FAQs
Question
What apps should I download before arriving in China?
Answer
Great question, thinking ahead! The below apps are essential for a seamless China travel experience. 1. Alipay. Most of China is now cashless and uses either Alipay or Wechat pay. While you should still have cash on hand, consider downloading and setting up an Alipay account. An Alipay tour card may be especially useful. More info can be found here: https://ltl-beijing.com/alipay-for-foreigners/ 2. WeChat. This is the the main messaging app in China, and we'll likely use it to communicate during the wedding weekend. 3. A VPN. This must be downloaded BEFORE you arrive in China. If you want to access to Gmail, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, etc while in China, and you do not plan on using your US carrier's roaming plan, you should download and pay for a VPN before entering China. I've had luck with Express VPN in the past.
Question
How can I access my US social media and email while in China?
Answer
Typically, sites and apps such as Whatsapp, Gmail, Insta, Twitter, Youtube, the NYTimes, Wikipedia, etc are blocked in China. There are a two easy ways to get around this. 1. Use your US network's international roaming plan. Yuan uses her TMobile free international roaming, which has great coverage, speed and no issues accessing all websites. 2. Download and purchase a VPN before arriving in China. Yuan has used Express VPN before. If your company laptop has a VPN service for security reasons, that will also work if you set it to a US destination
Question
Wait, what's a VPN?
Answer
Oh you sweet summer child. https://www.tomsguide.com/best-picks/best-china-vpn
Question
What should I wear to the wedding?
Answer
Cocktail and semi-formal dress would be lovely, but feel free to wear what makes you feel good. This could also be a great opportunity to wear a qipao or cheongsam, which is a traditional Chinese dress that became fashionable in the 1900s in Shanghai. For North American friends, Etsy may be your best bet to find one. Avoid wearing fully white or fully red outfits. Red is a traditionally worn by the bride and groom in Chinese weddings. It will still be chilly in Suzhou, and part of the reception will be outdoors. Bring a coat!
Question
Where should I stay in Shanghai and Suzhou?
Answer
You are responsible for your stay in Shanghai. Please see Travel section for recommended Shanghai hotels. We recommend staying near or on the Bund. For Suzhou, we will be booking a room for you at the Kimpton Suzhou Bamboo Grove. Please reach out ASAP if you do not need a room and have other accommodation planned.
Question
What should I pack for China?
Answer
It still can be chilly in March, so bring layers, sweaters, and a coat. You may also want to bring a travel adapter / charger if you're coming from the West, as China uses different plugs than North America. FYI for the ladies, tampons are not easily found in China (where pads are more common), usually you can only find those classic OB ones (IFYKYK). If you want a fancy applicator tampon, pack that.
Question
What's the deal with Visas?
Answer
You likely fall into one of three categories 1. You are flying direct to/from China, and/or plan to stay there for more than 6 days, and/or are visiting locations other than Suzhou / Shanghai --> you need a Tourist Visa. To do so, you'll need at least 1 month of lead time and 6 months passport validity. You can apply for a visa through a third-party service to avoid going to the embassy yourself. For our American friends, China recently relaxed US visa application requirements, which should make things easier. http://us.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/zj/qz2021/202312/t20231230_11215436.htm 2. You are in China for less than 144 hours, will only be in Shanghai/Suzhou area, are American / Canadian, and are not flying direct --> you can qualify for a 144 hour transit visa on arrival. This visa allows you to stay in the Shanghai / Suzhou region for up to 6 days, but ONLY if you arrive from country A and are departing for country B, and ONLY if you’re from one of the 53 countries eligible. For instance, if you fly US – Japan, spend a day or two in Japan, then fly to Shanghai, China, and then leave Shanghai within 6 days for the US (or another third country that isn’t Japan), you don’t need to apply for a visa beforehand. This is a nuanced policy so please read carefully here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_mainland_China#72-hour_stay_/_144-hour_stay 3. You are from Singapore, Japan, Brunei, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia --> you do not need a visa. Things keep changing so please do your research to ensure you don't need a visa
Question
Do I need an invitation letter for my Visa?
Answer
If you are applying in the US, you do not. If you are applying from other countries, if you have round-trip airfare and booked hotels, you do not need an invitation letter. If you still seem to need one, reach out to Yuan who can provide.
Question
Can I bring a little sumtin' sumtin' (weed, shrooms, etc)?
Answer
Absolutely NOT. China cracks down very hard on drugs, even those seen as recreational in North America. You can get wasted on baijiu instead.
Question
Is COVID still a thing in China?
Answer
In my nainai's head it's a thing, but in reality there are no more protocols and mask-wearing is not as common as you would think.
Question
Is your dog-ter Rosie coming?
Answer
Unfortunately our daughter Rosie is not coming :( Which is especially terrible since March 16 is also her gotcha / birthday! I think this makes us bad parents.
Question
This page sucks. I hate the all caps locks aesthetics. I want the old Google doc!
Answer
I agree. Here https://docs.google.com/document/d/10lMft3HUuKsw9YrhmEwbmrKv0OVp8khIkX2GiKgV2es/edit?usp=sharing