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Mars

Mars is a Shenzhen-based writer with over two decades of firsthand experience living in mainland China and traveling regularly to Hong Kong. He specializes in practical travel prep for China — including eSIMs, VPNs, mobile payments, and cross-border logistics between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

Futian Station to Hong Kong West Kowloon: Step-by-Step Guide

November 3, 2026August 21, 2026 by Mars
Railway waiting room entrance and departure board at Futian Station

A step-by-step guide to traveling from Futian Station to Hong Kong West Kowloon, including border procedures and ticket planning.

Categories HK & Shenzhen Leave a comment

Beijing for First-Time Visitors: Practical 2026 Guide

October 21, 2026August 20, 2026 by Mars
Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing

Plan a first Beijing trip: compare PEK and PKX, choose a stay area, use the subway, reserve key sights, and give the Great Wall its own day.

Categories City Guides Leave a comment

Shanghai for First-Time Visitors: Practical 2026 Guide

October 15, 2026August 20, 2026 by Mars
Lujiazui skyline and the Huangpu River in Shanghai at night

Plan a first Shanghai trip: compare PVG and SHA arrivals, choose a stay area, use the metro, and group the Bund, Pudong, and neighborhood sights.

Categories City Guides Leave a comment

How to Use Amap in China as a Foreigner

October 20, 2026August 19, 2026 by Mars
Traveler using a smartphone map for walking directions in a Chinese city

Set up and use Amap in China with English-language navigation, saved places, transit directions, and practical tips for foreign visitors.

Categories Internet & Apps Tags Amap Leave a comment

China 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Guide: Requirements

October 12, 2026August 17, 2026 by Mars
Traveler with luggage walking through a modern airport terminal

Check the current China 240-hour visa-free transit requirements, documents, route conditions, permitted areas, stay calculation and common mistakes.

Categories Before You Go Leave a comment

Google Maps Alternatives in China for Tourists (2026 Guide)

September 22, 2026August 14, 2026 by Mars
Traveler with a backpack using a smartphone for city navigation

Choose the best Google Maps alternative in China for your trip. Compare AMap Global, Apple Maps, Baidu Maps, Google Maps, and an offline backup.

Categories Internet & Apps Tags Amap Leave a comment

How to Set Up and Use WeChat Pay as a Foreigner (2026 Guide)

October 9, 2026August 12, 2026 by Mars
International traveler using WeChat Pay at a shop in China

Set up Weixin Pay for a trip to mainland China with an overseas phone number and eligible international card. Learn QR payments, current fees, common fixes, and how WeChat Pay HK differs.

Categories Money & Payments Tags china travel, paying in China, WeChat Pay foreigner Leave a comment

How to Set Up and Use Alipay as a Foreigner (2026 Guide)

October 9, 2026August 10, 2026 by Mars
International traveler preparing to pay with Alipay at a shop in China

Set up Alipay as a foreign visitor, add a payment card, understand verification, and prepare a backup payment method before arrival.

Categories Money & Payments Tags Alipay foreigner, china travel, paying in China Leave a comment

Which Hong Kong–Shenzhen Border Crossing Should You Use? (2026 Guide)

November 3, 2026August 7, 2026 by Mars
Shenzhen Bay Bridge connecting Hong Kong and Shenzhen

Compare the main Hong Kong–Shenzhen border crossings by location, operating pattern, transport connections, and typical traveler use case.

Categories HK & Shenzhen Tags Hong Kong to Shenzhen, Hong Kong Travel, Shenzhen Border Crossing Leave a comment

Hong Kong to Shenzhen: Complete Travel Guide (2026)

October 20, 2026August 6, 2026 by Mars
Hong Kong urban train platform with the city skyline behind it

Compare train, metro, ferry, and private-transfer options from Hong Kong to Shenzhen and choose the route that fits your arrival point.

Categories HK & Shenzhen Tags China High-Speed Rail, Hong Kong to Shenzhen, Shenzhen Border Crossing Leave a comment
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Recent Posts

  • Sick in China? How to Find Medical Help as a Visitor
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  • China Travel eSIM Won’t Install? What to Check Before You Fly
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  • Futian Checkpoint to Mong Kok: MTR, Fares, and Border Tips

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