The first days in China almost always look the same: you’ve arrived, everything around operates via smartphones, addresses are best shown in Chinese, and many daily tasks (from payments to taxis) revolve around WeChat and Alipay. If you properly handle the basic setup and documents within the first 7 days, life becomes significantly easier: fewer “quests,” more normal rhythm.
Below is a practical day-by-day plan. It’s universal and suitable for both long-term tourists and those on business trips/study/work-related visits. In some places, I’ll note: if you’re staying in a hotel and if renting an apartment — the sequence differs slightly.
Principle for the entire week: first connectivity and addresses, then payments and transport, followed by “daily life”
In China, many issues are resolved not with “paper” but by ensuring you have:
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internet and a working phone number,
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your residential address saved in Chinese,
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payment and navigation apps set up,
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a clear way to quickly show documents and bookings.
Day 1: Arrival, internet, accommodation, basic safety
1) Reach your accommodation and save the address in Chinese
Do this within the first hour:
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save the hotel/apartment address in characters in your notes;
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save the location in maps (pin);
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add a screenshot of the place’s name and entrance (if available).
Why it’s important: taxis/DiDi and residential complex security understand addresses better in Chinese characters than in Latin script.
2) Set up “on-site” internet
Options:
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eSIM/roaming if already activated — check for stable internet;
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if planning a local SIM — roaming for 1–2 days suffices to avoid rushed airport setup.
3) Create a “folder” in your phone
Create one note/folder with:
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passport and visa photos,
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accommodation booking,
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insurance,
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consulate and emergency contacts,
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residential address in Chinese.
This isn’t paranoia — it’s about speed when you need to show something immediately.
Day 2: WeChat — the primary communication tool
Even if you’re a tourist, WeChat is useful: hotels, landlords, couriers, local contacts, services.
What to do:
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Fill out your profile (name in Latin/English, photo).
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Enable notifications (to avoid missing messages).
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Save important contacts: hotel/landlord/partner/colleague.
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If in a business setting — prepare a short self-introduction message (2–4 lines) for new contacts.
If you’ll purchase/order through locals — WeChat is almost guaranteed, even if payment is separate.
Day 3: Payments — Alipay and basic “cashless life”
In major cities, you’ll quickly notice QR payments are standard: cafes, stores, transport, services. Thus, by day 3 (or earlier), get Alipay operational.
Key points:
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Install Alipay and locate the QR scan/payment function.
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Prepare a “plan B”: some cash + backup card (in case payments temporarily fail).
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If regular payments (food, transport, deliveries) are needed — stable internet and a power bank are essential.
Practical tip: In China, QR codes often need quick display. Pin Alipay to your home screen and locate “Scan/Pay” beforehand.
Day 4: Transport and navigation — making the city “understandable”
After payments, the biggest comfort upgrade is transport:
1) DiDi (taxis)
Install and test:
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if you can set pickup points,
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if you can select destinations,
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if you can message drivers (e.g., “I’m at exit #2”).
2) Maps
Choose a working tool:
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Apple Maps sometimes suffices,
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but local maps are often more convenient in China.
Minimum setup:
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save your accommodation,
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save the nearest subway station,
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save 3–5 key destinations (office, event venue, school, major mall, nearby hospital).
3) Subway/public transport
Even if you mostly use taxis, learn the subway: it’s fast and predictable, especially during rush hour.
Day 5: If not in a hotel — residence registration and agreements
Key scenario differences:
If in a hotel
Hotels typically handle guest registration procedures. You’ll need:
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your passport,
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readiness to show visa/tickets if required.
If renting (or staying with friends)
Know clearly:
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who handles registration (often landlord/agent, sometimes requires your presence),
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required documents (passport, rental agreement/residence proof).
Practical rule: don’t delay. It’s easier to resolve early than later when work/study/intercity travel begins.
Day 6: Daily infrastructure — delivery, shopping, “life at home”
Now organize daily routines:
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Food/grocery delivery apps (if planning frequent use).
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Camera translator — for packaging, instructions, menus.
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Marketplaces (for long stays to buy household items cheaper).
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Nearby “useful places” list:
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pharmacy,
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supermarket,
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ATM/bank,
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nearest subway station,
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parcel pickup/courier hubs.
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At this stage, the city becomes “yours”: you stop expending energy on small things.
Day 7: Final checklist and long-term setup
By week’s end, ensure basics are covered:
Documents & access
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passport/visa copies saved in cloud,
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residential address in Chinese accessible,
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insurance assistance and emergency numbers saved.
Connectivity
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stable internet,
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charging plan (power bank),
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no sole reliance on one phone without backups.
Apps
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WeChat operational with no missed messages,
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Alipay “on hand” with payment function located,
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DiDi and maps configured with saved locations.
Daily life
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know nearest pharmacy and store,
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can order deliveries or buy basics stress-free.
Sequential checklist (for brevity)
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Internet + address in Chinese
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WeChat (communication, contacts)
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Alipay (payments)
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Maps + DiDi (transport)
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Residence registration (if not a hotel)
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Delivery/shopping/translator
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Backups, contacts, emergency scenarios
Common first-week mistakes (and how to avoid them)
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Not saving address in characters → taxi/residential complex access issues.
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Attempting airport setup → fatigue and errors. Better to complete basics over 2–3 days.
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Delaying app setup → later, work/study begins, leaving no time.
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No internet plan → losing access to payments, maps, messages.