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Places. People. A different perspective.
Look a little closer. Stories, local discoveries and practical guides for a more thoughtful journey.
Applying for a China tourist visa without an agency? Find your visa office, gather your documents and follow the steps from online review to passport pickup, with current fees and what to recheck for 2027.
The reading room
Find a place, a practical answer, or a different way to travel.
Applying for a China tourist visa without an agency? Find your visa office, gather your documents and follow the steps from online review to passport pickup, with current fees and what to recheck for 2027.
A 2027 guide to Hokkaido’s hot springs: explore the geology, compare onsen regions and distinctive baths, and understand day visits, classic hotels and private-bath ryokan for a winter trip.
Mobile payment is the default in China—from street food vendors to luxury malls. Here is how to set up Alipay and WeChat Pay with your foreign credit card before you leave home.
Prepare for China in 2026 with a practical checklist for entry permission, payments, connectivity, transport and private tour inclusions, with links to official guidance.
Choose the right China entry route before booking. Understand the difference between current transit and visa-free entry policies, check official sources, and plan for the whole stay.
5 of 5 stories
From a good read to a great journey
A neighbourhood you want to wander. A flavour you want to find. Turn what caught your eye into a trip that feels like you.
