Find answers to the most common questions before your trip.
Choose a category below to find answers to the most commonly asked questions before your China journey.
Please check the list below (dynamically updated based on China's latest policies, for reference only):
Visa-free list — contact us for the most up-to-date information
Typically limited to tourism purposes, a maximum stay (e.g. 15 days), and entry via designated ports. Cannot be extended or converted to other visa types.
A tourist visa (L-visa). We can provide an invitation letter if needed.
We recommend submitting your application at least 1 month before departure.
Visa regulations can be confusing — we get it. If you're unsure about anything regarding visa-free eligibility, visa types, documentation, or processing times, just reach out to your Eastory client manager. We'll give you clear, accurate advice based on your nationality, travel dates, and itinerary. No charge. No runaround. Just straightforward help from people who actually know the answers.
Download Alipay before departure and link your Visa/Mastercard. You can also carry RMB cash.
Yes at high-end hotels and shopping malls. For smaller shops, mobile payment or cash is recommended.
We've got plenty of experience with this.
Before departure: If you have any questions about deposits, balance payments, refunds, or any charges, just contact your Eastory client manager. She'll review everything with you and make sure it's clear.
During your trip: If you run into issues like foreign card payment failures, not having enough cash on hand, or trouble with mobile payments, simply reach out to your guide or the Eastory client manager (via WeChat or phone). We're experienced with foreign currency payments, ATM withdrawals, and mobile payment setup — we'll step in and help get it sorted.
No, these services are not accessible in China. We recommend contacting your Eastory client manager in advance to purchase a local Chinese SIM card or rent a portable WiFi device (both come with a pre-installed VPN). Additional charges apply — your client manager will explain the options and arrange everything for you.
Most newer phones support Chinese frequency bands. Please check with your device manufacturer.
Just let your client manager know when you book — we'll prepare a bilingual dietary card for you to hand to the waitstaff when ordering. Need to explain something in more detail? Your guide will be right there to help translate and communicate with the restaurant. Simple and stress-free.
Absolutely — and we strongly recommend it. We'll make sure bottled water is available in the vehicle and your hotel room throughout the trip. Just remember: tap water is not drinkable in China. Stick to bottled water and you'll be all set.
After collecting your luggage and exiting the arrival hall, you'll see our driver or guide waiting at the exit holding a sign with your name on it. If you run into any issues after landing — such as lost luggage or long queues at immigration — simply contact your Eastory client manager or call the emergency contact number.
You'll have a dedicated business van and private driver throughout the journey — no ride-sharing, no waiting for others. Your driver knows the routes well, and the vehicle comes with air conditioning and bottled water. Just sit back, enjoy the view, and leave the driving to us.
If your flight is delayed, contact your Eastory client manager or emergency contact person immediately via WhatsApp or phone. We'll keep track of your flight status and coordinate with the driver to wait or adjust the pick-up time accordingly. If you need to rebook or arrange an overnight stay, we'll help coordinate based on the situation.
Absolutely — that's what private travel is all about. As long as the route and time allow, just talk to your guide and we'll do our best to accommodate your pace. For major changes that involve multiple days or different cities, we recommend contacting your client manager in advance so we can rearrange things for you.
Absolutely — that's the whole point of private travel. From the number of days and cities you want to visit, to what you see, eat, and where you stay along the way — everything can be tailored to your interests and pace. Before you book, we'll work closely with you to turn your ideas and must-sees into a personalised itinerary that truly feels like yours.
We offer a wide range of accommodation options, from charming boutique guesthouses to luxury five-star hotels. Every property on our list has been personally visited and vetted — we prioritise convenient locations, clean rooms, reliable service, and foreign guest registration. Before you book, we'll provide a shortlist of hotels so you can choose based on your budget and preferences.
Send us a message and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.