Most Chinese attractions require online real-name booking: the Forbidden City, Potala Palace and Terracotta Army need reservations 1-7 days ahead on official mini-programs - on-site tickets are basically unavailable.
Channels: official WeChat mini-programs, Ctrip or Meituan. Tickets usually bind to ID numbers; foreigners book with passport numbers and exchange tickets at the window or scan the passport.
Discounts: full-time student cards (some sites accept international cards), seniors 60+ and children often get half price or free; military and journalists get free entry in peak season with ID.
Combo tickets: some sites sell packages (e.g. Huangshan ticket plus cable car) - calculate what you need; online prices run 5-20 yuan cheaper than on-site.
Traps: never buy from scalpers at stations or gates - real-name rules make them useless and scam-prone; check whether "guide fees" are mandatory; internal rides (cable car, shuttle) are separate.
Hours: most sites open 8:00-18:00; museums close Mondays; some offer night visits in peak season (Longmen Grottoes in summer).
