China is a nation that’s changing rapidly. The country has grown to be an economic super-power at an unparalleled speed, and its fascinating history is quickly turning into a narrative of modernization. But despite this it is still seen as a challenging country for Western travellers to access. There are quite noticeable differences in mindset, the language can be seen as difficult, and the entry process can seem overly bureaucratic.
The paths of China tourism are well worn and for good reason. Over 5,000 years of history has produced some of the world’s greatest treasures; The Great Wall of China, Xian’s Terracotta Army, the Forbidden Palace, Tiananmen Square and some 33 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Take a trip down the Yangtze River, join in some early morning tai chi or celebrate with the locals during Chinese New Year when you can enjoy parades, lantern shows and lion dances.
If you do travel to China you will be rewarded, and afterwards, you’ll find other destinations in Asia like Thailand a breeze.
Check out my China backpacking guide which is jam-packed full of all the information you could hope for before you travel including fast facts, best time to go, what to do, budget and prices, events, attractions, phrases and so much more.
China Travel Booking Resources
These are my favourite companies to use when I travel.
• Search cheap flights with Skyscanner.
• Find the best deals on hotels on Booking.com.
China Facts
Population
Just over 1.4 billion people
Languages Spoken
The official language is Mandarin (Putonghua) but there are also regional languages including Cantonese, Shanghaiese, Fuzhou, Hokkien-Taiwanese, Xiang, Gan and Hakka.
Currency
The official currency in China is the Renminbi and the basic unit is the more widely recognised Yuan (also known as the kuai). Yuan Renminbi (RMB or CHY) – Symbol: 元.
Electricity
The electrical current in China is 220V and the cycle is 50Hz. You will need a converter if you have appliances that don’t accept this voltage.
Time Zones
GMT +8
Country Dialling Code
+86
Weights & Measures
Metric
Weather
The Chinese climate varies from region to region since the country is massive! In the northeast the summers are hot and dry and the winters are freezing cold. The north and central regions have frequent bouts of rain coupled with hot summers and cold winters. In the southeast there is plenty of rainfall, semi-tropical summers and cool winters. Flooding can occur in the central, southern and western regions and the country in general can experience earthquakes.
When to Go
The weather in China is best in spring, from March to April or autumn from September to October. Keen to experience Chinese New Year? Then you’ll need to be prepared in advance; hotels and flights are booked out around this time (usually the end of January of the beginning of February).
Visa Requirements
Tourism Visa
Most nationalities need a visa to visit mainland China, and this must be obtained prior to arrival from your local embassy. Once in China you need to register where you’re staying within the first 24 hours. If you’re staying at a hotel this is done on your behalf when you check in. If you’re intending to stay longer than 6 months you’re required to produce a health certificate that includes a blood test for HIV. If you’re travelling to Hong Kong from mainland China you’ll need a double or multiple entry visa to gain re-entry to the mainland.
Working Holiday Visa
China doesn’t currently have any working holiday agreements with other countries but it is possible to work here. Lots of foreigners work teaching English, whilst there are plenty of opportunities to teach in China or volunteer in China. You could do your bit for Panda Conservation, teach English, or aid the community by lending a much-appreciated hand to local projects.
How to Get to China
Travelling from London to Beijing takes approximately 10 hours. You can get the cheapest flights to China if you book online in-advance. You could also include China on a Round the World ticket.
Airports
Beijing Airport
Beijing airport is located 28 km northeast of the city. Jump in a taxi for the 40-minute journey at a cost of around ¥140 to the city centre. There are various airport bus routes operating too and you’ll pay only ¥16 to travel on one. There is an airport express subway line now open as well which costs ¥25 and gets you straight to the city.
Guangzhou Airport
Guangzhou airport is 31 km northeast of Guangzhou. If you take a cab you can expect the journey to be anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour at a cost of ¥120 or more. A number of buses are available and will cost up to ¥40 depending on your destination.
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport
Shanghai airport is 16 km southwest of the city and is served mainly by domestic flights. There are two cabs types, for short and long distances. A cab to the city will take around half an hour and costs about Y¥5.
Shanghai Pudong Airport
Shanghai Pudong airport is located 30 km southeast of the city. A cab will cost around ¥50 to the city centre and takes around 45 minutes. There are various airport buses and these should cost no more than ¥50 depending on your destination. You can also take the Maglev Train Service, which speeds along at 430 kph and costs only ¥50, connecting the airport with the metro line.
Getting Around
Air
China’s immense size means that long-distance domestic travel is best done by air and there are a number of airlines to choose from. Be sure to book well in advance for travel during April, May, September or October and confirm your seats before travelling as flights are often overbooked.
Water
Ferries travel regularly between mainland China and Hong Kong and there are also coastal ferries operating between the larger coastal areas. The larger rivers, such as the Yangtze, also have river ferries.
Rail
Rail transport is a good way of getting around China as it is generally cheap, safe and the cities are well linked. There are various seat types (hard and soft seats or sleepers) so choose well, you’ll want to be comfortable while travelling those vast distances.
Road
If you’re wanting to self-drive you can, but it’s difficult. A three-month residency permit and driving test are required in order to gain a local licence before you can drive. It’s easier to hire a car and driver for your trip, or to take a bus. Again, remember there are often vast distances between the main cities, in some cases over 1,000 km, so be prepared!
Cities
Metro systems in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and other cities make travel relatively cheap and easy and buses operate in most regions as well. Taxis are available in the larger cities but be careful to check firstly that the taxi has a meter, and secondly that it is turned on. If not then make sure you agree on the fare before setting off. It’s an advantage to have your destination written in Chinese so that taxi driver can read it (most don’t speak English) and most hotels will provide this and a list of key attractions.
Tours
Organised tours are a great way to see the sites and soak up the local culture – especially if you’re travelling alone, are a first-time traveller or don’t speak Mandarin. Browse group tours with G Adventures who offer lots of trips to destinations throughout the country.
Attractions in China
In terms of things to do and see, China has it all. Beautiful sites, ancient history, plenty of activities from acrobatic arts to scuba diving. One thing you are unlikely to be in China is bored!
Providing an in-depth description of the many attractions is a serious task, but here is a smattering of the best. This is just a taste of what this great country has to offer!
Among the sparkly new sports centres, shopping malls and hotels built for the 2008 Olympic Games, you’ll find the traditional elements of Beijing that continue to draw people to the city. Tiananmen Square is a focal point, home to the Great Hall of the People, China’s parliament, the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, where the body of Chairman Mao rests, and the Monument to the People’s Heroes, an obelisk depicting major events of the revolution.
Shanghai
Get swept up in China’s richest city, complete with futuristic skyscrapers, glitzy bars and restaurants, hotels, and shopping malls. Hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world throng to Shanghai to see for themselves its great economic impulse, distinctive attractions and to savour its unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures. Head to the Yu Gardens and Bazaar for a spot the traditional, where souvenir shops and eating-houses are packed together in brightly coloured alleys.
The bustling metropolis Hong Kong is a must visit destination for any China itinerary. With sightseeing, shopping and boat trips to explore the 200+ islands, you won’t run out of things to do here.
Xi’an
Xi’an is home to the famous Terracotta Warriors and the Tomb of Emperor Qin. Xi’an was once the capital of China so there is plenty of history to get wrapped up in here. You should also pay a visit to the Bell Tower, which marks the beginning of the Silk Road, and the Tang Murals in the Shaanxi Museum of History.
Guilin
Natural scenery is in abundance in Guilin, which lies on the Li River banks. The city is also home to many ethnic minorities such as the Zhuang, Yao, Hui, Maio, Mulao, Maonan and Dong, adding cultural flair and traditional flavour. While you’re in Guilin venture up one of the many hills – Brocade, Fubo or Elephant Trunk Hill among others to enjoy the view.
Yangtze River
The Yangtze River is the world’s third largest after the Nile and the Amazon, snaking from the west, through mountains and cities, to the East China Sea a full 6,300 km later. Visit the great number of sites and cities along its banks including Chongqing City, Fengdu, Wanxian, Shennong Streem, Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam, Yichang city and Wuhan city.
Jiuzhaigou
The Jiuzhaigou Valley is a UNSECO natural heritage site named for the nine Tibetan villages that are located there. Visitors are provided with picturesque scenery, endangered wildlife and an insight into the life of the locals who have made the valley their home. Wild pandas number less than 20 in this region making the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base in Chengdu so important. The base is open to visitors and houses over 60 pandas, nearly all born and bred in the base.
Lijiang
Lijiang, a UNESCO cultural heritage site, is located in southern China. It’s an ancient town inhabited by the Naxi people, with a history goes back over 1,300 years. The scenery is picturesque, from the towering Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to Tiger Leaping Gorge. According to legend this is the spot where a tiger leapt over the narrowest part of the gorge (still 25 m wide) to escape a hunter. Take a step back in time in Lijiang.
Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie is slowly moving up the ranks as a visitor hotspot. The jewel in its crown is the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a world heritage site due to its lush greenery, unique sandstone pillar formations, crystal clear waters, and a diverse range of wildlife including some endangered species. Sights to see include the Zhangjiajie Forest Park, Suoxi Vale, and Tianzi Mountain.
Hangzhou
Described as ‘Paradise on Earth’, Hangzhou, 120 miles south of Shanghai, is a busy tourist attraction. The prettiest area is West Lake with its weeping willows, peach trees, stone bridges and painted pavilions.
Wuxi
Encircled by Yangtse River, Wuxi is famous for the Huangshan Mountain, a stunning array of rocky precipices springs and lakes. There’s a cable car to the top. Boat trips in the area are also a popular attraction.
Hohhot
This is the capital of Inner Mongolia and the place to go for something completely different. The steppe outside Hohhot is a place of vast grasslands where visitors can stay in traditional yurts and experience traditional culture, including horse riding, archery and wrestling.
Fuzhou
On the banks of the Min River in Fujian Province this is a place of parks, temples and hot springs. It also has a famous lacquer-ware factory. Nearby Drum Mountain has 2,500 steps to the summit as well as excellent caves, forested walking trails and the ancient Buddhist Yongquan Temple.
Suzhou
This is one of China’s oldest cities, with riverside streets and famous water gardens. The city has over 400 historical sites including the Humble Administrator’s Garden and the Linger-Here Garden. There are lots of silk mills and the local embroidery is exquisite.
Shenzen
On the border with Hong Kong, the town is famous for having China’s first McDonald’s. The World of Splendid China, a theme park with the best bits of the entire country in miniature, including replicas of traditional buildings, authentic food and folk dancing.
Kunming
Known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ it’s home to Xi Shan, the holy mountain, and the petrified limestone forest of Shilin. Lijiang, 75 miles away is famous for the wooden houses of the Naxi, whose traditional religion includes witchcraft.
Top Activities & Things to Do in China
Walk Along the Great Wall of China
With a history dating back centuries, the Great Wall is one of the most impressive structures the world has seen.
Snaking over rugged landscape and steep mountains, the wall spans an impressive 13,170 miles long. The structure we know today was built by the Ming dynasty, making it around 500 years old. While a hugely impressive structure and good deterrent, the wall is said to never have stopped an invasion!
Many sections of the Great Wall provide good walking opportunities, with the Badaling section, 47 miles northwest of Beijing being one of the easiest bits of this 3375 mile structure to visit. This section has guard rails and a cable car. Visit nearby Chengde, where the emperors went to escape the summer heat, a lovely mountain retreat with temples and parks.
Explore the Ancient Forbidden City
Located in the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City (officially known as the palace museum) was so called because it was only opened to the public in 1949. Within its walls is a collection of amazingly well preserved ancient buildings which were once home to two dynasties of emperors, the Ming and the Qing.
See the Terracotta Warriors
The same first emperor of China’s Qin dynasty who built the Great Wall in the 3rd century BC, also commissioned an 8000-strong army of lifesize pottery soldiers, to guard him in his subterranean mausoleum. Xi’an’s world-famous Terracotta Army, only discovered in 1974, has become one of China’s most impressive visitor attractions.
Housed under a protective hangar-like roof, each of the still, silent troops has individual character and expression. So much so, in fact, that a German visitor jumped over the barrier a few years ago disguised as a terracotta solider and stood with the others, as a dare, and wasn’t spotted for several hours.
Harbin Ice Festival
Harbin’s an unfairly neglected stop. In the far north of China, it’s quite unlike the rest of the country-partly because it was built-up in the 1920’s by Russian nobles who’d fled Communism. The main (pedestrian) street is more like Petersburg than Peking. Harbin is most famous for the Ice Festival (Jan-Feb)-a huge outdoor event, which attracts visitors from all over the world. This is one of the best events to experience in Asia and the world!
Mount Tai Shan
Shandong Province’s Mount Tai Shan has the Ladder to Heaven as the 6,660 steps to the top are known, which have been climbed by Confucius, Mao and millions of others. It’s said that you’ll live to a hundred if you make it to the top. For serious, experienced climbers, an eight-day trek from Dingri on the Tibet-Nepal Friendship Highway leads to the Mt. Everest base camp at the foot of the Rongbuk Glacier.
Hike the Silk Road
The ancient Silk Road has a history of over 2,000 years and played a major part in trading and the exchange of ideas in early times. The old Silk Road started from Xian in the east and extended to Rome, Italy in the west, and earns its name from the extensive Chinese silk trade (the main reason for which the road was created). The Silk Road had a total length of over 8,000 km, with over half within Chinese territory. There is much to see and learn along the length of this historic Road.
Panda Watching
The Wolong Nature Reserve in northern Sichuan Province is the last place where giant pandas roam freely among rhododendrons, birch, maple and of course, bamboo.
Caving
Zhijin, China’s largest cave is a four-hour drive northwest of Guiyang. There are six miles of stalagmites and stalactites, with chambers over 500 feet high.
Horse Riding
Popular guided treks are available in Songpan in Sichuan and Hailuo Gou glacier park. Horses can be hired in many places.
Cycling
Bikes are everywhere in China and generally easy to hire. If you’re planning to travel long distances between towns, you need to check the position on going through areas closed to tourists. Many travel companies arrange organized bike tours.
T’ai Chi
Anyone can join in the early morning t’ai chi sessions that take place in most town parks.
And that isn’t even half the story. There is still kayaking, white-river rafting, skiing, scuba diving, and all those fabulous cultural activities, like acupuncture, herbal medicine studies and calligraphy. What a place!
Money & Budget
The Chinese currency is the Renminbi or Yuan, and the exchange rate is approximately 10.43 yuan renminbi = £1.
Sample Prices
If you’re on a tight budget you’ll find you’ll get good value for money in China, especially in comparison to western countries. As in most places the prices in the cities are more expensive, and the prices of everything (as well as availability) go up around the time of holidays and festivals.
However, stick to a budget and you’ll be right as rain – here are some sample prices to help you:
• Chinese tea = Longjing Tea, the most famous green tea in china, costs anywhere from ¥60-6000 per 500g but on average you might pay ¥300 per 500g.
• Silk scarf = ¥80
• Jade necklace = while you might not have ¥10,000 spare to spend on one, you’ll be glad to know you can pick up a lovely souvenir jade necklace for ¥50.
• Entrance to the Great Wall = from ¥40 to the Balding Great Wall in Beijing
Panda poo souvenirs = ¥50-200
• Average room prices = ¥50 for a hostel, ¥300 for a mid-range hotel and ¥630 if you’re splashing out!
• Average meal prices = if you’re doing things on the cheap then you can pick up a meal for as little as ¥40, a meal in an expensive city restaurant will set you back ¥200 or more.
These prices are in Chinese renminbi yuan, and are subject to change.
Tipping
Tipping isn’t essential in China. Hotel staff and bellboys may be used to tips from travellers but elsewhere it is neither expected nor required. Some restaurants and larger hotels charge a service fee so you don’t need to tip on top of this. Tipping taxi drivers isn’t required.
Banking
Banks are generally open from 9 am till 4 or 5 pm and some will close for lunch from midday until 1 pm. All major credit cards are widely accepted in the cities but ATMs are not so widespread outside of the airport, shopping centres and large hotels. If taking traveller’s cheques these are best in US dollars.
China Travel Tips
Have an awesome time while on your trip but remember to respect the local culture in China. Here are a few China travel hints & tips to help you with any possible culture shock!
Family Names
There are over 700 family names and China and about 20 are in use by the majority of Chinese. The order of Chinese names is last name first, then given name. For example the family name of Chinese basketball player Yao Ming is Yao.
Weather Tips
Eastern and southern coastal provinces can experience severe weather conditions during the typhoon season from May to November. Make sure you check before travelling.
Body Temperature Checks
Authorities may give you a body temperature check that identifies any travelling with a fever. Make sure you’ve had all the vaccinations required.
Taxi Tips
Make sure you always use a taxi with a meter. If you happen to jump into one without a meter, jump straight back out! Keep this in mind especially at the airport. Rickshaws and three-wheeled motorbikes are a cheap and fun way to see the city but make sure you negotiate the fare before you set off. It should be about half the cost of a taxi.
Food and Eating Habits
View my article about the best foods to eat in China to find out what the local specialities are. The Chinese tend to be pretty noisy when they eat and you’ll hear a lot of what is taboo in the West – slurping. It’s also very common to see people raising the bowl to their lips and pushing food in with chopsticks. Not only is it the easiest way to eat it but it also shows appreciation, so you can leave your old table manners behind and have a bit of fun with your food in China.
Face
The Chinese consider ‘face’ to be very important, ie someone’s image or reputation. They often won’t say what they mean in case they insult you and you lose face. Keeping your manners in check in China will serve you well and keep an eye on body language to help you understand what’s really going on.
Health and Safety
China health care is excellent in all the larger cities, with internationally trained staff. Communication is no problem as they have English speaking doctors and nurses at hospitals. Medical care is more limited in rural areas – medical equipment and medicines are not as extensive as in the larger cities and chances are you may not get English-speaking staff. Be sure to buy travel insurance before arriving.
Vaccinations
A yellow fever vaccination is required if you’re entering China from an endemic country. Hepatitis A and B shots are strongly recommended and you should ensure your Diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis shots are up to date (get a booster shot if you had these more than 10 years ago). Other vaccinations are also recommended depending on the duration of your trip and what parts of China you’re visiting. Typhoid fever, rabies, Japanese encephalitis or Tuberculosis shots could be required. Check with a doctor before travelling to be sure.
Security
Crime against foreigners happens rarely but it does still occur both in the cities, and in the smaller towns. As in many countries, the major tourist sites can attract thieves so be careful with your passport, cash and possessions. Avoid trekking alone in isolated or sparsely populated areas, including those that follow parts of the Great Wall. If you do intend to do so, it’s best to leave your travel itinerary and anticipated date of return with your accommodation.
Useful Words & Phrases
A few Chinese phrases & words go a long way, especially if you’re in a remote area where very little English might be spoken. Here are a few to give you a head start on the Chinese language:
Hello / goodbye – Ni-hao / Zai jian
Thank you – Xie xie
Will you show me the way to – Qing wen zen mo zou?
Let’s go – Zou ba
How much? – Duo shao qian?
It’s too expensive! – Tai gui le!
Give me a lower price – Pian yi dian
It’s delicious! – Hao chi!
Does this coach go to the Great Wall? – Zhè gè chē qù Chángchéng ma?
I don’t understand what you’re saying – Ting bu dong
Events & Festivals
Chinese New Year (or Spring Festival) starts on the first day of the lunar calendar, which usually falls in February. Although it officially lasts only three days, many people take a week off. Ear plugs are handy at this time to dull the firecracker assaults, and prices of hotel rooms tend to go through the roof.
The Lantern Festival isn’t a public holiday, but it’s big and it’s colourful. It falls on the 15th day of the 1st moon (around mid-Feb to mid-March) and marks the end of the New Year celebrations. The famous lion dances occur throughout this period.
Tomb Sweeping Day is in April, and sees Chinese families spend the day tending the graves of departed loved ones.
Public Holidays
1 Jan – New Year’s Day
9 – 11 February – Chinese Lunar new Year
8 March – International Women’s Day
1 May – International Labour Day (3 days holiday, including Youth day)
22 June – Tueng Ng (Dragon Boat) Festival
1 August – Anniversary of the founding of the PLA
1 Jun – International Children’s Day
1 Jul – Birthday of the Chinese Communist Party
9 September – Mid Autumn Festival
China is an incredible and ginormous country to travel in. It does require a lot of planning, put together an itinerary and try to see as many of the highlights as possible. View my Asia travel tips for more destinations in this region.