departure.

You do need these five systems ready:

entry → internet → payment → navigation → accommodation

If those are working, most other problems are manageable.