Road travel in China
Cyclists in Beijing
For the road traveller, there is much to see in China. Top places to visit include the ancient cities of the North China Plain, the Himalayan Mountains in Tibet, and the famed Silk Road. Along the way, you get to learn about China`s fascinating history, sample its wonderful regional cuisine, and discover its natural beauty.
We are keen to build up a database of road trips in China. In the past, driving the Chinese country roads was an adventure that required much planning and you needed to well prepared with spare parts for your car should you break down. Now Chinese roads are in much better condition and mechanical support is available. Check out China Road Travel for more information.
There are plenty of excellent hotels to select from, and when you decide on your destination, then there are hotels China is well known for that will meet your accommodation requirements.
Preparing for your China Trip
China has an unrivalled allure for many visitors around the world who visit this country for diverse reasons. As a country with a long history and rich traditions and cultures, there are multiple opportunities for visitors to explore its many facets such as the food, music, natural and historical landmarks, and many others.
Regardless of what is the purpose of your visit to China, it is important that you get yourself well prepared so that you know what to bring and what to expect during your exciting trip. The following useful information and advice about China travel would help inform you about how you should go about preparing for your trip.
Packing essentials
Making preparations for your trip to China regarding what you should bring is essential for an enjoyable trip. A pair of good walking shoes is absolutely essential, especially if you visit the main attractions as there is a lot of walking involved. The Great Wall of China, for example, has many rough surfaces and lots of steps.
You will also be exposed to the elements in open places like the Forbidden City, so an umbrella or raincoat is essential. Insect repellent is also helpful in keeping the pests away during hot summer months. Most importantly, you should dress according to the weather conditions that apply to the specific time and place of your visit.
Some shopping insights
If you are visiting different cities or regions during your trip, it is recommended that you spread your buys out such that you can purchase the unique products of each place. For example, Xinjiang is famous for carpets while Suzhou is well-known for its silk. Do feel free to bargain to get the best prices for your goods, except in malls and department stores.
Dining
No other country elicits strong reactions in its cuisine like China. With a diverse array of regional cuisines that utilize the different parts of plants and animals, be prepared for a gourmet experience like no other. Nonetheless, the many different styles of cooking and preparation result in gourmet masterpieces that are unique to each region. That is the alluring appeal of Chinese cuisine. Tipping is not necessary for most cases, although a service charge will be levied in some restaurants.
Safety and security
China as a whole is a safe country to visit, with many helpful and friendly locals. However do take precaution at night and in crowded places, so do carefully safeguard your belongings and valuables and keep them where they are visible. Be careful not to flaunt your jewelry or other indicators of wealth unnecessarily. Most importantly, do not fall prey to scams by keeping your wits about and not following strangers.
What you should know when getting around by yourself
If you decide to go exploring without a guide, it is recommended that you have your hotel card in your possession wherever you go. This is because the card has information of your hotel printed so that you can get directions to return to your hotel if you are lost. If you cannot speak Mandarin, riding a taxi would be much easier for you if you show the driver the name and address of your destination in Chinese. This is because many taxi drivers barely understand English.
When to Visit China
Any good China vacation plan begins with figuring out when the best time to visit China is.
The “best” time to visit China really depends on you, the tourist. Are you concerned primarily with weather conditions, with tourist crowds or with festivals and activities? Also, you might consider one of the Private China Tours to see places in comfort and style.
The summer time in China is when most tourists venture into the country—despite hot temperatures. If you’re panning on a summer vacation in China, it’s recommended that you book your travel plans several months in advance. Read more
Potala Palace
The Potala Palace is a beautiful and remarkable attraction that serves as the official home of the Dalai Lama. There are two main parts to the Potala Palace, which are the Red Palace and the White Palace. The Red Palace features seven roofs made of gold and houses spectacular religious statues and artifacts.
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Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is located in the center of Beijing and is an amazing collection of ancient buildings, which served as the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. This is why that to this day, the Forbidden City is also known as the Imperial Palace. At this same location is where the Palace Museum also exists.
The Forbidden City boasts 800 amazing buildings and a total of over 8,000 different rooms. It boasts the title of being the largest palace in the world and covers over 700,000 square miles.
Tiananmen Gate is the main entrance although not an actual part of the Forbidden City. After you pass through Meridian Gate, you enter the main palace’s courtyard. As you travel through the courtyard, you’ll come across amazing bridges and gorgeous gardens.
There are many guided tours that take you through the Forbidden City. These are ideal because you get to learn about the palace and see the best parts that you may not be aware of on your own. Some top spots to see on your tour include the Gate of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Supreme Harmony, Palace of Heavenly Purity and the Gate of Divine Might.
Definitely check out the royal gardens that flank the Forbidden City. Beihai Park and Jingshan Park are two of the most popular that you don’t want to miss. They represent historic places on their own where history has been made. In Jingshan Park, the last emperor of the Ming dynasty hung himself as his home was invaded by rebels.
Cost to visit the Forbidden City is RMB40 during the off-season of November 1 to March 31 and RMB60 during the peak season of April 1 to October 31. For comparison purposes, RMB40 equals around $5 USD. University students as well as soldiers can gain entry for half price. Be prepared to pay a little extra for entrance fees to the Watch and Treasures Hall in the Palace Museum, which cost RMB10 each, which equals around $1.25 USD.
Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is thought to be more than 2,000 years old. During the Zhou dynasty, the wall was first created as a military structure to protect the border against rival tribes. From 770 to 476 BC, more separate walls were constructed. During the Qin Dynasty, the separate walls were connected and the Great Wall as we know it began to take shape. Today’s wall in Beijing dates back to the Ming Dynasty, which occurred from 1368 to 1644. Read more
Travel Xi’an
Xi’an is one of China’s oldest cities, and has existed for over 3,000 years. Through the ages, thirteen different dynasties have used Xi’an as their capital. Xi’an shares the distinction of being a major center of ancient civilization, grouped with other ancient cities like Athens, Cairo and Rome. Read more
Travel Shanghai
Shanghai is a vibrant Chinese city buzzing with life and excitement. The industrial center of China, Shanghai offers bustling adventure and hot entertainment as well. If you’re headed to Shanghai, here are some tips to make your trip the best it can be. Read more
Travel Hong Kong
Hong Kong — this spectacular metropolitan city welcomes flocks of tourists and businesspeople each and every year. Soaring skyscrapers, crystal blue waters and the best in accommodations and entertainment are just some of the features of this breathtaking Chinese city.
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Travel Guilin
Guilin is a small Chinese city that, despite its diminutive size, boasts amazing natural wonders that entice tourists year after year. There are majestic mountains, caves, flowing water, abundant flora and fauna, and more to capture the imagination. Read more
