China Travel
Covering 22 provinces, 5 autonomous regions and 4 municipalities, the offerings for unique lifetime memories and experiences are never ending. Classical China encompasses everything from the captivating cities of Beijing to Hong Kong and Shanghai to Xi’an. It is an excellent way to discover the diversity of this country. Experience ancient villages, Buddhist grottoes and visit world famous bustling megacities. Many common cultural beliefs and practices are shared by a vast number of minority groups in the southwest of China. A stunningly beautiful region, it is home to Yunnan, often mentioned as the most beautiful province. Minorities are by no means limited to the southwest and can be found throughout China including Russian, Mongol and Korean that all celebrate age old traditions. Explore these regions amongst a backdrop of picture perfect rice fields, staggering karsts and cascading waterfalls. Over 40% of China is situated at an altitude greater than 2000m, it has the second largest desert in the world after the Sahara, is home to volcanoes and offers skiing opportunities.
China travel : Money
The currency in China is the Yuan, often abbreviated to CNY and Hong Kong dollar (HKD) in Hong Kong. ATM’s distribute CNY in China mainland and HKD within Hong Kong.
China travel : Visa
Travellers applying for tourist visas must now submit a letter of invitation from a person or company in China, as well as proof of hotel reservations and a copy of their return air ticket. However regulations are different for each country and it is advised to check with your local Chinese Embassy before travel.Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after departure.
China travel : Electricity
China uses 220V. There are 5 different types of plug in use. Most hotels will provide adaptors for use.
China travel : Dialing Code
+ 86
China travel : Time Zone
GMT/UTC + 8
China travel : GETTING THERE & AWAY
Beijing Capital International Airport is the world’s second busiest airport. It is also the hub for Air China (Star Alliance), the national flag carrier. Hong-Kong (and Cathay Pacific), Guangzhou (China southern in Skyteam) and Shanghai (China eastern in Skyteam) are the country’s other main entry ports, giving many travel opportunities. European airlines are opening other entry ports such as Shenyang in the northeast for Lufthansa and Wuhan (Hubei province) for Air France. All operate domestic flights. Hainan airlines became the first Chinese 5 star airline. There are many ways to arrive into China with many airlines, ferries, cruise ships, land entry points so please ask about the best way to travel to China
China travel : PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
1 October is national day with workers entitled to one weeks holiday from that day. New Year (based on lunar calendar so it can be in end of January or September) is also a week long holiday. Labour day falls on May 1st and is a public holiday.
China travel : LANGUAGE
The most widely spoken language is Mandarin, a complicated language with 4 tones and 56000 Chinese characters. Beside the numerous local dialects, Cantonese is also spoken widely.
China travel : WHEN TO GO
Traditionally travellers would visit China between April – May or September – October as these periods offer pleasant weather throughout the country. However, there is always plenty to see throughout the year with different seasons offering alternative attractions. November is autumn time and the perfect time to visit national parks in Sichuan as the tree leaves pass through phases of green yellow and red against turquoise lakes and snow capped mountains in the background. December to January is a good time to visit the south including Hainan Island, Guangdong province and Hong-Kong / Macao, as the temperatures in these regions remain fairly temperate with fewer tourists visiting thus allowing easier access to attractions, a wider choice of hotels and less traffic. February to April is a prime time to explore Yunnan, with our Yunnan Winter package exploiting the area’s winter time attributes. Between April and October it is possible to enjoy pleasant weather throughout China. July – August is a time when the meadows burst into life in the Tibetan world. During this period those areas of greatest interest are Tibet, Northern Yunnan, Sichuan and Qinghai provinces. Although some rain may be experienced they still offer stunning natural landscapes that shouldn’t be missed.
