About Trip.com and attraction tickets

Question

Hello,

I'm departing in China in 3 days, and I wanted to know how to book entrance tickets for main attractions on Trip.com. I saw online that most of the tickets can be bought on the app. However, once I click on an attraction, tickets doesn't show up. It only showed once on my computer, but disappeared once I refreshed the page. I already know about WeChat mini-apps that will help me buy tickets for the Forbidden City for example, but I wanted to know how to book tickets on Trip.com. The mini-app for Mount Tai also seems to struggle to load, so that I can buy tickets.

If that can help, I am currently in France, maybe it is related to the connexion struggles ?

Thanks a lot by advance !

Answer

Booking attraction tickets in China through Trip.com from abroad can sometimes be tricky due to connectivity and regional restrictions. Here’s a detailed explanation and some tips to help you secure your tickets:

1. Connection Issues from Outside China:

Trip.com often works best when accessed from within China because some ticketing systems are linked to Chinese servers and local IP addresses.
Accessing from France or another foreign country may result in pages failing to load, disappearing ticket options, or incomplete information.
If possible, try using a VPN to simulate a China-based connection, but note that this may not always work with payment verification.

2. Steps to Book Tickets on Trip.com:

Open the Trip.com app or website and search for the attraction (e.g., Forbidden City, Mount Tai).
Check the dates carefully; some attractions only allow bookings a few days or weeks in advance.
If the ticket options do not show, try switching from desktop to mobile app or vice versa, as mobile apps often have better functionality for domestic tickets.
Ensure your Trip.com account is verified and linked to a payment method that supports international transactions (credit cards usually work, Alipay or WeChat Pay may require a China bank account).
Look for the “Instant Booking” or “E-ticket” option, which is often the only ticket type available for foreigners.

3. Alternative Booking Methods:

WeChat mini-apps: These work reliably within China and are widely used for popular attractions. You may need a WeChat account registered with a mobile number.
Local travel agencies: In major cities, agencies can book tickets on your behalf; they often take a small service fee.
On-site purchase: For less busy attractions, you can buy tickets directly at the entrance, though popular sites like Mount Tai or Forbidden City can sell out quickly.

4. Tips for Smooth Booking:

Book tickets as early as possible once in China, ideally the night before your visit, to avoid sold-out situations.
Use Trip.com’s customer service chat if you encounter errors; they may assist in completing the booking manually.
Always have a screenshot or PDF confirmation of your ticket, as scanning the QR code or voucher is required at the entrance.

In summary, foreign connections may hinder your ability to see and book tickets on Trip.com. Using the mobile app, trying a local connection once in China, and having backup methods like WeChat mini-apps or local travel agencies are the most reliable ways to secure your attraction tickets.

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