Can you legally work remotely in China on a tourist visa?

The 30-day visa-free entry covers tourism, business and family visits, not local employment. Remote workers earning from clients abroad generally operate on this basis, the same way they do across much of Asia. If you want to be employed, invest, or start a company on the ground, you need the correct work or business visa. Always check the current rules for your passport before booking.

Which VPN works best in China in 2026?

Providers built for obfuscated traffic tend to survive the Great Firewall better than standard consumer VPNs. Install it before you arrive, because VPN websites and app stores are blocked inside the country. Keep a backup provider, since reliability shifts by time of day and network. Turn the VPN off when using Chinese apps like Alipay.

Can foreigners use Alipay and WeChat Pay without a Chinese bank account?

Yes. As of 2026 both apps accept a foreign Visa or Mastercard linked directly, with no Chinese bank account needed. You complete a passport and face verification, and a small fee applies on larger transactions. Set both up before your flight and test a small payment while you still have easy wifi.

How much does it cost to live in Chengdu as a digital nomad?

A settled single person can live comfortably in Chengdu for roughly US$900 to US$1,300 a month, all in. Rent is the largest cost and still runs about half of Shanghai. Food is cheap and excellent, and transport and coworking add little. Moving cities often is what pushes budgets up, so a slower month in one base costs less.

Is Chengdu or Chongqing better for remote work?

Chengdu is the easier base for working, with a calmer pace, strong café and coworking culture, and lower costs. Chongqing is more intense and cinematic, better as a change of scene than a first landing. They sit a couple of hours apart by high-speed rail, so many people base in Chengdu and visit Chongqing. Start with Chengdu, then decide.