China Travel Guide

Why travel to China?

China is a cradle of one of ancient civilization, with its known history beginning with one of the world's earliest, date back to 5000 years.

It’s pockets of charm, an array of landscapes and attractions to suit all kinds of traveler, as well as unique cultural experiences you will never forget, there are dozens reasons you should put China on your travel list.

1.You’ll Never Truly Get it until we show you around

You've been hearing a lot about China from newspaper, magazine, others anecdote, etc. prepare to have your preconceptions shattered. Indeed, it’s easy to get an inaccurate picture of China from “what they say.” : shortage of efficiency (get in touch the dramatic develop pace) , animosity toward westerners(daily conversation with local people to know how honesty and friendly they are). these media fragments give a hazy, distorted view.

Yet you still only have a vague and general notion about this mystique country that is home to a fifth of the world's population. Why not join us to see for yourself?

Though there are some challenge you may counter, namely, language barrier, culture shock.

China can be even exhausting destination for the first-time visitor.

But approached wisely, especially with the help of professionals, China is as uplifting as it is intriguing. It is also an essential stop for anyone hoping to learn more about the awakening giant, second economy, the direction of world in the future.

Forbidden city and proximity

2.The Vast and Diverse Landscape

Whether you love cities or village dwellings, hiking mountains, cruising rivers or trekking through forests, China’s vast and diverse landscape means that there is something for everyone. The rural plains in the southern provinces area are a welcome contrast to the hectic and huge sprawling cities of Beijing and Shanghai. For the adventure seekers there are plenty of mountain ranges (mainly found in southwestern China) including Emei Shan, Mian Shan, Wu Tai Shan and Wudang Shan. Walk along ancient city walls in Pingyao and X’ian, wander through local villages or slow travel down the Yangtze River on a two day cruise.

Others will be keen to learn more about China’s 5,000-year-old civilization. That is best viewed through the country’s museums and monuments, from the first emperor’s Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an to the palace of Last two dynasties in Beijing’s Forbidden City.

Those who come seeking glimpses of daily life should plan a slower-paced itinerary building in time to walk the city’s backstreets and explore the public parks, a traditional teahouse, a fascination antique handcraft factory, or observing the pious religious people in a quiet temple.

3.An unexpected welcome by the Kindest people

The people of China are some of the kindest in the world. They are genuinely interested in talking with westerners, are very inquisitive and intrigued by foreigners and are honest.

You may find yourself surprisingly popular when Chinese tourists at breathtaking sites like the Temple of Heaven or The Great Wall wanted to take pictures of you. Some of your favorite memories of China may be these fun picture-taking interactions.

In general, China is much friendlier than you would expect. As new generations emerge, the old antagonism towards the West seems long forgotten, replaced by open, friendly, helpfulness.

Choose Best time to come

The best weather is during spring (March until May, but avoid Easter) and autumn (late September to early November) but hotel rates are higher at those times.

some will prefer to avoid the three main Chinese public holidays: Chinese New Year (also called Spring Festival, usually falling in late January or early February), May holiday (the first week of May) and National Day (the first week of October). Tourist attractions become very crowded at this time.

If you are after China's traditional and ethnic culture, and are fond of colorful local pageantry, you will want to see China's major traditional and ethnic festivals. The form below might help you to plan your journey.

Transportations

Airline

Be aware the difference of the baggage allowance.

China’s air network is extensive and airports are regularly being built and upgraded. On domestic flights, economy passengers usually have a free baggage allowance of 20kg and 5kg of hand luggage. Excess baggage charges can be steep.

Train

China has taken rail travel into the modern age with punctual high-speed networks crisscrossing the country.

Some particularly good rail routes include between Beijing and Shanghai (the express train takes just 4 hour and 45 minutes); Shanghai to Hangzhou; Shanghai to Suzhou; Beijing to Xi’an, and Chengdu to Chongqing. That can diminish the travel time to a quarter of the normal speed train.

Taxi

It is easy to hail a cab in big cities. Taxis are metered, inexpensive and plentiful but few drivers speak English so it will be necessary to take the hotel card with you or ask someone write Chinese characters of your destination and the name of your hotel for the return journey. Note that traffic can become very congested in big cities, particularly during rush hour, so travel time hard to predict according to the distance.

Underground

Beijing and Shanghai both have excellent metro systems, which are user-friendly, cheap, quick and reliable. Make sure you get on and off at the accurate stop, transfer between different line by checking the metro map stick on the coach wall.

A bonus of layover – 72 Hours visa free.

It is possible to make a stopover in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian, Sheyang and Xi’an without a visa for stays of up to 72 hours. Visitors require an outbound plane ticket to another country scheduled for a departure within 72 hours and with valid travel documents for that destination.

Furious secrete animal on the copper vat

When you in Rome-social code & etiquette

Dress code

The Chinese dress casually and modestly. Nowadays many Men like wear shorts in summer except at a formal banquet or conference (wearing slipper is considered inappropriate in the occasion of theater, hotel). when visiting temples – do not take photo in front of the statues.

Cultural challenges

Curiosity of Foreigners is no longer prevailing all over china. The challenges becoming less.

Language

The official Chines dialect is Mandarin, which has its origins in Beijing. Whilst the country has many distinct dialects, Mandarin is the teaching medium across all schools in China. The use of English is becoming more common in big cities, the street sign and subway stop name All written in bilingual.

Food

Each region of China has a different cuisine. In the north it is hearty, heavier food based around wheat rather than rice. Typical dishes include steamed dumplings, noodles, spring rolls and Peking duck, as well as Mongolian barbecue and hotpot. Shanghai boasts excellent seafood and the renowned xiaolongbao, a soup-filled steamed dumpling. In the west, the key ingredient in spicy Sichuanese food is fiery red chillies. The southern region around Guangdong is famed for Cantonese food and is home to dim sum.

Although vegetarianism is not widespread in China there are plenty of delicious vegetable and tofu dishes. Adventurous eaters should explore the night-time food markets with their busy stalls and lively atmosphere. Most eateries will not have English menus but guests can point at ingredients on display or at fellow guests' dishes.

Currency

The national currency is the yuan or renminbi. Major credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger establishments. Most currencies and traveller’s cheques are easy to cash. ATM machines are widely available.

Tipping

It is customary to tip guides, drivers and porters. A guideline amount is 100 Yuan per day for local guides, 50 Yuan per day for drivers and 5 Yuan per bag for porters. Tipping at hotels, restaurants and in taxis is discretionary (average approximately 10 per cent of the fee).

Local Chinese currency, the Renminbi (RMB) also known as the Yuan or Kuai, can be withdrawn from cash machines. Credit cards are not accepted everywhere. As some local restaurant, theatre, or street shops.

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