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Asie · 2026

China eSIM 2026: Beijing, Shanghai, Great Wall, Xi'an

📖 10 min•🐉 China•The Alosea team•Updated 2026-05-28

Planning a trip to China (People's Republic of China 中华人民共和国, 9.6 million km² — 3rd largest country in the world after Russia and Canada, ~1.4 billion inhabitants, 2nd world GDP after the US): a Beijing-Xi'an-Shanghai circuit on the Fuxing high-speed train, a Li River cruise in Guilin, a hike on the Great Wall at Mutianyu, giant panda watching in Chengdu, or business travel to Shenzhen / Shanghai Pudong? China — 4,000-year continuous civilisation, capital Beijing (北京, 21M inhabitants), Xi'an ancient Tang capital (Silk Road starting point), Shanghai financial megacity (25M inhabitants), 56 recognised ethnic groups (Han 91 %, Zhuang, Hui, Manchu, Tibetan, Uyghur…) — concentrates 56 UNESCO sites (1st tied with Italy, including the Great Wall 1987, the Forbidden City 1987, the Terracotta Army 1987, the historic centre of Macao, Mount Huang…). To use Didi (滴滴, China's essential Uber), Baidu Maps (Google Maps blocked), WeChat (微信, mandatory for everything), Alipay (支付宝, payments 99 % of transactions), Dianping (大众点评, local Yelp), your smartphone will be ABSOLUTELY central — China is probably the most smartphone-dependent country in the world. HEADS-UP: China is OUTSIDE the EU — non-EU roaming expensive. An eSIM activated BEFORE boarding gets you online at PEK / PVG / CAN as soon as you walk off the plane, and — crucial point — routes via a foreign operator which often allows you to bypass the Great Firewall without a VPN.

› WHY AN eSIM

Why an eSIM for China

China is OUTSIDE the European Union. Home-plan roaming there is expensive (often €8-13/MB or even blocked). An Alosea eSIM = a few euros to stay connected throughout. Your home number stays active for banking SMS (essential: your bank will likely send multiple verification SMS during your stay). Installation in 2 min via QR. China is the world leader in 5G deployment since 2019 (over 3.4M 5G base stations — more than the rest of the world combined). On arrival at Beijing (PEK / PKX Daxing), Shanghai (PVG / SHA), Guangzhou (CAN) or Chengdu (CTU), you can buy a China Mobile / China Unicom / China Telecom physical SIM, but expect to pay around €10 just for the SIM card itself (passport required for mandatory ID registration in the traveller's name — 20-40 min process at the counter) — on top of the data plan. IMPORTANT POINT — THE GREAT FIREWALL: China has blocked since 2003 (Golden Shield Project 金盾) all Google services (Search, Maps, Gmail, YouTube, Drive, Photos), Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger), X/Twitter, the New York Times, the BBC, and many Western sites. HOWEVER, an Alosea travel eSIM in China routes via a foreign network (international roaming partner, foreign IMSI technology) — most VPN-blocked services therefore typically work WITHOUT a VPN, because you use a foreign IP and your traffic transits through the roaming partner's servers outside China. Honestly: this is NOT GUARANTEED 100 %, it depends on the roaming partner operator routing and the host Chinese operator's policy at the moment — some travellers report everything works perfectly (Google Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram), others report intermittent cuts. Comparison: a local Chinese SIM (China Mobile / Unicom / Telecom) is SUBJECT to the Great Firewall by construction and absolutely requires a VPN for Google/WhatsApp/Instagram (VPN to install BEFORE arriving in China, because VPN websites are blocked from China). And concretely on arrival at Beijing (PEK / PKX Daxing), Shanghai (PVG / SHA Hongqiao), Guangzhou (CAN) or Chengdu (CTU)? You can buy a China Mobile, China Unicom or China Telecom physical SIM at the airport counter, but expect to pay around €10 just for the SIM card itself (passport required for mandatory ID registration, 20-40 min process) — on top of the data plan. With an Alosea eSIM activated BEFORE boarding, you walk off the plane already connected for Didi, Baidu Maps or WhatsApp. IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND: an Alosea travel eSIM in China routes via a foreign network (international roaming partner), so most services blocked by the Great Firewall (Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, X/Twitter) typically work WITHOUT a VPN — but this is NOT GUARANTEED and depends on the roaming operator routing, which can vary. A local Chinese SIM is SUBJECT to the Great Firewall and requires a VPN.

› HOW MUCH IT COSTS

Travel eSIM pricing

A China travel eSIM sits in an accessible price range — well below non-EU roaming fees (which can reach €8-13/MB without a world plan). Price depends on data volume (5 GB for 3-5 day Beijing city break, 7-10 GB for 1 week Beijing-Xi'an-Shanghai, 15-20 GB for 2 weeks with Chengdu/Guilin, unlimited for 1 month or long stay), validity (7/15/30 days).

› DATA GUIDE

How many GB do you need?

City break 3-5 days (Beijing OR Shanghai)

Didi, Baidu Maps, Forbidden City photos, WeChat

5 GB

1 week (Beijing + Xi'an + Shanghai)

Classic high-speed train 3-city circuit

7-10 GB

2 weeks (+ Chengdu + Guilin)

Grand China tour, pandas, Li River cruise

15-20 GB

1 month or more / business / expat

Long stay, remote work Shanghai/Shenzhen

Unlimited

› COVERAGE & OPERATORS

Network coverage and local carriers

China is the WORLD LEADER in 5G deployment since 2019 — over 3.4M 5G base stations installed in 2024 (more than the rest of the world combined). Three national public operators: China Mobile (中国移动, ~1.0 billion subscribers, world's LARGEST mobile operator, state-controlled via SASAC), China Unicom (中国联通, ~330M subscribers), China Telecom (中国电信, ~410M subscribers). 4G/5G coverage excellent in all major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xi'an, Hangzhou, Wuhan) and most tourist areas (Great Wall at Mutianyu/Jinshanling, Huangshan, Zhangjiajie, Guilin). Lower coverage in remote Tibet, Xinjiang, Qinghai and high mountain areas. CRUCIAL POINT — GREAT FIREWALL: an Alosea travel eSIM routes via a foreign roaming partner, which generally allows accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube WITHOUT a VPN (traffic exits China via the international partner). BUT this is NOT guaranteed 100 % — depends on operator routing at the moment. Honest recommendation: ALWAYS install a quality VPN (ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Astrill) BEFORE leaving for China as plan B, because VPN download sites are themselves blocked from China. A local Chinese SIM, on the other hand, is SUBJECT to the Great Firewall by construction.

Local operators

› PRACTICAL TIPS

Practical travel tips

Visa & passport

China is OUTSIDE the EU. For French, German, Italian, Dutch, Spanish and Malaysian nationals: since 1 December 2023, China announced a VISA EXEMPTION programme — initially 15 days, EXTENDED TO 30 DAYS in November 2024 (verify the exact duration at the time of your trip). Conditions: tourism, business, family visit or transit; passport valid 6 months minimum after return date; return ticket may be requested. For other nationalities (UK, US, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, Belgium at time of writing): L tourist visa REQUIRED, to apply at the Chinese Embassy or CVASC Visa Centre BEFORE departure (fees ~€125-150, 4-10 working days, photos, COVA form, detailed hotel/itinerary attestation). Procedure at Chinese borders: mandatory fingerprints, health/customs declaration form (often via WeChat QR code or terminal).

Source ↗

Currency

Renminbi (Yuan) (CNY ¥)

Time zone

GMT+8 year-round (Beijing Time, CST China Standard Time). NO DST. SINGLE TIMEZONE FOR THE ENTIRE COUNTRY — remarkable fact: despite its 5,200 km east-west width (should cover 5 geographic timezones from GMT+5 to GMT+9), all of China officially uses Beijing Time since 1949 (Mao's political decision for national unity). Consequence: in Xinjiang (far west), the sun rises around 10am and sets around 10pm in summer (Uyghurs often unofficially use a 'Xinjiang Time' GMT+6, 2h behind). Same timezone as Singapore/Malaysia/Philippines/Mongolia/Western Australia.

Power outlets

Type A (2 flat US pins), I (3 angled AU/CN pins) AND C (2 round EU pins) plugs. CHINA IS MULTI-STANDARD: most modern sockets accept all 3 types via a multi-format hole, which is CONVENIENT for European travellers. However, in older or rural hotels, bring a universal A/I adapter to be safe. 220V, 50Hz (compatible with European chargers / USB-C / MacBook which accept 100-240V).

Climate & best season

ENORMOUSLY VARIABLE climate by region — China spans 50° of latitude (from sub-arctic Manchuria to tropical Hainan island). NORTH (Beijing, Xi'an, Harbin): severe continental, cold dry winters (-10 to -20°C in Beijing in January, -30°C in Harbin), hot summers 30-35°C. CENTRE (Shanghai, Wuhan, Chongqing): humid subtropical, mild winters 5-10°C, very hot and muggy summers 35°C with 80% humidity ('Yangtze furnaces'). SOUTH (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Hainan): subtropical to tropical, mild winters 15-20°C, very hot humid summers 30-35°C, typhoon season June-October. WEST (Tibet, Xinjiang): high-altitude continental, huge day/night gap, intense sun. Best periods: April-May (spring) and September-October (autumn) for most destinations.

Health & vaccines

No mandatory vaccines to enter China from Europe. The EHIC/GHIC is NOT valid in China — international travel insurance STRONGLY recommended (Western medical care available in big cities but VERY EXPENSIVE for foreigners, and Chinese public hospitals often complicated without a Mandarin interpreter). Vaccines recommended by Institut Pasteur: DTP/Pertussis up to date, Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Rabies if trekking or animal contact, Japanese encephalitis if prolonged rural summer stay. Bring travel pharmacy (anti-diarrhoea, broad-spectrum antibiotics like Cipro on prescription, hand sanitiser). Air pollution: FFP2 mask useful in Beijing/Xi'an in winter (winter smog peak AQI 200-500). Tap water NOT POTABLE: drink bottled water only.

› CULTURE & ETIQUETTE

Culture and best practices

Greetings

Standard greeting: « Nǐ hǎo » (你好, hello) in Mandarin (普通话 Putonghua, national official language taught in schools). More formal: « Nín hǎo » (您好, polite you). In the south, Cantonese (粤语): « Néih hóu ». Handshake has become standard in urban/business settings (Western import). In traditional or rural settings, head nod or slight bow. BUSINESS CARDS: present and receive WITH BOTH HANDS, look at the card attentively (DO NOT put it in your back pocket, disrespectful). « LOSING FACE » (丢脸 diūliǎn) is a central concept: NEVER publicly humiliate someone, even if the person is wrong. Avoid loud public disagreement.

Tipping

Tipping NOT customary in traditional Chinese culture — historically considered mildly insulting (implies the salary isn't enough). Restaurants: no tipping (except some high-end places in Shanghai/Beijing oriented towards expats that add a 10-15% service charge). Taxis (and Didi): no tipping. International 4-5 star hotels: small tip of 10-20 yuan for porters is appreciated but not expected. Private tour guides/drivers: 50-100 yuan/day per group is now common for French/English-speaking guides accompanying group tours.

Dress code

Casual dress. Chinese people dress quite soberly and modernly in urban settings. For Buddhist/Taoist TEMPLES (Temple of Heaven in Beijing, Jade Temple in Shanghai, Lama Temple Yonghegong): shoulders and knees covered out of respect, remove shoes in certain halls. Muslim mosques (in Xi'an Hui quarter, or Xinjiang): headscarf for women. The GREAT WALL and hiking in general: walking shoes ESSENTIAL (Mutianyu/Jiankou sections have uneven steps). In summer, the south (Guangzhou, Hainan) is very humid — light linen/cotton clothes, umbrella/raincoat for rainy season. In winter, the north (Beijing, Harbin) is freezing — heavy coat, gloves, hat, thermal underlayers.

Religion

Officially China is a SECULAR atheist state (CCP). But in practice: Buddhists ~18% (Chinese Mahayana Buddhism + Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet), Taoists (Chinese indigenous religion, Laozi's philosophy), Confucians (Confucius's ethical/philosophical system, deeply permeates culture), Christians 2-5% (Catholics + Protestants, growing, official 'patriotic' churches + underground), Muslims 1.8% (~25M, mostly Sinicized Hui and Xinjiang Uyghurs), Chinese folk religion (ancestor worship, spirits, Kitchen God). Religious freedom state-controlled. Visit the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, the Lama Temple Yonghegong (Tibetan Buddhism), the Confucius Temple in Qufu (birthplace of the sage), and the Potala in Lhasa (if special Tibet permit obtained).

Languages

Mandarin (普通话 Putonghua, national official language, spoken by ~70% as main language, ~95% understand thanks to schooling) · Cantonese (粤语 Yueyu, ~80M speakers in the south — Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macao — not mutually intelligible with Mandarin) · Wu (上海话 Shanghainese and close dialects, ~80M) · Min (闽语, Hokkien-Taiwanese, Teochew, Fujian, ~60M) · Hakka (客家话, ~50M), Xiang, Gan, Hui, Jin (other dialect groups)

Useful phrases

Nǐ hǎo (你好) — Hello (standard Mandarin)
Xièxie (谢谢) — Thank you
Bù kèqi (不客气) — You're welcome
Duōshǎo qián? (多少钱?) — How much does it cost?
Wǒ bù dǒng (我不懂) — I don't understand

› MUST-SEE PLACES

Top iconic places

Great Wall of China (UNESCO 1987)

The Great Wall (长城 Chángchéng), 21,196 km mapped in 2012 (total length of all sections combined, Qin/Han/Ming periods, from 3rd century BC to 17th century). UNESCO 1987. Most visited sections near Beijing: MUTIANYU 慕田峪 (best preserved, Ming restoration, cable car + toboggan return, 70 km NE of Beijing, less touristy than Badaling), BADALING 八达岭 (most accessible but very touristy, train from Beijing), JIANKOU 箭扣 (wild unrestored for experienced hikers), JINSHANLING 金山岭 (perfect for 10 km hike to Simatai, less touristy). Built against Mongol/Xiongnu invasions from the north. Watchtowers every 200-300 m, smoke signals transmitted a message end-to-end in 1 day.

Contrary to the popular myth repeated for decades, the Great Wall is NOT visible to the naked eye from low-orbit space (ISS, ~400 km altitude). Chinese taikonaut Yang Liwei (first Chinese in space, October 2003 aboard Shenzhou 5) officially declared he could NOT see the Wall — a statement that embarrassed the Chinese government (Chinese school textbooks claimed the opposite). The Wall may be long (21,196 km), but it is only 6-7 m wide at its top — visually equivalent to a human hair seen from 3 km away. What astronauts see from space are cities, roads, rivers and fires — not the Wall. The Wall is, however, visible from airliners at 10 km altitude.

Wikipedia ↗

Forbidden City / Imperial Palace (UNESCO 1987)

Forbidden City (紫禁城 Zǐjìnchéng, 'Purple Forbidden City'), Beijing. UNESCO 1987. Built 1406-1420 by Emperor Yongle (Ming), 720,000 m², 980 buildings (traditional figure 9,999 ½ rooms — the ½ is legendary because only Heaven could have 10,000), surrounded by moats and 10 m high walls. Imperial residence of 24 emperors of the Ming (1420-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties, until Puyi's abdication in 1912. Today the Palace Museum (故宫博物院 Gùgōng Bówùyuàn) with 1.86 million artworks and treasures. Largest preserved imperial palace in the world. Entry 60 yuan (winter) / 80 yuan (summer), online RESERVATION MANDATORY 7 days ahead via WeChat (passport required). Allow 4-5 h for visit.

The Forbidden City has a fascinating architectural secret: its 980 buildings, in Sichuan cedar wood and Phoebe zhennan (precious nanmu wood now nearly extinct), use NO nails — assembly is entirely tenon-and-mortise and the wood is protected from fire by the famous gilded bronze reservoirs (308 large cauldrons always filled with water, placed every 50 m). Yet the City burned 4 times during its 500 years of existence — imperial firemen relied on these cauldrons for first flames. Another wild fact: the Forbidden City officially contains 9,999 rooms (one half fewer than the celestial palace of Jade, Emperor of Heaven, out of humility). In reality it has ~8,700, but the number 9,999 is anchored in popular mythology. When Puyi (the 'Last Emperor' of Bertolucci's film) was expelled in 1924, he took his time to recover his belongings — and tried to sell many imperial treasures to fund his expenses.

Wikipedia ↗

Terracotta Army (Xi'an, UNESCO 1987)

Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor (秦始皇陵 Qín Shǐ Huáng Líng), Xi'an, Shaanxi. UNESCO 1987. Discovered BY ACCIDENT on 29 March 1974 by farmers (Yang Zhifa and his brothers) digging a well to irrigate a cherry field — they unearthed a terracotta soldier's head. Excavation since 1976. Today ~8,000 terracotta soldiers, 670 horses, 130 chariots discovered (total estimate 8,000+, many still buried). Each soldier is UNIQUE — different face, hairstyle, posture (~700 distinct faces) — manufactured using an advanced modular system. Three main pits (Pit 1 largest, 230×62 m, 6,000 figures). Built 246-208 BC to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife (died 210 BC, first unifier of China, founder of the Qin dynasty). 30 km east of Xi'an, accessible by bus 306 from Xi'an station.

The Terracotta Army carries an almost eerie secret: the IMPERIAL TOMB ITSELF (the 76 m high earth pyramid under which Qin Shi Huang rests) has NEVER BEEN OPENED in 2,200 years. Chinese historians (Sima Qian's report in the Shiji around 100 BC) describe a burial chamber with a PEARL CEILING representing the constellations, RIVERS OF LIQUID MERCURY imitating the Yangtze and Yellow rivers, and automatic crossbows trapping looters. Modern geophysical surveys (2003, 2020) have CONFIRMED a MERCURY concentration in the soil above the tomb 100 to 200 times higher than normal — confirming the truthfulness of the ancient account. Chinese archaeologists refuse to open the tomb, out of respect but also because current technologies would not preserve its contents (original colours of the terracotta soldiers oxidised within 24 hours of air exposure in 1974). The tomb waits.

Wikipedia ↗

Shanghai — The Bund, Pudong, Yu Garden

Shanghai (上海, 25M inhabitants), China's first economic megacity, commercial port on the Yangtze estuary. THE BUND (外滩 Wàitān): 1.5 km promenade along the Huangpu River with 52 European colonial buildings (1860-1940) — International and French Concessions post Opium Wars. Iconic view of Pudong opposite. PUDONG (浦东): ultra-modern district developed since 1990, futuristic skyline: Oriental Pearl Tower (东方明珠塔, 468 m, 1994, iconic with its spheres), Shanghai Tower (632 m, world's 2nd tallest tower after Burj Khalifa, observatory 562 m), Jin Mao Tower (421 m), Shanghai World Financial Center (492 m, 'bottle opener'). YU GARDEN (豫园 Yùyuán): classical Ming garden from 1577, 2 ha in the heart of the old Chinese city, pavilions + ponds + rockeries. NANJING ROAD (南京路): 5.5 km pedestrian shopping street. FRENCH CONCESSION: plane trees, art deco, trendy restaurants around Xintiandi.

Shanghai barely existed before 1842 — it was a small fortified fishing port of ~50,000 inhabitants. The FIRST OPIUM WAR (1839-1842) changed everything: the Treaty of Nanking (1842) imposed by victorious Britain OPENED Shanghai to Western trade, created the foreign CONCESSIONS (extraterritorial zones under British, French, American law — illustrated in Spielberg's 'Empire of the Sun') and exploded population from 50,000 to 1 million in 50 years. The French Concession (1849-1943, ~10 km² southwest of the centre, today's 'Frenchtown' around Huaihai Road) planted the famous plane trees (1880-1920) that still shade the streets of Xintiandi and Tianzifang — one of the rare lasting marks of French colonial past in China. Shanghai was the 'Paris of the Orient' of the 1920s-30s (jazz, opium, cabarets) before being conquered by Japan (1937-1945) then nationalised by Mao (1949).

Wikipedia ↗

Zhangjiajie / Avatar Mountains (Hunan)

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (张家界国家森林公园 Zhāngjiājiè Guójiā Sēnlín Gōngyuán), Hunan province. UNESCO 1992 as part of Wulingyuan. Known since James Cameron's film 'AVATAR' (2009) which drew inspiration from its 3,000+ vertical quartz-sandstone pillars (200 to 800 m high) emerging from the subtropical forest — the 'Southern Sky Column' peak was officially renamed 'Avatar Hallelujah Mountain' in 2010 for tourism. Zhangjiajie glass bridge: 430 m long, 300 m above ground, opened 2016 (world's highest glass bridge at the time). Tianmenshan (Heaven Gate) cable car: 7.5 km ascent, 999 step staircase to a natural arch in the cliff. Bus + night train from Changsha (Hunan capital).

When James Cameron filmed 'Avatar' (released December 2009), he was inspired for Pandora's Hallelujah Mountains by TWO very real sites: the karst peaks of Huangshan (Anhui, China — famous for their 'twisted pines' and sea of clouds, painted in Chinese art for 1,000 years) AND the sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie (Hunan). The film's planetary success ($2.9B at the box office) transformed Zhangjiajie from a moderately known Chinese national attraction into a WORLD-FAMOUS site. In January 2010, Chinese authorities officially renamed the 'Southern Sky Column' (南天一柱) to 'Avatar Hallelujah Floating Mountain' (阿凡达·哈利路亚山), sparking debate ('we're renaming an ancient peak for an American film?'). The peak indeed appears in the film, photographed by the production designer during a trip to China in 2008.

Wikipedia ↗

Li River Cruise (Guilin → Yangshuo)

Cruise on the Li River (漓江 Líjiāng) between Guilin (桂林) and Yangshuo (阳朔), Guangxi province (south). 83 km of karst landscape unique in the world: conical limestone peaks emerging from rice fields + water buffaloes + bamboos + traditional cormorant fishermen (millennium-old technique). Typical cruise 4-5 h on a tourist boat (downstream only). The iconic landscape between Xingping's pillars is depicted on the back of the CHINESE 20 YUAN BANKNOTE (brown-orange colour) — an absolute must-see. In Yangshuo: bicycle ride in rice fields, climbing on the peaks, its famous West Street for Western travellers.

The karst landscape of the Li River is so iconic that it appears on the 5th series of Chinese banknotes (1999-present) — specifically on the BACK of the 20 YUAN BANKNOTE (RMB 20). On this note, you see the exact panorama taken from the village of XINGPING (兴坪, 30 km downstream of Guilin), with karst peaks reflecting in the river — an emblematic summit called 'Elephant Peak'. Chinese tourists systematically photograph themselves holding a 20 yuan note in front of the real landscape ('bomber photo') — it has become a mini cultural tradition. The karst landscape of Guilin is so famous in Chinese art that it is the subject of a proverb: '桂林山水甲天下' ('Guilin's landscapes are the best under heaven'), attributed to Tang poets.

Wikipedia ↗

Chengdu — Giant Pandas (UNESCO 2006)

Chengdu (成都, 21M inhabitants), capital of Sichuan (四川), historic centre and most 'relaxed' city in China according to the Chinese themselves (renowned for its quiet pace of life, tea houses). CHENGDU RESEARCH BASE OF GIANT PANDA BREEDING (成都大熊猫繁育研究基地 Chéngdū Dàxióngmāo Fányù Yánjiū Jīdì): 10 km north of centre, opened 1987, ~200 giant pandas bred (Ailuropoda melanoleuca, ~1,800 in the wild worldwide, vulnerable species, endemic to central China, 'bamboo-eating' bear). Visit early morning (8-10 am, pandas eat; sleep in afternoon). See also red pandas (Ailurus fulgens, smaller). WOLONG NATURE RESERVE (卧龙国家级自然保护区), UNESCO 2006 (Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries), 200 km NW of Chengdu. The region suffered the 2008 Sichuan earthquake (~87,000 deaths).

The Chinese giant panda (大熊猫 dàxióngmāo, literally 'big bear-cat') has become CHINA'S OFFICIAL DIPLOMATIC EMBLEM since the 1950s — 'panda diplomacy' 熊猫外交. China only GIVES or LOANS pandas to strategic ally countries, for 10 years, against ~$1M/year in lease + food fees. The Beauval Zoo (Loir-et-Cher, France) received Yuan Zi and Huan Huan in 2012 — first pandas in France since 1973 — and their cub Yuan Meng was born in 2017. When France welcomed these pandas, Xi Jinping personally called François Hollande to confirm the event. Fascinating detail: ALL pandas in foreign zoos REMAIN Chinese property — when a panda dies abroad, its body must be sent back to China for autopsy. When a cub is born abroad, it officially belongs to China and MUST be returned to Chengdu at age 4 to join the breeding program.

Wikipedia ↗

› OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH

Unique experiences to live

Hike a WILD section of the Great Wall (Jiankou 箭扣 or Jinshanling 金山岭 to Simatai, ~10 km solo) — unrestored sections, few tourists, wild views over eroded Ming bricks. Start early, allow 5-6 h, walking shoes ESSENTIAL.
Take part in a tea ceremony (功夫茶 gōngfū chá) in a traditional tea house (chaguan 茶馆) in Chengdu or Hangzhou — taste Long Jing (Hangzhou), Tieguanyin (Fujian), Pu'er (Yunnan). In Chengdu, the famous Heming Teahouse in People's Park has been open since 1923.
Eat a traditional HOT POT (火锅 huǒguō) in CHONGQING (重庆), undisputed capital of málà huǒguō — red soup spiced with Sichuan pepper (famous numbing effect, 'tingling' sensation), accompanied by meat, offal, vegetables, tofu, dipped yourself. Count 100-150 yuan/person.
Travel on the FUXING HIGH-SPEED TRAIN (复兴号) Beijing-Shanghai: 1,318 km in 4 h 28 min, top speed 350 km/h (fastest in commercial service in the world after tests), designed and built in China. Booking on 12306.cn or Trip.com, Business / 1st / 2nd classes.
Take the TIBET TRAIN Xining → Lhasa (青藏铁路 Qīngzàng Tiělù, Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the world's HIGHEST railway — Tanggula Pass at 5,072 m altitude): 22 h journey, pressurised and oxygenated cars, Himalayan landscapes. REQUIRES a SPECIAL TIBET PERMIT (Tibet Travel Permit, request via a certified Chinese agency) in addition to the Chinese visa.

› GASTRONOMY

Traditional dishes to try

Peking Duck (北京烤鸭 Beijing Kaoya)

Emblematic dish of Beijing cuisine: roasted duck with crispy lacquered skin (maltose oil during jujube wood oven cooking), thinly sliced by the chef in front of the customer (traditionally 108 slices), served with thin wheat pancakes, sweet hoisin sauce, scallions and cucumber strips. Historic restaurants: Quanjude (全聚德, founded 1864 in Beijing, classic version 4 royal ovens) and Da Dong (大董, modern healthier version, ultra-thin skin). 200-300 yuan whole duck (2 persons).

Wikipedia ↗

Mapo tofu (麻婆豆腐, Sichuan)

Emblematic dish of Sichuan cuisine: silken tofu + minced meat (beef or pork) + fermented bean paste + chili + chili oil + SICHUAN PEPPER (花椒 huājiāo, famous numbing effect 麻 'má' = numbing + 辣 'là' = spicy = sensation 麻辣 málà). Invented late 19th century in Chengdu by a grandmother with smallpox-marked face ('má pó' = 'marked grandma'). 20-40 yuan in local restaurant.

Wikipedia ↗

Xiaolongbao (小笼包, Shanghai soup dumplings)

Shanghainese steamed dumplings (Jiangnan), origin Nanxiang town in Shanghai suburbs around 1875. Thin wheat dough, pork + broth jelly filling (which melts during steam cooking, creating the BROTH INSIDE the dumpling — the signature). Usually 8 per bamboo steamer. Eating technique: gently pierce with spoon, sip the broth first, then eat the rest. In Shanghai: Din Tai Fung restaurants (Taiwanese reference chain), Jia Jia Tang Bao, or Nanxiang Mantou Dian at Yu Garden.

Wikipedia ↗

Hot pot 火锅 (huǒguō, Chongqing Chinese fondue)

Chinese fondue: large pot divided into two compartments at the centre of the table — SPICY red broth málà (Chongqing/Sichuan style, chili + Sichuan pepper) on one side, clear broth (chicken, mushrooms) on the other. Diners themselves dip thinly sliced meat (beef, lamb, offal), seafood, vegetables, tofu, noodles. Individual sauces based on sesame oil + garlic + scallion. Origin Chongqing (重庆) in 19th century (Yangtze boatmen). Famous restaurants: Haidilao (海底捞, chain renowned for exceptional service).

Wikipedia ↗

Kung Pao chicken (宫保鸡丁 Gōngbǎo jīdīng)

Classic Sichuan dish: diced chicken stir-fried in wok with roasted peanuts, dried red chilies, Sichuan pepper, sweet-sour-spicy sauce (Zhenjiang black vinegar + soy sauce + sugar + cornstarch). Named after Ding Baozhen (1820-1886), Qing governor of Sichuan, honorific title 'Gōngbǎo' ('Palace Guardian'). Adopted internationally ('kung pao' is one of the best-known Chinese dishes in the West, often denatured). Authentic version: 麻辣 málà — spicy AND numbing.

Wikipedia ↗

Dim sum 点心 (Canton/Hong Kong)

Cantonese culinary tradition: assortment of small steamed dishes (har gow shrimp dumplings, siu mai pork dumplings, char siu bao buns with lacquered pork), fried (spring rolls), grilled, and desserts (egg tarts), served in small bamboo baskets. Traditionally served for BREAKFAST or BRUNCH (yum cha 飲茶 'drink tea'), accompanied by tea (oolong, jasmine, pu'er). Origin 19th century Cantonese tea houses on the Maritime Silk Road. To taste in Canton (Guangzhou) — Lin Heung, Tao Tao Ju restaurants — or Hong Kong.

Wikipedia ↗

Lanzhou hand-pulled noodles (兰州拉面 Lánzhōu Lāmiàn)

Speciality of the Muslim Hui province of Gansu (Lanzhou, provincial capital): fresh noodles HAND-PULLED by the chef (spectacular technique — the dough is stretched and folded 7-9 times, multiplying noodles into hundreds of fine strands in seconds), served in a clear beef broth slowly simmered with white radish, scallion, coriander, chili oil. Listed Chinese intangible cultural heritage 2006. Present throughout China via chains (Mǎ Zǐ Lù). 10-20 yuan a bowl.

Wikipedia ↗

› INSTALLATION

How to install your eSIM

On iPhone

1.Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM
2.Scan the Alosea QR (in your home country, BEFORE departure — important because many sites can be blocked from China)
3.Label (« China »)
4.On arrival at PEK/PVG/CAN, switch data to the China line and enable roaming

On Android

1.Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add Mobile Plan
2.Scan the Alosea QR (BEFORE departure)
3.Confirm and switch to the China line
4.Enable international roaming

Troubleshooting

No signal at PEK/PVG or underground metro? Check roaming enabled. 5G everywhere in urban areas. If Google/WhatsApp don't work despite the travel eSIM, launch a VPN (installed BEFORE departure, because VPNs are blocked from China). A restart fixes 90% of cases. Otherwise, Alosea support (7 languages).

› OUR TIPS

Tips for China

China is OUTSIDE the EU — CHECK your home plan: without inclusion, non-EU roaming fees can reach €8-13/MB

Activate eSIM BEFORE departure for Didi + Baidu Maps + WeChat as soon as you exit PEK/PVG/CAN/CTU

GREAT FIREWALL: a travel eSIM routes via foreign operator → Google/WhatsApp/Instagram often work WITHOUT VPN, but not guaranteed 100% — install a quality VPN BEFORE departure as plan B

Visa-free 30 days for French/German/Italian/Dutch/Spanish since 2024 (extension of Dec 2023 15-day exemption — check exact duration at travel time)

INSTALL WeChat AND Alipay BEFORE departure (payments in China ~99% via QR code, cash refused almost everywhere, Visa/Mastercard rarely accepted outside hotels)

Time difference: GMT+8 year-round (single timezone for all of China)

Multi-standard A/I/C plugs (often all 3 in one socket), 220V — European chargers usually work directly

Online RESERVATION MANDATORY for Forbidden City, Terracotta Army, and most major sites (via WeChat mini-program or Trip.com)

Fuxing high-speed trains: Beijing-Shanghai 4h28, Beijing-Xi'an 4h30, Xi'an-Chengdu 3h — book on 12306.cn or Trip.com (passport required)

Air pollution: FFP2 mask useful in Beijing/Xi'an in winter (winter smog AQI 200-500), AirVisual app to track

🇨🇳

Your eSIM China

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See China plans →

› FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

China FAQ

Is China in the EU?+

NO. People's Republic of China in East Asia, outside EU for roaming.

Do I need a visa?+

For French/German/Italian/Dutch/Spanish: NO for ≤30 days since Nov 2024 (visa exemption program announced Dec 2023, extended in 2024). UK/US/CA/AU still require L tourist visa.

Does the eSIM bypass the Great Firewall?+

Often YES because routed via foreign operator. Google/WhatsApp/Instagram typically work without VPN. BUT not guaranteed 100% — install a VPN BEFORE departure as plan B.

Which operator does Alosea use in China?+

China Mobile, China Unicom or China Telecom — automatic selection, generally via foreign roaming partner.

How much data for 1 week Beijing-Xi'an-Shanghai?+

7-10 GB for Didi + Baidu Maps + WeChat + WhatsApp + photos + light streaming.

Time difference?+

GMT+8 year-round (single timezone for China's 5,200 km, no DST).

Which plugs?+

Multi-standard A (US flat) / I (AU/CN angled) / C (EU round) — often all 3 in same socket. 220V/50Hz, European chargers work directly.

Is my iPhone eSIM-compatible?+

iPhone XR (2018)+. Android: Pixel 3+, Samsung S20+, Xiaomi 13+.

› IN SHORT

Wrapping up

China OUTSIDE EU — without eSIM, home-plan roaming very expensive
Visa-free 30 days for many EU since 2024, but verify at travel time
An Alosea eSIM activates in 2 min, routes via foreign operator → often bypasses Great Firewall
Install a VPN BEFORE departure as plan B (VPN sites blocked from China)

Get your China eSIM now — ready in 2 minutes

› SOURCES