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Chaoyang Travel Checklist

Chaoyang Travel Checklist

Chaoyang Liaoning, China Travel Guide

Essential Preparations

Chronological Planning Timeline

A structured approach to pre-trip tasks leads to a smooth journey.

3

Months Before Departure

Passport Validity

Confirm your passport should retain at least six months of validity beyond your return date.

Visa Application

Begin gathering documents for your Chinese visa application.

Travel Insurance

Purchase comprehensive Travel insurance for your trip.

1

Month Before Departure

Bookings

Finalize international and domestic flights, and high-speed train tickets.

Connectivity

Install and test a Reliable VPN service on all your devices.

Local Apps

Download WeChat and Alipay, linking them to an international credit card.

1

Week Before Departure

Documents & Funds

Organize passport, visa, insurance, and acquire some Chinese Yuan (RMB).

Bank & Contacts

Notify your bank of travel plans; create an emergency contact list.

Offline Resources

Download offline maps and translation dictionaries to your devices.

Advance Bookings

Secure critical elements of your trip to avoid disappointment.

Required Reservations

  • Obtain your Chinese visa well in advance.
  • Book international and domestic flights, especially during peak season.
  • Reserve high-speed train tickets for popular routes.
  • Secure your hotel or guesthouse reservations.

Home & Research

Ensure home affairs are in order and you are culturally prepared.

Pre-Trip Research

  • Learn basic Mandarin phrases.
  • Understand Chinese cultural etiquette and taboos.
  • Familiarize yourself with ways to get around locally.
  • Check current weather forecasts for Chaoyang.

Home Preparation

Before leaving, inform a trusted person about your itinerary, hold mail, and secure your home.

Before Departure

  • Tell a trusted friend or family member about your itinerary.
  • Stop or hold your mail.
  • Pay bills and arrange for pet care if needed.
  • Secure your home (lock doors/windows, put on alarms).

Document Safety

  • Leave copies of important documents.
  • With a trusted contact.
  • Keep digital copies accessible.
  • (Passport, visa, insurance).

What to Pack

  • Layered clothing, comfortable shoes.
  • Rain jacket/umbrella.
  • Personal medications.
  • Packing organizers.

Essential Reading

Review the 'Local Insights' section for common tourist mistakes to avoid and customs to observe.

Arrival Checklist

Your first hours in Chaoyang set the tone for your trip. Follow these steps for a smooth entry.

First Steps Upon Arrival

  • 1
    Immigration/Customs:

    Complete immigration and customs procedures efficiently with passport and visa ready.

  • 2
    Mobile Connectivity:

    Activate your local SIM card or verify your eSIM/VPN operates to get online.

  • 3
    Currency:

    Exchange some money or withdraw cash from an ATM if you have not already.

Orientation Strategies

  • Locate Accommodation:

    Find your somewhere to stay on your map app to orient yourself.

  • Neighborhood Exploration:

    Learn about the immediate area around your hotel.

  • Essential Services:

    Identify nearby ATMs, convenience stores, and public transport stops.

Currency and Transport

Initial Purchases

For initial purchases, use mobile payment (WeChat Pay/Alipay) or small RMB denominations.

Purchase bottled water immediately, as tap water is not potable.

To Accommodation

Use licensed taxis or Didi from Chaoyang Airport or the train station.

Confirm the address in Chinese for your driver.

From Major Hubs

If arriving at Shenyang or Dalian, take a high-speed train to Chaoyang.

Then a local taxi or Didi to your hotel.

Connectivity Reminder

Confirm your VPN is active before trying to access international apps upon arrival.

Departure Preparation

Prepare for your departure a day or two before you leave to secure a stress-free exit.

Souvenirs & Shipping

  • Purchase any last-minute souvenirs.
  • If shipping items home, visit a China Post office to arrange international shipping.
  • Be aware of what you can bring back home.
  • VAT refund procedures are generally not applicable within China.

Return Trip Essentials

  • Confirm you carry all required documents for your onward travel.
  • Pack your luggage, leaving space for souvenirs.
  • Weigh your bags to avoid excess baggage fees.
  • Spend your remaining domestic currency or exchange it when possible.

Departure Timing

Plan your departure to avoid last-minute rush.

Pre-departure Recommendations

  • Confirm your hotel's check-out time.
  • Set up transportation to the airport or train station in advance.
  • Arrive at the airport 2 hours for domestic, 3-4 hours for international.
  • Arrive at the train station 30-60 minutes prior to departure.

Reconfirm Travel

  • Reconfirm your flight departure times.
  • Reconfirm your train departure times.
  • Final check on luggage and contents.
  • Keep all receipts for potential customs.

Urgent Departure Notice

Confirm your hotel's check-out time and arrange transport in advance.

Plan to arrive at the airport (TWO hours for domestic flights, 3-4 hours for international from major hubs) or station (30-60 minutes for trains) with ample time.

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