China trip questions

Question

Hi all. I have about 19 days (excludes 2 days at start and end) to travel around Guangzhou, Zhangjiajie and Chongqing. How should I divide my time? I was thinking maybe 4-5 days in Guangzhou and a week each for Zhangjiajie and Chongqing.

Also in Guangzhou, which area is the optimal place to stay that’s easy for a tourist to get around to touristy places?

I have narrowed down places I’m hoping to visit for each towns so just wanting some opinion before I start booking accommodation and experiences.

Also from my research, Alipay and WeChat pay is widely used- which is easier to use and sign up for as a tourist?

Thanks!

Answer

With 19 days for Guangzhou, Zhangjiajie, and Chongqing, you have a good amount of time to explore each city without rushing. Here’s a suggested breakdown and some practical tips for your travel and payments.

Suggested itinerary breakdown:

Guangzhou (4-5 days): This gives you enough time to explore the city’s main attractions, local markets, Canton Tower, Shamian Island, Chen Clan Academy, and maybe a day trip to nearby Foshan or Zhuhai if you wish.
Zhangjiajie (7 days): A full week is ideal as the national park is extensive. You can cover the Avatar Mountains, Tianzi Mountain, Golden Whip Stream, and plan a day for the Glass Bridge and Tianmen Mountain. Include a possible day trip to Furong town if you have extra time.
Chongqing (7 days): Spending a week allows time for city exploration, hot pot experiences, the Yangtze River cruise (if desired), Dazu Rock Carvings, and nearby trips to Ciqikou Ancient Town and Jiefangbei CBD.

Best area to stay in Guangzhou for tourists:

Tianhe District: Modern area, close to shopping malls, restaurants, and metro lines. Good access to Canton Tower and Guangzhou Opera House.
Yuexiu District: Historical area, near Chen Clan Academy, Shamian Island, and museums. Convenient for sightseeing and more traditional atmosphere.
Haizhu District: Close to the Canton Fair complex and riverfront; quieter but accessible via metro.

Alipay vs WeChat Pay for tourists:

Alipay: Usually easier for tourists to set up with an international bank card. You can link foreign cards to pay in shops, transport, and attractions. Offers clear instructions in English for app setup.
WeChat Pay: Widely accepted, especially for smaller vendors and street food. Setting it up for foreigners is a bit more complex, often requiring a Chinese bank account or a QR top-up via Alipay or UnionPay card.
Overall, for convenience as a tourist, Alipay is generally easier to start using immediately. Once you are in China, having both can be useful, but one is sufficient for most payments.

Additional tips:

Book train or flight tickets in advance for Zhangjiajie and Chongqing as the routes can get busy, especially in peak seasons.
Consider staying near a metro line in Guangzhou for easy city navigation.
Carry some cash for small markets or street vendors who may not accept mobile payments.

With this plan, your travel days are well-balanced, giving enough time for sightseeing, rest, and local experiences without rushing.