Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about planning your trip and travelling with us. Still stuck? Email us.
What is Offbeat China?
Offbeat China is a travel resource founded by Alan Chen to help first-time visitors plan a trip to China. You will find destination guides, step-by-step planning guides, an up-to-date visa checker, and a small, curated selection of experiences and tours. Most of the site is free to browse — the experiences and tours are the part you can book.
Is it free to use the guides and visa checker?
Yes. Our destination pages, travel guides, planning resources, and visa checker are completely free to read and use — no account or sign-up needed. We only ask for your details when you choose to send a booking request or contact us.
How current is the visa and travel information?
We keep the visa checker and guides as up to date as we reasonably can, checking them against official sources. Even so, visa, transit, and entry rules change often and can depend on your nationality and route, so always confirm the current requirements with the relevant Chinese embassy or consulate, the National Immigration Administration, or your airline before you book or travel.
Do I need a visa to visit China?
It depends on your nationality and how you arrive. Many travellers can now enter visa-free or use the 240-hour visa-free transit, while others need a visa in advance. The quickest way to check your situation is our visa checker — then verify the details through an official source before you travel.
Do I need to speak Chinese to travel in China?
No, though a little preparation helps. All of our guides and planning content are in English, and on our experiences an English-speaking guide handles the language, navigation, and local logistics for you. Our guides also cover the practical things — payment apps, transport, and getting around — that make travelling here far easier.
How do I book an experience or tour?
Browse our experiences or tours, open the one you like, and use the booking form to send us a request with your preferred dates and party size. Booking through the site is an inquiry, not an instant purchase — once we receive it we confirm availability and the final details with you before anything is locked in.
Do I have to pay anything to send an inquiry?
No. Sending an inquiry or booking request is completely free and places you under no obligation. Payment is only arranged after we have confirmed your dates and the details of your experience together.
How quickly will you reply?
We reply to every inquiry as quickly as we can, usually within a day. Alan travels constantly and often works across time zones, so if you reach us mid-journey it can occasionally take a little longer — WhatsApp or WeChat is the fastest way to get hold of us if your trip is time-sensitive.
Can you build a custom or private itinerary?
Yes. Many travellers want something tailored — a specific region, a photography focus, dietary needs, or a private group. Tell us what you have in mind in your inquiry and we will put together a plan that fits.
What's included, and how do I pay?
Each experience and tour page lists exactly what is and is not included — as a rule, prices cover your guide and the planned activities, and exclude personal expenses, meals unless stated, and transport to the meeting point. Prices are shown in the currency on each page, and we confirm the final amount and available payment methods with you directly once your booking is agreed.
What is your cancellation policy?
Because most of our experiences are small-group or private, cancellation terms are confirmed with you at the time of booking. We always try to be flexible — if your plans change, contact us as early as you can and we will do our best to reschedule or refund where possible.
How can I contact you?
The fastest ways to reach us are WhatsApp, WeChat, or email (hello@offbeatchina-guide.com). You can also send any question through the contact form on our homepage.