Taicang Jiangsu, China Travel Guide
Effective trip planning begins months before your departure and continues until you leave.
Follow this timeline for a smooth start to your travels.
Ensure passport validity (6+ months, 2 blank pages) and begin China visa application.
Research international flights to Shanghai and major accommodation in Taicang.
Research and purchase comprehensive travel insurance (World Nomads is recommended).
Reconfirm all flight, hotel, and train bookings.
Ensure WeChat Pay/Alipay are set up; get offline maps and translation apps.
Make digital/physical copies of documents; begin packing and noting emergency contacts.
These items need securing early for seamless journeys.
Familiarize yourself with aspects of your destination.
Ensure peace of mind by managing home affairs before leaving.
Start your visa application process at least 3 months before your trip. This allows ample time to gather documents and account for any processing delays.
Your arrival in Taicang defines the tone for your trip. This section describes essential steps upon landing and reaching Taicang.
Present your passport and valid Chinese visa; collect luggage and declare objects as required.
Activate your local SIM or confirm eSIM operation; test your VPN for international service access.
Use free airport Wi-Fi to message contacts plus check plans.
Exchange a small amount of foreign currency at an airfield bank or ATM if cash is needed.
Ensure your WeChat Pay or Alipay apps function, as they will be for most purchases.
Acquire bottled water or a quick snack upon arrival.
High-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station (SHA) to Taicang Railway Station.
Long-long-distance coaches available from Pudong (PVG) or Hongqiao (SHA) to Taicang Bus Station.
Use a registered taxi from a legitimate stand or book a Didi ride to your accommodation.
Have your hotel address written in Chinese characters for drivers.
Provide your passport and hotel reservation upon arrival at your lodging.
Familiarize yourself with hotel amenities and local area information.
Before leaving the airport, ensure your phone has a local data connection and your VPN is working. This facilitates navigation and communication for your onward journey to Taicang.
This section guides you through the final steps before you leave Taicang.
Ensure a smooth journey back home with these final checks.
Spend any remaining Chinese Yuan on last-last-minute souvenirs or snacks.
It is commonly challenging to exchange small amounts of foreign currency back in your home country.
