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1.
When is the best time of the year to visit China?
<Weather
chart for major Chinese cities>WEATHER CHART FOR MAJOR CHINESE CITIES.doc
China
can be visited throughout the year because of the stretch
of its territories, sites and activities it can offer. Deciding
when to visit China depends on where you wish to visit,
what type of weather you enjoy, and how much of a bargain
you want. China is a huge country with many different climates
and types of landscape. Think of it in terms of the United
States, which China resembles in size and shape. Traveling
along our "Best of China" Route (Beijing, Xian,
Shanghai, Guilin) is like visiting New York, Chicago, Santa
Fe, and Jacksonville, Florida all in one trip.
April,
May, September and October are the peak tourist months at
China's most popular destinations when the weather is most
comfortable. Prices drop a bit in the shoulder season, which
runs from November through March. However, the winter months
are peak season for trips to China's Hainan Island and to
the Northeast Harbin for its world-famous Ice-Lantern Festival.
These months are also packed with New Year holidays, Chinese
Spring Festival and other national or local fairs. Summer
months are a great time to explore China's Far East-Manchuria.
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2.
Is it safe to travel in China?
Yes.
China is still one of the safer travel
destinations in the world.
The Chinese government guarantees the safety of the
foreign tourists and takes the safety of visitors very seriously. As with visiting any foreign country,
it is wise to be cautious with your personal possession
in public places.
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3.
Is air travel within China safe?
Yes,
air travel within China is very safe. Pilots of Chinese airlines are very well
trained and the aircrafts are well maintained and are mostly
manufactured by Boeing and Airbus.
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4.
Is tap water safe to drink?
No,
you should always drink bottled or boiled water in China.
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5.
What kind of money is used in China? Where can I change money?
What are banking hours?
China's
legal tender is the Chinese Yuan (CNY or RMB). Foreign currencies
can not be used directly in China, though some shops do
accept foreign currencies. The basic unit of RMB is yuan.
1 yuan (or kuai) = 10 jiao (or mao), and 1 jiao =10 fen.
RMB is available in both paper notes and coins. The denominations
of paper notes are 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 yuan; 5,
2 and 1 jiao; and 5, 2 and 1 fen. Foreign currencies may
be converted into RMB at all banks and hotels at the exchange
rate quoted on the foreign exchange market on the day. Banking
hours are: 9-5 Mon-Fri. except holidays. As of April 2005,
US$1 = approximately 8.3 Chinese Yuan. For currency conversion,
visit: http://www.xe.com/ucc/
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6.
Do I need a visa to travel to China?
Yes.
You need a visa to enter China. Plan ahead and allow 4 weeks to obtain
your visa. Contact
the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country.
For
U.S. citizens, please visit: http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/default.htm
Download:
China - Visa Application
(PDF 175kb)
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7.
Which months are considered high season
and which is low season?
Generally
speaking, the duration of the high season is from 1st March
to 30th November, and the low season is from 1st December
to the end of next February.
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8.
Do I need travel insurance to visit China?
Yes.
We highly recommend our clients purchase travel insurance
to guard against unforeseen circumstances that may arise.
Most travel insurance companies offer Trip Cost Cancellation
and Interruption Insurance, emergency medical transport
and medical expenses insurance. These pay for loss due to
any unforeseen circumstances such as death, injury and illness.
Travel policies also cover you for a variety of other risks,
such as cancellation charges, loss of money, loss of baggage,
and liability to third parties to name but a few. Although
we do everything possible to ensure the safety of our clients,
if any of the above does happen it can be very costly to
you. Purchasing travel insurance is an easy way to ease
the mind and to know that you will be able to deal with
problems that may arise. Besides, an annual travel policy
will save you money if you propose to go abroad more than
once in any twelve month period.
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9.
Is English widely spoken in China?
Although the general
public does not speak much English, hotels dealing with
the foreign guests all have an English-speaking or Japanese-speaking
working staff. Your tour guide will also have a good
command of English.
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10.
Is tipping customary in China?
Tipping in restaurants and taxis is not
customary. However,
tips are now frequently offered to and accepted by tour
guides, drivers and bell persons at the hotel.
If in doubt, check with your tour guide.
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11.
What are some of the things to shop for in China?
Shopping
is generally broken down in the following categories:
Friendship stores
In
China, friendship stores were originally
set up by the government to provide services to foreign
visitors. Now, most are like any modern department store
with a variety of goods including silk; jewelry made from
gold, silver, pearl and jade; embroidered tablecloths and
blouses; paintings, porcelain, pottery and handicrafts.
Prices are clearly marked on the merchandise. Prices may
be slightly higher than at other Chinese stores but the
goods are of higher quality and some items are unavailable
elsewhere. Government stores have a reputation for honesty.
Bargaining is acceptable.
Department Stores
Most department stores are run by the state with some being
run by individual or joint venture. The merchandise available
in Chinese department stores is similar what you would expect
to find in department stores anywhere in the world. Bargaining
is seldom acceptable. Look for sales.
Factories
Every arts and crafts factory has a showroom where visitors
can buy what is made there. Marked prices may be more expensive
than similar items elsewhere but deep discounts of 40 to
50% are common.
Markets
Markets are an ideal place to search
for inexpensive items. Markets with many similar shops or
stalls have the cheapest prices and it is possible to sometimes
find merchandise of good to very good quality. You will
need to be extremely careful but those name brand items
just might be genuine. They could be seconds or factory
overruns. Check everything carefully. The prices are flexible
and you should practice your bargaining skill there.
Hotel stores
Most luxury hotels have their own shopping mall where various
souvenirs and daily articles offered. Stores in these hotels
are not cheap but you can find some very fine quality clothing,
fabrics, and antiques there.
Antiques
Antique stores run by the government are the most reliable
but you can forget bargains for genuine antiques. The Chinese
are very knowledgeable about their cultural heritage and
its value.
- Do not
buy any antiques that date before 1795 as they cannot
be legally exported.
- Make sure that the antiques you bought carry a red
wax seal indicating that it is authentic and is able to
be exported from China.
- Keep all purchase receipts, especially that of Chinese
medicine herbs, antiques, gold and silver articles, jade
ware and etc. You may be asked to produce these by customs
when leaving China.
- Do not
buy those articles made form rare wild animals. All the
contraband articles will be confiscate without compensation.
Note: In China, shops are
open every day of the week:
8.30 am- 8 pm. (summer)
9 am - 7 pm (winter)
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12.
What are some of the best sight-seeing locations
in China?
What are some
of the best sight-seeing in China?
There are so many! To name just a few, The Forbidden City,
Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace in Beijing,
the entombed Terra-cotta warriors in Xian, the Jade Buddha
Temple and the Bund in Shanghai, picturesque limestone mountains
scenery in Guilin, the Stone Forest in Kunming, the Potala
Palace in Tibet. The list goes on! Please
see our Destinations section for details.
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13.
What kind of hotels are available in China?
At the end of 2000,
there were 6029 hotels catering to foreigners in China. There were
1,899 hotels listed as three star, 352 as four star, and
117 as five star, as established by international standards,
are available in such major cities as Beijing,
Shanghai, Xian, and Guangzhou. They all offer international standards
of service.
The
three star and above rooms are air-conditioned, have a TV,
a refrigerator and private bathroom. Other function halls,
ballrooms, swimming pools, bowling courts, laundries, beauty
parlors, massage rooms, saunas, steam baths, gymnasiums
and medical services are available. Some of the hotels even
have a Shopping mall, business center, bank and post office.
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14.
What health condition do I need to travel to China?
Generally, there are no special health requirements about
travel China. But for those pregnant, elderly,
disabled and children travelers as well as travelers with
poor health, special care should be ensured. Elderly travelers,
or those with medical problems, are advised to make a thorough
physical examination before visiting China. All travelers are recommended
to bring their medical records along.
Travel to high-altitude areas such as Tibet is not suitable for those with
pulmonary or heart problems.
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15.
Do I need immunizations to enter China?
No immunizations are required for entry into China, unless
the traveler is coming from a yellow fever infected area.
For traveling into countryside, immune globulin is also recommended
to combat hepatitis A, as is typhoid immunization. It is advisable
to bring along an anti-diarrhea agent, and your supply of
prescription drugs for your
trip. For most update information, please contact CDC in Atlanta
or visit their web site at http://www.cdc.gov.
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16.
Do I need to bring my medical record?
Yes, it is necessary, particularly for those with a history
of coronary or pulmonary diseases. The absence of your medical
records would make you disoriented when emergency occurs.
A complete medical record should include your blood type,
immunization record, allergies, medications you are currently
taking (both prescription and non-prescription), your doctor's
name, address, phone number, emergency contact name and
phone number, and your insurance company's name, address
and phone number.
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17.
What is food really like in China?
The most important aspect of life in
China is the food. Each region has their own wonderful specialties
and signature dishes and they all have their own character. It is definitely NOT like the Chinese
food you are use to in your home country’s Chinese restaurants. You are encouraged to have an open mind
and sample whatever looks appetizing to you.
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18.
How do I get to China
from North America, Europe?
Most major airlines fly to China. From North America, your choices include:
Air China, China Eastern, United, Northwest and Air
Canada. From Europe, Air China, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa,
Air France, Austrian Airlines. In addition, there are many Asian carriers
such as Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Japan Airlines,
ANA, Korean Air and Malaysian all fly to either Beijing
and/or Shanghai.
Hong Kong is also an option as it is a very convenient
gateway to enter China.
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19.
What is the electricity voltage used in China?
Voltage
used in China is 220V-240V. Therefore, electrical appliances from
North America like a hair-dryer will not work in China. Most hotels provide hair-driers in the
room.
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20.
Does China use the metric system (kilos,
meters etc) or the Imperial system (pounds, inches...)?
The standard measuring
system in China is the metric system; i.e. kilograms,
liters, meters etc.
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21.
What language (dialects) do people speak in China?
Although
there are many Chinese dialects spoken throughout China, Mandarin
is the most commonly used.
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22.
What should I pack when traveling to China?
Best
advice is to pack as little as possible. "Lightweight" and
"Compact" are two words that should be etched on your mind
when you are deciding what to bring along. Today's China is well stocked with most personal
items. You will have many opportunities to buy whatever
you may need. It would be much better to make your purchases
as you need, along the way, than to end up throwing them
away because you have too much to carry!
Nevertheless, there are some things we recommend that you
bring from home.
Backpacks
Investing in a good backpack is one outlay you will never
regret. A sturdy backpack or a rucksack is much easier to
carry than a suitcase. Bring suitcases only if you know
you would not be carrying your luggage on buses and trains.
A frameless or internal-frame pack is preferable. It is
generally easier for storage on buses and trains and is
also more comfortable to walk with.
A small shoulder bag or a bum bag is essential for carrying
your camera and other daily items around after you have
deposited your backpack at the hotel or railway station.
But do not place valuables such as your traveler's-cheques
and passport in them as they are potentially easy targets
for pickpockets.
Clothing
Clothing is inexpensive and one of the best buys in China, so we do not recommend you bring
too many from home. Theoretically you need only two sets
of clothes, one to wear while the other set is being laundered.
It is recommended that you take with you just a couple of
shirts, sweaters, and a jacket (depending on the season).
These can be worn in layers to accommodate the climatic
variations. Dark colored clothing is preferable because
it does not show the dirt.
If you are traveling in northern China during winter, prepare yourself
for incredible cold. A good down jacket, hat, mittens and
boots are necessary. Besides underwear and rainwear, comfortable
socks and hiking boots are also needed.
Articles
of Daily Use
A good pair of sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen lotion, a good
moisturizer (for northern China) are essential, particularly
in the desert regions or at high altitudes.
Tooth-brush, towel, basic toiletries, wet tissue, cold and
indigestion medications, lip balm and any other medicines/first-aid
items you may generally need should be included. If you
have to take regular prescription medicines, be sure to
bring adequate supplies for your trip.
If you are going to travel in some of the more remote cities,
items such as shaving cream, decent razor blades, mosquito
repellent, deodorant, dental floss, tampons and contact
lens solution may not be readily available. It is therefore
necessary to ensure you have them available with you.
Equipment & Misc
Remember to pack your camera, enough films and batteries
as well. Note that while print film is available in most
places, slide film may be difficult to find.
Electrical multi adaptor is must if you plan on bringing
electrical appliances. An alarm clock would also be useful.
A China
guidebook; a pen and a notebook to keep track of all the
exciting things happening on the trip are also "must-bring"
on your trip.
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23.
What is the Chinese New Year?
The Chinese New Year
is the most important festival in China. It does not fall on the same
date each year, although it is always in January or February.
Chinese New Year starts with the New Moon on the first day
of the New Year and ends on the full moon 15 days later.
New Year's Eve, maybe
one of the most important days during this festival, is
a time of reunion and thanksgiving. It is usually celebrated
as a family affair.
The 15th day of the
New Year is called the Lantern Festival, which is celebrated
at night with lantern displays and children carrying lanterns
in a parade.
Following are the dates
of Chinese New Year 2002-2010:
|
Festival |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
|
New Year's Eve
|
Feb. 11th |
Jan. 31st |
Jan. 21st |
Feb. 8th |
Jan 28th |
Feb. 17th |
Feb. 6th |
Jan. 25th |
Feb. 13th |
|
Lantern Festival
|
Feb. 26th |
Feb. 15th |
Feb. 5th |
Feb. 23rd |
Feb. 12th |
Mar. 4th |
Feb. 21st |
Feb. 9th |
Feb. 28th |
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24.
What sites in China are listed in UNESCO's World
Heritage Program?
|
Name of Heritage |
Year of Recognition |
Location (Province) |
|
The Great Wall
|
1987 |
Liaoning, Hebei, Tianjing, Beijing, Shanxi, Inner
Mongolia, Shaanxi, Ningxia, Gansu |
|
Mount Taishan |
1987 |
Shandong |
|
Forbidden City |
1987 |
Beijing |
|
Mogao Grottoes
|
1987 |
Gansu |
|
Mausoleum of Qin
Shi Huang and the Terra-cotta Army |
1987 |
Shaanxi |
|
Peking Man Site
at Zhoukoudian |
1987 |
Beijing |
|
Mount Huangshan |
1990 |
Anhui |
|
Jiuzhaigou Scenic
Area |
1992 |
Sichuan |
|
Huanglong Scenic
Area |
1992 |
Sichuan |
|
Wulingyuan Scenic
Area |
1992 |
Hunan |
|
Mountain Resort
of Chengde and Its Outlying Temples |
1994 |
Hebei |
|
Confucius Temple, Mansion and Forest |
1994 |
Shandong |
