The People’s Republic of China is one of the world’s most fascinating nations, a land of ancient cultures and breathtaking natural beauty. From the teeming metropolises of Beijing and Shanghai to the majestic snow-capped mountains of the Yunnan province, there’s no shortage of extraordinary sights and experiences on a China tour.
The Capital City of Beijing captivates visitors from all over the world, especially for its storied Forbidden City, which is one of the greatest collections of historical artifacts in the world. You’ll want to make time to explore the fabled palace, as well as Tiananmen Square and the National Museum next door. You’ll also be able to view some of the country’s most famous terracotta warriors, which are a must-see for any trip to China.
A Chinese visa is required to enter China, and most Americans must submit their fingerprints during the application process (children under 14 and senior citizens over 70 are exempted). You’ll need a passport that has at least six months remaining on it, and it may take some time to get your visa processed.
Travelling to China is not an easy task, so it’s best to prepare well in advance of your trip. There are numerous resources available to help you plan your itinerary. For example, the Adventures By Disney website provides an extensive list of recommended activities, places to stay and a number of other helpful information.
Weather:
The climate of China is extremely diverse, with hot, humid tropical regions in the south and drier subarctic regions in the north. You’ll need to bring a variety of clothing and shoes, depending on where you plan to visit.
Smog:
Many Chinese cities have some of the highest levels of air pollution in the world, so it’s important to pack a face mask as you travel. Even if you don’t wear one, you’ll find it hard to breathe in certain areas, particularly when it’s chilly outside.
Transportation:
If you’re traveling in China, you’ll likely want to use public transportation for most of your sightseeing. You’ll likely need a Chinese or English-language subway map to navigate the system. You’ll be able to find information in both languages at station platforms and on train tickets, but be aware that maps may not always keep up with the rapid expansion of the subway system.
Rural Coaches:
If visiting rural areas of China, you’ll likely want to use a rural coach. These are smaller, more local transport options that often travel more crowded routes than scheduled buses and will usually be willing to stop wherever you’d like along the way.
It’s worth noting that rural coaches can often be very full, so the departure and arrival times may not match your planned schedule. If you need to get somewhere on time, be sure to buy a ticket ahead of time or check the bus’s status online.
Be alert and be careful:
There are a number of security checkpoints on China’s buses, which require you to run your bags through an X-ray scanner before entering the vehicle. Pickpockets are very active at these stations, so be very aware of your belongings and don’t leave them unattended at any time.