Before setting out on your trip it is advisable to spend time researching tips for traveling to China. This ancient country, once closed to all western nations is now one of the most sought after destinations. This is especially more so now after the success of the Beijing Games and the enormous economic growth China has been going through.
China experienced a period of havoc after the Chinese Communist Party took control in 1949. The Traditional Chinese Culture was totally ruined and the whole generation of intellectuals was persecuted. So even the majority of Chinese people do not know the real Chinese culture either.
In consequence this root problem has made information on real Chinese culture often unavailable to foreigners. In China, if you are traveling there or doing business there, please bear in mind that the culture in the main stream society there is actually a modernized Communist culture instead of traditional Chinese culture.
The foreign traveler to China needs to remain conscious of the fact that it is not a democratic culture, that the language is ambiguous even in translation, and that it a very large country – with varying degrees of modernization occurring all over its landscape.
It is also a very traditional country and places much importance on etiquette, and dress codes tend to be conservative.
Being well prepared – with good information about places you want to visit – how to travel domestically there – possessing good travel insurance – and giving your self enough time – will make your vacation there much more enjoyable.
There is almost an endless list of sights to see. Beijing alone, with the Forbidden City and the old Imperial Gardens of the summer palace, offers plenty to see. The gardens are well worth the time spent there – they are quite extraordinary.
Of course, the Great Wall of China is one of the great wonders of the world. Considering it is over 7,000 kilometers long, you can access it at different points of your journey around China, including near Beijing (about a 40 minute drive).
Many people hire local guides when they travel in China – and any good hotel will have a list of reliable people who can smooth the way for you as you make your way around cities and regions of interest.
Suggestions
- Ming dynasty tombs
- terracotta warriors
- imperial palace
- Tiananmen square
- temple of heaven
- The Olympic stadium
And of course Chinese cuisine – especially Peking duck!
Shanghai – ultra modern city, and Hong Kong for shopping should also be considered as alternative cities to visit.
Practical Tips
- Have complete travel insurance
- Hire a guide
- Take appropriate clothes for the weather – the climate is quite diverse
- Don’t over-pack – travel light.
- Allow plenty of time for visa applications – if you also visit Hong Kong, you may need a multiple-entry visa.
- Check out times for festivals – these can be great fun to see – though it may pay to avoid major holidays as many workers in China return home on these days.
- Medical – check the CDC for any vaccination needs at least 8 weeks before departure
- Watch out for counterfeit Yuan when exchanging money.
- Credit cards are not as widely accepted as in the USA – cash is the norm. Discover is more widely accepted than other cards.
- As a rule, tips remain an insult – except in tourist traps
- Traffic in China can be very dangerous, and driving in China is not for the faint hearted.
In touristy places in China be cautious about unknown people approaching you on the street and striking up a conversation in English, as this may be a prelude to a scam.
