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Jian Travel Checklist

Jian Travel Checklist

Jian Jiangxi, China Travel Guide

Organized Travel

Prepare systematically to manage tasks effectively.

Your Planning Journey

Follow this timeline for a stress-free travel preparation.

1

Months Before

Passport & Visa

Check passport validity (6 months) and blank pages. Apply for Chinese L (Tourist) Visa.

Flights & Insurance

Book international flights. Secure comprehensive travel insurance (World Nomads).

Health & Connectivity

Consult a travel doctor. Download and set up a reliable VPN (NordVPN) on all devices.

2

Month Before

Domestic Travel

Book domestic flights to KNC or high-speed train to Jian West. Reserve accommodations.

Financial Setup

Set up WeChat Pay and Alipay, link credit card. Inform your bank of travel plans.

Itinerary & Packing

Finalize your itinerary, including attractions, activities, and day trips (e.g., Jinggangshan). Begin planning your list of items to bring.

3

Week Before

Confirmations & Documents

Reconfirm all bookings. Gather passport, visa, insurance. Keep digital and physical copies separate.

Emergency Contacts

Write down emergency numbers (police, ambulance, fire) and embassy/consulate information.

Language & Funds

Practice basic Mandarin phrases. Obtain a small amount of Chinese Yuan; plan for mobile payments.

Secure Your Spots

Ensure these items are booked well in advance.

Required Advance Bookings

  • Chinese Visa: Obtain your L (Tourist) Visa from your local embassy or consulate.
  • International Flights: Secure your flights to China's major hubs.
  • High-Speed Train Tickets: Especially important during peak seasons for domestic routes.
  • Accommodation: Reserve your preferred hotels or b&bs in Jian and other cities.

Knowledge is Power

Inform yourself about Jian and China before you go.

Pre-Trip Research

  • Local History and Culture: Dive into the area's culture of Jian, Jiangxi Province's history, and Jinggangshan's revolutionary significance.
  • Mobile Payment: Familiarize yourself with how WeChat Pay and Alipay work.
  • Mandarin Phrases: Learn and practice important Mandarin phrases for daily interactions.
  • Local Weather: Check the long-range weather forecast for Jian for your travel dates.

Home Front Secure

Prepare your home for your absence.

Domestic Logistics

  • Inform Contacts: Let family or friends know your itinerary and how to reach you.
  • Pet/House-Sitting: Arrange for pet care or house-sitting if needed.
  • Mail/Newspapers: Suspend mail and newspaper delivery.
  • Bills: Pay any upcoming bills.

Security & Access

  • Security: Secure your home by locking windows and doors.
  • Spare : Trust a spare with a neighbor or family member.
  • Alarm System: Confirm your home alarm system is active.
  • Timers: Use light timers to give an occupied appearance.

Digital Clean-up

  • Backups: Backup important digital files before you leave.
  • Unsubscribe: Unsubscribe from unnecessary promotional emails to keep your inbox tidy.
  • Device Updates: Perform necessary software updates on your devices.
  • Remote Access: Set up remote access to home computers if needed.

VPN useful

Remember to get and set up your VPN service (NordVPN) on all devices Before you arrive in China. Access to many international websites and apps depends on it.

Welcome to Jian

These steps contribute to a smooth transition upon your arrival.

Initial Procedures

  • Immigration

    Clear immigration by presenting your passport and visa.

  • Luggage

    Collect your checked luggage from the baggage claim area.

  • Customs

    Clear customs, declaring items as required.

Getting Your Bearings

  • Local SIM Card

    Purchase a local SIM card at the airport or a provider store if you have not arranged an eSIM.

  • Currency

    Exchange a small amount of cash or withdraw from an ATM if you need physical money.

  • Navigation

    Use your pre-downloaded Baidu Maps or Amap to orient yourself and find your way.

First Transactions

Cash for Comfort

While mobile payment dominates, having a small amount of cash is handy for initial purchases or small vendors.

Quick Buys

Purchase water or a snack upon arrival if needed to stay refreshed.

Local Essentials

Look for convenient stores for any immediate personal items.

Transport Guidance

Use a pre-booked taxi, Didi, airport shuttle bus (from KNC), or train (from Nanchang to Jian) to reach your accommodation. Have your hotel address written in Chinese characters for the driver.

Farewell Jian

Plan for a stress-free departure from Jian.

Last-Minute Keepsakes

  • Purchase Early: Buy souvenirs in advance to avoid last-minute rushes at the airport.
  • Shipping: If shipping items home, make certain packaging and customs forms are accurate. Visit a China Post office.
  • Duty-Free: Check for any duty-free allowances for your home country.
  • Receipts: Keep receipts for high-value items for customs purposes.

Tax Refunds

  • No General VAT Refund: China does not feature a general VAT refund scheme for tourists, so this usually does not apply.
  • Specific Cases: Check for any rare exceptions or specific product categories that might qualify.
  • Documentation: If you believe you qualify, prepare all purchase documentation.
  • Expectation: Generally, do not expect to claim VAT refunds.

Timely Departure

Ensure smooth travel to your next point.

Airport Arrival

  • Jian Jinggangshan Airport (KNC):Show up at LEAST 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight.
  • Nanchang Changbei International Airport (KHN):If connecting for an international flight, arrive 2-3 hours prior.

Train Station Arrival

  • Jian West Train Station:Arrive at least 30-60 minutes before your high-speed train departure.
  • Other stations:Allow extra time for security checks.

Ready for Home

  • Confirm Details: Reconfirm your flight or train details the day before departure.
  • Transport: Arrange transportation to the airport or train station from your lodging.
  • Packing: Pack efficiently, making certain all belongings are accounted for.
  • Luggage Check: Verify if there are any weight restrictions on luggage to avoid extra fees.

Departure Comfort

Confirm all transport details and allow a lot of time for the airport or station procedures to make certain a stress-free departure.

Double-check your luggage for all personal items and documents before leaving your accommodation.

Jian Travel Checklist. Before You Go, Packing List, Preparation