This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Idyllic Travel!  Learn more

East and Southeast Asia

China

Discover the enchanting allure of China, a land where ancient traditions effortlessly intertwine with modern innovation, beckoning travelers to explore its vast landscapes and rich cultural legacy. From the breathtaking majesty of the Great Wall and the serene elegance of the Forbidden City to the vibrant energy of bustling cities like Beijing and Shanghai, China offers a tapestry of experiences that cater to every wanderlust-filled heart. Dive into the culinary wonders that tantalize the senses, immerse yourself in the vibrant festivals that celebrate life and history, and wander through scenic wonders such as the stunning karst mountains of Guilin or the tranquil waters of West Lake. Embrace the warmth of its people and the depth of its heritage, and let China reveal its secrets to you, one breathtaking moment at a time.

Revolutionary monument in front of Chairman Mao Zedong Mausoleum on Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China
A crenellated walkway on top of the Great Wall of China. The Wall stretched for thousands of miles linking fortresses
Imposing statue in the Shibaozhai Temple in Chongqing, China
China: red with a large yellow five-pointed star and four smaller yellow five-pointed stars (arranged in a vertical arc toward the middle of the flag) in the upper hoist-side corner; the color red represents revolution, while the stars symbolize the four social classes - the working class, the peasantry, the urban petty bourgeoisie, and the national bourgeoisie (capitalists) - united under the Communist Party of China<br />
China: Eastern Asia, bordering the East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow Sea, and South China Sea, between North Korea and Vietnam
China: China map showing major cities as well as the many bordering East Asian countries and neighboring seas.

Comprehensive Travel Guide to China

General Information

  • Capital City: Beijing
  • Population: 1,416,043,270
  • Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY), also called Renminbi (RMB)
  • Time Zone: China Standard Time (CST), UTC+8
  • Official Language: Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua)
  • Dialing Code: +86
  • Driving Side: Right

China, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, offers a rich tapestry of culture, history, and modern marvels. From the Great Wall and the Forbidden City to bustling metropolises like Shanghai, it’s a country of stunning contrasts.

Language and Communication

  • Primary Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language.
  • Helpful Phrases:
    • Hello: “Nǐ hǎo” (你好)
    • Thank you: “Xièxiè” (谢谢)
    • Excuse me/Sorry: “Duìbùqǐ” (对不起)
  • Tips: Many locals outside major cities may not speak English, so translation apps like Google Translate or Pleco are invaluable.

Emergency Numbers

  • Police: 110
  • Fire: 119
  • Ambulance: 120

Currency and Money

  • Exchange Rate: 1 USD ≈ 7.3 CNY (subject to fluctuation).
  • Credit Cards: Widely accepted in urban areas, but cash or mobile payments (like Alipay or WeChat Pay) dominate.
  • ATMs: Available in cities; look for international-friendly machines.
  • Currency Exchange: Best rates are found at banks or authorized exchange centers.

Electricity and Plugs

  • Voltage: 220 V
  • Frequency: 50 Hz
  • Plug Types: Type A, C, and I (similar to US and European plugs).
  • Adapter Needed: Yes, depending on your country’s plug type.

Safety and Health

Safety
  • Crime: China is generally safe, with low crime rates. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.
  • Scams: Beware of tourist-targeted scams, especially in areas like Beijing or Shanghai.
Health
  • Vaccinations: Routine vaccinations are recommended. Consider hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies.
  • Water: Tap water is not safe to drink; always opt for bottled or boiled water.

Transportation

Getting Around
  • High-Speed Trains: Efficient and comfortable; connects major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an.
  • Subways: Excellent systems in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
  • Taxis and Ridesharing: Widely available; use apps like Didi for convenience.
  • Buses: Affordable but may be confusing for non-Chinese speakers.
Getting There
  • Main Airports:
    • Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
    • Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
    • Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

Activities and Attractions

Historical and Cultural Sites
  • Great Wall of China: One of the Seven Wonders of the World, with sections near Beijing.
  • Forbidden City: A sprawling palace complex in Beijing, showcasing imperial history.
  • Terracotta Army: Thousands of life-sized clay soldiers near Xi’an.
  • Summer Palace: A beautiful imperial garden in Beijing.
Natural Wonders
  • Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Inspiration for the movie Avatar with its towering sandstone pillars.
  • Li River and Guilin: Stunning karst landscapes best explored by boat.
  • Jiuzhaigou Valley: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with colorful lakes and waterfalls.
  • Tibet and Mount Everest Base Camp: For a unique spiritual and natural experience.
Modern Marvels
  • Shanghai Skyline: The futuristic Pudong district and iconic Oriental Pearl Tower.
  • Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: A must for panda lovers.

Food and Cuisine

Regional Specialties
  • Beijing: Peking duck, jianbing (Chinese crepes).
  • Sichuan: Spicy hotpot, mapo tofu.
  • Cantonese: Dim sum, char siu (barbecued pork).
  • Shanghai: Soup dumplings (xiaolongbao).
  • Northwestern: Lamb skewers, hand-pulled noodles.
Drinks
  • Tea: Green, oolong, and pu’er varieties.
  • Baijiu: A strong distilled spirit.
  • Local Beers: Tsingtao and Snow Beer are popular.
Dining Tips
  • Chopsticks are the norm. Practice before your trip if you’re not familiar!
  • Sharing dishes is customary in Chinese meals.

Shopping and Souvenirs

  • Silk Products: High-quality silk scarves and garments.
  • Tea: Bring home some premium loose-leaf varieties.
  • Porcelain: Beautifully crafted ceramics and pottery.
  • Calligraphy Supplies: Brushes, ink, and paper.
  • Traditional Medicine: Herbal remedies and health products.

Festivals and Events

  • Chinese New Year (January/February): Massive celebrations with dragon dances and fireworks.
  • Mid-Autumn Festival (September/October): Enjoy mooncakes and family gatherings.
  • National Day (October 1): Celebrates the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

Suggested Itineraries

5-Day Itinerary
  • Day 1–2: Explore Beijing, including the Great Wall and Forbidden City.
  • Day 3: Take a high-speed train to Xi’an to see the Terracotta Army.
  • Day 4–5: Visit Shanghai for its blend of tradition and modernity.
10-Day Itinerary
  • Days 1–3: Beijing and Great Wall.
  • Days 4–5: Xi’an and surrounding attractions.
  • Days 6–7: Guilin and the Li River.
  • Days 8–10: Shanghai and nearby water towns like Suzhou or Hangzhou.

Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (April–June): Comfortable weather and blooming flowers.
  • Autumn (September–November): Cool temperatures and clear skies.
  • Summer (July–August): Good for mountain regions but can be hot and crowded in cities.
  • Winter (December–March): Ideal for skiing and experiencing Chinese New Year.

Connectivity

  • Wi-Fi: Widely available, but many Western websites are blocked (use a VPN).
  • SIM Cards: Obtainable from providers like China Mobile or China Unicom.
  • Apps to Download:
    • WeChat (for communication and payments).
    • Baidu Maps (for navigation).
    • Pleco (for translating Chinese characters).

Conclusion

China offers an extraordinary mix of ancient history, natural beauty, and modern innovation. From the vibrant cities to the serene countryside, every region has unique attractions that will captivate your imagination.

Travel Resources