On first entry, officers check your passport and visa and may collect fingerprints from both index fingers at some ports. Do not worry — it is standard procedure; just place fingers on the scanner as instructed, all over in seconds.
Questions usually circle your purpose and itinerary: why you are here (tourism/business/family), where you will stay, how long, and whether you have a return ticket. Answer honestly; having the hotel name/address ready (screenshot your booking) helps, as does a return ticket when asked.
Practical tips: keep the passport bio page undamaged (water or tears can break scanning); watch for "Foreigners" vs "Chinese Citizens" lane signs; visa-free and transit-free travelers use the correct lane with third-country tickets ready; if your valid visa is in an old passport, present both.
If you are pulled into secondary inspection, stay calm — it is usually just verification (e.g., an address you could not quickly state). Cooperate, use a translator app if needed; most cases resolve in minutes.
