How to Buy Tickets to Attractions in China (2025 Guide)
🎟️ Buying tickets in China can feel like a maze. As of summer 2025, no single major platform allows foreigners to buy tickets for 100% of attractions in China.
So, I’ve created this step-by-step guide which will cover most scenarios. I recommend you try buying your ticket in the order set out. Move onto the next option if the method fails.
📱: Trip.com -> Alipay -> WeChat Mini-Programs (in order of priority)
Items Required: Passport
Step-by-Step
Method 1: Trip.com or app (should cover most attractions)
1️⃣ Search for attraction → 2️⃣ Select date → 3️⃣ Enter passport details → 4️⃣ Pay via international card → 5️⃣ Receive e-ticket via email
If you can’t find the attraction, proceed to Option 2.
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Method 2: Alipay
1️⃣ Open Alipay → Click the “Travel in China” tab → Click the "Cityscape" or “Museums” button → Find attraction
2️⃣ Enter passport details if requested. If it asks to select ID type, select “Passport” or 护照
3️⃣ Pay using the linked card on your Alipay account.
Tip: If the text is in Chinese, click the "Translate" button (make sure it is enabled in settings).
If you can’t find the attraction, proceed to Option 3.
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Method 3: WeChat Mini-Programs
Some attractions may require a local number.
1️⃣ Open WeChat → Tap "Discover" tab → "Mini-Programs" → Search for the attraction in English first (e.g. "Forbidden City") or in Chinese if you can’t find it.
2️⃣ Book using passport details.
If you still can’t find the attraction or don’t have a local number, proceed to Option 4.
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Method 4: On-Site Purchase
Most attractions will accept on-site purchases if you are a foreigner. But, this is not a fail-safe method - during busy holiday periods, on-site tickets at major attractions are very likely to sell out quickly!
1️⃣ Go to the ticket counter on the day of your visit. Provide your passport to staff and pay using Alipay or WeChat Pay. Receive a paper ticket.
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Method 5: Hotel Concierge
You can ask the concierge about buying tickets on your behalf but they may charge a fee. Worth asking if you’ve exhausted all methods. If you are struggling to communicate with staff, use a translation app.
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When You Arrive At the Attraction
1️⃣ Show either the QR code on the e-ticket or your passport at the gate. At some locations, you may need to collect a paper ticket from the ticket counter.
2️⃣ Remember - if you run into problems, go to the ticket counter with your booking confirmation and passport.
# My Key Reminders
✅ Most attractions only release tickets 5-7 days in advance. Remember to set a reminder and don’t leave it to the last minute, especially for major attractions!
✅ I strongly recommend that you avoid public holidays at major attractions. The worst thing is getting your experience spoiled by huge crowds and no personal space.
