China Travel Tips #1 : China  

China Travel Tips #1 - Travel guide

China

Travel Tips #1

When to go?

China's geographic area is slightly larger than the U.S.A; it covers similar latitudes, with the lion's share located in the temperate zone. This provides endless year-round variety for visitors to the country, from ice festivals in the north to tropical beach resorts in the south. Keep in mind the vast distances between destinations when planning your trip. Traveling, along the popular Golden Route (Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Guilin) is the rough equivalent of visiting Chicago, Washington DC, Atlanta, and Miami, all in one trip. Weather wise, Shanghai and Guangzhou's climates resemble those of US southeastern coastal states, while Beijing's climate is more like Chicago's.

While China is a year-round destination, the months of May, September, and October are ideal months for travel anywhere in the country. In the north, the winters are cold, and summers are warm, with moist monsoon air streams making it hot (80% of China's rainfall occurs between late May and early October, mostly in the Southern regions). June through August is a good time to visit central and northern China. Spring and autumn are the best months for travel in Southern China. The months of March and April are the lower-priced shoulder season; while the lowest price, off-season travel, is from November through the winter months. This is when adventuresome travellers are rewarded with unbelievably low prices and far fewer fellow tourists.

Where to go?

Stretching more than 3,000 miles. from the western shore of the Pacific Ocean across the face of Asia, China is a country of immense size and variety.

This vastness not only adds to the excitement of planning a trip to the country, but also to the dilemma of which cities and regions to visit first. When planning a trip to China, it is recommended that you don't try to see "everything" in one start-to-finish, whirlwind trip. Sure, you'll come home with some great pictures, but if you want to fully experience the country, allow enough time to really experience it. China is definitely the kind of place you will want to visit more than once. It is best to visit the major sites and cities on the first trip, at a relaxed pace, then plan to explore the country region by region on subsequent trips when you can experience all the different ethnic minority cultures and archaeological wonders. Keep in mind that China is a land of extreme climatic variations.

For example during February you can travel the southern coast and enjoy tropical fruits, sunbathe on the beaches of Hainan Island or visit the Flower Festival in Guangdong. At the same time, in the north, Harbin is dazzling travellers at the annual Ice Sculpture Festival with giant ice pagodas, ice palaces, and cleverly sculpted panda bears. Meanwhile, Beijing is celebrating the Longqing Gorge Ice and Snow Festival with illuminated ice lanterns, spectacular fireworks, and ice fishing. Witnessing the grandeur of the Forbidden City in the snow is an extraordinary sight indeed.

Group Travel

Today, group travel offers surprising versatility. Travelers can choose from budget, first-class, or super-deluxe package tours by selecting the types of hotels and menu plans they prefer, including new options such as a-la-carte dining and dine-around plans, appealing to the most discriminating tastes.

Most tourists visit China as part of an organized tour group, usually visiting several cities and many of China's famous sites. Group travel offers important benefits, such as cost savings on hotels and transportation and the services of local English speaking guides. An experienced guide will enhance the enjoyment of the trip, since they are usually familiar with the area and knowledgeable about a region's historical background.

Group tour packages generally include most meals, hotels, sightseeing, transportation, evening entertainment, baggage handling, taxes, and visa arrangements.

FIT

Those wishing to chart their own course will be surprised at the ease of travel in China. Recent modernization of the transportation system and infrastructure has made traveling China a pleasant, convenient experience, whether you are traveling alone or in a group. English is spoken at most locations tourists are likely to visit, departure announcements and travel schedules are in English, and there are often separate ticket counters for foreigners. Individuals can enjoy all the services and benefits that are available to travel groups and still have the freedom to explore on their own time. The adventure of traveling where curiosity beckons has its own rewards. But keep in mind that traveling with a Chinese guide who can help with arrangements and provide historical insights could enhance your travel experience considerably and you might even make a good friend.

FIT programs come in two varieties: Fully Inclusive Package, which complete with private guides, private car, transportation throughout China, hotels, daily meals, and sightseeing options; or Mini Package which provides hotels, transfers, domestic flights, and rail tickets. This option is recommended only for travelers proficient enough in Chinese to make reservations, order meals, and generally communicate well on their own.

Travel Costs in China

If you travel with a tour group, virtually all your costs will be covered as part of the tour package, with the exception of gifts and personal expenses. While world travel prices have risen in recent years, China still offers good values in hotel accommodations, meals, and entertainment when compared to other world-class destinations. Air and train transportation within the country are particularly good values. Consider this: A couple in Beijing or Shanghai can stay in a 5-star hotel, take a full day tour, enjoy three great meals, including a Peking duck banquet; and attend an evening cultural performance for about the cost of one deluxe room alone at a comparable hotel in LA, Chicago, or New York.

Most visitors return home raving about the bargain shopping in China - jewelry, silk, carpets, cloisonne, jade, and other popular items can be purchased at much lower prices than in the US. Plan to travel light and carry an extra bag for all the great gifts and souvenirs you will undoubtedly want to buy.

What to Pack?

Pack lightly, and bring casual clothes. A sturdy, comfortable pair of walking shoes is a must.
A business suit and tie for men and one or two dresses or pant suits for women will suffice for most formal occasions. Bring a couple of shirts, sweaters, and a jacket (depending on the season) that can be worn in layers to accommodate China's range of climates. All hotels offer reliable laundry and dry cleaning services.