China essential info
China is a world to itself, with mountain ranges, ancient cities, charming wildlife and a fascinating culture – not to mention THAT wall
Travel in China: vital stats
- Capital of China: Beijing
- Population of China: 1.3 billion
- Languages in China: Mandarin Chinese is the national language; there are many local dialects
- Time in China: GMT+8 (though it crosses several time zones, the whole country has the same time)
- International dialling code in China: +86
- Voltage in China: 220AC 50 Hz
- Visas for China: China Visa
- Money in China: Yuan renminbi (Y). Foreign credit cards are not widely accepted outside tourist-orientated shops and expensive hotels and restaurants. You can withdraw money with a foreign card from some banks. Tipping is not expected in China.
- China travel advice: Foreign & Commonwealth Office
- Chinese tourist board: China National Tourist Office
When to go to China
Domestic tourism is big in China. Steer clear of the two-week-long public holidays at the beginning of May and October when the whole of the country is out visiting. Also, avoid travelling during the week before Chinese New Year (February), when the nation is going home for the holidays and transport services are over-stretched.
On the whole, spring and autumn are the most pleasant months, when most of China enjoys clement weather. Certainly those are the best times to visit Beijing or Shanghai. During the winter Beijing, Xinjiang and the north-east are bitingly cold, but southern destinations such as Yunnan are pleasant. There is no rainy season.
Festivals in China follow the Chinese lunar calendar. After the two week Spring festival (normally in February), March sees celebrations for Guanyin’s birthday – China’s most popular deity. The Dragon Boat Festival, held in memory of the poet Qu Yuan, is held in June or July. Head to Yunnan Province in mid-April for the Water-splashing festival.
International airports
Beijing (PEK) 26km from the Beijing; Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) 7km from Guangzhou; Shanghai Hong Quio (SHA), 12km from Shanghai; Shanghai-Pudong (PVG) 30km from Shanghai; Chengdu Shuangliu (CTU) 16km from Chengdu
Getting around in China
China is a country of vast distances. Thanks to an extensive internal air network, these can be quickly covered by plane. Tickets are easy to purchase except during major festival and holidays.
China’s rail network is fast and efficient, though timetables and signs are not always in English.
Buses are the best way to get from cities into rural areas. Driving across China is currently forbidden to foreign tourists (you need to have a resident’s permit and Chinese driving license to be able to do so). It is possible to rent vehicles for local use in Beijing and Shanghai. Taxis are always available in large towns.
Cycling is a good way to get around; rental booths are common around train stations and tourist centres. Boat services are dwindling, but a trip down the Yangtze remains one of the world’s great river journeys.
China accommodation
Family-run, character-rich guesthouses of the kind found all over Asia are rare in China. Generally accommodation in China is no great cause for excitement but the situation is improving. Certain temples and monasteries provide accommodation – these are cheap but sometimes don’t have electricity or running water.
China food & drink
Chinese cuisine varies greatly from region to region and every town has its speciality (Beijing’s is famously Peking duck). Noodles are predominant in the north, while rice is king in the south. In the east you’ll find rich, sweet cooking, hot and sour soups and lots of seafood dishes. In the west food is spicy and peppery. Throughout China, street stalls sell mouth-watering delicacies and steamed buns.
Health & safety in China
Consult with a specialist travel-health clinic about which vaccinations are recommended before departing. Medical facilities are good in the major cities. Elsewhere don’t expect English to be spoken in hospitals and pharmacies. Beware of backstreet pharmacies as counterfeit drugs are common. Don’t drink untreated tap water.
The country is generally safe for foreigners. Be wary of pickpockets on trains and buses and don’t flash valuables about in the street.