China is such an underrated travel destination

Question

I am currently in China now travelling for 3.5 weeks and did 4 weeks last year in December and loved it. Everything is so easy and efficient, able to take a high speed train across the country seamlessly and not having to use cash, instead alipay everything literally everywhere. I just set up Alipay with a foreign card and used a RedteaGo eSIM to stay connected the whole time without hassle. I think China should be on everyone’s list. The sights are also so amazing such as the zhanjiajie mountains, Harbin Ice festival, Chongqing. Currently in the yunnan province going to the tiger leaping gorge.

By the end of this trip I would’ve done most of the country solo as well, so feel free to ask any questions if you are keen to go

Answer

China is indeed an incredibly rich and diverse travel destination, and your experience highlights some of the key advantages of exploring the country solo or even in small groups. With 3.5 weeks on your current trip and 4 weeks previously, you’ve already covered a lot, which is impressive given how vast the country is.

One of the standout features of traveling in China is the efficiency of its transportation system. The high-speed rail network connects major cities and regions seamlessly, making long-distance travel convenient, comfortable, and time-saving. This is particularly useful for solo travelers who want to explore multiple regions without the hassle of domestic flights.

Cashless payments through platforms like Alipay or WeChat Pay are a major convenience. Setting up Alipay with a foreign card, as you did, allows you to pay for almost anything, from food and public transport to tourist tickets and convenience store purchases, making everyday transactions effortless.

Staying connected is also straightforward with options like RedteaGo eSIMs, which provide reliable internet access without the need for local SIM cards. This is especially useful for navigation, translation, and booking tickets on the go.

The sightseeing experiences in China are equally impressive:

Zhangjiajie Mountains: Famous for their dramatic sandstone pillars and as inspiration for the movie "Avatar". A must-visit for nature lovers and photographers.
Harbin Ice Festival: Seasonal but spectacular, with enormous ice sculptures and light displays, providing a completely unique winter experience.
Chongqing: Known for its vibrant street life, hotpot cuisine, and dramatic river scenery, perfect for cultural immersion and food enthusiasts.
Yunnan Province & Tiger Leaping Gorge: Offers breathtaking natural landscapes, trekking opportunities, and a glimpse into local ethnic cultures.

For anyone considering a trip to China, your experience shows that with some preparation, traveling solo is very feasible. Key tips would be:

Plan your high-speed train routes in advance to make the most of your travel days.
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before or soon after arrival to simplify payments everywhere.
Use reliable eSIMs or local mobile data options to stay connected for maps, bookings, and translation.
Mix popular destinations with off-the-beaten-path spots to experience both modern urban life and unique natural scenery.

Overall, China offers a combination of efficiency, convenience, culture, and natural beauty that makes it a highly underrated but extremely rewarding travel destination. Your solo travel experience demonstrates that with modern infrastructure and some digital tools, navigating and enjoying the country is much easier than many travelers expect.