中国商务之旅

China 2026

Linux Foundation · Huawei · ByteDance · Open Source
APR 11 — APR 18 | SETH WEBSTER
Shenzhen Hangzhou Beijing
At a Glance
Quick Reference
Delta Confirmation
JONUWX
Ritz-Carlton SZ
77721132
JW Marriott HZ
94216451
eTicket
006242015​8974
St. Regis BJ
94222386
Ritz-Carlton Phone
+86-755-2222-2222
Great Wall Tour
GYG99654GZKZ
CX337 (PEK→HKG)
Seat 23-C
Regal Airport HKG
RAH108941​24197
Travel Support
+1 828 731 2962
All Confirmed
Booking Status
✈ Flights
DL7844/DL7771 JFK→ICN→HKG (Apr 11–12)
SC5619 SZX→HGH (Apr 14)
SC5589 HGH→PEK (Apr 15)
CX337 PEK→HKG (Apr 17)
DL7772/DL0026/DL0520 HKG→ICN→ATL→LGA (Apr 18)
🏨 Hotels
Ritz-Carlton Shenzhen (Apr 12–14)
JW Marriott Hangzhou (Apr 14–15)
St. Regis Beijing (Apr 15–17)
Regal Airport Hotel HKG (Apr 17–18)
Logistics
Flights & Accommodation
✈ Confirmed
Outbound — JFK → ICN → HKG
Saturday Apr 11 → Sunday Apr 12 · Duration 22h 5m · Korean Air (Delta codeshare)
12:50 AM
Sat, Apr 11 · JFK Terminal 1
DL7844
Boeing 777-300ER
14h 20m
5:10 AM +1
Sun, Apr 12 · ICN Terminal 2
Layover at Seoul-Incheon · 2h 55m
8:05 AM
Sun, Apr 12 · ICN Terminal 2
DL7771
Airbus A330-300
3h 50m
10:55 AM
Sun, Apr 12 · HKG Terminal 1
Class
Economy (K) · Sky Priority
Status
Platinum Medallion / ELITE PLUS
✓ Confirmed
The Ritz-Carlton Shenzhen
2 nights · Design Mini 2 Double/Twin Room
Check-in
Sun, Apr 12 · 3:00 PM
Check-out
Tue, Apr 14 · 12:00 PM
Address
116 Fuhua San Road, Futian Dist., Shenzhen 518048
Confirmation
77721132
Phone
+86-755-2222-2222
Note
Swimming pool (5F) closed for maintenance during stay
✓ Confirmed
JW Marriott Hotel Hangzhou
1 night · Marriott Bonvoy · Earning elite night credits
Check-in
Tue, Apr 14 · Evening (arrive HGH 20:05)
Check-out
Wed, Apr 15
Confirmation
94216451
Total
1,174.16 CNY
✓ Confirmed
The St. Regis Beijing
2 nights · Marriott Bonvoy · Earning elite night credits
Check-in
Wed, Apr 15 · Evening (arrive PEK 19:25)
Check-out
Fri, Apr 17
Confirmation
94222386
Total
3,199.50 CNY
✓ Perfect fit: Check out Fri Apr 17 → Great Wall day trip → CX337 evening flight to HKG.
✈ Confirmed
Positioning — PEK → HKG
Friday Apr 17 · Cathay Pacific CX337 · Seat 23-C
7:40 PM
Fri, Apr 17 · PEK
CX337
Cathay Pacific
3h 45m
11:25 PM
Fri, Apr 17 · HKG
Regal Airport Hotel → enclosed bridge → Terminal 1 Saturday morning.
✓ Confirmed
Regal Airport Hotel, Hong Kong
1 night · Connected to HKG Terminal 1 via enclosed bridge
Check-in
Fri, Apr 17 · Late night (arrive HKG 11:25 PM)
Check-out
Sat, Apr 18
Room
Superior Room
Confirmation
RAH10894124197
Total
HKD 1,482.56 (incl. 10% svc + 3% tax)
Perks
Complimentary breakfast buffet for 2, WiFi (8 devices), health club & pool
✈ Confirmed
Return — HKG → ICN → ATL → LGA
Saturday Apr 18 · Duration 23h 21m · Korean Air + Delta · Conf: JONUWX
Transit Visa Routing ✓ — Exit mainland China via Hong Kong to South Korea (ICN), satisfying the 144-hour transit visa requirement to exit to a third country. Positioning flight booked: CX337 PEK 7:40 PM → HKG 11:25 PM (Fri Apr 17).
12:20 PM
Sat, Apr 18 · HKG Terminal 1
DL7772
A330-300 (Korean Air)
3h 45m
5:05 PM
Sat, Apr 18 · ICN Terminal 2
Layover at Seoul-Incheon · 1h 45m
6:50 PM
Sat, Apr 18 · ICN Terminal 2
DL0026
Delta One Classic
A350-900
13h 39m
7:29 PM
Sat, Apr 18 · ATL International
Layover at Atlanta · 2h 1m
9:30 PM
Sat, Apr 18 · ATL Domestic South
DL0520
Delta First Class
A321neo
2h 11m
11:41 PM
Sat, Apr 18 · LGA Terminal C
Schedule
Day by Day
Saturday, April 11
Departure
✈ New York → Seoul → Hong Kong
12:50 AM — Depart JFK
DL7844 (Korean Air) · Boeing 777-300ER
JFK Terminal 1 → Seoul-Incheon Terminal 2 · Overnight flight
💡 Arrive at JFK by 10:30 PM Friday night (Apr 10). Korean Air check-in at Terminal 1.
Sunday, April 12
Arrival Day
📍 Hong Kong → Shenzhen
5:10 AM — Arrive Seoul-Incheon
Layover 2h 55m
10:55 AM — Arrive Hong Kong
HKG Terminal 1
~12:00 PM — Huawei Van Pickup
HKG Airport → Ritz-Carlton Shenzhen
Huawei van from HKG arrivals → Ritz-Carlton Shenzhen. Meet the group at arrivals.
3:00 PM — Hotel Check-in
The Ritz-Carlton Shenzhen
116 Fuhua San Road, Futian District
💡 The Huawei van will handle group transport from HKG to the hotel — but if the timing doesn't work, you can go solo: Airport Express to Kowloon (25 min) → walk to West Kowloon HSR → train to Futian (14 min) → taxi to Ritz-Carlton (2 min, CNY 15). Total ~75 min, ~HKD 200. See the HKG↔Shenzhen Transit guide below for full details.
Monday, April 13
Huawei — Full Day
📍 Shenzhen
Full Day
Huawei
OIF, CNCF, LF AI & Data, PyTorch, React, AAIF, DevRel, LFN, LF Edge, RISC-V
Major engagement — covers virtually all LF foundation areas. This is the anchor meeting of the trip.
Tuesday, April 14
ZTE + Tencent + Evening Flight to Hangzhou
📍 Shenzhen → Hangzhou
Morning
ZTE
CNCF, OIF, LF AI & Data, RISC-V International, LFN
ZTE proposed to accelerate K8S and OpenStack ecosystem integration with RISC-V
Afternoon
Tencent
CNCF, PyTorch, LF AI & Data
17:50 — Depart Shenzhen
SC5619 to Hangzhou ✓
Shenzhen Bao'an (SZX) → Hangzhou Xiaoshan (HGH) · Departs 17:50, Arrives 20:05 · 1× checked bag (20kg)
✓ Seth on SC5619 (group is on CA1734, same time).
Wednesday, April 15
Ant Group + Alibaba Cloud + Evening Flight to Beijing
📍 Hangzhou → Beijing
Morning
Ant Group
OIF, CNCF, LF AI & Data, PyTorch, AAIF
Afternoon
Alibaba Cloud
CNCF, LF AI & Data, RISC-V International, AAIF
Qwen integration with LF AI focused Foundations
17:00 — Depart Hangzhou
SC5589 to Beijing ✓
Hangzhou Xiaoshan (HGH) → Beijing Capital (PEK) · Departs 17:00, Arrives 19:25 · 1× checked bag (20kg)
✓ Seth on SC5589 (group is on CA1721, same time).
Thursday, April 16
ByteDance + BOSC/ISCAS
📍 Beijing
Morning — starting 10:00 AM
ByteDance
CNCF, AAIF, PyTorch, LF Edge
More contribution to LF AI focused Foundations. Late start (10 AM) due to night flight from Hangzhou.
Afternoon
BOSC / ISCAS
RISC-V International
Friday, April 17
Great Wall + Fly to Hong Kong
📍 Beijing → Mutianyu → Hong Kong
8:30 AM — Private Driver Pickup at St. Regis
Mutianyu Great Wall Private Trip 慕田峪长城
GetYourGuide booking GYG99654GZKZ · Jenny's Guide & Driver Service · $146.86 · 8 hours · English-speaking driver. Driver meets you in lobby with name sign. Check out of St. Regis, load luggage in car. 1.5-hour drive to Mutianyu. Cable car up, walk the wall, toboggan down.
Cancellation: free before 8:30 AM Apr 16. Default dropoff is St. Regis — contact Jenny's Guide to request PEK airport dropoff instead. Dress in layers (10-15°C at the wall). Bring water and sunscreen.
~12:30 PM — Depart Mutianyu
Return drive → lunch → PEK Airport
8-hour tour wraps ~4:30 PM. Default return to St. Regis. If airport dropoff arranged, driver takes you straight to PEK (~1 hr from wall). CX337 check-in closes ~6:40 PM. Plenty of buffer either way.
Group Only — Seth at the Great Wall
China Mobile (morning) · BAAI (afternoon)
LFN, OIF, CNCF, PyTorch, AAIF, LF AI & Data, RISC-V International
7:40 PM — Positioning Flight: Beijing → Hong Kong
CX337 Cathay Pacific · PEK → HKG · Seat 23-C
Arrive Hong Kong 11:25 PM. Walk through enclosed bridge to Regal Airport Hotel. Conf: RAH10894124197.
💡 Most of the group departs tonight on UA 889 (PEK 5:25 PM). Seth sees the Great Wall, then catches CX337 at 7:40 PM to Hong Kong. Jonathan & Mark stay for UA 772 on Saturday.
Saturday, April 18
Departure Day
✈ Hong Kong → Seoul → Atlanta → New York
Morning — Relaxed start
Regal Airport Hotel checkout · Complimentary breakfast buffet
Walk through enclosed bridge to Terminal 1 by ~10:00 AM. No cab or shuttle needed.
12:20 PM — Depart Hong Kong
DL7772 (Korean Air) · HKG → ICN
Transit visa exit: Hong Kong → South Korea. Arrive ICN 5:05 PM.
Layover at Seoul-Incheon · 1h 45m
6:50 PM — Depart Seoul-Incheon
DL0026 · Delta One Classic · ICN → ATL
A350-900. Arrive ATL 7:29 PM same day.
Layover at Atlanta · 2h 1m
9:30 PM — Depart Atlanta
DL0520 · Delta First Class · ATL → LGA
A321neo. Arrive LGA Terminal C 11:41 PM. Home.
Before You Go
Technology Preparation Guide

China's Great Firewall blocks most Western services. Here's everything you need to set up before boarding to keep working, coding, paying, and communicating.

What's Blocked Behind the Great Firewall
These services will not work without a VPN in mainland China
Google (all) Gmail Google Drive Slack WhatsApp Signal Discord YouTube Facebook Instagram Twitter/X Telegram Dropbox Notion ChatGPT Claude.ai Spotify NYT / CNN
Accessible (usually, may be slow):
GitHub Stack Overflow npm (slow) Microsoft / Outlook LinkedIn Apple Services iMessage
⌨

Work — React Foundation & Expo

VPN — Install Before Leaving Critical ExpressVPN (#1 for China, Apr 2026) — install apps on laptop + phone, log in, and test before departure. Also consider Astrill VPN as a backup. Download both desktop and mobile clients. You cannot download VPN apps once inside China.
npm / Node packages Run npm install on all projects before departure. npm works in China but can be very slow. Consider configuring a China npm mirror as fallback:
npm config set registry https://registry.npmmirror.com
Expo / React Native Pre-build all Expo projects. Cache Expo dependencies. Expo Go app should be already installed on test devices. Expo EAS builds may fail from China — run any needed builds before departure or via VPN.
Git & GitHub GitHub works (mostly) but raw.githubusercontent.com is often blocked. Clone all active repos before departure. Configure SSH keys for GitHub (more reliable than HTTPS in China).
IDE & Tooling VS Code works fine offline. Ensure all extensions are installed/updated. Copilot may not work without VPN. Download any documentation you'll need for offline reference.
🎮

Play — Side Coding & Entertainment

Side Projects Pre-clone all repos. Run full npm install / yarn on every project. Push all work to GitHub before each coding session ends (while VPN is on).
Offline Documentation Download Dash (macOS) or Zeal (cross-platform) with docsets for React, React Native, Expo, TypeScript, Node.js. These work fully offline.
AI Coding Assistants Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini are all blocked without VPN. When VPN is active, they work normally. For offline: consider downloading local LLM options (Ollama + a small model) as a fallback.
Entertainment Download Netflix/Spotify content offline before departure. YouTube is blocked. Chinese alternatives: Bilibili (video), QQ Music / NetEase Cloud Music (music). The Ritz-Carlton should have international TV channels.
Hotel WiFi The Ritz-Carlton Shenzhen typically has strong WiFi, but VPN speeds will vary. Consider getting a China SIM or eSIM with data as backup — hotel WiFi + VPN can be unreliable during peak hours.
💳

Pay — Eat, Shop, Get Around

WeChat Pay Set up now Download WeChat → go to Me → Services → Wallet → link your Visa/Mastercard. Foreign cards accepted since 2023. Works at ~90% of merchants including street food, convenience stores, and taxis. Single transaction limit: ~6,000 RMB.
Alipay Set up now Download Alipay → register with passport + international phone number → link Visa/Mastercard. Better for transport booking and group deals. Annual limit: ~$50,000 USD. Covers some merchants WeChat doesn't.
Physical Cards Bring a Visa or Mastercard with no foreign transaction fee. Accepted at hotels and larger restaurants. Many smaller vendors are QR-code only. Carry some cash (CNY) — exchange at the airport or use ATMs. Small amounts only (for emergencies/tips).
Transport DiDi (China's Uber) — download the app, link to Alipay/WeChat Pay. Metro: Alipay QR code works on Shenzhen, Hangzhou, and Beijing metro systems. Taxis accept WeChat/Alipay payment.
Navigation & Maps Set up before departure Apple Maps — works natively in China without VPN (uses AutoNavi/Gaode data). Download offline maps for Shenzhen, Hangzhou, and Beijing before departure (Settings → Maps → Offline Maps). Good for walking directions and points of interest.

Gaode Maps (高德地图) — the local gold standard. More accurate transit routing, real-time bus/metro info, and walking directions than Apple Maps. Mostly Chinese UI but has some English. Download as your backup navigation app.

Google Maps — blocked without VPN. Do not rely on it.

Between Apple Maps, Gaode, and DiDi you're fully covered for getting around all three cities.
Tipping Not expected in China. Do not tip at restaurants, hotels, or taxis — it can cause confusion.
📡

Communicate — Stay Connected

VPN-Dependent Messaging Critical Slack, WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram — all blocked without VPN. When VPN drops, you lose messaging. Keep VPN on "always connected" mode. Have a backup plan below.
Works Without VPN iMessage / FaceTime — works over Apple's network. Best for reaching family/US contacts reliably. WeChat — works natively; this is how all local contacts communicate. Email via Outlook/Microsoft — generally works.
China SIM / eSIM Recommended Get an eSIM with data before departure (Airalo, Holafly, or similar). Gives you a local data connection independent of hotel WiFi. Costs ~$15-25 for 7 days. Some eSIM providers include VPN passthrough — check before buying.
WeChat Setup Do this now If you don't already have WeChat: download, register, and get verified by an existing WeChat user BEFORE arrival. New account registration can be difficult in China. WeChat is essential — it's how your Chinese contacts will reach you.
Phone Number Your US number will work via roaming (check with your carrier). For local calls, a local SIM helps. Key numbers: Hotel (+86-755-2222-2222), Travel support (+1 828 731 2962).
Pre-Departure Checklist
Complete before Friday night, April 10. Check off as you go — state saves in this page.
0 / 0 completed
Booking & Logistics — All Confirmed ✓
Apps, Payments & Communication
Developer Environment
Packing & Documents
Day Of — Friday April 10 / Saturday April 11
Practical
Notes & Tips

144-Hour Transit Visa

Entry & Exit Requirements You are entering China via Hong Kong (no visa required) and must exit to a third country/region within 144 hours to use the transit visa-free policy. Your routing satisfies this: Entry at Shenzhen (Futian Port), transit through mainland (Shenzhen → Hangzhou → Beijing), exit via Hong Kong to South Korea (ICN), onward to US.
Key Documents Keep your US passport and printed onward itinerary (HKG → ICN → ATL → LGA) readily accessible at all border crossings. Have proof of your return flight booking.
Entry Point Shenzhen (Futian/Lo Wu Port) when arriving Apr 12. Your group will cross via Huawei van.
Exit Point Beijing PEK → Hong Kong HKG via CX337 (Apr 17, 7:40 PM). You exit mainland China when you fly from Beijing to Hong Kong. Then depart HKG internationally on Apr 18 at 12:20 PM.
Border Crossing Hours Futian Port: 06:30–22:30 daily. Lo Wu Port: 06:30–23:30 daily. You arrive on Sunday (moderate crowds expected).

Hong Kong ↔ Shenzhen Transit — Complete Guide

April 12 Arrival — Handled by Huawei Van Huawei is sending a van to HKG Airport to pick up the entire group and drive to the Ritz-Carlton Shenzhen. Just meet the group at arrivals. But — if plans change, if you miss the van, or if you need to make this trip independently at any point during the week (e.g., returning from Beijing to HKG on Apr 17), here are three routes:
RECOMMENDED Route 1: High-Speed Rail via West Kowloon ~1 hr 15 min · ~HKD 200 total
Step 1: From HKG Airport arrivals, follow signs to Airport Express (MTR). Buy ticket to Kowloon Station. ~25 min, HKD 100.
Step 2: At Kowloon Station, follow signs to West Kowloon High-Speed Rail Station (~10 min walk through connected walkway, well-signed).
Step 3: At West Kowloon, go through Hong Kong exit immigration and China entry immigration (both in the same station — this is a co-located checkpoint).
Step 4: Board high-speed train to Shenzhen Futian Station. Only 14 minutes, ~CNY 75. Trains run frequently.
Step 5: Exit Futian Railway Station and grab a taxi from the rank right outside — ~2 minutes, ~CNY 15 ($2) to the Ritz-Carlton. Show the driver: 丽思卡尔顿酒店，福华三路116号
Why this route: Fastest. Immigration is handled in the station (no separate border crossing). Airport to hotel in about 75 minutes. The 14-minute train ride is the quickest border crossing possible. Skip the walk at the end — taxi from station to hotel is $2.
ALTERNATIVE Route 2: MTR East Rail Line → Futian Port ~2 hrs · ~HKD 150 total
Step 1: Airport Express to Tsim Sha Tsui Station (~30 min, HKD 100). Get an Octopus card at the airport station — it works on all HK transit.
Step 2: Transfer to the East Rail Line at East Tsim Sha Tsui (short walk). Ride to Lok Ma Chau Station (terminus, ~45 min).
Step 3: At Lok Ma Chau, follow signs to Futian Port. Complete Hong Kong exit immigration → walk across the pedestrian bridge over the Shenzhen River → complete China entry immigration at Futian Port.
Step 4: Inside Futian Port, follow signs down to Shenzhen Metro Line 4 (Longhua Line). Ride to Convention & Exhibition Center (会展中心) station — just 2 stops.
Step 5: Exit the metro at Convention & Exhibition Center. The Ritz-Carlton is a 5-minute walk — exit toward Fuhua San Road. The hotel is directly adjacent to the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center.
Why this route: Good backup if high-speed rail is sold out. Also useful if you're coming from central Hong Kong (Tsim Sha Tsui) rather than the airport.
DIRECT BUS Route 3: Cross-Boundary Bus from HKG Airport ~1.5 hrs · ~HKD 150-200
Step 1: At HKG Airport arrivals, go to the cross-boundary coach counter (follow signs for "Mainland Coaches" in the arrivals hall, near Gates A).
Step 2: Buy a ticket to Huanggang Port or Shenzhen Bay Port. Operators include CTS (中旅), Eternal East, and Trans-Island. Buses run every 15-30 min. ~HKD 150-200.
Step 3: The bus drops you at the border. Complete Hong Kong exit and China entry immigration at the port.
Step 4: On the Shenzhen side, take a taxi to the Ritz-Carlton (~CNY 20-40 depending on port). Tell the driver: "丽思卡尔顿酒店，福华三路" (Lìsī Kǎ'ěrdùn jiǔdiàn, Fúhuá sān lù).
Why this route: No transfers. Just get on a bus at the airport. But slower due to border queuing and less predictable timing. Best if you have heavy luggage and don't want to navigate metro transfers.
Border Crossing Hours Futian Port: 06:30 – 22:30 daily
Lo Wu Port: 06:30 – 23:30 daily
West Kowloon HSR: ~06:30 – 23:00 (train schedule dependent)
Huanggang Port: 24 hours (bus may not be 24hr though)
You arrive Sunday — expect moderate crowds at the border.
What You Need at the Border US Passport with 6+ months validity
Printed onward itinerary (HKG → ICN → ATL → LGA) for transit visa
Hotel confirmation printout
Arrival card (filled out at the border or on the train)
Tip: Have the hotel address in Chinese on your phone: 深圳市福田区福华三路116号 丽思卡尔顿酒店
The Ritz-Carlton Shenzhen — Location Reference Address: 116 Fuhua San Road, Futian District, Shenzhen 518048
Chinese: 深圳市福田区福华三路116号
Nearest Metro: Convention & Exhibition Center (会展中心) — Lines 1 & 4. The hotel is ~5 min walk from Exit B or C.
Landmark: Adjacent to the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center, in the heart of Futian CBD.
Phone: +86-755-2222-2222

Intercity Travel

Shenzhen → Hangzhou (Apr 14 evening) SC5619 — SZX 17:50 → HGH 20:05. ✓ Booked for Seth. Group is on CA1734 (same time). Includes 1× checked bag (20kg).
Hangzhou → Beijing (Apr 15 night) SC5589 — HGH 17:00 → PEK 19:25. ✓ Booked for Seth. Group is on CA1721 (same time). Includes 1× checked bag (20kg).
Booking Apps Trip.com (Ctrip) — works in China, English interface, accepts foreign cards. Good for flights, trains, hotels. Qunar — Chinese alternative for cheap flights.

Traveling With

Group Members You're traveling with:
Jim (JZ) Jonathan (JB) Mark (MC) Chris (AJ) Matt (MG) Arpit (AJ) Mazin (HL)

Meeting Context

Key AI Companies in China DeepSeek, Moonshot (Kimi), Minimax, Manus — relevant to discussions around LF AI & Data, PyTorch, and AAIF foundations.
Discussion Topics AI tools and component projects worth discussing. Proposal on hosting a round table with major AI companies.
Trip Purpose China Huawei ByteDance initiative — Linux Foundation engagement across CNCF, OIF, LF AI & Data, PyTorch, React, AAIF, DevRel, LFN, LF Edge, RISC-V International.

Practical Tips

Weather Mid-April in Shenzhen: warm & humid (24-30°C / 75-86°F). Hangzhou: mild (15-25°C). Beijing: pleasant but dry (10-22°C). Pack layers.
Power China uses Type A/C/I outlets. US plugs (Type A) work in most Chinese outlets. Bring a universal adapter to be safe. Hotel will have outlets.
Time Zone China Standard Time (CST) = UTC+8. New York EDT = UTC-4. China is 12 hours ahead of New York.
Language Mandarin is the primary language. English is limited outside business contexts and international hotels. Have translation apps ready — the Google Translate offline Chinese pack should be downloaded before departure (requires VPN to use in China otherwise). Apple Translate works offline natively.