China

Welcome to China, a vast and diverse country that offers visitors:

• Rich historical heritage spanning thousands of years
• Breathtaking natural landscapes from mountains to deserts
• Vibrant modern cities showcasing cutting-edge architecture and technology
• Unique and diverse culinary traditions across different regions
• A blend of ancient traditions and rapid modernization

Some History First

China’s history is one of the world’s oldest and most complex:

• Ancient Civilizations: Evidence of human habitation dates back over 2 million years
• Imperial Dynasties: From the Qin (221 BCE) to the Qing (1912 CE), China was ruled by various imperial dynasties
• The Great Wall: Construction began over 2,000 years ago, spanning multiple dynasties
• Modern Era:
  • Republic of China established in 1912
  • People’s Republic of China founded in 1949
• Economic Reforms: Beginning in 1978, leading to rapid modernization and economic growth

China Today

Modern China is a country of contrasts:

• Population: World’s most populous country with over 1.4 billion people
• Economy: Second-largest economy globally, known for manufacturing and technological innovation
• Urban Development: Rapid urbanization with over 160 cities of 1 million+ inhabitants
• Technology: Leader in areas such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and e-commerce
• Environmental Challenges: Addressing air pollution and promoting sustainable development
• Cultural Preservation: Efforts to maintain traditional culture amidst rapid modernization

Is China Safe?

China is generally considered safe for tourists, but it’s important to:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Guard against petty theft in tourist hotspots
• Respect local laws and customs, which may differ significantly from your home country
• Be cautious when crossing streets, as traffic rules are often loosely followed
• Avoid drinking tap water; stick to bottled or boiled water

Where is China?

China is strategically located in East Asia:

• Borders: 14 countries, including Russia, India, and Vietnam
• Coastline: Approximately 14,500 km along the Pacific Ocean
• Size: Fourth-largest country by land area (9.6 million km²)
• Terrain: Diverse, including mountains, deserts, plains, and over 14,000 km of coastline
• Major Cities: Beijing (capital), Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing

What is the Best Time to Visit China?

The best time to visit China depends on the regions you plan to explore:

• Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October):
  • Generally the best seasons for most of China
  • Comfortable temperatures and less rainfall
  • Beautiful spring blossoms or autumn foliage
• Summer (June to August):
  • Hot and humid in most parts
  • Good for visiting northern regions and mountains
  • Peak tourist season, especially for domestic travel
• Winter (November to March):
  • Cold in most parts, especially in the north
  • Ideal for winter sports and seeing snow-covered landscapes
  • Lower prices and fewer crowds at major attractions
• Key events:
  • Chinese New Year (January/February, dates vary)
  • National Day Golden Week (October 1-7)

How to Get to China & Around

China is well-connected both internationally and domestically:

• By Air:
  • Major international airports in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other large cities
  • Extensive domestic flight network
• By Train:
  • High-speed rail network connecting major cities
  • More scenic and economical than flying for many routes
• By Bus:
  • Extensive network for intercity travel
  • Economical but can be time-consuming for long distances
• Getting Around Cities:
  • Metros in major cities – efficient and easy to navigate
  • Taxis – abundant but language can be a barrier
  • DiDi (similar to Uber) – available in many cities
  • Bicycles – many cities have bike-sharing systems

Things to Do in China

Discover top attractions and activities in China:

China offers a wealth of attractions and experiences:

• Historical Sites:
  • Walk the Great Wall of China near Beijing
  • Explore the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace
  • See the Terracotta Army in Xi’an
• Natural Wonders:
  • Cruise the Li River in Guilin
  • Trek through the Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan
  • Visit the pandas in Chengdu
• Modern Marvels:
  • Admire Shanghai’s futuristic skyline from The Bund
  • Visit the 798 Art District in Beijing
  • Ride the high-speed train between major cities
• Cultural Experiences:
  • Watch a traditional Chinese opera
  • Take a tai chi class in a local park
  • Learn to make dumplings in a cooking class

Where To Stay In China

China offers accommodations for every budget and preference:

• Luxury Hotels:
  • The Peninsula in Beijing or Shanghai
  • Amanyangyun in Shanghai for a blend of history and luxury
• Mid-Range Hotels:
  • International chains like Marriott and Hilton are widely available
  • Local chains such as Atour offer good value
• Budget Options:
  • Youth hostels in major cities and tourist areas
  • Guesthouses in smaller towns and rural areas
• Unique Stays:
  • Traditional courtyard hotels (Siheyuan) in Beijing
  • Cave hotels in Cappadocia-like landscapes of Shanxi

What To Eat In China

Chinese cuisine is diverse and varies greatly by region:

• Must-try dishes:
  • Peking Duck in Beijing
  • Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) in Shanghai
  • Sichuan Hotpot in Chengdu
  • Dim Sum in Guangzhou
• Regional Specialties:
  • Lanzhou Hand-pulled Noodles
  • Xi’an Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger)
  • Yunnan’s Cross-bridge Rice Noodles
• Street Food:
  • Jianbing (savory crepes)
  • Chuanr (meat skewers)
• Drinks:
  • Various types of tea (green, oolong, pu’er)
  • Baijiu, a strong Chinese spirit

Entry & Exit Requirements

Before traveling to China, be aware of the entry requirements:

• Visa: Most foreigners need a visa to enter China
• Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay
• Visa-free transit: Available for certain nationalities in specific cities for limited durations
• Health requirements: Check for any current health-related entry requirements
• Registration: Foreigners must register their place of residence with local police within 24 hours of arrival

What To Pack For Your Trip

Essential items for your China adventure:

• Clothing:
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Modest clothing for visiting religious sites
  • Layer-able clothing for variable weather
• Technology:
  • Universal travel adapter
  • VPN service for accessing blocked websites
  • Portable charger
• Health & Hygiene:
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
  • Toilet paper (not always provided in public restrooms)
  • Any prescription medications (with doctor’s note)
• Communication:
  • Mandarin phrasebook or language app
  • Business cards of your hotel (in Chinese characters)
• Miscellaneous:
  • Pollution mask for large cities
  • Chopsticks for practice
  • Cash (ATMs may not always accept foreign cards)

Remember to check specific requirements for the regions you’ll be visiting, as China’s climate and terrain vary greatly across the country.

FAQs