Quick answer: Reserve the things that can break your itinerary if they sell out or change: international flights, the first hotel, important intercity transport, and any must-do activity with limited inventory or identity requirements. Leave flexible activities open when possible.
The goal is not to book everything. It is to protect the structure of the trip.
Book the anchors first
Your anchors are the reservations that determine where you must be on a certain date.
Usually these include:
- international arrival and departure
- first-night accommodation
- important intercity trains or flights
- accommodation during busy periods
- limited-capacity activities that matter most to you
Use the consequence test
Ask:
If I cannot get this reservation, does the rest of my itinerary stop working?
If yes, book it earlier.
If no, it can usually remain flexible.
Do not over-book ordinary days
Meals, neighborhoods, shopping, parks, and many local activities do not need to be locked in weeks ahead.
A DIY itinerary works better when some time remains open.
Keep bookings easy to retrieve
For every important reservation, save:
- confirmation screenshot
- English and Chinese destination name when useful
- address
- date and time
- cancellation terms
- passport details used for the booking, if relevant
Recheck critical bookings shortly before use
A few days before an important travel day, confirm the time, location, station or terminal, and identity information.
FAQ
Should I book every train before flying to China?
Book important fixed routes when you know the dates. Keep optional day trips flexible if changing plans would not damage the rest of your itinerary.
Should I pre-book every attraction?
No. Prioritize attractions with limited capacity, advance-reservation rules, or high importance to your trip.