1. Economics of Traveling to China
China has long been seen as a destination for travelers seeking an unusual and exotic vacation, with its booming economy, stunning scenery and ancient history. Despite the current COVID-19 pandemic, travel to China still presents a great opportunity for business and pleasure. The country’s rapidly growing middle class, low cost of air travel and improved infrastructure make it an ideal destination for any traveler on a budget, regardless of whether from Sweden or elsewhere.
In terms of the economy, Sweden is no stranger to travel to China. Since the country’s integration into the global economy in 2001, its citizens have long taken advantage of the country’s economic opportunities, according to the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. For example, the sale of IKEA stores in major Chinese cities has provided important boosts to the Swedish economy. Low-cost flights from major Swedish airports to cities in China mean that visitors can explore a broad array of cities in a single trip.
The availability of different forms of transport, such as rail and buses, provides both affordability and flexibility. Working with the right local partner, travelers can customise their journey and create their own reward program, says Jane Zhou, executive director of the China-Sweden Friendship Association. A great bonus is that Chinese sites, hotels and stores are typically cheaper than those in other countries.
2. Exploring Home-Stay Experiences
For travelers looking to experience the far-east culture, China also offers homestay opportunities. Many organizations specialize in trips that allow visitors to visit farmhouses and villages, enabling them to experience rural life among locals. Skål International, a global organization of travel and tourism professionals, has set up several homestays in China where travelers can enjoy traditional Chinese hospitality and learn first-hand about local lifestyles. According to a 2017 report by the organization, the homestays also provide employment and income opportunities to local farmers.
As the population of China has grown more urban, so too has the availability of homestay experiences. HomeStayChina was founded in 2011 to provide local accommodation for mainland Chinese and foreign visitors alike. Through their website, travelers can book their stays directly with Chinese service providers and receive personalized service. All homestays meet local standards and comply with Chinese laws.
3. Soaking Up Local Cuisine
China’s exciting cuisine, which features a mélange of flavors and textures, is an excellent draw for tourists looking for a unique culinary experience. Although local favorites such as Peking Duck and Kung Pao Chicken are internationally recognized, lesser-known dishes like Mapo Tofu and Jiaozi offer travelers a unique taste of the country’s diverse regional cuisines.
In order to get the most out of your food adventure, it is recommended that you seek out small restaurants in local neighborhoods, where you can enjoy authentic cuisine without breaking the budget. This is where you will find traditional recipes, prepared with fresh ingredients and cooked with exquisite flavor combinations. In addition, by visiting restaurants far from popular tourist spots, travelers can also experience the vibrant atmosphere of the cities.
4. Experiencing China’s Natural Wonders
From the famous Great Wall of China to the breathtaking Yangtze River, Chinese nature offers travelers the chance to explore an amazing array of landscapes, climates, and ecosystems. In the southwest, Yunnan province is home to snow-capped peaks, deep gorges, and subtropical forests. Sichuan province is a hiker’s paradise, with five of the country’s tallest peaks. Tibet Autonomous Region offers travelers a glimpse into another world with snow-covered mountain vistas as far as the eye can see.
Because of the sheer size of China, travelers should plan to visit multiple regions in order to enjoy the most of what the country has to offer. China’s countryside is easily accessible thanks to an expanding network of high-speed trains. Moreover, Hainan, an island in the South China Sea, features its own unique ecosystem and world-class resorts.
5. Exploring the Country’s Ancient History
When discussing the culture of China, its ancient history is hard to miss. The country is home to some of the world’s most iconic historical sites, including the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Terracotta Army, and the magnificent Great Wall of China. As one of the culture-rich regions in the world, China has also been the cradle of hundreds of years of traditional Chinese excellence in painting, literature and philosophy.
Visiting the country’s historical sites is an experience not to be missed. The best way to get around the historical sites is by taking guided tours. For example, the Beijing Trail tour offered by ChinaGuide tours provides a comprehensive six-hour tour of world-renowned destinations such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China. These tours can be customized to meet the traveler’s interests, and often feature knowledgeable local guides.
6. Understanding the Country’s Culture
Chinese culture is diverse and far-reaching, and its customs and rituals are fascinating to examine. The country is renowned for its Kung Fu, a martial art form which combines physical exercise with a philosophical approach. In addition, traditional Chinese musical instruments, such as the Gu Zheng and erhu, are captivating to listen to. Finally, the country has a rich tradition of paper-cutting art and exquisite hand-crafted opera masks.
By immersing oneself in the local cultural activities, travelers can immerse themselves in the history and traditions of the country. One popular way to do this is to attend a traditional Chinese opera, where the stunning costumes and intricate masks make for a truly unique experience. Some of the most popular opera venues in Beijing include the National Center for the Performing Arts and the Central Opera House.
7. Exploring Modern China
For travelers interested in seeing the modern changes and evolution of the country, China is a great place to explore. In recent years, there has been a vast effort towards developing modern and efficient infrastructure in the major cities. The development of China’s high-speed rail system has greatly improved the speed and convenience of traveling throughout the country.
In addition, the large scale urbanization of cities throughout the country has led to the proliferation of lifestyle and entertainment hubs. Shopping malls, cafes, theme parks and live music venues are now commonplace, making these cities vibrant and inviting. Moreover, modern cities like Shanghai and Beijing offer a gateway to digital culture, with endless opportunities to sample the latest in digital gadgets and tech experiences.
8. Attending Festivals in China
Visitors to China can take advantage of the country’s rich cultural heritage through participating in festivals. Chinese festivals vary from region to region and have been celebrated for centuries. Common to most is the combination of celebrations, parades, food, music, and entertainment. Notable festivals include the Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, which takes place during the 15th day of the first lunar month.
Celebrations for the New Year festival usually last for two weeks and involve attending church services, feasts and fireworks. Similarly, the Chinese Lantern Festival is celebrated in many parts of the country during the 15th day of the first lunar month, where lanterns of various sizes, shapes and colors illuminate the night sky.
9. Learning about Chinese Mobile Apps
China is a powerhouse in mobile tech and has developed a range of innovative apps and programs to explore. Transportation services such as DiDi offer convenient and safe rides around the country, while WeChat serves as a one-stop shop for messaging, shopping and entertainment. Baidu Maps, the country’s popular navigational app, is available for desktop and mobile platforms, allowing users to effectively map their routes.
Furthermore, travelers must remember to use a VPN while in China, as the country is very strict on its internet regulations. Setting up a Chinese VPN before traveling is the most effective way to ensure internet connectivity and to access all the sites and apps.
10. Keeping Yourself Safe in China
Safety is a priority when visiting any destination and China is no exception. The country is extremely law-abiding and visitors can expect to see a noticeable presence of police in public places. Generally, travelers should avoid areas that are in the vicinity of embassies, military stations and industrial sites.
Furthermore, vaccinations are needed when traveling to China. It is recommended that travelers get their routine vaccines, such as measles and tetanus. Hepatitis A and Japanese encephalitis vaccinations are also recommended for travelers who plan to travel to rural areas. Finally, travelers need to ensure they have a valid visa with them at all times. China also requires travelers to have a valid health certificate to enter the country.
