China Travel Guide

The powerhouse of the Far East, China offers visitors burgeoning metropolises, myriad cultures and ancient architecture like the Forbidden Palace and the vast Terracotta Army. Millennia-old traditions are still observed in the countryside, while cities like Beijing and Shanghai boast some of the most modern infrastructure in the world.

What’s Cool

Walking the Great Wall, Beijing skyscrapers, lackadaisical pandas, Sichuan cuisine, the vibrant Chinese New Year, yaks on the Tibetan Plateau, Suzhou’s classical gardens, fleets of cyclists, drinking tea and practicing tai chi.

What’s Not

Loud locals, Shanghai scam artists, the watchful eye of ‘Big Brother’, unsanitary street food, a culture of blatant line-jumpers, getting stared at on the train, locals spitting on the bus (and everywhere else for that matter) and smokers in non-smoking restaurants.

When to Go

Best: May-August
Worst: December-February

Visas

US/Can: no (30 day)
EU: *no (30 days)
Aus/NZ: no (30 days)

Essential Info

Time: GMT+7
Electricity: 220V 50Hz 3-Pin Plug
Money: Baht: 1US$ = 32 Baht
Phone: ICC (+66) Outgoing: 001

Tibet and the old Silk Road draw adventurers with their exoticness while Guilin is crawling in tourists who come to admire its spectacular natural beauty. Bustling Beijing has too many cultural wonders to fit into a short visit but most visitors don't fail to catch a glimpse of the nearby Great Wall. Shopping buffs will be most at home in Shanghai, where commercial opportunities abound.

China is host to the world's largest population and has borders with a whopping 15 nations. Getting around this vast country is best done by air and not during national holidays when millions travel from the cities to their countryside homes for the festivities. Bicycle is the country's choice mode of transport but you can ditch two wheels for a train or bus.

Travel to China - Getting There

International flights are generally routed through the airports in Shanghai or Beijing, though it is also possible to land in provincial capitals when traveling from neighboring Asian countries. Traveling by train is an excellent way to bridge the long distances between cities, but be prepared for long travel times. Buses pick up where the trains leave off. A bicycle is invaluable for getting around the city, while Shanghai, Tianjin and Beijing operate metro systems.

China Things to Do

The Great Wall: Is easily China’s best-known asset. The wall spans more than 3,000 miles with the best walkable segment between Simatai and Jinshanling.
Beijing: Is China’s quintessential modern metropolis, though it also boasts historical treasures like the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace.
Shanghai: Is a fusion of colonial period European architecture and traditional Chinese sectors.
Xian: Is home to the ever-vigilant Terracotta Army.
Chengdu: Is home to the world-famous Giant Panda Research Center. The city is recovering quickly from the earthquake in early 2008.
Suzhou: The Garden City is known for classical Chinese gardens and navigable canals.
Stone Forest: Near Kunming in Yunnan Province is one of the country’s most unique natural assets.