Travel & Accommodations.
Everything you need to plan your trip to Guangzhou for our wedding on 19 December 2026. The most important things are toward the top.
Before you go.
An hour of setup at home saves a day of frustration in China. Do these on US wifi, before you fly.
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A1
Set up Alipay Most important
Cash is essentially obsolete. Link a foreign Visa or Mastercard inside Alipay before you fly — verification can take a day or two, and it's far easier on US wifi. This is the single most important prep step.
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A2
Install & test a VPN Do not skip
You can't easily download a VPN once you're in China. You'll need one for Google, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, the NYT — basically everything. Test it works before you board.
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A3
Download WeChat
Default communication tool in China — texting, voice notes, mini-apps. Add us before you fly; we'll set up a group chat here so our friends can keep in touch with each other (and us) while we're on the ground.
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A4
Download Didi
Rideshare, the Chinese Uber. Easier than taxis since drivers rarely speak English. Pays through Alipay or WeChat Pay.
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A5
Download Amap (or use Apple Maps)
Google Maps is unreliable in China. Amap (高德) is the local standard; Apple Maps also works well. Pre-load the Guangzhou map for offline use.
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A6
Screenshot the essentials
Your hotel's address in Chinese, the Four Seasons address in Chinese (we'll give you both), and our contact info.
Visa & entry.
Most US passport holders should plan to apply for a Chinese tourist visa (L visa). Start at least a month out.
Apply through a Chinese consulate or a CVASC visa service. Processing typically takes 4–10 business days, so don't leave it for the last week. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your entry date. Bring printed proof of accommodation and a return flight for immigration on arrival.
Requirements change. Always confirm against the official Chinese consulate website before you apply.
Flights.
Two ways in. Primary is direct to Guangzhou — but Hong Kong is often cheaper and the high-speed train makes it almost equally fast.
Direct flights on China Southern, Air China, and United from the West Coast. East Coast usually requires one connection. ~45 minutes from Zhujiang New Town by Didi.
Then take the high-speed train (Guangzhou–Shenzhen–HK Express Rail Link) to Guangzhou South — about 50 minutes. Allow extra time for customs at the train station.
Book 2–3 months out. Trip.com often has better China-specific deals than Google Flights or Skyscanner. Check both before locking anything in.
Where to stay.
We're sorting this for you. Hold tight.
Lodging details en route.
Alyssa's aunt is arranging a hotel or apartment complex for our out-of-town guests — closer to the venue, easier on logistics, and (the real reason) good company in the lobby. We'll update this section with full details, booking info, and addresses as soon as everything is confirmed.
Getting around.
Guangzhou is huge and modern. Didi handles most of it; metro handles the rest. Walking Zhujiang New Town is pleasant, even late.
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B1
Didi — the default
The local Uber. Pays through Alipay or WeChat Pay. Drivers don't speak English, so always show the destination in Chinese — copy it from the address card in Apple/Amap, or screenshot in advance.
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B2
Metro — clean, cheap, fast
One of the best metro systems in the world. APM line and Line 3 both serve Zhujiang New Town. Scan in directly with Alipay or WeChat, or buy a transit card from any station kiosk.
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B3
Taxis exist, but —
Without Chinese, they're a hassle. Didi is almost always easier. Skip taxis unless one rolls up while you're standing on the curb.
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B4
Walking Zhujiang New Town
Pleasant and safe, even late at night. Wide sidewalks, well-lit, lots of life. Save it for the evenings.
Good to know.
Small things that aren't worth their own section but are worth knowing before you land.
RMB (¥). Cash is essentially obsolete — pay via WeChat Pay or Alipay. Carry around ¥500 in cash for emergencies and you'll never spend it.
Much warmer than most of the US. Daytime 18–22°C (65–72°F), evening lows 11–14°C (52–57°F). Low humidity, mostly clear. Pack layers and a light jacket. No heavy coat.
Both widely spoken. English is limited outside hotels. Download Google Translate with offline Chinese, or grab Pleco — it's excellent.
US plugs (Type A) generally fit. But bring a universal adapter anyway — you'll thank yourself for the laptop charger.
Don't feel obligated. No one tips in mainland China — not in restaurants, not in taxis, not at hotels. Save it for back home.
Don't drink the tap. Bottled water is cheap and everywhere — convenience stores, vending machines, the hotel minibar.