Overview of China
For thousands of years China has been shrouded in mystery and intrigue, and foreigners, especially Westerners, still find it difficult to penetrate the inner depths of this fascinating and enigmatic nation. However, in recent decades and particularly since the Olympic Games in 2008 when Beijing showcased some of its most spectacular attractions, there has been a major increase in travellers interested in exploring this vast and intriguing destination. And it's no wonder, as there is a great deal to discover in China, the world's third largest country.
What makes it so attractive as a travel destination is its unique culture and ancient antiquities. Ruins and relics from Neolithic settlements and the dynastic reigns of the mighty emperors of yore await, while there are plenty of adventures to be had and exciting attractions that have to be seen to be believed. The Forbidden Palace, the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Army of Xi'an are some of the prominent and tourist-heavy, but no less breathtaking, attractions in this ancient Eastern empire, but there are many, many more.
The People's Republic of China has been under a communist government since 1949, but is currently undergoing a boom in social and economic development with a great emphasis placed on tourist facilities and infrastructure. The country has been opening the doors to its wealth of historical and cultural treasures, with awed visitors flooding in.
Organised tours are still the favoured way to explore China, but independent travel is slowly becoming easier. Major cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai, are modern metros offering fast food and glitzy stores alongside centuries-old historical buildings and traditional eating houses. Archaeological wonders vie with amazing architecture in the interior, while majestic mountains and remote monasteries crown the country's northern territories.
With all this to marvel at, China would take several years' worth of holidays to explore properly, so keen travellers best get started...
Key Facts
- Language:
- The official language is Mandarin Chinese, but there are hundreds of local dialects.
- Passport/Visa:
-
Persons holding an APEC Business Travel Card do not require a visa, provided that it is valid for travel to China. Travel to Tibet will also require a special Tibet Entry Permit. There are a few complex exceptions to Chinese visa requirements, which will not apply to the majority of visitors, but all requirements should be confirmed with a Chinese embassy before travel. All documents necessary for further travel and sufficient funds to cover intended period of stay are required. Period of validity is stated on visas, and care should be taken when reading dates on visas for China as they are written in year/month/day format. We always recommend that passports be valid for six months after intended period of travel.
- Currency:
-
China's currency is the Renminbi Yuan (CNY), which is divided into 10 jiao or 100 fen. Make sure you exchange your leftover Yuan before returning home because you may have difficulty exchanging the currency outside China's borders. Foreign cash can be exchanged in cities at the Bank of China. It is not possible to exchange Scottish or Northern Irish bank notes. Banks are closed weekends. The larger hotels and the special 'Friendship Stores' designed for foreigners will accept most Western currencies for purchases. Major credit cards are accepted in the main cities, but acceptance may be limited in more rural areas. ATMs are scarce in rural areas.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Plug types vary, but the two-pin flat blade and oblique three-pin flat blade plugs are common. Adapters are generally required.
Travel to China
Overview
China's attractions are so many, and its landscapes so vast, that travellers will need a lifetime to fully explore this fascinating and impossibly diverse country. That said, the must-see sights are fairly obvious and highly accessible, and, as previously restricted areas open up, the list of world-class attractions keeps growing. In addition to big draw-cards like the Great Wall, the Xi'an Terracotta Army, and the Forbidden City, travellers can choose from a huge range of cultural treasures, traditional temples, incredible landscapes, national parks, and festivals. Travellers should choose areas that they would like to explore wisely, especially if travelling on a budget, because the country's vastness can make travelling from place to place considerably expensive.
One of the most amazing sights in China can be seen in every Chinese city every day: the incredible pace of modernisation reflected in the energy of the people, frenetic urban development, and the relentless embrace of capitalism, with all its virtues and vices. These impressions are likely to leave the deepest mark on visitors to China. The contrast between the ancient and the new is intriguing and makes exploring China a joy for both history and culture buffs as well as the more modern tourist interested in technology and development.
China is a year-round destination, although visitors might want to plan around Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) in late January and early February, when much of the country shuts down for a week and public transport is completely booked up.
Climate in China
China covers extensive territory and has a complex topography, therefore the weather differs substantially from region to region. The southeast, below the Nanling Mountains, tends to be very wet with high temperatures all year round. In the central Yangtze and Huaihe River valleys there are four distinct seasons with very hot summers and extremely cold winters, and rain all year round. The dry north experiences a short but sunny summer, with long, bitterly cold winters (between December and March), with temperatures in Beijing dropping as low as -4ºF (-20ºC). The coast is humid and experiences Typhoons during summer. Travellers are advised to research the climate for the specific region they are visiting.
Health Notes when travelling to China
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming into China from infected areas. There is a risk of malaria throughout the low-lying areas of the country, and it is recommended that travellers to China seek medical advice about malaria before departure. Vaccinations are recommended against hepatitis A and hepatitis B, typhoid (not necessary if eating and drinking in major restaurants and hotels), Japanese encephalitis (usually only recommended for rural areas), and rabies (only recommended for travellers at risk of animal bites). Tap water shouldn't be drunk unless it has first been boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected. Street food should be treated with caution. High levels of air pollution in major cities and industrialised areas in China may exacerbate bronchial, sinus or asthma conditions. There is generally a high standard of health care in major Chinese cities, but it is not provided free of charge; travellers are advised to have
comprehensive travel health insurance.
Safety Notes when travelling to China
China is generally safe, and there is currently little threat from global terrorism. The risk of terror attacks is higher in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and travellers should exercise caution if travelling to or around Xinjiang. Serious crime against foreigners is rare but does occur, particularly in isolated or sparsely populated areas. There has been an increase in the number of muggings and robberies at Beijing International Airport and around the Jianguomenwai area of Beijing, as well as in Shenzen, bordering Hong Kong.
If travelling alone, including following parts of the Great Wall, it is advisable to leave an itinerary and expected time of return with a third party. Travellers should take extra care in street markets and at tourist sites, which attract thieves and pickpockets, and around the popular expat bar areas at night, where lone foreigners have occasionally been attacked. Travellers should be cautious about using pedicabs in Beijing, as tourists have reportedly been mugged by the drivers; women in particular have been targeted. Disputes over taxi fares can occur. Insist on paying the metered fare and ask for a receipt; this has the taxi number on it.
Seasonal heavy rains and typhoons cause hundreds of deaths in China each year, particularly those areas bordering the Yangtze River in central, southern and western China. Demonstrations have taken place in Lhasa, Tibet, as well as in some Chinese provinces in protest against Chinese rule in Tibet. Even though the situation seems to have stabilised, visitors are advised to stay up to date on the situation before travelling to the region and to avoid all protests. The Chinese government sometimes suspends the issue of permits for travel to Tibet due to unrest.
Customs in China
Chinese people usually have three names, the first of which is their surname, or family name. As a result, visitors should be prepared for hotels mistakenly reserving rooms under their first names. For clarity, surnames may be underlined. When addressing Chinese people, the surname should come first and official titles should be used. Chinese handshakes last longer than those in western countries, and it is customary to stand close together when in conversation. Politeness in western terms is often foreign to the Chinese, and they rarely bother with pleasantries. It is considered disrespectful to keep prolonged eye contact, avoiding eye contact is considered reverential rather than rude. All foreigners should carry their ID on them at all times, as spot checks are common. Failure to show evidence of ID when requested by an official may result in a fine or detention.
Duty Free in China
Travellers to China do not need to pay customs duty on 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco; 1.5 litres of alcohol; perfume for personal use; and personal articles up to the value of ¥2000. Prohibited goods include arms, ammunition, or printed material that conflicts with the public order or moral standards of the country. Also prohibited are radio transmitters and receivers, exposed but undeveloped film and fresh produce. Strict regulations apply to the import and export of antiquities, banned publications, and religious literature. All valuables must be declared on the forms provided.
Doing Business in China
The Chinese are strict timekeepers and being late for a meeting is considered rude. When meeting people for the first time it is normal to shake hands and say 'ni hao', which means 'how are you'. Note that handshakes generally go on for longer in China than in most western countries. Business cards are commonly exchanged at the start of meetings in China; it is customary to have one side printed in Chinese and one in English. When giving or receiving business cards or a gift, it is customary to hold it with both hands. Chinese consider gifts an important show of courtesy. Decision-making may take longer than expected during negotiations. During a meal or reception, your host is likely to offer a toast; foreigners may be expected to offer them one in return.
Women are generally treated with respect and courtesy when doing business in China and it is increasingly common to find Chinese women in senior positions, especially in the big cities. Businesswomen should, however, avoid showing too much skin. Business dress for both men and women tends to be conservative and plain without much ornament or bright colour.
Business hours are 8am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday. A five-day week is more common in larger cities and international companies. Workers usually take their lunch break between 12pm and 2pm and it is not unusual to find offices empty during this time.
Communication in China
The international dialling code for China is +86. In hotels, local calls are generally free or will be charged only a nominal fee. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free wifi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.
Tipping in China
Tipping is not officially recognised in China, though the practice is has become increasingly common among tour guides, top-end restaurants, tour bus drivers and hotel staff. Travellers wanting to tip should leave a gratuity of about 10 percent. Large hotels and restaurants often include a service charge in their bills, usually of around 10 percent, so travellers should make sure that they aren't doubling up.
Passport/Visa Note
Persons holding an APEC Business Travel Card do not require a visa, provided that it is valid for travel to China. Travel to Tibet will also require a special Tibet Entry Permit. There are a few complex exceptions to Chinese visa requirements, which will not apply to the majority of visitors, but all requirements should be confirmed with a Chinese embassy before travel. All documents necessary for further travel and sufficient funds to cover intended period of stay are required. Period of validity is stated on visas, and care should be taken when reading dates on visas for China as they are written in year/month/day format. We always recommend that passports be valid for six months after intended period of travel.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
-
US nationals require both a valid passport and visa for entry into China.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
-
Canadians require a valid passport and visa for entry into China.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
-
UK nationals require a passport valid on arrival and a visa for entry into China. Passports endorsed British National (Overseas) are not recognized and holders should carry a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents together with their Hong Kong ID.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
-
Australians require a passport valid on arrival, and a visa for entry to China. Visa exemptions include passengers with an APEC Business Travel Card valid for travel to China for stays up to 60 days.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
-
Irish nationals require a passport valid on arrival, and a visa for entry to China.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
-
New Zealand nationals require a passport valid on arrival, and a visa for entry to China.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
-
South African nationals require a passport valid on arrival, and a visa for entry to China.
Tourist Offices
Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Guangxi: +86 773 288 5326, http://www.topchinatravel.com/
China Embassies
- In the United States:
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Chinese Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 495 2266.
- In Canada:
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Chinese Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 3434.
- In the United Kingdom:
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Chinese Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7299 4049.
- In Australia:
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Chinese Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6228 3999.
- In Ireland:
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Chinese Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 219 6651.
- In New Zealand:
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Chinese Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 473 3514.
- In South Africa:
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Chinese Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 431 6500.
Foreign Embassies in China
- American Embassy
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United States Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 8531 3000.
- Canadian Embassy
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Canadian Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 5139 4000.
- British Embassy
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British Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 5192 4000.
- Australian Embassy
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Australian Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 5140 4111.
- Irish Embassy
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Irish Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 8531 6200.
- New Zealand Embassy
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New Zealand Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 8531 2700.
- South African Embassy
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South African Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 8532 0000.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to China
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hide Vaccines and Medicines
Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
| | Find Out Why | Protect Yourself |
All travelers You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel. |
| Routine vaccines | Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. |   |
Most travelers Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting. |
| Hepatitis A | CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in China, regardless of where you are eating or staying. |  |
| Typhoid | You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in China. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater. | |
Some travelers Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US. |
| Hepatitis B | You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures. |   |
| Japanese Encephalitis | You may need this vaccine if your trip will last more than a month, depending on where you are going in China and what time of year you are traveling. You should also consider this vaccine if you plan to visit rural areas in China or will be spending a lot of time outdoors, even for trips shorter than a month. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans. See more in-depth information on Japanese encephalitis in China. |  |
| Polio | You may need a polio vaccine before your trip to China if you are visiting the Xinjiang province, especially if you are working in a health care facility, refugee camp, or humanitarian aid setting. This kind of work might put you in contact with someone with polio. - If you were vaccinated against polio as a child but have never had a polio booster dose as an adult, you should get this booster dose. Adults need only one polio booster in their lives.
- If you were not completely vaccinated as a child or do not know your vaccination status, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated.
| |
| Rabies | Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in China, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups: - Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to China
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
|  |
| Yellow Fever | There is no risk of yellow fever in China. The government of China requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission. For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for China. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans. | |
| Malaria | When traveling in China, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. For more information on malaria in China, see malaria in China. |  |
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in China, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in China. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
You may need this vaccine if your trip will last more than a month, depending on where you are going in China and what time of year you are traveling. You should also consider this vaccine if you plan to visit rural areas in China or will be spending a lot of time outdoors, even for trips shorter than a month. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans. See more in-depth information on Japanese encephalitis in China.
You may need a polio vaccine before your trip to China if you are visiting the Xinjiang province, especially if you are working in a health care facility, refugee camp, or humanitarian aid setting. This kind of work might put you in contact with someone with polio.
- If you were vaccinated against polio as a child but have never had a polio booster dose as an adult, you should get this booster dose. Adults need only one polio booster in their lives.
- If you were not completely vaccinated as a child or do not know your vaccination status, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in China, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
- Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to China
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
There is no risk of yellow fever in China. The government of China requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.
For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for China. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.
When traveling in China, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. For more information on malaria in China, see malaria in China.
Key
- Get vaccinated
- Take antimalarial meds
- Eat and drink safely
- Prevent bug bites
- Keep away from animals
- Reduce your exposure to germs
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Top
Hide Stay Healthy and Safe
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in China, so your behaviors are important.
Tap water is not drinkable in China, even in major cities. Bottled water is easily available.
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
- Food that is cooked and served hot
- Hard-cooked eggs
- Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
- Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
- Food served at room temperature
- Food from street vendors
- Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
- Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
- Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
- Unpasteurized dairy products
- ”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
- Bottled water that is sealed
- Water that has been disinfected
- Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
- Carbonated drinks
- Hot coffee or tea
- Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
- Tap or well water
- Ice made with tap or well water
- Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
- Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Hide Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in China. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
- Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
- Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
- Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
- DEET
- Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
- IR3535
- Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
- Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
- Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?
Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.
For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.
Some diseases in China—such as dengue and leishmaniasis—are spread by bugs and cannot be prevented with a vaccine. Follow the insect avoidance measures described above to prevent these and other illnesses.
Hide If your travel plans in China include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
- Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
- Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
- Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
- Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
- If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
- Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
- Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
- Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
- Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
- Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
- Do not dive into shallow water.
- Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
- To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in China. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.
Hide Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
- Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
- Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
- Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
- Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
- If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
- Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
- Go to a doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Hide Reduce your exposure to germs
Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
- If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
Hide Avoid sharing body fluids
Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.
Protect yourself:
- Use latex condoms correctly.
- Do not inject drugs.
- Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
- Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
- If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
Hide Know how to get medical care while traveling
Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:
- Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
- Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
- Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
- Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call China’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
- Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Malaria is a risk in some parts of China. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.
Hide Select safe transportation
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
- Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
- Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
- Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
- Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
- Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
- Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
- Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
- Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
- Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
- Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
- Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
- Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
- Wear a seatbelt at all times.
- Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
- When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
- Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of China may be poor.
- Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
- Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
- If you choose to drive a vehicle in China, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
- Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
- Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
- Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
- If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
- Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.
For information traffic safety and road conditions in China, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for China.
Hide Maintain personal security
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Before you leave
- Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
- Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
- Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
- Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
- Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
- Follow all local laws and social customs.
- Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
- Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
- If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
To call for emergency services while in China, dial 999 (Beijing) or 120 (Shanghai) for an ambulance, 119 for the fire department, and 110 for the police. Write these numbers down to carry with you during your trip.
Learn as much as you can about China before you travel there. A good place to start is the country-specific information on China from the US Department of State.
Hide Top
Hide Healthy Travel Packing List
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for China for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
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Hide Travel Health Notices
Be aware of current health issues in China. Learn how to protect yourself.
Watch Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions
- Updated Lunar New Year December 06, 2017 The Year of the Dog begins on February 16, 2018, and many people will travel to Asia to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Destinations include Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mauritius, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
- Avian Flu (H7N9) in China March 07, 2017 Chinese health authorities have confirmed human cases of avian influenza A (H7N9) since September 2016. CDC advises people traveling to China to avoid contact with poultry (including poultry markets and farms), birds, and their droppings and to avoid eating undercooked poultry. Infected birds that appear healthy may still be able to transmit this virus to humans.
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If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.
For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.
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Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
China's currency is the Renminbi Yuan (CNY), which is divided into 10 jiao or 100 fen. Make sure you exchange your leftover Yuan before returning home because you may have difficulty exchanging the currency outside China's borders. Foreign cash can be exchanged in cities at the Bank of China. It is not possible to exchange Scottish or Northern Irish bank notes. Banks are closed weekends. The larger hotels and the special 'Friendship Stores' designed for foreigners will accept most Western currencies for purchases. Major credit cards are accepted in the main cities, but acceptance may be limited in more rural areas. ATMs are scarce in rural areas.
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Exchange rate for 1 CNY - Chinese Yuan
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0.15 BMD
Bermudan Dollar
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0.14 EUR
Euro
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0.15 USD
U.S. Dollar
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0.11 GBP
U.K. Pound Sterling
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16.55 JPY
Japanese Yen
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0.20 CAD
Canadian Dollar
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0.15 CHF
Swiss Franc
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0.21 AUD
Australian Dollar
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3.82 UAH
Ukrainian Hryvnia
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51.33 KZT
Kazakhstani Tenge
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228.86 LBP
Lebanese Pound
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0.11 LYD
Libyan Dinar
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1.04 BOB
Bolivian Boliviano
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16.40 NPR
Nepalese Rupee
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0.06 OMR
Omani Rial
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0.55 QAR
Qatari Rial
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0.21 SGD
Singapore Dollar
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1.26 SEK
Swedish Krona
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1.01 TTD
Trinidad Tobago Dollar
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1.52 VEF
Venezuelan Bolivar
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6.97 DOP
Dominican Peso
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1.02 HRK
Croatian Kuna
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2.83 MXN
Mexican Peso
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89.11 XOF
West African CFA Franc
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0.48 PGK
Papua New Guinean kina
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0.15 BSD
Bahamian Dollar
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0.32 FJD
Fiji Dollar
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3.44 HNL
Honduran Lempira
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16.80 DZD
Algerian Dinar
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181.06 MMK
Myanma Kyat
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1.70 BWP
Botswana Pula
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0.51 PEN
Peruvian Nuevo Sol
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105.40 CLP
Chilean Peso
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72.66 AMD
Armenia Dram
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3.67 CZK
Czech Koruna
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3.04 MDL
Moldova Lei
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18.89 ISK
Icelandic Krona
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446.64 UZS
Uzbekistan Sum
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0.59 ILS
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0.11 JOD
Jordanian Dinar
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0.05 KWD
Kuwaiti Dinar
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4.76 UYU
Uruguayan Peso
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5.40 MUR
Mauritian Rupee
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4.33 NIO
Nicaraguan Córdoba
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1.27 NOK
Norwegian Krone
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0.60 PLN
Polish Zloty
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0.57 SAR
Saudi Riyal
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22.19 LKR
Sri Lanka Rupee
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5.41 THB
Thai Baht
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0.56 AED
U.A.E Dirham
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0.55 BRL
Brazilian Real
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0.62 RON
Romanian New Leu
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1.18 HKD
Hong Kong Dollar
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89.31 XAF
Central African CFA Franc
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3,415.75 VND
Vietnamese Dong
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2.12 ARS
Argentine Peso
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0.41 XCD
East Caribbean Dollar
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1.19 GTQ
Guatemalan Quetzal
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1.49 MAD
Moroccan Dirham
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0.06 BHD
Bahrain Dinar
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0.15 PAB
Panamanian Balboa
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0.23 AZN
Azerbaijan Manat
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473.85 COP
Colombian Peso
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10.38 KGS
Kyrgyzstan Som
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42.52 HUF
Hungarian Forint
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1.20 TJS
Tajikistan Ruble
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2,079.58 IDR
Indonesian Rupiah
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1.35 EGP
Egyptian Pound
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181.03 KRW
South Korean Won
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861.65 PYG
Paraguayan Guaraní
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0.63 MYR
Malaysian Ringgit
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81.88 CRC
Costa Rican Colón
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0.22 NZD
New Zealand Dollar
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15.92 PKR
Pakistani Rupee
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10.15 RUB
Russian Rouble
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2.37 ZAR
South African Rand
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0.32 TND
Tunisian Dinar
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0.30 BBD
Barbadian Dollar
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0.27 BGN
Bulgarian Lev
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0.45 TRY
Turkish Lira
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7.09 PHP
Philippine Peso
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4.96 TWD
New Taiwan Dollar
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29.86 NGN
Nigerian Naira
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16.28 XPF
CFP Franc
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0.59 GHS
Ghanaian Cedi
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18.99 JMD
Jamaican Dollar
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0.27 ANG
Neth. Antillean Guilder
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0.21 BND
Brunei Dollar
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16.80 RSD
Serbian Dinar
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3,024.21 BYR
Belarussian Ruble
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1.01 DKK
Danish Krone
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0.52 TMT
New Turkmenistan Manat
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10.22 INR
Indian Rupee
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Exchange Rate for
U.S. Dollar to Chinese Yuan
Exchange Rate for
Euro to Chinese Yuan
Exchange Rate for
Canadian Dollar to Chinese Yuan
Exchange Rate for
U.K. Pound Sterling to Chinese Yuan
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Australian Dollar to Chinese Yuan
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New Zealand Dollar to Chinese Yuan
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South African Rand to Chinese Yuan
Changchun Longjia International Airport (CGQ)
Changchun Longjia International Airport
http://www.ccairport.cn
Location: Changchun The airport is located 27 miles (40km) from Changchun city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts:
+86 431 8879 7512
Getting to the city:
Airport bus shuttles and taxis are available at the airport. Shuttles are available every day, from the first take-off to the last arrival. There is also a Changchun-Jillin Intercity Railway station in the basement of the terminal with trains to the city centre.
Car rental:
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available outside of the airport.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include shops, restaurants, banks, a post office, money exchange services, and various lounge and recreation rooms.
Parking:
The airport has multiple parking garages.
Beijing International (PEK)
Beijing Capital International Airport
en.bcia.com.cn
Location: Beijing The airport is situated 20 miles (32km) northeast of Beijing.
Time: Local time is GMT +8.
Contacts:
Tel: 010 96158 or email: service@bcia.com.cn
Transfer between terminals:
A shuttle bus service runs between the terminals.
Getting to the city:
Beijing Airport is serviced by the Airport Express Line, a rail link that runs form Terminal 3 to Terminal 2 and then to the city with stops at Sanyuanqiao and Dongzhimen. The trains run every 15 minutes from 6am-11pm. Shuttle buses run regularly (about every 45 minutes) to the city centre, Beijing Railway Station and major hotels. Metered taxis are also available, but it is recommended that passengers have their destination written in Chinese to avoid confusion.
Car rental:
Car rental is available.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are metered and tips are not expected. Any road tolls and bridge tolls will be expected to be paid for by the passenger. Avoid taxi drivers that approach customers and instead wait in the taxi line and insist on using the meter.
Facilities:
There are several bureaux de change, a bank and ATMs, telephones, tourist information, numerous shops and duty free shopping, and a business centre. A food corridor provides a range of eating and drinking options, while an entertainment centre offers everything from films to Chinese massage.
Parking:
There are 4 parking garages, which are connected to the terminal buildings by means of an underground walkway. There is also an airport subway linking the parking garage to the terminals. Parking costs RMB 2.5 per 15 minutes, is free for the first 30 minutes, and RMB 5 for every subsequent 30 minutes. The maximum daily charge is RMB 80 for the first day.
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA)
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
http://www.shairport.com
Location: Shanghai The airport is situated eight miles (13km) southwest of central Shanghai.
Time: GMT +8.
Contacts:
+86 21 6268 8899
Transfer between terminals:
The two terminals are linked by free shuttle buses and subway line 10.
Getting to the city:
Public buses serve the airport, linking to People's Square and the main railway stations; buses depart regularly from 6am to around 11pm. Line 2 and 10 of the Shanghai Metro connects the airport to the city, found outside terminal 2. The bigger hotels offer shuttle bus services to and from the airport.
Car rental:
Car rental is available.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available outside the airport but finding the right one can be confusing without assistance. Taxi drivers usually do not speak English so it is best to indicate your destination on a map, or have it written down in Chinese.
Facilities:
There are ATMs and currency exchange facilities, as well as duty-free shops. There are also a variety of food outlets, bars, an information counter, a post office, a children's playground, medical facilities, and business centre. Smoking is banned throughout the airport but there is a smoking room. If you want to shop in earnest there is a shopping centre just outside of the airport.
Parking:
Parking is available outside terminal 2. The first two hours cost RMB 10 per hour, after two hours, its costs RMB 5 per hour. A day costs RMB 60.
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG)
Pudong International Airport
http://www.shairport.com
Location: Shanghai The airport is situated about 29 miles (47km) east of central Shanghai.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts:
+86 21 96990
Transfer between terminals:
Shuttle buses run between the terminals at 10 minute intervals between 6am and 12am.
Getting to the city:
Metro Line 2 (Green Line) connects the airport with the city, with regular departures between 6am and 10pm. Public buses also service the airport. Taxis are available and are a convenient way to get to the city, but they are a more expensive option. Many hotels provide an airport pick-up service for their guests.
Car rental:
Car hire is available at the airport and vehicles can be booked in advance.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available outside the airport terminal. Do not expect drivers to speak English; use a map to indicate your destination, or get it written down in Chinese. The drive into central Shanghai takes about 45 minutes.
Facilities:
Facilities at the airport include banks, ATMs and currency exchange, a post office, luggage storage, a children's playground, medical facilities, and business facilities. There are also several restaurants and shops, including duty free.
Parking:
Short-term and long-term parking is provided at Shanghai Pudong Airport. Rates range from CNY 10 per hour, for the first two hours, up to a daily maximum of CNY 60.
Beijing Daxing (PKX)
Beijing Daxing International Airport
daxing-pkx-airport.com
Location: Beijing The airport is 29 miles (46km) south of Tiananmen Square.
Time: Local time is GMT +8.
Contacts:
Tel: 010 96158 or email: info@daxing-pkx-airport.com
Getting to the city:
There are four transportation options from the airport to the centre of Beijing, including taxi, bus, train, and subway. Taxis take around 80 minutes costing around RMB 220 while buses take 90 minutes at a cost of RMB 40. Trains take 20 minutes and cost RMB 30 and the subway costs RMB 35, taking around 20 minutes.
Car rental:
Car rental is available.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available from the airport. A trip to the city centre costs around RMB 220.
Facilities:
There are banks, currency exchanges, airport hotels, a children's play area, lounges, lost and found services, phone charging ports, parking facilities, special needs facilities, a yoga room, Chinese gardens, luggage services, and medical rooms.
Parking:
There are two parking buildings at the airport, as well as parking spaces outside the terminal. There are 52 charging stations for electric cars.
Guangzhou Airport (CAN)
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
http://www.baiyunairport.com
Location: Guangzhou The airport is situated 17 miles (28km) from Guangzhou city centre.
Time: Local time is GMT +8
Contacts:
020 96458
Getting to the city:
There are 5 Airport Express lines and 6 Airport Non-stop lines to round-trip between airport and downtown. There are also local taxis that transport passengers to and from Guangzhou city.
Car rental:
Rental cars are available at the airport, or in downtown Guangzhou.
Airport Taxis:
There are taxis available at Guangzhou Airport.
Facilities:
There is a post office, bank, business centre and information desk at the airport, as well as leather, cosmetics, and local speciality stores. The airport also has dining facilities and a wine and cigarette shop. Special facilities for the disabled are provided.
Parking:
There is both covered and uncovered parking at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.
Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK)
Haikou Meilan International Airport
http://www.mlairport.com
Location: Haikou The airport is located 24 miles (38km) from Haikou city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts:
+86 898 6577 60114
Transfer between terminals:
The terminals are within walking distance of each other.
Getting to the city:
Airport bus shuttles are available from the airport to the city centre and various hotels. City buses and taxis are also available from the airport. There is also a high-speed rail at the domestic departure hall No. 2, connecting to Haikou and other nearby cities.
Car rental:
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available from the airport and can be found directly opposite Gate 3 of the Arrivals Hall located on the first floor. The starting price is CNY 10 per 3 kilometres.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include a medical centre, lounges, various shops and restaurants, cafes, and VIP services.
Parking:
Parking is available at the airport.
Xiamen Airport (XMN)
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport
http://www.xmairport.com.cn
Location: Xiamen The airport is located on the north side of Xiamen Island, roughly six miles (10km) from downtown Xiamen.
Time: Local time is GMT +8.
Contacts:
+89 0592 96363
Getting to the city:
There are several city bus routes from the airport.
Car rental:
There are no car hire facilities at Xiamen Airport, however rental agencies are located in the city.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available outside the Arrivals Hall.
Facilities:
The terminal features a bank, ATMs, foreign currency exchange service, medical centre, baby room, lost and found, public telephones, smoking areas, disabled services, luggage storage facility, first-class and VIP lounges, a business centre, massage chairs, and an entertainment hall. There are also several coffee shops, Chinese and Western-style restaurants, and a number of duty-free and souvenir shops.
Parking:
There are two ground-level car parks and an underground facility.
Chengdu International Airport (CTU)
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
Location: Chengdu Chendgu International Airport is located about 10 miles (16km) southwest of downtown Chengdu.
Time: Local time is GMT +8
Contacts:
028 8520 5555
Transfer between terminals:
The terminals are within walking distance, however shuttles are available to transfer passengers.
Getting to the city:
There are buses from the airport to the city centre, the railway staion, and century city. Passengers can also take the High-speed train to Chengdu Nan (South) Railway Station and Chengdu Dong (East) Railway Station.
Car rental:
There are no car hire facilities at the airport, however rental cars are available in downtown Chengdu and airport pickup services are available.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available outside of of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Facilities:
Airport services include an information centre, a currency exchange, baggage trolleys, a smoking room, ATMs, luggage storage and packaging, a lost and found, medical services, VIP and first class lounges, restaurants and shops, and business services.
Parking:
Parking is located in front of Terminal 1. The first half an hour is free, after that the parking rates start at RMB 4 and increase by RMB 2 every half an hour. It costs RMB 96 per day.
Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX)
Sanya Phoenix International Airport
http://www.sanyaairport.com
Location: Sanya The airport is located nine miles (15km) from Sanya city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Transfer between terminals:
All three terminals are located in the same building and are within walking distance of one another.
Getting to the city:
Airport buses are available from 10am to 8pm, with a bus departing every hour.
Car rental:
A number of local car rental companies are represented at the airport.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis to downtown are available from the designated pickup area outside the domestic terminal.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include restaurants, shopping, wheelchair facilities, banks, ATMs, currency exchange, a smoking room, baby-care room, and first aid. The airport also has a VIP lounge and business lounge.
Parking:
The domestic parking lot provides parking for 2,567 cars, the international terminal parking lot has 155 parking spaces and the VIP terminal parking lot provides parking for 131 vehicles.
Shenyang Airport (SHE)
Shenyang Taoxian International Airport
Location: Shenyang The airport is located 16 miles (26km) south of Shenyang city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts:
024 96833
Getting to the city:
Travellers can take the airport shuttle-bus to and from the city centre, as well as to important hubs such as the Shenyang Railway Station. Taxis and shuttles are also available to transport travellers to the nearest train station.
Car rental:
Avis offers car rental services at the airport.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include a business centre, medical facilities, shopping, restaurants, banks, a locker room, luggage storage, free mobile-phone-charging points, a nursing room, and a VIP lounge. Disabled services are good.
Parking:
Parking is available at the airport.
Changsha Huanghua International Airport (CSX)
Changsha Huanghua International Airport
csa.hnjcjt.com
Location: Changsha The airport is located 16 miles (25km) from downtown Changsha.
Time: GMT +8
Transfer between terminals:
The terminals are within walking distance of each other.
Getting to the city:
Airport buses are available outside the airport arrival hall. Taxis are also available.
Car rental:
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available.
Facilities:
Facilities available at this airport include ATMs, a medical centre, luggage storage and nursery rooms.
Parking:
Parking is available at the airport.
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG)
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport
Location: Chongqing The airport is located 12 miles (19km) from Chongqing city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts:
871 6709 0114
Transfer between terminals:
The terminals are within walking distance of each other.
Getting to the city:
Airport shuttles are available to the centre of the city. Buses, taxis, and light rail facilities also offer transport to the city centre.
Car rental:
Car rental facilities are offered at the airport.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available at the airport.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include shops, a smoking room, a clinic, ATMs, currency exchange, and various cafes and restaurants.
Parking:
Parking is available at the airport.
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL)
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport
http://www.airport-gl.com.cn
Location: Guilin The airport is situated 10 miles (17km) from Guilin city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts:
0773 284 5114
Getting to the city:
A regular bus service connects the airport and Guilin city centre.
Car rental:
It is possible to rent a car at the airport.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available at the airport.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include a bank, a beauty salon, various restaurants and cafes, shopping (including duty-free shops) and banking facilities.
Parking:
Parking is available.
Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport (DLC)
Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport
http://www.dlairport.com
Location: Dalian The airport is located six miles (10km) from the city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts:
411 8388 6699
Getting to the city:
Passengers heading to the city centre can take airport buses on the Dalian Metro Line 2 to central Dalian, and taxis.
Car rental:
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available from the airport's designated taxi parking area.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include shopping (including duty-free shopping), restaurants, luggage storage and lost and found.
Parking:
Parking facilities are available.
Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport (KWE)
Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport
http://www.gyairport.com
Location: Guiyang The airport is located 18 miles (30km) from Guiyang city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts:
0851 96967
Getting to the city:
Airport buses are available to the centre of the city.
Car rental:
It is possible to hire a car at the airport.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available and can be found in the ground transportation area of the airport.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include medical assistance, luggage storage, restaurants, and a hotel.
Parking:
Parking is available at the airport.
Harbin Taiping International Airport (HRB)
Harbin Taiping International Airport
Location: Harbin The airport is located 23 miles (37km) from Harbin city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts:
+86 451 8289 4220
Transfer between terminals:
The terminals are linked and within walking distance of each other.
Getting to the city:
Shuttles and taxis are available from the airport to the city centre.
Car rental:
Car rental is available at the airport.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available from the airport to the city centre and railway station.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include shopping (plus duty-free shops), restaurants, and airport lounges.
Parking:
The airport has a parking lot.
Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport (TNA)
Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport
http://www.jnairport.com
Location: Jinan The airport is located 21 miles (33km) from Jinan city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts:
+86 0531 96888
Getting to the city:
Airport transport includes shuttle buses to the city, as well as buses to nearby cities.
Car rental:
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available from the airport to the city centre, but they can be expensive.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include a hotel, ATMs, foreign exchange, bank, and an information centre. The airport also includes a medical centre, a mother-and-child room, first-class and business lounges, and a restaurant.
Parking:
Jinan International Airport has two parking lots: P1 and P2.
Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG)
Kunming Changshui International Airport
http://www.ynairport.com/
Location: Kunming The airport is located 24 miles (39km) from Kunming city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Getting to the city:
Several bus routes connect the airport to the city.
Car rental:
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available at the airport.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include shops, restaurants, snack bars, coffee shops, banks, a first-aid room, lounges, and a children's play area.
Parking:
Parking is available at the airport.
Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG)
Nanjing Lukou International Airport
http://www.njiairport.com
Location: Nanjing The airport is located 27 miles (43km) from the city centre of Nanjing.
Time: GMT +8
Getting to the city:
Bus, train, and taxi services are available from the airport to the city centre.
Car rental:
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available at the airport and charge by meter.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include shops, restaurants, a bank, ATMs, and a medical centre.
Parking:
The airport has a parking area.
Nanning Wuxu International Airport (NNG)
Nanning Wuxu International Airport
http://www.nnairport.com
Location: Nanning It is located 20 miles (32km) southwest of the centre of the city.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts:
+86 771 209 5114
Getting to the city:
Airport shuttles and taxis are available from the airport to the city centre. Two airport bus lines connect the airport to the city centre.
Car rental:
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available for hire at the airport.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include restaurants, a business centre, VIP club, banks, a post office, and medical centre.
Parking:
Parking is available near the terminal.
Ningbo Lishe International Airport (NGB)
Ningbo Lishe International Airport
http://www.ningbo-airport.com/wz/pcIndex/index.jhtml
Location: Ningbo The airport is located 10 miles (16km) from Ningbo city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Getting to the city:
Buses and airport shuttles travel to the city centre.
Car rental:
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available at the airport.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include cafes, restaurants, and ATMs.
Parking:
Parking is available at the airport.
Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport (SWA)
Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport
http://www.cs-airport.com
Location: Shantou The airport is located 23 miles (37km) from Shantou.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts:
+86 663 393 3333
Transfer between terminals:
Both terminals are located in the same building and are within walking distance of one another.
Getting to the city:
Airport express buses are available from the airport to Shantou, Chaozhou, and Jieyang. Taxis are available. A high-speed rail station connects Jieyang City to Xiamen-Shenzhen Railway Chaoshan Station, which stops at Jieyang Chaoshan Airport.
Car rental:
It is possible to rent a car at the airport.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available outside the Terminal Building. Passengers should insist that drivers use the meter.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include shopping (plus duty-free shops), restaurants, medical services, ATMs, money exchange, a health shop, massage chairs, and a VIP lounge.
Parking:
Parking is available outside the terminal building.
Shenzhen International Airport (SZX)
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport
http://www.szairport.com
Location: Shenzhen The airport is located 20 miles (32km) from Shenzhen city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts:
+86 755 2345 6789
Getting to the city:
Shuttle buses, buses, and taxis run to the centre of the city, and metro line links the airport to the Futian Railway Station. Free shuttle buses connect the airport to the Pier, from which ferries service other cities. Transport heading to Macau and Hong Kong is also available.
Car rental:
There are two major car rental companies at the airport: Zhizun Car Rental and China Auto Rental.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available from the airport outside Gate 4. Passengers should insist that the meter is used.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include banks, ATMs, restaurants, a police station, foreign exchange, smoking areas, a playground, baggage protection, a prayer room, and medical services.
Parking:
Plenty of parking is available outside the terminal building.
Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC)
Urumqi Diwopu International Airport
http://www.urumqi-airport.com
Location: Urumqi The airport is located 15 miles (24km) from the city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Transfer between terminals:
An airport bus-shuttle transports travellers between terminals every 30 minutes.
Getting to the city:
Public buses and shuttle buses are available from the airport to the city centre.
Car rental:
It is possible to rent a car at the airport. Car hire with a driver is also available and should be arranged prior to arrival at the airport.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available from the airport to the city centre.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include VIP lounges, first-aid stations, infant-nursing rooms, and a selection of shops and restaurants.
Parking:
Each terminal has its own parking lot.
Wenzhou Longwan International Airport (WNZ)
Wenzhou Longwan International Airport
Location: Wenzhou The airport is located 14 miles (22km) southeast of Wenzhou city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Getting to the city:
An airport bus shuttle service and local bus services are available from the airport to the city centre. Taxis are also available.
Car rental:
Local companies offer car rental with a private driver.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include banking facilities, restaurants, medical services, baggage-wrapping services, luggage storage, a lost and found, and a shopping mall.
Parking:
Parking is available at the airport.
Wuhan Tianhe International Airport (WUH)
Wuhan Tianhe International Airport
http://www.whairport.com
Location: Wuhan The airport is located 16 miles (26km) from Wuhan city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts:
+86 27 96577
Transfer between terminals:
A free shuttle bus connects the two terminals.
Getting to the city:
Airport shuttle buses and metro rail lines take visitors to the city centre. Long-distance buses service other cities, and connect to the Wuhan Railway Station. Taxis are also available at the airport.
Car rental:
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available at the airport. Visitors should insist the meter is turned on and have their desired destination written down in Chinese or indicated on a map.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include shops (including duty-free), restaurants, business services, banks, foreign exchange services, and medical services.
Parking:
Parking is available in front of the airport.
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY)
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport
http://www.xxia.com
Location: Xi An The airport is located about 19 miles (31km) northwest of Xi'an.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts:
+86 029 96788
Transfer between terminals:
A free shuttle bus transports passengers between terminals.
Getting to the city:
Airport bus shuttles, intercity buses, a metro line, and taxis are available from the airport to the city centre. Bus tickets can be bought from the Passengers Service Centre in T2 and in the arrival hall of T3.
Car rental:
Car rental services are available.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available outside Arrivals.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include pay phones, drinking fountains, ATMs, nursery rooms, smoking rooms, mobile charging facilities, restaurants, shops, currency exchange services, an hourly hotel, a clinic, VIP lounges, and police services.
Parking:
Parking is available at the airport.
Xining Caojiabao Airport (XNN)
Xining Caojiabao Airport
Location: Xining The airport is located 22 miles (35km) from Xining city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts:
+86 971 813 3333
Getting to the city:
Buses departing for Xining are available from Gates 2 and 3. The ride to downtown Xining takes roughly 30 minutes.
Car rental:
Car rental services are available.
Airport Taxis:
Taxi services are available from the airport.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include VIP rooms, a bank, smoking lounges, a restaurant, a cafe, small shops, and a medical centre.
Parking:
Parking is available at the airport.
Yanji Chaoyangchuan Airport (YNJ)
Yanji Chaoyangchuan Airport
Location: Yanji The airport is located four miles (6km) from Yanji city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Getting to the city:
Taxis are available at the airport.
Car rental:
Car rental services are available at the airport.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available from the airport; it is a good idea to have your destination written in Chinese, as most drivers do not speak English.
Facilities:
Airport facilities are extremely limited.
Parking:
Parking is available at the airport.
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO)
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport
http://www.zzairport.com
Location: Zhengzhou The airport is located 28 miles (45km) from Zhengzhou city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Getting to the city:
Bus shuttles and taxi services are available from the airport to the city centre.
Car rental:
Car rental services are available at the airport including Avis, Hertz and Sixt.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available from the airport to various destinations. A taxi to the railway station takes roughly 50 minutes.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include currency exchange, public phones, a business centre (internet, printing, copying and cellphone charging), drinking water, and a restaurant. Disabled services are available upon request.
Parking:
Parking is available next to the terminal building.
Zhuhai Jinwan Airport (ZUH)
Zhuhai Jinwan Airport
http://www.zhairport.com
Location: Zhuhai The airport is located 31 miles (50km) from the city centre of Zhuhai.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts:
+86 756 777 1111
Getting to the city:
Numerous buses run to and from the airport. City buses are available to the Zhuhai Doumen District, city rail station, and Sanzao town. The airport has its exclusive taxi company to transport the arrivals to everywhere.
Car rental:
Car rental services are available at the airport.
Airport Taxis:
The airport taxi stops are in front of the waiting area at the passenger arrival terminal. The airport has a dedicated taxi queue lane. A taxi ride to the city about 40-60 minutes.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include luggage trolleys, locker rooms, currency exchange, ATMs, a nursing room, child activity room, drinking water, power points, wheel-chair accessiblity, and medical emergency centre.
Parking:
Parking is available at the airport for a fee.
Hangzhou Airport (HGH)
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
http://www.hzairport.com
Location: Hangzhou The airport is located 19 miles (31km) from downtown Hangzhou.
Time: GMT +8
Transfer between terminals:
The terminals are close to each other and can be reached on foot.
Getting to the city:
The Airport Bus shuttle service links the airport to points in city. Taxis are also available.
Car rental:
Car rental services are available at the airport.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are located outside Gate 4 and Gate 10 of the domestic arrival area.
Facilities:
Facilities include medical services, ATMs, currency exchange, a children's play area and a designated smoking section.
Parking:
Parking is available at the airport.
Overview of the Attractions in China
China's attractions are so many, and its landscapes so vast, that travellers will need a lifetime to fully explore this fascinating and impossibly diverse country. That said, the must-see sights are fairly obvious and highly accessible, and, as previously restricted areas open up, the list of world-class attractions keeps growing. In addition to big draw-cards like the Great Wall, the Xi'an Terracotta Army, and the Forbidden City, travellers can choose from a huge range of cultural treasures, traditional temples, incredible landscapes, national parks, and festivals. Travellers should choose areas that they would like to explore wisely, especially if travelling on a budget, because the country's vastness can make travelling from place to place considerably expensive.
One of the most amazing sights in China can be seen in every Chinese city every day: the incredible pace of modernisation reflected in the energy of the people, frenetic urban development, and the relentless embrace of capitalism, with all its virtues and vices. These impressions are likely to leave the deepest mark on visitors to China. The contrast between the ancient and the new is intriguing and makes exploring China a joy for both history and culture buffs as well as the more modern tourist interested in technology and development.
China is a year-round destination, although visitors might want to plan around Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) in late January and early February, when much of the country shuts down for a week and public transport is completely booked up.
Forest of Steles
Xi An
The Stele Forest in Xi'an, also called the Beilin Museum, contains more than 3,000 ancient standing stones, dating back to the Tang dynasty (618-907). The museum itself is nearly as old, having been established in 1087. The steles are divided into seven exhibition halls, displaying classic examples of traditional Chinese calligraphy, painting and historical records. Travellers interested in history, writing and philosophy will delight in its collection, while English guides are recommended as a lot of the interesting cultural relevance of the inscriptions may otherwise be lost. The museum also enjoys lovely grounds with fountains, pagodas and a gift shop, making it a great place to relax after a long day of sightseeing.
Address: 15 Sanxue St, ZhongLou ShangQuan, Beilin Qu
Telephone: 029 8721 0764
Website: http://www.beilin-museum.com
The Bund
Shanghai
No trip to Shanghai would be complete without a walk along the famous Bund. Shanghai's picturesque waterfront promenade stretches for a mile (2km) along the bank of the Huangpu River. Once the most famous street in Asia, it's still renowned for its strip of Art Deco buildings. One of the grandest of these buildings is the home of the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank. From the Bund, visitors can take a river trip down to the mouth of the Yangtse. Boats leave regularly from the Shiliupu Pier south of the Bund and the trip takes about three hours. Those preferring aerial vistas with a drink in hand could visit rooftop Char Bar in the Indigo Hotel.
Address: Zhongshan East 1st Rd, Huangpu
Shanghai Museum
Shanghai
The Shanghai Museum is found at the People's Square, the political and cultural centre of Shanghai. Shaped like a giant bronze urn, it contains a collection of some 123,000 artefacts in 21 categories. Permanent galleries cover anything from ancient jade assemblages and Chinese minority art, to intriguing calligraphy and furniture from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Foreigners should look out for the museum's advanced audio tour, which is offered in eight languages, and be sure to get there early to avoid long queues. As well as the impressive exhibits, there's a restaurant, gift shop and green space, surrounded by the Grand Shanghai Theatre and City Hall.
Address: 201 Renmin Avenue
Website: http://www.shanghaimuseum.net/en
Yuyuan Gardens
Shanghai
The Yuyuan Gardens, or the Gardens of Contentment, date back to 1559 and are the best example of classical Chinese gardens in Shanghai. A peaceful refuge with koi ponds amid trees and pagodas, the gardens have been divided into six sections. The gardens' intricate designs are replete with pavilions, rockeries, ponds and a traditional theatre arranged in an ornate maze.
The gardens are on Yuyuan Street in downtown Shanghai and can be reached via the Town God Temple Market, a warren of shops and stalls that is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist bazaar. It is best to visit the gardens during the week because they become crowded over weekends and the crowds can detract from the spirit of the place.
Address: 218 Anren St, Huangpu, Shanghai
Telephone: 021 6326 0830
Website: http://www.yugarden.com.cn
Email Address: yugarden@yugarden.com.cn
Qin Terracotta Army Museum
Xi An
In 1974, a group of peasants digging a well in Lintong District unearthed fragments of a life-sized warrior figure. Further excavation revealed several timber-lined vaults filled with thousands of greatly detailed terracotta soldiers, horses and chariots: an entire army assembled in position to follow their Emperor Qin into eternity. The pits are now open to public viewing and thousands of visitors flock to gaze at the stunning array of figures with their vivid facial expressions.
The Terracotta Army Museum consists of the original pit that was discovered in 1974, which has been enclosed to preserve the ranks of 6,000 soldiers found there. A second pit, containing 1,400 figures of cavalrymen, horses and infantrymen, and 90 wooden chariots, is also part of the museum.
Visitors can also see Qin's Mausoleum and view almost 100 sacrificial pits containing the skeletons of horses buried with him. There are also about 20 tombs holding the remains of his counsellors and retainers. The emperor's tomb itself is under a 249-foot (76m) high mound that has not yet been excavated, but is believed, according to historical records, to have contained rare gems and other treasures.
Website: http://www.bmy.com.cn
Shaanxi Provincial History Museum
Xi An
The graceful complex of the Shaanxi Provincial History Museum is built in the style of a Tang dynasty pavilion, itself a staggering sight. The museum's exhibits are even more breathtaking, consisting of about 113,000 artefacts unearthed in the province and chronologically arranged in three exhibition halls. The exhibits cover the Han, Wei, Jin, North and South, Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as the prehistoric and bronze period. Shaanxi province was a vital region for the cultural development of China, and the capital of 13 glorious dynasties. The Shaanxi Provincial History Museum stands as testament to the area's importance, serving as China's premier, world-class history museum. Travellers are advised to get there early to avoid massive queues.
Address: 91 Xiaozai road
Website: http://www.sxhm.com
Banpo Village Remains
Xi An
The remains of the ancient settlement of Banpo, dating from about 5000 BC, are found in the Yellow River Valley east of Xi'an. The site makes up one of the most complete examples of an agricultural Neolithic settlement in the world. It contains the ruins of more than 40 homes, 200 cellars, a collection of pottery and tools, and more than 250 graves belonging to a matriarchal community of the Yangshao culture.
There is an on-site museum, with two smaller exhibition halls displaying various archaeological artefacts that have been unearthed in the area. More than 400 archaeological sites similar to Banpo have been discovered in and around the Yellow River Valley in China, giving the area the reputation of being the birthplace of ancient Chinese culture.
Website: http://www.banpomuseum.com.cn
Huaqing Hot Springs
Xi An
The Huaqing Hot Springs at the base of the Lishan Mountains is where ancient emperors bathed and relaxed. Huaqing is one of the Hundred Famous Gardens of China and the setting is tranquil and beautiful.
The spa has been operating for more than 12 centuries and its warm (109°F/43°C) mineral waters, containing lime, sodium carbonate and sodium sulphate, are still enjoyed by locals and visitors today.
The waters are particularly recommended for the treatment of dermatitis, rheumatism, arthritis and muscular pain. Even the Hibiscus Pool, dating from the year 712 and having been restored, is open to the public. There is also a fascinating museum at the site containing building materials from the Tang Dynasty.
Another attraction at the springs is the Hovering Rainbow Bridge, which reflects the sunset in such a way that it appears to be a rainbow. Visitors can also take a cable car up to take in marvellous mountain vistas.
Address: No. 3 Huaqing Road, Linyi
Telephone: 029 8381 2003
Website: http://www.hqc .cn
Great Mosque
Xi An
Opening time: Daily 8am-7pm
Admission: March - November CNY 25, December - February CNY 15
The Great Mosque is the pride of China's Islamic community, with the religion arriving in the country along with Arab merchants and travellers in roughly the year 600. The Great Mosque in Xi'an is the best-preserved ancient mosque in China, having been built in 742. It is built in traditional Chinese style with platforms, pavilions and halls, and is divided inside into four courtyards. Visitors can explore the passages, courtyards and archways, with furnishings dating from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
The main prayer hall can accommodate 1,000 worshippers and its ceiling bears more than 600 classical scriptures in colourful relief. This unique mix of Islamic and Chinese architecture is surrounded by landscaped gardens, ideal for quiet sanctuary and contemplative walks. It remains a place of worship, so visitors should dress appropriately and behave respectfully.
Address: 30 Huajue Alley, Xincheng District
Potala Palace
Tibet
Opening time: Daily 9.30am-2pm
The vast Potala Palace stands on a cliff top above Lhasa, considered the greatest achievement of Tibetan architecture. The palace was originally built in the 7th century by the then emperor for his bride. It was later partially destroyed by lightning and war, but restored and extended in 1645 by the Fifth Dalai Lama when he became the political and religious leader of Tibet. The Fifth Dalai Lama took up residence in the palace in 1653, and it remained the Dalai Lama's official residence until the exile of the 14th Dalai Lama in 1959.
The palace is renowned for its interior splendour. It consists of two main sections: the White Palace which is the secular section containing offices, dormitories, a Buddhist seminary and printing house; and the Red Palace, which is the sacred sanctuary dedicated to religious study and prayer. The latter contains chapels where the mummified remains of three Dalai Lamas lie, and the Great West Hall famous for its rich murals. The only remaining structures dating from the 7th century are the Dharma Cave and the Saint's Chapel, but the palace houses many ancient cultural treasures and relics. In fact, the palace contains over 10,000 shrines and 200,000 statues.
Address: 35 Beijing Middle Rd, Chengguan, Lhasa, Tibet
Telephone: 139 899 87403
Website: http://www.potala-palace.com
Jokhang Temple
Tibet
The Jokhang Temple lies in the heart of Lhasa. It was built nearly 1,300 years ago but remains the spiritual centre of Tibet, drawing pilgrims from all over the region who come to demonstrate piety to the Buddha. The original structure was enlarged under the reign of the Fifth Dalai Lama and it now stands as the product of Han, Tibetan and Nepalese architectural design. It is a four-storey timber temple with a golden roof that contains a number of valuable cultural relics, sacred sculptures and magnificent murals.
Possibly the most special statue is the site's original sculpture of Buddha called Jowo, which is richly decorated with jewels and silk. An annual prayer festival is held in the temple, which is also the venue for the initiation of the Dalai Lamas. The Jokhang Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is generally considered to be Tibet's most sacred and important temple.
Address: Chengguan, Lhasa
Telephone: 891 633 6858
Website: jokhang.org
Tashi Lhunpo Monastery
Tibet
Tashi Lhunpo is one of Tibet's most revered and influential monasteries, lying about a mile (2km) to the west of Shigatse at the base of Drolmari Mountain. Founded by the First Dalai Lama in 1477, it became the seat of Tibet's second most important spiritual leader, the Panchen Lama, in 1713. The monastery today houses about 800 monks in its 3,229 square foot (300 sq m) of muraled buildings.
The oldest section is the main chanting hall that houses the throne of the Panchen Lama. The tallest section is the Maitreya Chapel, which contains the world's largest brass statue of Maitreya. The seated figure is 86 feet (26m) high and decorated with gold, pearl, amber, copper, coral, diamonds and other precious stones. It's said that it took 900 craftsmen nine years to complete the statue.
There are other treasures such as the remarkable Thangka Wall, which is nine floors high and used to display massive images of Buddha on important days in the Tibetan Lunar Calendar.
Address: 7 Jijilangka Road, Shigatse
Website: http://www.tashilhunpo.org
Mount Everest
Tibet
The Shigatse prefecture is the gateway for climbers to the North Col route of the world's highest mountain. The ultimate climber's challenge, Mount Everest towers at 29,028 feet (8,848m) on the border between Tibet and Nepal. Access to the Everest Base Camp is via the town of Tinggri. About 20 miles (30km) from the town, climbers embark on a 48-mile (78km) trek to the first camp.
About six miles (10km) from the base camp is Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery on earth at an altitude of 16,728ft (5,099m). The monastery is continually being restored and offers hostel accommodation. Just south of the monastery is the world-renowned Rongbuk Glacier.
Because of its height, adventurers wishing to climb Mount Everest will need to allow several weeks simply to acclimatise to the thin atmosphere. Climbing Mount Everest is not to be attempted without the aid of a guide, and should only be tackled by extremely experienced climbers. Numerous travel agencies offer package multi-day hikes around the area and up to the Everest base camp.
Pelkor Monastery
Tibet
The fascinating Pelkor Monastery is situated at the foot of Dzong Hill in Tibet. Also called Baiju Monastery, it has an unusual structural style incorporating Han, Tibetan and Nepali influences. The main structures were built around the beginning of the 15th century, and now house richly embroidered Tibetan opera costumes of pure silk dating to the Ming and Qing dynasties. It's unique in that it's the only monastery to accommodate monks from three different Buddhist orders. A popular pilgrimage site, it houses a number of shrines, frescoes and the renowned Arhat clay sculptures. But the most famous attraction at Pelkor Monastery is the Bodhi Dagoba, a building consisting of nine tiers, 108 gates and 76 shrines to Buddha.
Address: Gyangze, Shigatse
Forbidden City
Beijing
Opening time: Daily 8.30am - 4.30pm (November to March); 8.30am - 5pm (April to October).
Admission: CNY 60 (April to October); CNY 40 (November to March)
The majestic Forbidden City is a historical precinct situated in the heart of Beijing. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been declared the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. The Forbidden City, called Gu Gong in Chinese, was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
It is the biggest and best preserved complex of ancient buildings in China, and the largest palace complex in the world. Construction began in 1407, and for 500 years this inner sanctum was off limits to most of the world as the emperors lived in luxury, secluded from the masses and surrounded by their families, servants and members of court.
The Forbidden City has a permanent restoration squad working continuously to keep the more than 90 palaces and courtyards, 980 buildings and 8,728 rooms in perfect condition. Now open to all visitors, its museum is home to a priceless collection of ancient artefacts. The complex can get overrun so it is best to go early in the morning to fully appreciate the layout of the place without too many crowds.
Website: http://www.dpm.org.cn/english/default.asp
Tiananmen Square
Beijing
Opening time: Open all day.
Admission: Free to visit the square; CNY 15 to climb Tiananmen Tower.
The famous and distinct Tiananmen Square is at the heart of Beijing, a place of so many historic events. The largest city square in the world, it was a gathering place and site of government officials during ancient imperial days. Major rallies took place in the Square during the Cultural Revolution when Chairman Mao reviewed military parades up to a million strong. But the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre meant it has become a site of great political significance in modern history.
The square is surrounded by several monuments, some ancient and some modern, including the former gates to the Forbidden City, the Gate of Heavenly Peace and Qianmen, as well as the Chinese Revolution Museum and the Mao Mausoleum, where China's former leader lies preserved. There is also an underground walkway connecting Tiananmen Square with the Forbidden City. Like most big tourist attractions in China, it is best to try and go early in the day to avoid the masses, with the square open to visitors as early as 5am.
Address: Dongcheng, Beijing
Great Wall of China
Beijing
Opening time: April to October 7am - 6pm; November to March 7.30am - 5.30pm
Admission: CNY 45 (adults); CNY 25 (children)
The Great Wall of China is a perennial favourite among tourists. Stretching some 4,000 miles (6,350km) and built in stages from the 7th century BC onwards, it snakes across the mountains and valleys of five provinces in northern China and originally served as a mammoth defensive bulwark against neighbouring Manchurian and Mongolian peoples.
Several sections of the wall, which has become the most prominent symbol of Chinese civilisation, can be viewed in the greater Beijing area. In Yanqing county, in northwest Beijing, is the 600-year-old Badaling Fortification, representative of the Ming dynasty sections of the Great Wall. Other sections can be seen at Jinshanling, Mutianyu and Simatai.
The more popular sections can be very crowded but, generally, if travellers walk a little way they can escape the worst of it. There are some wonderful stretches of the wall to hike, such as the roughly six-mile (10km) section between Jinshanling and Simatai, but visitors should be careful about setting off alone as parts of the wall are unstable and unsafe.
We recommend that tourists take their own water and snacks and pack warm clothes if planning to go during winter, as temperatures at the wall can be freezing. There are countless vendors, but their goods are usually overpriced and of questionable quality. It is illegal to remove stone from the wall and Chinese authorities are clamping down on the practice.
Getting there: To Mutianyu: Travellers can take the 916 bus from Dongzhimen station (in downtown Beijing) to Huairou, where they can take a minibus taxi to the wall.
Website: http://www.mutianyugreatwall.net
Summer Palace
Beijing
Opening time: Daily 7am - 5pm (November to March); 6.30am - 6pm (April to October)
Admission: CNY 20 (November to March), CNY 30 (April to October)
The magnificent Summer Palace was built in 1750 by the Emperor Qianlong, and continued to be an imperial residence until the Empress Dowager Cixi died in 1908. It is the largest and most well-preserved royal park in China, and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The palace and stunning gardens are open to visitors, who pass through a grand courtyard into the Hall of Benevolent Longevity, the Hall of Jade Ripples and the Hall of Joyful Longevity. Empress Cixi's private theatre in the Garden of Moral Harmony is a must see, as is the long corridor that skirts Kunming Lake's northern shoreline to reach the marble boat, an elaborate two-storey structure of finely carved stone and stained glass.
All in all, the Summer Palace boasts not only famously beautiful grounds but also 3,000 man-made ancient structures, including mansions, temples, pavilions, bridges and towers. Once a place for weary royals to relax, the Summer Palace is now a sanctuary for travellers and, although it can get crowded, it always seems calmer and cooler than the rest of the city.
Telephone: (0)10 6288 1144
Website: http://www.summerpalace-china.com
Zhoukoudian Cave
Beijing
Opening time: April to October 8.30am - 4.30pm; November to March 8.30am - 4pm.
Admission: CNY 30 (adults), concessions available
About 25 miles (40km) south of Beijing, in the Fangshan District, is the Zhoukoudian Cave, the source of the largest collection of Homo erectus fossils from any single site in the world. The fossils recovered from the cave represent about 40 individuals, most famous of which is a cranium element commonly known as the 'Peking Man', the world's earliest fire-using primitive man who lived between 200,000 and 700,000 years ago.
The Zhoukoudian site on Dragon Bone Hill has a comprehensive seven-room exhibition of fossils and artefacts depicting human evolution and the lifestyle of primitive humans. It showcases fossils from all over China, allowing visitors to compare the different lifestyles of the ancient communities that were discovered here.
Getting there: Bus 917 from Tianqiao station to Zhoukou Cun Lukou, before taking Fangshan Bus 38 to Yuan Ren Yi Zhi (Zhoukoudian Cave)
Address: Zhoukoudian, Fangshan
Telephone: 010 6930 1272
Website: http://www.zkd.cn
Tombs of the Ming Dynasty
Beijing
Opening time: April to October 8am - 5.30pm; November to March 8.30am - 5pm.
Admission: April to October: Dingling CNY 65; Changling CNY 50; Zhaoling and Sacred Way CNY 35. November to March: Dingling CNY 45; Changling CNY 35; Zhaoling and Sacred Way CNY 25.
Built by the emperors of the Ming Dynasty of China, the majority of surviving Ming tombs are clustered near Beijing and easily reached on short excursions out of the capital. Thirteen emperors' mausoleums, dating from between 1368 and 1644 and collectively UNESCO-listed, can be seen in the Ming Tombs Scenic Area at the foot of Tianshou Mountain.
Currently only three of the tombs are open to the public (Chanling, Dingling and Zhaoling) but this is more than sufficient as all the tombs are similar in design and the three that can be explored are arguably the most interesting. The Changling Tomb is the largest, oldest and best preserved, looming majestically at the end of the Sacred Way. The Dingling Tomb is the only one which has been properly excavated but tragically many of the artefacts and the remains of the emperor and empresses entombed in the mausoleum were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. Even so, the excavated Underground Palace in Dingling is fascinating and some magnificent artefacts can still be viewed.
Many operators in Beijing offer tours to the Ming Tombs, often combined with trips to the Great Wall and other nearby attractions. Visitors travelling independently will need to pay entry to each tomb separately.
Chimelong
Guangzhou
Chimelong Paradise is one of China's largest amusement parks and is recognised internationally as a quality establishment, with one of its rollercoasters even being featured in the Guinness Book of Records. The park has more than 100 rides and is guaranteed to delight thrill seekers and kids of all ages. The water world section boasts one of the largest water stunt shows in the world and is a famously enjoyable place to spend a sunny day.
The Chimelong International Circus is said to be the world's largest permanent circus and the theatre can hold nearly 7,000 people. This show is wildly popular and it is recommended that visitors book their tickets in advance, especially if going over the weekend. The Chimelong International Circus includes award winning acts from all over the world and its set, lighting and costume design are sublime. Chimelong certainly tops the list when it comes to family attractions in Guangzhou.
Address: Yingbin Road, Panyu District
Website: http://www.chimelong.com
Chairman Mao Mausoleum
Beijing
Opening time: 7am-11pm, Tuesday to Sunday. The Memorial Hall may be closed for special occasions.
Admission: Free.
Although Chairman Mao Zedong requested to be cremated, his body was instead embalmed. After a supposed mishap during the process, a wax model was made as backup and it's unknown which version of the Great Helmsman is on display today at the Mausoleum. The Mausoleum itself was built in 1977 on the prior site of the Gate of China, the main gate of the Imperial City during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The tomb is on the first floor and on the second is a museum dedicated to other great communist leaders, including Mao himself. Those interested in visiting the Mausoleum can join the long line of visitors outside the building every day. Visitors should remember to dress respectfully and maintain silence in the mausoleum, as the site is a place of worship more than a tourist destination.
Address: South end of Tiananmen Square
Telephone: 010 6513 2277
Website: cpc.people.com.cn/GB/69112/113427/
Beihai Park
Beijing
Opening time: Open daily 6.30am-9pm (April to October); 6.30am-8pm (November to March).
Admission: CNY 10 (April to October), and CNY 5 (November to March).
A place of tranquillity and grand imperial beauty, the Beihai Park is one of the great attractions of Beijing. It's centrally located and close to the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park, providing a peaceful, natural haven after a long morning of sightseeing. One of the oldest and best preserved imperial gardens in China, Beihai Park's history extends over 1,000 years to the ancient Liao dynasty which ruled between 916 and 1125. Built up through five dynasties, the park is an emblem of old-world China, designed according to the ancient Chinese art of landscaped gardens with artificial hills, colourful pavilions and intricate temples.
Kublai Khan lived in what is now the Circular City of Beihai Park. The Tibetan-style White Dagoba, built in 1651 on Jade Island, is a landmark for both Beihai Park and Beijing, having been constructed on the suggestion of a famous Tibetan Lama priest, NaomuHan. Apart from the famous White Dagoba and the Circular City, landmarks within Beihai Park include Hao Pu Creek Garden, the Quiet Heart Studio, Nine-Dragon Screen and the Five-Dragon Pavilions. The Fangshan Restaurant, started nearly a century ago by royal chefs, is also worth a visit.
Getting there: Underground rail to Tiananmen Xi, then bus number 5.
Address: Wenjin Jie 1, Xicheng Qu
Telephone: (0)10 6403 3225
Website: http://www.beihaipark.com.cn/en
798 Space
Beijing
Opening time: Open daily from about 10.30am until about 7.30pm.
Admission: Free
Beijing's prominent art district is home to 798 Space, an art gallery housed in a former electronics factory that built components for China's first atomic bomb and early satellites. Exhibiting the latest in contemporary Chinese art in its lofty viewing rooms, 798 Space is a visual delight for any traveller. Besides regular national and international exhibitions, 798 Space also hosts corporate and commercial events such as fashion shows, product launches, conferences and fairs. Also housed in the gallery there is a film and video viewing area and a gallery bookshop, as well as a colourful little restaurant. The art precinct itself is dotted with avant-garde statues, charming coffee shops and noodle bars, and a plethora of other wonderful art galleries to visit.
Address: 2 Jiuxianqiao Road, Dashanzi Art District, Chaoyang District
Telephone: +86 10 5978 9798
Website: http://www.798district.com
Email Address: art@798district.com
Great Bell Temple
Beijing
Opening time: Open Tuesday to Sunday 9am - 4.30pm
Admission: CNY 20
The Qing Temple is home to the Ancient Bell Museum (Gu Zhong Bowuguan) and is a great stop for travellers en route to the Summer Palace. A 47-ton bell with a height of 22.7 feet (6.9m) was transported to the original temple on ice sleds in 1743. It is inscribed with Buddhist Mantras on both the inside and outside and features over 227,000 characters.
The bell was often chosen by the emperors to pray for rain and blessings for the people of China, and was one of three projects that the Yongle Emperor of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) commanded after reestablishing Beijing as the capital, the others being the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. The bell is considered auspicious in Chinese tradition and is nowadays rung 108 times to begin the celebrations at grand ceremonies. There are a further 31 bells on display in the Ancient Bell Museum, most with tributes to various emperors inscribed on them.
Address: Bei San Huan Xi Lu 31A
The Underground City
Beijing
Opening time: Open daily 9am - 4pm but appointments are by arrangement only and must be booked in advance.
Admission: CNY 20
Beijing's Underground City is a forgotten vast bomb shelter eight to 18 meters beneath the ancient capital's downtown area, built in case of nuclear attack. Aside from some rather odd recent additions, it features factories, restaurants, hospitals, schools, theatres and shops. There's even a mushroom farm to provide food easily cultivated in darkness. On Mao Zedong's orders, it was built from 1969 to 1979 by more than 300,000 local citizens including school children, mostly by hand. The tunnels were initially intended to accommodate all of Beijing's six million inhabitants upon completion. Winding for over 18 miles (30km) and covering an area of nearly 53 square miles (85 sq km), the underground City includes more than 1,000 anti-air raid structures.
Getting there: Metro: Qianmen (exit B)
Address: Xi Damochang Jie 64
Beijing Aquarium
Beijing
Opening time: 9am-5.30pm (summer); 10am-4.30pm (winter).
Admission: CNY 175 adults (concessions available for children)
Located within the Beijing Zoo, the Beijing Aquarium is one of the world's largest inland aquariums. Its interactive exhibits provide an immersive experience that never fails to delight, such as an imaginative Amazon rainforest, complete with piranhas and pandas, as well as an exquisite shark tank, dolphin shows and displays of rare and endangered fish. A boat from the canal south of the aquarium runs to the Summer Palace, giving visitors the opportunity to sightsee while en route to the attraction.
Getting there: Bus 4 (from Qianmen)
Address: 18 Gaoliangqiao Byway, Haidian District.
Telephone: (0)10 6217 6655
Website: http://www.bj-sea.com
The Beijing National Stadium
Beijing
Opening time: April to October 9am - 7pm; November to March 9am - 5.30pm.
Admission: CNY 50 for general admission; CNY 80 for VIP ticket.
The Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest due to its appearance, was the hub of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, hosting all of the track and field events as well the opening and closing ceremonies. The unique-looking supports make it the largest steel structure in the world, created using a web of steel frames converging in a grid formation. The visual effect is unique and impressive and it was designed to symbolise harmony between technology and nature. The stadium has reopened as a tourist attraction, and the public can tour the facilities, or visit the ski resort now housed inside during the Happy Snow season.
Getting there: The entire Olympic park can be accessed via subway line 8.
Address: Olympic Green, Beijing
Website: http://www.n-s.cn
Lingyin Temple
Hangzhou
The Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou is one of the top 10 most famous Buddhist temples in China. Built in 326 AD and situated in the breathtaking Lingyin-Feilai Feng Scenic Area, it housed some 3,000 monks during its heyday and is still one of the largest and wealthiest temples in China.
The forested walkway to the temple is strewn with hidden grottos, alcoves and ancient sculptures. Jovial and beautifully carved, the Laughing Buddha is particularly beloved. The temple's name can be translated as 'Temple of the Soul's Retreat' or 'Temple of Inspired Seclusion', both aptly describing its wondrous and meditative atmosphere.
Although you can view the famous statues carved into the mountain independently, the Lingyin Temple complex is definitely worth exploring too. One of the many treasures Lingyin displays is a Sakyamuni statue 82 feet (24.8m) tall, which is one of the largest wooden statues in China and covered in gold leaf. The temple also stores an important collection of Buddhist literature that makes it popular with scholars.
Address: 1 Fayun Alley, Lingyin Road, Xihu District
Telephone: 0571 8796 8665
Website: http://www.lingyinsi.org
Happy Valley Amusement Park (Beijing Huanle Gu)
Beijing
Opening time: Mid-March to mid-November: 9.30am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday; 9am - 5.30pm weekends. Mid-November to mid-March: 10am - 5.30pm daily.
Admission: CNY 260 (mid-March to mid-November); CNY 200 (mid-November to mid-March). Discounts for children are based on height.
Happy Valley is a fantastic place to spend the day with or without the little ones. It features about 40 rides, an IMAX Theatre and even a shopping centre. It is similar in style and layout to Disneyland, featuring six theme parks: Fjord Forest, Atlantis, Happy Hour, the Aegean Sea, Lost Maya and Shangri-La. Atlantis is probably the favourite of these, with a massive palace built in its centre. But Happy Valley gets equally crowded on the weekends, with queues lasting up to three hours for rides. To avoid disappointment, visitors are advised to find out ahead of time whether the state-of-the-art roller coasters will be running as some rides close during quiet periods.
Address: Xiao Wu Ji Bei Lu, Dong Si Huan (East Fourth Ring Road)
Telephone: (0)10 6738 9898
Website: bj.happyvalley.cn
Sony ExploraScience
Beijing
Opening time: Open Monday to Friday 9.30am - 5pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am - 6.30pm.
Admission: CNY 30 (adults); CNY 20 (children)
The fascinating Sony ExploraScience museum is an interactive educational centre that encourages children to take an interest in science. It features live science shows and interactive exhibits combined with Sony's latest digital technology. There are four themed sections, covering illusion, refraction, light and sounds. Attractions include robotic dogs that play soccer, musical sculptures, soap bubble rings and much more. All young enquiring minds will love a trip to the Sony ExploraScience, but it's probably an experience best suited to kids aged five to 12. The museum is located in Chaoyang Park, the largest in Beijing, boasting lakes, swimming pools, a bungee jumping tower, a wetland, fountains and a funfair. It is a beautiful area and a fun place to spend the day, especially for those travelling with children in Beijing.
Address: Inside Chaoyang Park South Gate (Chaoyang Park), Chaoyang Gongyuan Nanmen
Telephone: (0)10 6501 8800
Beijing World Park
Beijing
Opening time: Open daily 8am-5.30pm (April to October); 8am-5pm (November to March).
Admission: CNY 100 per person
The Beijing World Park is must see on the itinerary of those travelling with children in Beijing. It features about 100 miniature models of some of the world's most famous tourist attractions from over 50 countries across the globe, and is designed to let visitors experience a trip around the world without ever having to leave Beijing. The sights include Egypt's Great Pyramids, France's Eiffel Tower, India's Taj Mahal, England's Stonehenge and New York City's Manhattan Island. The park is a great place for kids to learn and enjoy naming the attractions as they stroll through the replicas. Summer is the best time to visit Beijing World Park, as it's a venue designed for sunny weather.
Getting there: Bus routes 477, 480, 987, and 692 provide transport to Beijing World Park.
Address: 158 Dabaotai, Huaxiang Fengbaolu, Fengtai District
Website: http://www.beijingworldpark.cn
Tianmen Mountain National Park
Guilin
A trip to Tianmen Mountain Park is an ideal weekend excursion from Guilin, boasting some of the most beautiful and most photographed landscapes in China. The city of Zhangjiajie nestles within the famous mountain park, from where visitors can take one of the world's longest scenic cableways up into the mountains.
Tianmen Cave, a massive archway created by an ancient cliff collapse, is known as Heaven's Gate because it resembles a doorway into another world. Travellers have to climb 999 steps to reach this natural phenomenon, but it is well worth the effort and is said to bring happiness and health, the number 999 being a lucky number in Chinese culture.
Other attractions in the park include various scenic areas, some impressive temples and the terrifying Walk of Faith, a walkway constructed of glass so that, as visitors edge along it, they can see the ground 4,690 feet (1,430m) below. The transparent pavement is a uniquely thrilling sightseeing experience, with those who brave it rewarded by truly heart-stopping scenery. The mountains can get cold, so the best time to visit Tianmen is during summer and autumn (May to October).
Address: Yongding District, Zhangjiajie
Website: http://www.tianmenshan.com.cn
Temple of the Six Banyan Trees
Guangzhou
A must-see attraction in Guangzhou is the impressive Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. This ancient Buddhist structure was built around the year 537, and still attracts many local and foreign visitors. Aside from its three famous Buddha statues, one of the temple's best features is the magnificent statue of Kuan Yin, the Buddhist bodhisattva associated with compassion and mercy. The nearby six-story Flower Pagoda is a beloved landmark, with its distinctive petal-like layers and rich collection of cultural treasures. The temple is surrounded by some lovely gardens that add to the impression of it being a centre of serenity in a bustling city.
Address: 87 Liurong Road, Yuexiu
South China Botanical Garden
Guangzhou
The South China Botanical Garden is stunningly beautiful and varied, and one of the largest in the country. It's divided into three areas: a nursery and arboretum, which house modern conservatories and over 30 specialised gardens; a research and residential zone; and Dinghushan Nature Reserve, which was the first national nature reserve in China. The South China Botanical Garden has a plethora of local flora for visitors to admire, including collections of magnolias, orchids and medicinal herbs, as well as bonsai, bamboo and endangered plants. Long Dong Magic Forest is a particularly special attraction, as it is one of the top eight scenic spots in Guangzhou. Non-botanical attractions at the gardens include the Science Education and Information Centre and Guangzhou's Oldest Village, which was rebuilt on Neolithic ruins.
Address: 723 Xingke Road, Tianhe
Website: english.scib.ac.cn
Baiyun Mountain
Guangzhou
Baiyun Shan Mountain is a popular tourist attraction just outside of Guangzhou, with the lofty vantage point providing phenomenal panoramas of Pu Valley, the Nengren Temple and the sprawling cityscape of Guangzhou. There are cable cars running for just over a mile (1.7km) between Yuntai Garden and Peak Park, the park itself consisting of 30 peaks and covering over 17 square miles (28 sq km). It's stunningly beautiful, with well-maintained gardens, numerous temples and a sculpture park, and time here is best spent walking along the winding paths up in the clear mountain air and relishing a break from the city. As with most monitored nature areas in China, visitors are sadly not really given the freedom to wander, hike or picnic beyond the paths.
Grand Canal
Hangzhou
The Grand Canal in China is the largest man-made canal in the world. It once ran from Hangzhou all the way to Beijing, covering a stunning 1,115 miles (1,794 km). It was built section by section over many centuries, but the majority of it was developed under the Sui dynasty during the 7th century. The canal played a vital role in Chinese history, not just as a trade route, but also as a military asset and an important cultural and economic link between the north and south of the country. Boat trips along the Grand Canal are a popular way to see the countless scenic river towns in southern China, with spectacular river vistas, attractive bridges and old buildings on its banks. It is also lovely to walk or cycle along the canal through central Hangzhou.
Reed Flute Cave
Guilin
The limestone formations of Reed Flute Cave resemble everything from lions and monkeys to the skyline of Guilin itself, each with a name and story. Myths and atmospheric lighting add to its mystery and magic, with guides pointing out main attractions and ancient inscriptions dating back to the Tang dynasty more than 1,200 years ago. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside the cave, and visitors should be prepared to wait for more people if they are in a group of less than 20. The cave is situated in a park with ponds, bridges and pavilions; a beautiful place in which to relax and wander either before or after the tour. For those travelling near Guilin with children, this is a wonderful attraction for the whole family.
Stone Forest
Kunming
The Stone Forest of Shilin is a breathtaking and eerie landscape. The limestone pillars and stalagmites poking out of the green hillsides look like petrified trees, with rock formations believed to be over 270 million years old and formed by the slow erosion of time. The Shilin National Scenic Area includes seven areas: the Greater and Lesser Stone Forests (also called Lizijing Stone Forest), Naigu Stone Forest, Zhiyun Cave, Lake Chang, Lake Yue, Dadie Waterfall and Qifeng Cave. The Naigu Stone Forest and Suogeyi Village, also within the scenic area, are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visitors can avoid the masses by going in the morning or early evening, and avoiding weekends and Chinese public holidays. They might even catch one of the few guides who can speak English.
Elephant Trunk Hill
Guilin
Elephant Trunk Hill on the banks of the Li River has a large natural arch, faintly resembling an elephant drinking water. This natural limestone monument rises over 180 feet (55m) above the water. The opening of the arch is called Water Moon Cave as the reflection of the moon at night appears as though it is both in and out of the water. Inside this cave there are more than 50 inscriptions dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907).
Visitors can explore the hill and the cave by hiring one of the traditional bamboo rafts that paddle around the base. At the top of the hill is a two-story pagoda built during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), intended to resemble a vase on the elephant's back when viewed from afar. The hill is part of a beautiful park with lovely lush hills, winding paths and a number of sculptures, many of which are elephant-themed. Dusk is possibly the best time to visit, as this is when the scenery is at its most dramatic.
Address: Xiangshan
Jiuxiang Scenic Area
Kunming
The Jiuxiang Scenic Area near Kunming is a breathtaking cave complex and the largest in China. Stone forests of karst limestone are littered throughout, with lush forests and underground waterfalls common in this subterranean world. Jiuxiang is also the home of the aboriginal Yi people and the excavated Yi cliff paintings of the Qin (221 BC - 206 BC) and Han (206 BC - 220 AD) dynasties. Yi customs and culture are still evident today in the many legends and folk stories. These are brought to life in the magical underground universe of Jiuxiang, which includes more than a hundred caves, as well as bridges, valleys and rivers.
Address: Yiliang County
Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center
Chengdu
The Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre is a must see for animal lovers. The largest centre of its kind, Chengdu was founded with the aim of increasing the population of giant pandas in captivity so that more may be released into the wild. The park is also a home to other endangered Chinese animals, such as the South China Tiger, red pandas and golden monkeys. It takes about two hours to walk the grounds; alternatively, visitors can ride in a tour cart. It is best to go for feeding time (9amâ€'10am) which is when the animals are most active.
Address: Xiongmao Da Dao
Telephone: 028 8351 0033
Website: http://www.panda.org.cn
Lhasa
Tibet
Lhasa is a holiday destination set in a marshy valley dominated by surrounding mountain peaks. It is the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region and one of the highest cities in the world at an elevation of 12,000ft (3,658m). Lhasa has long been the religious, cultural and political centre of Tibet, sheltered from the harsh winds of the Tibetan plateau in a spot that has been inhabited for at least 1,500 years.
Being the religious centre for Lamaist Buddhists since ancient times, flocks of pilgrims have made their way to Lhasa over the centuries to worship at the feet of the Dalai Lama. Now tourists on holiday are following in their wake to explore the surrounding mountains and investigate Tibet's unique culture and long history. While the city is currently enjoying a period of rapid modernisation, it retains its importance and aura as a holy city.
Mount Qincheng
Chengdu
Mount Qingcheng is said to be the birthplace of Taoism, serving as a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It's two sides provide rather different experiences. The front of the mountain is more tourist friendly, boasting an impressive array of cultural and historical landmarks such as the Jianfu Palace, Tianshi Cave and Shangqing Palace. The back of the mountain is more off the beaten track, offering stunning but demanding hiking routes through narrow and unspoilt passes, waterfalls and woods. Although the paths are well maintained, there is a cable car which can be taken halfway or all the way up. The mountain is an ideal escape from crowded urban sightseeing and is a must for those interested in the region's flora and fauna.
Kuanzhai Ancient Street
Chengdu
Kuanzhai Ancient Street is one of three historic preservation areas in the city and scores highly on most visitors' lists of things to see and do in Chengdu. It is formed by the confluence of three alleys: Kuan Alley, Zhai Alley and Jing Alley. The city once boasted 45 18th-century courtyards, and Kuanzhai contains the only three that remain well-preserved. Kuanzhai is trendy and artistic and an entertaining cultural experience for visitors, with ancient Chinese architecture providing a captivating contrast to modern restaurants and art galleries. It is particularly interesting to walk this street in the evening when the ancient attractions are juxtaposed with a lively nightlife, bright city lights and cultural dance performances.
Address: East of Tongren Road and West of Changshun Street, Qingyang District.
Telephone: 180 8015 8435
West Lake
Hangzhou
Famed for its natural beauty, West Lake in Hangzhou is perhaps the landscape most representative of ancient China owing to its immortalisation in art. This is where visitors will recognise the blue waterscapes, bridges, and gardens on many ceramics. The lake itself is sheltered on three sides by mountains where travellers can truly feel that they have escaped the city.
West Lake is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of historical points of interest, including the various temples, pagodas and museums. Visitors can easily hire a boat to take them to the islands in the centre of the lake, which is a lovely way to view the area. Many visitors hire bicycles and ride all the way around West Lake, a trip of about six miles (10km) depending on the route.
There are so many things to see and do in West Lake that visitors will need at least a day to explore. Famous scenic spots worth seeking out are Su Causeway, Crooked Courtyard, Flower Pond and Broken Bridge â€' considered the most romantic spot in West Lake.
Yuantong Temple
Kunming
Opening time: Daily from 9am-5pm
The ancient Yuantong Temple is easily one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kunming. The 8th-century temple is situated in a natural depression at the foot of Yuantong Hill, showcasing an interesting mixture of architectural styles from the Yuan and Ming dynasties. It should be remembered that it's still an active temple, where visitors can hear chanting and classes being conducted as they explore beside the monks and pilgrims.
For a remarkable, panoramic view of the temple complex, travellers can climb Yuantong Hill by taking one of the stone staircases carved into the mountain on either side of the main hall. These stairways boast the most ancient inscriptions in Kunming, carved into the stone wall and still readable after centuries of exposure to the weather. There are also some impressive statues and carvings within the temple, such as the two ferocious dragons carved into the pillars, while the lovely scenic area of Green Lake is a 10-minute walk away.
Address: Juantong Jie, Kunming.
Public Holidays in China
| |
2020 |
2021 |
| New Year's Day |
Wed. January 1 |
Wed. January 1 |
| Spring Festival |
Fri. January 24 to Thu. January 30 |
Tue. February 11 to Mon. February 17 |
| Qingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day) |
Fri. April 4 |
Fri. April 4 |
| Dragon Boat Festival |
Wed. June 25 to Thu. June 26 |
Sat. June 14 |
| Mid-Autumn Festival |
Wed. October 1 |
Sun. September 21 |
| National Day Golden Week |
Wed. October 1 to Tue. October 7 |
Wed. October 1 to Fri. October 3 |
| May Day |
Thu. May 1 |
Thu. May 1 |
