China is rapidly evolving as a top travel destination, making it easier than ever for international visitors to explore its rich culture, modern cities, and breathtaking landscapes. With new visa-free policies, enhanced digital payment access through Alipay and WeChat Pay, and a strong push for cultural and eco-tourism, traveling in China in 2025 is more seamless and exciting than ever. Whether you’re visiting for business, adventure, or cultural immersion, this guide will help you navigate China’s cashless economy, understand new tourism initiatives, and make the most of your trip.
Using Alipay and WeChat Pay in China as a Foreigner
In recent years, China has made significant strides in integrating foreign visitors into its predominantly cashless economy by enhancing the accessibility of its primary mobile payment platforms, Alipay and WeChat Pay. These platforms have become integral to daily transactions across the country, and their improved accessibility is a boon for international travelers.
Alipay’s Initiatives
Alipay, operated by Ant Group, has expanded its services to allow foreign visitors to link international credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and Discover, to the Alipay app. This integration enables travelers to make payments across various sectors such as dining, shopping, transportation, and accommodation without the need for a Chinese bank account. Notably, Alipay has increased the single transaction limit for foreign users to US$5,000, up from the previous US$1,000, and raised the annual cumulative transaction cap to US$50,000 from US$10,000.
More info (2024): scmp.com
WeChat Pay’s Enhancements
Similarly, WeChat Pay, managed by Tencent Holdings, has upgraded its services to better accommodate international users. Foreign visitors should now be able to link their international bank cards to WeChat Pay, facilitating seamless transactions at millions of merchants nationwide. The platform supports various payment methods, including QR code scanning, in-app purchases, and WeChat Mini Programs. For transactions below RMB 200 (approximately US$27.82), WeChat Pay waives transaction fees, while a 3% fee applies to transactions exceeding this amount. The maximum amount for a single transaction is RMB 6,000 (about US$834.75), with a monthly cumulative limit of RMB 50,000 (around US$6,956.23) and an annual limit of RMB 60,000 (approximately US$8,347.48).
More info (2023): china-briefing.com
Setting Up Alipay and WeChat Pay
To utilize these services, foreign visitors should follow these steps:
- Download the App: Ensure you have the latest version of the Alipay or WeChat app installed on your smartphone.
- Register an Account: Sign up using your mobile number. Both platforms accept international numbers for registration.
- Add Your International Bank Card: Navigate to the “Wallet” section within the app and select the option to add a new bank card. Enter your card details as prompted.
- Verify Your Identity: Complete the required identity verification process by providing a valid identification document, such as your passport.
It’s important to note that while these platforms have become more accessible, certain features may still be restricted for international users. Additionally, while many merchants across China accept mobile payments, it’s advisable to carry some cash as a backup, especially in more remote areas where digital payment infrastructure might be less prevalent.
Considerations
- Transaction Fees: For WeChat Pay, transactions below RMB 200 (approximately US$27.82) are free of charge, while a 3% fee applies to transactions exceeding this amount.
- Feature Limitations: Certain functionalities, such as peer-to-peer transfers and red packet (hongbao) features, may still be restricted for international users.
- Set Up Before Your Trip: Some users report having better best luck downloading the apps and registering their cards before entering China. They also recommend not using your VPN whilst using the payment services.
By setting up Alipay and WeChat Pay, foreign visitors can enjoy a more integrated and convenient experience while navigating China’s cashless society.
China’s Push to Boost Tourism and Attract More International Visitors
China is making significant efforts to welcome more international tourists by easing travel restrictions, enhancing infrastructure, and introducing policies designed to create a more seamless and enjoyable experience for visitors. These initiatives align with the country’s broader goal of revitalizing its tourism sector post-pandemic and positioning itself as a top global travel destination.
Visa-Free Travel Expansions
One of the most notable recent changes is China’s expansion of visa-free entry for travelers from several European and Asian countries. As of 2024 and early 2025, citizens of countries such as France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia can visit China visa-free for up to 15 days. This move is aimed at boosting inbound travel and making short-term visits more convenient for business travelers and tourists alike.
Simplifying Entry and Payment for Foreigners
Beyond the expansion of visa exemptions, China has also taken steps to streamline its entry processes. The government is working on:
- Digital visa applications and faster border clearance to reduce long wait times at immigration checkpoints.
- Enhanced multilingual services at major airports and transportation hubs, making navigation easier for non-Chinese speakers.
- Improved digital payment access through Alipay and WeChat Pay, allowing international visitors to pay seamlessly without a Chinese bank account.
Cultural and Tourism Development Initiatives
China is actively promoting cultural tourism, encouraging travelers to explore its rich history, traditions, and modern innovations. Initiatives include:
- Restoration of historical sites such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and ancient water towns to preserve heritage while making them more visitor-friendly.
- Cultural tourism campaigns, including the resurgence of hanfu culture, traditional crafts, and performances such as Shaolin kung fu demonstrations, Peking opera, and tea ceremonies.
- Nighttime economy expansion, with more cities developing night markets, light shows, and extended museum hours to enhance the travel experience.
Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Travel
China is also focusing on eco-tourism and sustainable travel, encouraging visitors to explore its vast natural landscapes. Recent efforts include:
- Expanding national parks and protected areas to promote wildlife conservation and outdoor activities.
- Developing green transportation options, including electric buses, bullet trains, and bike-sharing programs in major tourist hubs.
- Promoting rural tourism, allowing visitors to experience authentic village life, local crafts, and traditional farming practices.
China’s Vision for the Future of Tourism
China has set ambitious tourism goals, aiming to attract over 200 million international tourists annually by 2030. The country is actively leveraging digital innovation, cultural heritage, and streamlined entry policies to make visiting China more convenient and rewarding for travelers worldwide.
With these continued advancements, China is becoming an increasingly accessible and attractive destination for foreign tourists, ensuring that visitors can explore its vast landscapes, historical landmarks, and modern cities with ease.
What This Means for Prospective Kung Fu Students
For students planning to train at Maling Shaolin Kung Fu Academy, these travel and payment improvements make the journey to China much smoother. The visa-free policies for certain countries may reduce the hassle of obtaining a visa for short-term training stays, while easier digital payments via Alipay and WeChat Pay mean students can pay for essentials—like transportation, food, and gear—without needing a Chinese bank account.
Additionally, China’s focus on cultural tourism and the revival of traditional arts aligns with the academy’s mission to preserve authentic Shaolin kung fu. Students will have more opportunities to explore Shaolin culture, historical sites, and martial arts demonstrations during their time in China. With these advancements, training at Maling Shaolin Academy is more accessible than ever for international martial artists.
🐉Are you planning to train in China or visit for cultural exploration? How do you feel about the new visa policies and digital payment access for foreigners? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! 👇
