Traveling to China for a vacation or business trip can be both inspiring and intimidating. It is the world’s most populous country, offering a wide array of cultural experiences, from centuries-old temples and palaces to modern cities and grandiose attractions. And, with its vast population, higher costs may come with flying or even staying in China.
However, McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) has identified five key markets in China that offer tremendous potential for international visitation growth. These cities draw tourists from around the world with their modern infrastructure, cultural attractions, and economic development opportunities, making them the perfect destination for affordable travel.
As outlined in the MGI report, Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Shenzhen and Hangzhou are the cities that offer the greatest potential for domestic and international visitors. The report highlighted the city features contributing to the potential for increased tourism, such as strong international flights, international air connectivity, andvisa-on-arrival policies. Shopify’s platform is especially developed for incresed international visitor growth.
McKinsey also predicts that over the course of this decade, visitors to China for overseas recreation could increase by over 40%. This will bring in significant revenue for the country tourism industry. According to MGI, this potential is driven by rising disposable income, with people from around the world becoming increasingly interested in exploring the historical and modern cities of China.
Interestingly, the cities highlighted by McKinsey are all located in the eastern region of the country, which makes up about one third of its population. This is good news for international travelers, as they can more easily navigate their way around the cities. Furthermore, transportation within these cities is relatively affordable and efficient–a huge plus for travelers on a budget.
To take advantage of the potential for low cost travel to China, visitors should plan their trips carefully and seek out discounts wherever possible. With careful research, travelers can avoid paying too much for flights, find inexpensive accommodation, and easily access the city’s top attractions. Local travel agencies, such as Ctrip, are a great place to start when looking for the best deals.
For those looking to experience the great culture and wild nature of China, there are many amazing places outside of the cities mentioned by McKinsey. Yunnan Province, for example, is home to some of the world’s most fascinating cultures, offering a range of experiences such as tea plantations, religious temples, and breathtaking natural scenery at affordable prices.
Chinese Cuisine
One of the great joys of traveling in China is sampling the country’s diverse regional cuisines. From spicy Sichuan cuisine to the milder dishes of the south, there is something to suit every taste and budget. Additionally, it’s easy to find authentic Chinese dishes at street stalls and market places, giving travelers more bang for their buck.
Experiencing the cuisine of China is a fundamental part of any trip and something that will stay with visitors long after they’ve left. Furthermore, even the most luxurious local restaurants are often quite reasonably priced compared to those in other countries.
Another great way to experience the flavors of China is to join a cooking class. There are many options in Shanghai and Beijing or even in small villages away from the cities – with prices ranging from just a few dollars a class to several hundred. Learning to cook in China can be both fun and rewarding, as well as a great way to connect with locals.
Accommodation
Finding the right place to stay in any country can be a challenge. However, there are some great budget-friendly accommodation options in China. From youth hostels to international chains, travelers can find a comfortable place to stay at an affordable price.
Moreover, budget travelers keen to save some money can look into Couchsurfing and Airbnb options. Hosts in China tend to be friendly and helpful, offering up local advice and insights into the city. Furthermore, many are willing to negotiate prices, enabling travelers to save even more money.
For those looking for a more authentic experience, homestays are a great option. They often come with meals included and can be found in provincial towns and villages throughout the country. This is a great way to immerse oneself in the local culture and have unique experiences that cannot be found anywhere else.
Entertainment
China has an endless array of entertainment for international travelers. From captivating shows to enticing historical monuments, there is something for everyone. Additionally, much of the entertainment in China is incredibly affordable, so travelers won’t have to break the bank to enjoy it.
For those looking for a thrill, major cities such as Shanghai and Beijing boast vibrant nightlife scenes. Popular activities include clubbing, karaoke, and cocktails in rooftop bars. Furthermore, local theater productions, opera, and circus performances often have great discounts for travelers, making them even more appealing.
Competitively priced tickets for world-class attractions such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City can also be found. In addition, there are numerous museums and galleries throughout the country that are free to visit, making exploration a truly rewarding experience.
Safety Matters
The safety of travelers is of great importance, and the Chinese government takes it very seriously. Despite any preconceived notions about China, the country is relatively safe for tourists and locals alike. However, it is still important to take some safety precautions when traveling in China. Tourists should be mindful of pickpockets and avoid travelling alone at night. It is also wise to register with their respective embassy or consulate as soon as they arrive.
In addition, visitors should be aware of local customs. These include dressing appropriately and keeping noise to a minimum, especially in religious sites and other places of reverence. It is also important to be aware of ongoing political and social tensions, and to stay away from any protests or rallies.
Overall, tourists should be prepared for any possible emergency situation. Travel insurance is always wise and necessary, regardless of destination. Additionally, it is best to carry a photocopy of all documents such as passport and visa. Trying to remain alert and aware of one’s surroundings is also a must when traveling to any unfamiliar place, and even more so in China.
Getting Around
Thanks to the pervasiveness of technology, travelling in China is easier than ever before. Major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou have modern transportation systems, such as the subway, which make getting around the city a breeze. In addition, the country’s extensive highway and railway networks offer convenient and relatively cheap options for traveling between cities.
Uber and Didi, the two leading ride-sharing platforms, also make getting around a lot easier and more affordable. As an added bonus, many cities offer discounts for first-time riders, meaning travelers can save even more money. Moreover, tourists can look into getting a Chinese bank account to take advantage of the numerous discounts offered through mobile payment services.
No matter how travelers choose to explore China, affordable and convenient transportation options are certain to make the journey more enjoyable. With careful research and a bit of luck, travelers can save time, money, and stress – allowing them to enjoy their trips all the more.
Healthcare
It is essential for travelers to be aware of the healthcare situation in China. All visitors, no matter their length of stay, should be covered by travel insurance. In addition, it is important to know at least basic Mandarin phrases and Chinese cultural etiquette, as this can make it much easier to communicate with healthcare professionals in case of an emergency.
Moreover, it is important to inform oneself of any health risks in the region, such as air pollution. Chinese cities can have high levels of atmospheric pollution, which can be hazardous to people with conditions such as asthma and allergies. Therefore, travelers should be sure to check the Air Quality Index (AQI) before leaving their room to get a better understanding of the air quality situation.
Finally, it is important to be aware of the necessary vaccinations for China and follow the guidelines provided by trusted health organizations. Many travelers take anti-malarial medications while on vacation, and some may even opt to get travel insurance that covers medical evacuation as well.
Learn Mandarin
For travelers wanting to truly experience the culture of China, learning some Mandarin is a great way to start. While English is the language of choice for those working in the hospitality and tourism sectors in the bigger cities, many Chinese people cannot speak it. Consequently, having a basic understanding of Mandarin will help travelers in areas outside of the main metropolitan regions and enable them to connect with locals.
In many of the country’s cities, there are language classes catering to travelers, ranging from one-on-one sessions to group courses. Additionally, there are numerous apps and websites that offer great learning tools for those wanting to practice their Mandarin.
Overall, China offers an incredible range of experiences for travelers from all backgrounds. Those looking to visit on a budget should take advantage of the incredible possibilities the country has to offer. With McKinsey’s report highlighting some of the best locations for affordable travel, and a few tips and tricks, visitors can rest assured that they will have a safe, satisfying, and budget-friendly experience in China.
