Question 1

Do Russians need a visa for China in 2026?

Accepted Answer

No. Since September 15, 2025, Russian citizens can enter visa-free for up to 30 days in a row for tourism, business, visiting relatives or transit. The regime has been extended until December 31, 2027. You need a passport valid for at least 6 months; a migration card is filled in at the border. A visa is still required for work, study, journalism and stays longer than 30 consecutive days. Check the current rules before you fly.

Question 2

Can I stay in China for more than 30 days?

Accepted Answer

Not under the visa-free regime: the limit is 30 days in a row per trip. For a longer stay, as well as for work, study or journalism, you need a visa, which is applied for in advance at a visa center; you will need a booking, an itinerary and tickets.

Question 3

How many days should I plan for Beijing and Shanghai?

Accepted Answer

A comfortable plan is 3 days in each city plus a day for the high-speed train transfer (about 4.5 hours). In Beijing you will have time for the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and the hutongs; in Shanghai, the Bund, Pudong and the Old Town. Allow about a week for the two cities together.

Question 4

How can Russians pay in China in 2026?

Accepted Answer

The main method is the Chinese wallets WeChat Pay and Alipay, which are accepted almost everywhere. WeChat is convenient and cost-effective to top up through the Nihao China app. Alipay and WeChat can also be topped up through intermediaries linked to Russian cards (for example, services based on T-Bank, Sberbank and other cards). Some banks issue UnionPay cards (for example, Rosselkhozbank); they are accepted at terminals and ATMs, but their performance abroad is unreliable, so check with your bank in advance. Keep some yuan in cash as a reserve. Services and rules change quickly, so check the current situation before you fly.

Question 5

Do I need a VPN in China, and what about the internet?

Accepted Answer

Yes. China has the “Great Firewall”: Google, YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram and many Western services are unavailable without a VPN. Set up and pay for a VPN at home in advance, as installing one on the spot is difficult. For internet access, an eSIM with an international plan (often bypasses blocks) or a local SIM is convenient. Maps work in Amap and Baidu Maps, and WeChat is used for communication and payments.

Question 6

How do I get from Russia to China in 2026?

Accepted Answer

There are direct flights from Moscow to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Sanya and Hong Kong, operated by Russian and Chinese airlines, daily on popular routes. From the regions a connecting flight is often more convenient. The flight time to Beijing is about 7.5–8 hours. You can compare and pick tickets in the “Flights” section.

Question 7

Is China safe for tourists?

Accepted Answer

China is one of the safest countries for tourists: street crime is low, and it feels calm even in the evening. The main risks are the language barrier and scams near tourist sights (“tea ceremonies”, fake taxis). Use taxis through the Didi app and carry a hotel card with the address in Chinese.

Question 8

Do I need vaccinations for a trip to China?

Accepted Answer

There are no mandatory vaccinations for entry. Doctors usually advise having up-to-date routine vaccinations and being vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid. For standard city tourism there are no special requirements; if you are heading to the countryside, consult a doctor. This is general information, not medical advice.

Routes in China