Tips For Planning A China Travel Itinerary
Planning a trip to visit China is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming with all the different cities to visit. To make sure you get the most out of your trip, keep these tips in mind to create a great travel itinerary for China.
The first step is to decide on your budget and set a financial limit before you book any trip. This will help you plan a tailored travel itinerary within your budget. Also, think about which cities, attractions, or activities you want to visit on your China trip.
In addition, make sure you book hotels in advance for your convenience. It is also recommended to consider an all-in-one package for your trip, which includes hotel, flights, transportation, tour guide, and food services. But, you should also make sure to research the tour guide before taking any package.
Finally, plan your itinerary around the weather so you can make the most of your trip. It’s also important to consider what kind of activities or sightseeing you want to do in each city. China offers a variety of activities, from traditional architectures, spectacular natural landmarks, to modern entertainment.
TravelDocuments
Before taking your trip to China, make sure you have all the necessary travel documents, such as a passport, visa, or a Chinese residence permit depending on your purpose of visit. Visa requirements vary by country, so make sure you know the specific requirements. Additionally, if you are visiting from overseas, you may need immunization against various diseases.
In addition, China is a large country and some parts are quite remote, you may need to book other kind of transport such as flights or trains. Apart from this, you might also consider preparing a list of emergency contacts and health care providers just in case. Lastly, it is also essential to purchase travel insurance that covers medical expenses, lost luggage, and any cancellation fees.
Things To Carry
When traveling to China, it is essential to pack some key items to make your trip more comfortable. Make sure you carry appropriate clothing, such as light and comfortable clothes that are suitable for the weather at your destination. In addition, packing a few ‘must-haves’ like sun screen, sunglasses, and a hat will help you protect yourself from the sun.
Moreover, it is important to carry a universal plug-adaptor and a power bank as most Chinese cities have long power cuts. It is also advisable to bring a translation book or app, as well as some cash as not all places accept credit cards.
Furthermore, you may also need certain medications like anti-motion sicknessness, anti-diarrhea, and flu medicines in case there are emergencies. Lastly, some first-aid supplies like a thermometer, band-aids, and antiseptic sprays/lotions are also necessary to be packed.
TransportationAcrossChina
Public transport in China is very cheap and efficient. Buses and trains are the most used and convenient ways of transportation. Buses are the cheapest way to travel from city to city, and they also provide tourist buses for those wanting to do sightseeing. Trains are very convenient and can reach even remote destinations, but there are different classes of tickets which are expensive in the higher classes.
Taxi is another transportation option, however you must be able to communicate in Chinese to get around easily and cheaply. If you don’t speak the language, consider downloading translation apps or bring a sheet of travel phrases written in Chinese with you. And be aware of the fact that in some cities, taxi can be expensive for foreigners.
In addition, other domestic transportation options are flights, boat trips, and bike rentals. But, don’t forget that these transportation options come with some risks such as getting scammed, so be sure to do your research and always ask for official price quotes.
CulturalBehavior
Cultural differences can be a challenge for travelers, but the best way to have an enjoyable trip is to familiarize yourself with Chinese cultural behavior and customs. It is important to observe some general rules of politeness, such as being polite while speaking to people, not shouting or speaking really loud, and not taking photographs of strangers without asking them first.
In addition, some things considered polite in the West are seen as rude in China. For example, it is inappropriate to belch, blow your nose, and leave your footwear on when entering someone’s home.
Moreover, when it comes to dining, people usually give compliments about the food in most parts of China. Most traditional dishes are shared among guests, so it is polite to take small portions before asking for more. And don’t forget to thank the host for their hospitality.
Finally, presenting a gift when invited to someone’s home, or exchanging business cards with someone you are meeting for the first time is seen as polite in China. Just be aware that gifts such as knives or scissors are seen as a gesture of cutting the relations.
TouristSpots
China has numerous tourist spots to visit and enjoy. The most popular places to visit in China is Beijing, the home of Great Walls of China, Summer Palace, and Forbidden City. However, you can also take a day trip to Tianjin, a former imperial capital. Other cities worth visiting are Shanghai, Wuhan, and Xi’an.
When visiting a country you should always try to experience the local culture. Eating the local food, celebrating festivals, or joining cultural activities like playing Mahjong (a popular Chinese four-player game) are all ways to truly experience the Chinese culture. Furthermore, shopping is also an interesting activity to indulge in by visiting the famous traditional markets.
Moreover, there are also some interesting UNESCO World Heritage Sites in China. Both the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, and the Potala Palace in Lhasa are places people usually visit. But there are also numerous natural parks, such as Yellow Mountain in Anhui, and Gongga Mountain in Ali. These parks are unique and offer breathtaking scenery.
AdventureOpportunities
China has some amazing opportunities for adventure. You can go rafting on the Yangtze River in Sichuan, or go rock climbing and paragliding in Yunnan. There are also activities such as hot-spring dipping, forest trekking, and bungee jumping that can be experienced while in China.
In addition, there are some challenging treks and hikes that can be done in various locations. Some popular treks are The Great Wall Four-sided Trek, The Great Wall Jinshanling To Simatai Trek, and the Great Wall Jiankou To Mutianyu Trek.
Moreover, Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guiyang, and Chengdu offer some amazing nightlife and clubbing experiences. Apart from the usual clubbing activities, there are also some interesting activities like foot massage parlors, group dance classes, and karaoke.
Lastly, if you want to experience something quirky, take a trip to the Dahongliutan Park in Hubei. This park offers something unique, as it houses a giant wooden pagoda carved into the side of a mountain.
SafetyAndSecurity
China is generally a safe place to visit and crime rates are low, however, travelers should always take necessary precautions and be aware of their surroundings to avoid any troubles. Some cities like Beijing and Shanghai have some areas that are known to have a higher crime rate, so it is best to avoid these places.
Moreover, there are some areas in China which are restricted for tourists and have military forces. In addition, some natural parks such as Yading in Sichuan may require an official permit to be obtained before entering. So, always check the area before visiting and take up-to-date advice from local authorities.
Furthermore, it is important to be aware of the laws in China, as they have a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal drugs, public drunkenness, and other activities which may be seen as offensive in the eyes of the Chinese government.
Finally, be sure to carry only the necessary documents with you such as passport, visa, and flight tickets. It is also advisable to keep photocopies of your documents and keep them in a secure place. Additionally, try to avoid talking to strangers, or flashing expensive items, just to be safe.
LocalFood
China is well known for its delicious and generous local cuisine. It has a wide range of dishes, from delicious street-food to more traditional meals. Some of the most popular dishes found in the street are jianbing (a savory Chinese crepe), baozi (steamed buns filled with pork or vegetables), and roujiamo (Chinese hamburger).
Moreover, one must try the Peking Duck in Beijing, Hotpot and Dumplings in Sichuan, and Mooncakes in Shanghai. For those who want to experience something unique, they should definitely try the Century Old Eggs, Silk Worm Pupae, and Snake Soup.
In addition, the beers and alcohols found in China are unique and of very high quality. Some of the most popular beers are Snow, Tsingtao, and Zhujiang. Moreover, the local spirits such as Baijiu are also popular with locals.
Lastly, you should also check the food hygiene before eating anywhere. Always make sure the restaurant you’re eating in is clean and that the food is handled properly.
HealthConsiderations
When visiting China, it is important to take necessary precaution and be aware of the different health risks such as air pollution, water contamination, heatstroke, and illnesses. Make sure to purchase travel insurance which covers comprehensive medical and travel expenses in case of any unforeseen event.
In addition, dust and sandstorms can affect the air quality in cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Bringing a mask to protect yourself from the pollution is advisable. Heatstroke can also be a worry during the summer, so it is important to stay hydrated and wear light-colored clothing.
Furthermore, water contamination is an issue in some places, so it is important to always check the water quality before drinking it. Bottled water is the safest option for drinking. Lastly, it is also advised to
