Currency: Renminbi or Yuan (CNY)
Electricity Socket: China uses 220V/50Hz and has two types of plug sockets that are commonly used. The most commonly used one is the two flat prongs and is the same type used in North and Central America as well as in Japan. Some places also have the Euro plug which is made up of two round prongs. To avoid the hassle of having to buy new adapters for everywhere you go, we recommend picking up a Universal Travel Adaptor before you leave.
Visa: If you wish to visit China (or even pass through), you will have to apply for a tourist or a transit visa beforehand. This is usually done in any Chinese embassy or consulate, showing documents such as proof of a flight out, hotel or hostel reservations, as well as bank statements. The requirements vary depending on where you will be applying from so do check beforehand. If you’re traveling as a group or booking through a travel agency, you can also process your tourist visa through them.
It usually takes 4 days to process and if you want them to rush it (same-day processing, there is an extra $30 fee.)
Safety: Generally speaking, China is a pretty safe country to travel around, with the exception of petty crime such as pickpocketing and tourist scams. But, as always, as long as you’re wary of your surroundings and you’re cautious, you’ll be fine. A few scams to avoid are the tea scam where you will be invited to a special tea drinking ceremony as well as taxi scams where they quote you a price instead of using the meter. Always check your bill when it comes to restaurants to double check that nothing has been added on. At the same time, always ask how much things are as some store owners usually leave items unmarked for this very reason.
If you’re planning on being in China during this period, make sure that you make the necessary bookings at least 2 months in advance. Apart from Chinese New Year, another famous festival in China worth visiting is the Harbin Ice festival showcasing intricately designed ice sculptures from all over the world.
No matter what you do, China is a popular destination. The fact that it is also one of the most populous countries in the world, this means that no matter when you go, things are always busy. However, with that being said, like most places, they have a low season which runs from November-February. During this time, visitors or even domestic tourism slows down due to the cold brought about by the winter months.
The shoulder season runs from Feb-April as well as Sept-October. I highly recommend visiting during these months as it is neither too hot or too cold. If you’re planning on traveling North, this is also a good time to go as you will most likely get clear skies and cool weather.
Last but not least, High Season starts at May-August and usually brings about a rise in accommodation prices and busy crowds.
Due to the fact that China has four seasons, there isn’t a one-size fits all packing recommendation as what you need to bring will highly depend on when and where you are going. During the summer months, bring a few quick dry athletic t-shirts if you’re planning on going on a lot of treks. If you’re heading there during the Winter months, make sure you have the right gear for it as it can get bitterly cold in some places.
Naturally, this tops the list of the best things to do in China and is one of the main reasons why people all over the world come for a visit. Seeing the Great Wall of China in person is definitely an overwhelming experience, especially when you chance upon it without any crowds. From camping on one of the watchtowers and waking up to the sun rising beyond the way to awesome helicopter rides giving you an aerial view of the place.
Any visit to China would hardly be complete without paying respects to the impressive Terracotta Warriors located in the town of Xi’an. After being discovered in 1974, this impressive collection featuring a full-blown Terracotta army features thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses, and war ammunition. Xi’an is definitely high up there on our recommendations on places to visit in China.
If you’re looking for something unusual to do, the rainbow mountains in Zhangye Danxia is a must see. The landscape is out of this world with stripped streaks of brown, green, orange, and red. Formed through years of sedimentation and erosion, these mountains are high up on my list of things to do in China.
Located west of the Hunan Province, this national forest park was made popular due to the hit film Avatar. The Hallelujah Mountains in the movie used the Zhangjiajie mountains and trees as their real-life inspiration for this animated film. This place is truly magical and is a sight to see, especially when you see the tips of these limestone karsts protruding out of the clouds with some of the treetops peeking through.
While the modern structures in Beijing are impressive, another highlight and must-do while in the area is a trip to the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace as well as the Temple of Heaven. In Shanghai, amidst the towering metropolitan, you can also find plenty of street food vendors along Huanghe Road as well as Qibao Old Food Street.
The Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base is the main reason why people head to this part of China. The sanctuary allows visitors to interact with the pandas and has an incredible wealth of information on these furry animals. Mating season is during March to May so if you visit during Autumn or Winter, you may very likely chance upon some baby pandas in the nursery.
If you’re feeling a bit gutsy, you can try walking the World’s Deadliest Plank by Mt. Huashan. Imagine walking across a narrow wooden plank built in the mountains as you attach yourself along a string of ropes. If you’re looking for more adventurous things to do in China, check out our full guide featuring the best trekking rotes, cycling adventures and more.
While there are literally hundreds of different dishes to try, here are a few of our recommended must-try dishes! While many people think they know Chinese cuisine, the fact is that the Chinese that we know is very much westernized and is made to cater to a different flavor palette. For those that do venture to China and are willing to try out different dishes, you will be pleasantly surprised with a myriad of relatively healthy and extremely flavorful meals.
Siu Mei (Cantonese Barbecued Meat): If you’re looking for something quick and easy, Siu Mei or barbecued meat is a pretty great option. Often served with a plate of white rice or yellow noodle soup, this is a quick and easy meal.
Peking Duck: Served with a thin pancake-like wrap stuffed with scallions, hoisin sauce, and cucumbers, this whole roasted duck is considered as a delicacy in some parts of China and is a must try for those who enjoy good food.
Char Siu Bao: Hot buns filled with pieces of pork seasoned in a sweet barbecue sauce. Really, enough said.
Ma Po Tofu: This dish is typically made from ground pork mixed in with a spicy tofu sauce with lots of chili oil, vegetarian broth, and pepper. It’s absolutely delicious and is definitely worth ordering.
Xiao Long Bao: If you enjoy dumplings, don’t forget to order some Xiao Long Bao when in China. These soft dumplings are filled with a hot savory soup that will burst in your mouth as soon as you bite in. The flavors are delicate, delicious, and to die for! Trust me on this one.
