Dress to Impress (装扮出彩，令人惊艳) - A "Dress to Impress" wedding theme invites guests to wear their most glamorous attire, going beyond typical semi-formal to embrace luxury, and personal flair. Think glamorous evening wear that makes you feel confident, refined, and celebration-ready.

Attire Guidelines

• Solid dark or muted colors

• Floor-length dresses, skirts, or pants

• No bright or bold patterns

• Please avoid t-shirts, sweatpants, jeans, leggings, or other casual attire

• Ties or bowties are preferred for those wearing suits

We can’t wait to celebrate with you and see everyone looking their absolute best.

Click here for examples and ideas.

• Pack for a Long Flight: Don’t forget to bring snacks, entertainment, and chargers for a long flight.

• 📱 Phone situation:

  • ⭐ Option A: International eSIM (recommended)

    • Providers: Airalo, Nomad, Holafly

    • Pros:

      • Works immediately on landing

      • Bypasses the Great Firewall (Google, iMessage, WhatsApp work)

      • No physical SIM swapping

    • Cons:

      • Slightly more expensive

    👉 This is the lowest-stress option.

    🟡 Option B: International roaming from your carrier

    • Verizon / AT&T / T-Mobile international plans

    • Pros:

      • Very easy

      • No setup

    • Cons:

      • Expensive

      • Slower sometimes

    ⚠️ Confirm your plan still allows VPN-like access — some don’t.

• Get Copies of Your Important Documents: Scan your passport, visa, flight information, and hotel addresses (in Chinese in case you need a taxi) into your phone you’re traveling with.

• 🔌 Power & Hardware

  Bring:

  • 🔌 Type A / I adapter

  • 🔋 Portable battery pack (power outlets aren’t always accessible)

To travel outside the country, a passport is always required. Please apply for a passport ASAP as you’ll need a passport to apply for the Visa.

If your goal is to play it safe and keep things simple, just apply for the L (tourist) visa.

This is the cleanest, lowest-stress choice.

The Visa will grant you 30-90 days stay in China and is valid for 10 years for multi trips.

You need a L Visa (travel visa) if…

• You’ll be visiting China for 10 days or more.

• You’re flying back to U.S. after your visit to China (even if it’s less than 10 days).

You do NOT need an L Visa if…

• You’ll be visiting China for less than 10 days and then flying to another country. This is considered the transit-without-visa policy but depending on your situation, you may want to apply for the G-Visa because the transit-without-visa policy have some restrictions such as some cities are eligible and some ports are eligible but not all. Please do your own research if you do not want to apply for the L Visa.

Current U.S. Passport Processing time: ~6-8 weeks, you can use their expedited service for ~$60 for 2-3 weeks.

If you’re a procrastinator and got yourself in a situation:

• Urgent / Emergency application (in-person)

  • Same day or within a few days

  • Only available if:

    • You have international travel within 14 days

    • Or a foreign visa appointment within 28 days

  • Requires an appointment at a passport agency

The L Visa (travel visa) is valid for 10 years, however; it is recommended to apply 1-3 months prior to your trip and not sooner because they will require hotel stay and travel tickets for proof of intended visit. We will send out reminders to RSVP guests when it is time to apply for visas with your hotel stay information.

See next questions for more information.

Requirements for L Visa

• Valid Passport

Your passport must have at least 6 months’ validity and at least 2 blank visa pages.

• Photocopy of the Bio-Page of Your Passport

You will have to submit a clear photo/scan of the bio-page of your passport which includes your personal details.

• COVA Visa Form

You’ll have to complete the COVA (Chinese Online Visa Application) form online. You can do so on the COVA website. https://cova.mfa.gov.cn/qzCoCommonController.do?show&pageId=index&locale=en_US

• Proof of Residence in the U.S.

You need a photocopy of a document that proves you are a resident of the United States, such as a driver’s license, utility bill, or bank statement.

• Where You Stay Form

This form must be filled out with your accommodations in China. Be sure to handwrite your signature, as it is a mandatory field on this form.

• Special Requirements for Minors of Chinese Origin

You will need to follow a different set of rules for the visa application if you are a minor born in the U.S. and are of Chinese ancestry.

For more details, please visit: http://us.china-embassy.gov.cn/lsfw/zj/qz/201502/t20150205_5098662.htm.

• 💬 Messaging apps to have:

  • Install before travel:

    • WeChat

      • Essential in China (messages, payments, contacts)

    • WhatsApp

      • Works with VPN / eSIM

    • iMessage

      • Usually works even without VPN

  • 👉 Many locals only use WeChat.

• Bring Cash: Credit cards are becoming more accepted in larger cities but bring Chinese Yuan for smaller transactions.

  • Payments (China is mostly cashless except for smaller vendors)

    China commonly use pay apps:

    ⭐ WeChat Pay

    • You can now link a foreign credit card

    • Works for:

      • Restaurants

      • Taxis

      • Shops

      • Tickets

    ⭐ Alipay

    • Also supports foreign cards

    • Sometimes more widely accepted than WeChat Pay

    👉 Install and link both if possible.

  • ⚠️ Do this before arrival — verification is easier outside China.

• Prepare for the Internet Censorship: Most Western websites are banned in China. Use a VPN if you have to. Install VPN BEFORE you go. (Note: it will be football season… sorry)

• Install a translate app.

📍 Southern China

• Highs: ~75–85°F (24–29°C)

• Humidity: Still present, but better than summer

• Occasional rain possible

Short sleeves during the day, light layer at night.

We will prepare group chats for guests from America (iMessage and WeChat).