MyChinaGuide
mychinaguide.bsky.social
MyChinaGuide
@mychinaguide.bsky.social
Your AI-Powered China Travel Companion
Chengdu to Leshan on your own is totally doable. Skip the tour bus.

Book HSR via Trip.com or 12306 (under ¥100). The Buddha entrance is ¥80. Boat cruise gives you the full view for ¥150.

The My China Guide app has offline maps and transit routes so you never get lost at Leshan station.
Chengdu to Leshan Day Trip Without Joining a Tour
A 2026 independent-traveler guide to doing a Chengdu to Leshan day trip without joining a group tour. Covers HSR booking via Trip.com or 12306, the Leshan Giant Buddha entrance fee, boat cruise vs wal
mychina.guide
April 25, 2026 at 8:30 PM
First time on China's Fuxing train? The speed is insane (350 km/h), but the process can be confusing.

My China Guide app has a real-time platform finder and station navigation so you don’t miss your train.

What's your biggest fear about riding bullet trains?
Fuxing High-Speed Train First-Time Tips (2026 Guide)
The Fuxing (复兴号) is China's flagship bullet train, running at a sustained 350 km/h top speed across the country's G-series high-speed network. It is the train that moves Beijing to Shanghai in 4.5 hou
mychina.guide
April 24, 2026 at 8:30 PM
American client froze at a Luckin kiosk in Beijing—couldn't figure out the app. Happens all the time.

Luckin is China's Starbucks but you order through their app (WeChat mini-program). No English option. The My China Guide app has a feature that translates the menu and walks you through checkout.
How to Order Coffee in China Without Speaking Chinese
Last week, an American client landed at Beijing Daxing Airport and walked straight into a Luckin Coffee, only to freeze in front of the kiosk. He looked at me and said: “Jenny, how do I even order cof
mychina.guide
April 23, 2026 at 8:30 PM
forget tourist traps. beijing's best dumplings are in these 3 local spots.

1. xibaipo (xicheng): 68¥ for lamb & coriander, insane.
2. baoyuan jiaozi (dongcheng): colorful veggie skins, 12 types.
3. jinding xuan (chaoyang): 24/7, pork & cabbage classic.
Beijing Dumpling Restaurants Locals Actually Eat At (2026 Guide)
A working list of Beijing dumpling restaurants that locals actually line up for, not the Wangfujing neon palaces. You get three neighborhood joints with addresses, 2026 prices in yuan, what to order i
mychina.guide
April 22, 2026 at 8:30 PM
My go-to day trip from Chengdu without a tour: Dujiangyan & Mount Qingcheng on the same high-speed rail line.

• 30-min train from Chengdu to Dujiangyan (¥10)
• Taxi to irrigation system (¥15), explore for 2 hours
• Bus to Mount Qingcheng's front gate (¥2), hike or cable car
My Go-To Day Trip from Chengdu Without a Tour
A Chengdu local's go-to day trip from Chengdu without a tour in 2026. Combines Dujiangyan Irrigation System and Mount Qingcheng on the same high-speed rail line, with exact prices, timing, and the cab
mychina.guide
April 21, 2026 at 8:30 PM
MyChinaGuide is live.

A China travel app I wrote by hand. No AI slop.

Free in Beijing & Shanghai. $12.99 one-time.

iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/mychinaguide/id6757127210
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mychina.guide

#ChinaTravel #IndieDev
April 21, 2026 at 3:54 PM
Ordering food in China with zero Chinese is easier than you think. My China Guide app has a full menu decoder built in.

But here's my manual backup system:
1. Look for picture menus (common)
2. Use Pleco's camera OCR to scan characters
3. Point at what others are eating
How to Order Food in China Without Speaking Chinese
A practical 2026 guide to how to order food in China without speaking Chinese, based on years of watching foreign friends navigate Chengdu menus. Covers picture menus, Pleco OCR, Google Translate came
mychina.guide
April 20, 2026 at 8:30 PM
forget the bund photo. shanghai's real magic is in its neighborhoods.

the french concession's tree-lined streets vs. pudong's insane skyline. navigating the metro without mandarin. finding authentic xiaolongbao that doesn't cost a fortune.
Shanghai Travel Guide 2026: Neighborhoods, Food, Itinerary
A practical 2026 Shanghai travel guide built for first-time visitors who want more than the Bund photo. Covers neighborhoods from Puxi's French Concession to Pudong's skyline, metro routes and real fa
mychina.guide
April 19, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Xi'an backpacker truth: the Terracotta Warriors are worth it, but go at 8am. City Wall bike rental is ¥45 for 2 hours. Muslim Quarter roujiamo is ¥12.

My China Guide app has offline maps & exact bus routes to the warriors site so you don't get lost.

What’s your favorite Xi'an street food?
Xi'an Travel Guide: A Backpacker's Real Talk on Terracotta Warriors and Street Food
A backpacker's Xi'an travel guide for 2026 that skips the fluff. Get real prices for Terracotta Warriors (¥120 peak, ¥60 low), Bell Tower, City Wall bike rental, and Muslim Quarter roujiamo. Learn exa
mychina.guide
April 18, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Everyone says "spring or fall" for China. It's more specific than that.

My China Guide app has a trip planner that factors in your exact destinations and preferences to give you a personalized best-time recommendation.
Best Time to Visit China: Month-by-Month Guide for 2026 Travelers
The best time to visit China depends entirely on where you're going and what you want. April-May and September-October are the universal sweet spots for weather, crowds, and hotel prices in Beijing, S
mychina.guide
April 17, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Lost in a Chinese menu? The 8 Great Cuisines explained.

Sichuan = numbing mala. Cantonese = dim sum & roast meats. Hunan = even spicier. Shandong = seafood & vinegar. My China Guide app has a full food dictionary so you can actually order what you want.

What's your favorite regional dish?
Chinese Food Guide by Region 2026: 8 Cuisines Explained
A practical regional primer on Chinese food for travelers. Covers the Eight Great Cuisines — Sichuan, Cantonese, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Hunan, and Anhui — plus Northwest, Dongbei, Yunnan
mychina.guide
April 16, 2026 at 8:32 PM
Forget those 1990s guidebooks. Real Chinese etiquette in 2026 is simpler.

The 3 rules that still matter:
1. Accept business cards with both hands.
2. Never stick chopsticks upright in rice.
3. Don't finish the last bite on a shared plate.
Chinese Etiquette Guide: Real Rules for Tourists in 2026
Chinese etiquette in 2026 looks nothing like the guidebook your grandmother bought in 1995. The rules that still matter: two-handed business card exchange, never stick chopsticks upright in rice, don'
mychina.guide
April 15, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Everyone says you need WeChat Pay in China. But Alipay for foreigners is actually easier.

My China Guide app has a step-by-step video guide for this exact setup. Here's the quick version:
1. Download Alipay and verify with your passport.
2. Link an international Visa/Mastercard.
3.
Alipay for Foreigners: Complete Setup Guide for International Tourists (2026)
Alipay for Foreigners: Complete Setup Guide for International Tourists (2026) If you've read my WeChat Pay guide, you might wonder why you need another payment app. Here's the thing: while both work a
mychina.guide
April 14, 2026 at 8:30 PM
lived in china 3 years. tested vpns from beijing, shanghai, chengdu. the 2026 reality? astrill still works best for reliability. expressvpn is hit-or-miss. wireguard protocol is now essential.

my china guide app has a full setup guide with current configs to skip the trial-and-error.
Best VPN for China 2026: What Actually Works (Tested by Someone Who Lives Here)
A 2026 breakdown of the best VPN for China, tested from inside mainland China across multiple cities. Covers Astrill, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, VyprVPN, and the WireGuard vs OpenVPN question. Download an
mychina.guide
April 13, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Everyone says you need a cruise to see the Li River. Wrong.

The half-day Xingping cruise is cheaper, less crowded, and just as stunning. Then, rent an e-bike in Yangshuo to find hidden karst views. The My China Guide app has offline maps and e-bike rental spots marked so you don’t get lost.
Guilin & Yangshuo Travel Guide 2026: Li River, Karst, Food
A practical 2026 guide to Guilin and Yangshuo, the karst country of southern China. Covers Li River cruises both full and half day, rock climbing in Yangshuo, Longji Rice Terraces, Yulong River bamboo
mychina.guide
April 12, 2026 at 8:30 PM
China in 2026 is surprisingly easy for first-timers now.

Foreign cards work on Alipay. 240-hour visa-free transit covers most trips. eSIMs and reliable VPNs are standard.

The My China Guide app has offline maps & step-by-step guides that make navigating this a breeze.
China Travel Tips for First-Timers: 2026 Survival Guide
China in 2026 is easier for first-time foreign travelers than it has been in a decade. Mobile payments accept foreign cards, 240-hour visa-free transit covers most short trips, eSIM and VPN services h
mychina.guide
April 11, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Everyone says you need a Chinese bank card for WeChat Pay. That's outdated.

My friend Mark landed in Beijing last October. He linked his Visa card in 10 minutes. The real trick? Verifying your identity *before* you travel.
How to Set Up WeChat Pay as a Foreigner: The Actually Working Guide for 2025
How to Set Up WeChat Pay as a Foreigner: The Actually Working Guide for 2025 Let me tell you about my friend Mark from San Francisco. He arrived in Beijing in October 2024 convinced he didn't need mob
mychina.guide
April 10, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Everyone asks me: "Is China safe for tourists?"

The honest answer? Yes, overwhelmingly. But the real question is about confidence, not crime.

Petty theft is rare. Scams exist but are avoidable. The biggest hurdle is navigating daily life without local knowledge.
Is China Safe for Tourists? An Honest Assessment for 2025
Is China Safe for Tourists? An Honest Assessment for 2025 This is the question I get asked most. And I understand why - most people's perception of China comes from news headlines, which tend to focus
mychina.guide
April 9, 2026 at 8:30 PM
The 144-hour visa-free transit is a game-changer. But most travelers get it wrong.

You need to arrive in and depart from specific city groups. The rules are strict but clear. My China Guide app has a dedicated visa section that breaks down the exact requirements for each port.
China Tourist Visa Guide 2025: Everything You Need to Know (Including the 144-Hour Visa-Free Option)
China Tourist Visa Guide 2025: Everything You Need to Know (Including the 144-Hour Visa-Free Option) I'll be honest with you: Chinese visa rules change frequently, and the internet is full of outdated
mychina.guide
April 8, 2026 at 8:30 PM
5 days in China with no visa? The 144-hour transit rule is a game-changer for eligible passports.

My China Guide app has a full 5-day itinerary built around this exact sprint. It maps out Beijing or Shanghai minute-by-minute to maximize your visa-free window.
China Itinerary 5 Days: The 144-Hour Visa-Free Sprint
China Itinerary 5 Days: The 144-Hour Visa-Free Sprint Five days. 144 hours. No visa required (for eligible passport holders). If you're from one of the 50+ countries that qualify for China's transit v
mychina.guide
April 7, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Planning a day trip to Ganden Monastery from Lhasa in 2026? Costs can be confusing.

Here's the breakdown:
• Tour agency: ~¥800-1200
• Local driver: ~¥600-800 (but you arrange tickets/meals)
• Hidden costs: entrance fees, packed lunch, permit checks
2026 Ganden Monastery Day Trip: Costs & Booking Tips
Planning a day trip to Ganden Monastery from Lhasa in 2026? This guide compares booking via tour agencies vs local providers, breaks down all costs, and shares essential tips for a smooth, hassle-free
mychina.guide
April 6, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Lost your China number and now can't use Didi? Happened to me. The official fix is a hassle.

You have to contact Didi's English customer service in-app. They'll verify your identity (passport photo) and manually update your number. Takes 1-2 business days.
How to Update Your Didi Phone Number When Your Old Number Is Deactivated (2026 Guide)
If your old Chinese phone number is deactivated and you can’t receive verification codes to update your Didi account, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the official customer service-assist
mychina.guide
April 5, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Lost your China number and now can't use Didi? Been there. The official fix is a multi-step customer service process.

My China Guide app has a full, translated walkthrough with screenshots to get you through it. You'll need your passport and some patience.
How to Update Your Didi Phone Number When Your Old Number Is Deactivated (2026 Guide)
If your old Chinese phone number is deactivated and you can’t receive verification codes to update your Didi account, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the official customer service-assist
mychina.guide
April 4, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Lost your China number and now can't log into Didi? Happened to me. Here's the fix:

1. Open Didi, go to the login/help screen.
2. Tap "Can't receive SMS?" to start the official verification process.
3. You'll need a clear photo of your passport info page.
How to Update Your Didi Phone Number When Your Old Number Is Deactivated (2026 Guide)
If your old Chinese phone number is deactivated and you can’t receive verification codes to update your Didi account, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the official customer service-assist
mychina.guide
April 3, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Buying real Pu'er tea in Yunnan is a minefield. Here’s how to do it right.

First, skip the tourist shops. Go to dedicated tea markets like Kunming's Jinma Biji Fang. Smell the leaves—good tea has a clean, earthy scent, never musty. Bargain by starting at 60% of the asking price.
Yunnan Tea Guide: Buying Pu'er in Kunming & Lijiang
Discover where to buy authentic Pu'er tea in Yunnan, how to bargain, assess quality, and plan your shopping itinerary safely.
mychina.guide
April 2, 2026 at 8:30 PM