A little preparation goes a long way.
Start with passports, departure city, meals and the whole-family budget.
Check the passport, not just residence
The Chinese embassy notice states that the relevant ordinary-passport arrangement took effect on 17 July 2025, with up to 30 days per visit and 90 days within 180 days, subject to permitted purposes. Not every Malaysian resident holds an eligible passport.

Separate flights from local arrangements
Share whether you depart from Kuala Lumpur, Penang or elsewhere, and whether flights are already booked. Local travel arrangements do not automatically include international flights. Specify the arrival airport, terminal and time for transfer planning.
State dietary needs explicitly
State halal, vegetarian, ingredient exclusions or allergies for the people concerned. Nationality is not a dietary preference, and “no pork” does not establish that all halal requirements are met. Check the actual restaurant and arrangement.
Compare the family total
Give the budget currency, group size and room needs, then compare accommodation, transport, admissions and meals paid separately. Check cross-border conditions for your home wallet; a friend’s successful payment is not a reason to skip a backup.