How to Buy Tickets to Attractions in China (2026 Guide)

Hi! I made this guide to help friends buy tickets.
I’m a native Chinese and I live near Guangzhou.

Introduction

🎟️ Buying tickets in China can feel like a maze. As of June 2026, 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 (try the first one in order of priority)

Items Required: Passport

Step-by-Step 👣

Method 1: Trip website or app (should cover most major attractions)

1️⃣ Search for attraction → 2️⃣ Select date → 3️⃣ Enter your passport details → 4️⃣ Pay using your credit card → 5️⃣ Receive e-ticket via email

If you see instructions like “Please make a reservation through the official WeChat account”, click “Details”.

You should see a QR code. If this is the only method stated, open WeChat and use the Scan function on the QR code.

This should take you to the relevant booking page within WeChat.

Your language setting should automatically translate it, but sometimes you might have to click the translate button on the side of the screen.

If you can’t find the attraction or can’t use WeChat, 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 might ask for a local number. Just give it a try, because requirements can change.

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 a local number is needed, proceed to Option 4.

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Method 4: Hotel Concierge or Tour Guide

You can ask the concierge about buying tickets on your behalf but they might charge a fee. Worth asking if you’ve exhausted all methods. If you are struggling to communicate with staff, use a translation app.

You can also hire a tour guide to buy tickets as part of the tour. But obviously, this is a little more expensive because not every attraction needs a tour guide.

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Method 5: On-Site Purchase

Some attractions will accept on-site purchases if you are a foreigner. But, this is NOT a fail-safe method - do NOT rely on this.

I know some do not sell on-site tickets at all!

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.

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.

Most locations do not issue paper tickets.

2️⃣ Remember - if you run into problems, go to the ticket counter with your booking confirmation and passport.

# My Key Reminders

✅ Many attractions only release tickets 5-7 days in advance. For the most famous attractions, you should pay attention to the exact day.

Remember to set a reminder and don’t leave it to the last minute, especially for major attractions! They can sell out fast!

✅ 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.