ULTIMATE CHINA TRAVEL GUIDE
China is big all over – 1.3 billion people, almost 10 million sq km. But don’t let the size daunt you. Rapidly improving infrastructure has made China easier to travel now than ever before, and areas that were off-limits a few years ago are opening up to all. In China’s eastern coastal region, thronging mega-cites such as Shanghai have hurtled head-first into the 21st century.
But elsewhere you’ll still find people living traditional ways of life, as well as vast swathes of untouched landscapes. Beautiful, diverse Yunnan is a travellers’ favourite. From its steaming jungles on the Laos border to its mountains and renowned Tiger Leaping Gorge near Tibet, this western province of China is packed with spectacular scenery. Just north of Yunnan, Sichuan province is the place to go to see wild pandas and eat the best Chinese food.
If you’d rather go tiger spotting, head to the nature reserves in the region formerly known as Manchuria, in China’s northeast. If you’re after an epic journey, follow the old Silk Road in China’s northwest, beyond the Great Wall along the border with Mongolia. Here you’ll meet ethnic minorities – Turkic-speaking Uighurs, Hui Muslims and Mongols – and have the chance to stay in a yurt on the great steppe lands. Or follow the Yellow River to see magnificent historical buildings in China’s ancient dynastic capitals.
When to go
Domestic tourism is big in China. Steer clear of the two-week-long public holidays at the beginning of May and October when the whole of the country is out visiting. Also, avoid travelling during the week before Chinese New Year (February), when the nation is going home for the holidays and transport services are overstretched.
On the whole, spring and autumn are the most pleasant months, when most of China enjoys calm weather. Certainly, those are the best times to visit Beijing or Shanghai. During the winter Beijing, Xinjiang and the north-east are bitingly cold, but southern destinations such as Yunnan are pleasant. There is no rainy season.
Festivals in China follow the Chinese lunar calendar. After the two-week Spring festival (normally in February), March sees celebrations for Guanyin’s birthday – China’s most popular deity. The Dragon Boat Festival, held in memory of the poet Qu Yuan, is held in June or July. Head to Yunnan Province in mid-April for the Water-splashing festival.
International airports
Beijing (PEK) 26km from the Beijing;
Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) 7km from Guangzhou;
Shanghai Hong Quio (SHA), 12km from Shanghai;
Shanghai-Pudong (PVG) 30km from Shanghai;
Chengdu Shuangliu (CTU) 16km from Chengdu
Getting around
If you China is a country of vast distances. Thanks to an extensive internal air network, these can be quickly covered by plane. Tickets are easy to purchase except during major festivals and holidays.
China’s rail network is fast and efficient, though timetables and signs are not always in English.
Buses are the best way to get from cities into rural areas. Driving across China is currently forbidden to foreign tourists (you need to have a resident’s permit and Chinese driving license to be able to do so). It is possible to rent vehicles for local use in Beijing and Shanghai. Taxis are always available in large towns.
Cycling is a good way to get around; rental booths are common around train stations and tourist centres. Boat services are dwindling, but a trip down the Yangtze remains one of the world’s great river journeys. Plan to fly a lot, and get an air pass with your international ticket before you get to South America. Many Brazilian airlines operate flights throughout the country. The bus system is excellent, and some companies offer overnight travel between the major cities. The Rio-São Paulo shuttle leaves every 15 minutes. To get to more remote destinations, you might consider renting a car. Taxis operate in the cities and are generally cheap.
Food & drink
Chinese cuisine varies greatly from region to region and every town has its speciality (Beijing’s is famously Peking duck). Noodles are predominant in the north, while rice is king in the south. In the east, you’ll find rich, sweet cooking, hot and sour soups and lots of seafood dishes. In the west food is spicy and peppery. Throughout China, street stalls sell mouth-watering delicacies and steamed buns.
Destinations
China is a country with a rich history and culture, making it one of the most fascinating places in the world! Bustling metropolises like Shanghai and Hong Kong are contrasted by breathtaking natural scenery like Zhangjiajie’s “Floating” Peaks and impressive historical sites like The Great Wall of China.
But planning a trip here is not as easy as other destinations worldwide with restrictions on social media apps and a potentially massive culture shock, you’ll need to do your research beforehand to help your trip go smoothly.
