China Visa Application & Trip Orientation
This guide provides the essential steps and preparation for the 2026 YES Project cultural exchange trip to China.
I. Visa Application Process
Students should apply for an F-type Visa. Under the “YES” project, the expedite service fee is waived with your official invitation letter.
1. Complete the Online Application
- Link: Visa Application Information
- Instruction: Fill out the form completely using the details found in your invitation letter.
2. Submission Options
| Option | Service Details | Fee | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Full Service | They fill out the form, submit the application, and return your passport. | $100 | Tracy Wang Tracy999w@gmail.com 626-226-7392 (Text) |
| 2. Half Service | You fill out the online form. They handle the submission and pickup at the LA office. | $50 | Hank Lee Hanklee7@gmail.com 626-777-8666 (Text) |
| 3. DIY | You complete the form and visit the visa office in person. | Free | Consulate General |
3. In-Person Submission (DIY)
- Location: Chinese Consulate General, 3rd Floor, 500 Shatto Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90020.
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
- Required Documents: Original passport, a copy of your approved QR code, and a copy of your invitation letter.
- Important: You will receive a small pink paper upon submission. Do not lose it; you must present it to pick up your passport after 5 working days.
- Consulate Email: La@csm.mfa.gov.cn.
II. Communication & Digital Payments
1. Phone & Data
- Option A (eSIM): For unlocked phones (iPhone XS/later or Samsung S20/later), purchase a Travel eSIM (e.g., Airalo or Nomad) before leaving.
- Cost: ~$12–$18 for 5GB–10GB.
- Benefit: Data routes through international servers; Google, WhatsApp, and Gmail work without a VPN.
- Option B (Local SIM): Purchase a SIM card at the airport arrivals hall.
- Cost: ~$28–$42 for 30 days.
- Warning: You must download a VPN before leaving California, as Google services are blocked.
2. WeChat Pay Setup
China is a digital-first economy; cash (RMB) is often not accepted in smaller cities. While hotels handle cash, smaller vendors have shifted almost entirely to digital payments.
- Setup: In WeChat, go to “Me” > “Pay and Service” > “Wallet” and link your bank account before departure.
- Fees: Transactions under 200 RMB (~$28) typically have no fee. Over 200 RMB incurs a 3% platform fee.
III. Packing & Trip Preparation
- Legal: China has a zero-tolerance drug policy. Possession or consumption of any illegal drug—including marijuana—is a serious criminal offense.
- Wardrobe: Pack one semi-casual set and 5–6 casual sets. Dormitories provide washers and dryers.
- Health: Pack sunblock, hand sanitizer, insect repellent, Tylenol/Advil, and a 12-day supply of prescriptions.
- Gifts: Small tokens like Ghirardelli chocolates, LA T-shirts, or Trader Joe’s totes are excellent for local students/faculty.
IV. Logistics & Arrival
- Arrival (June 17): Once you book your flight to Shanghai (PVG), share arrival times in the WeChat group. Our host from Lishui College will arrange a shuttle to the airport hotel.
- Departure (June 28): Arrange the shuttle from the airport hotel back to PVG for your return flight.
2026 YES Project (USA) Itinerary
Dates: June 17, 2026 – June 27, 2026 (11 days total)
Host Institution: Lishui Vocational and Technical College
Detailed Schedule
| Date | Day | Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 16 | Tue | 12:30 (LA) | Depart LA via China Eastern MU586 | Los Angeles |
| June 17 | Wed | 17:15 | Arrive at Shanghai PVG; Hotel Check-in | Shanghai |
| June 18 | Thu | 07:30 | Travel by bus to Lishui | Lishui College |
| 15:00 | Opening Ceremony | Lishui College | ||
| 16:00 | Chinese Naming & Calligraphy Class | Lishui College | ||
| June 19 | Fri | 09:30 | Dragon Boat Festival Experience: Making Zongzi | College Canteen |
| 14:30 | Visit Guyan Huaxiang & Tongji Weir | Lishui, Zhejiang | ||
| June 20 | Sat | 14:30 | Watch Dragon Boat Races | Lishui, Zhejiang |
| 17:30 | Dinner at “Chuniang Peony Pavilion” (Opera & Face-Changing) | Lishui, Zhejiang | ||
| June 21 | Sun | 08:30 | Visit Jinyun Xiandu (Yellow Emperor Culture) | Lishui, Zhejiang |
| June 22-24 | Mon-Wed | Daytime | On-Campus Courses (Including Tai Chi) | Lishui College |
| June 24 | Wed | 16:30 | Closing Ceremony | Lishui College |
| June 25 | Thu | 08:30 | Travel to Shaoxing; Afternoon Sightseeing | Shaoxing |
| June 27 | Sat | Morning | Travel to Shanghai; Afternoon Sightseeing | Shanghai |
| June 28 | Sun | Morning | Transfer to Airport for Departure | Shanghai |