China

Paradoxes of the diverse Celestial Empire

Guide to China

Basic Information

China is not just vast in size but also rich in hidden wonders. It's challenging to find a country as diverse and enigmatic as this one. Here, centuries-old traditions coexist with towering metal and glass skyscrapers, and ancient temples peacefully blend with a European way of life. From the deserts of Central Asia to the lush tropics in the south, the mystical realm of Tibet on the Roof of the World, caves, remnants of ancient civilizations, and so much more, China weaves together a paradoxical tapestry of experiences and landscapes.

Photos of Китая

See other photos

Capital

Beijing

Language

Chinese

Currency

Yuan

Time zone

GMT +8

Population

1 403 588 000

Territory

9,596,960 km²

Dishes worth trying:

Peking duck — a specialty in Beijing. A piece of duck is placed on a thin flatbread, sprinkled with onions and dipped in soy sauce.

Kung Pao Chicken. — tender chicken meat with crispy crust, baked with spices and sauce.

Transparent Shantan broth — broths are particularly popular in China. And this broth is drinkable, with pieces of meat fried and boiled afterward.

Chisanchi — A sweet and sour dish of vegetables including eggplant and lots of spices.

Take a walk along the "faith trail", a glass road on the slopes of Tianmen Mountain near Zhangjiajie City.
Take a photo of the Great Wall of China near Beidaihe Resort.
Take a walk through the rice terraces of Xinjiezhen.
See the Elephant Trunk Hill in Guilin.
Count the soldiers of the terracotta army in Xi'an.
See pandas at the Chengdu Nature Reserve.

Tips

Photography and videography are prohibited in temples and museums. In some places, filming is allowed only for an additional fee.

There are no firm rules for immunization before traveling to China. But we recommend that you get pre-immunized against cholera, Japanese encephalitis, polio, typhoid, and hepatitis A and B.

Drinking water from the tap, and even more so from springs and reservoirs, is highly discouraged.

Learn more

Sights

China boasts an overwhelming number of places of interest, numbering in the thousands, if not tens of thousands. From deserts and jungles to the famed Shaolin Monastery, the Great Wall of China, ancient city ruins, temples, and the majestic Himalayas, these represent just a fraction of the country's incredible offerings. We've curated a list of the top attractions in China to introduce you to its principal historical, architectural, and cultural treasures—those destinations that every traveler aspires to explore.

Great Wall of China

One of the oldest architectural monuments of China and a symbol of the might of Chinese civilization. There is probably not a single civilized person in the world who has not heard of it.

The Forbidden City of Gugong

The largest palace complex in the world. It served as the residence of twenty-four powerful rulers of the two dynasties of the Celestial Empire, the Ming and Qing.

Prince Gong's palace

A palace and park ensemble in the Xicheng district of Beijing, included in the Register of China's National Cultural Heritage. Today, it houses a theater and a museum of princely palaces.

Tours to China

China is indeed a vast country with an abundance of tourism opportunities. From sightseeing tours that let you explore its rich historical heritage, such as the Great Wall of China, to business tours that offer insights into the country's rapid economic development, there's a wide array of options.

Business forums held in China contribute to the growth of domestic entrepreneurs. The country's renowned folk medicine has also drawn interest, leading to wellness trips seeking the expertise of top doctors. Additionally, China's access to the South China Sea has paved the way for beach vacations, with Hainan Island, situated at the same latitude as Hawaii, being particularly popular.

However, it's essential to note that vacations to Hainan can be relatively costly, with a two-week trip for two adults, including accommodation and flights, starting at around $1,800 USD. Trips to Guangzhou are somewhat more budget-friendly at $1,200 USD, while comparatively affordable options can be found for Beijing, with a 10-day cultural immersion starting at only $870 USD.

For those looking to save a few hundred dollars, hot deals may be available. It's important to keep in mind that any such spontaneous trips require the appropriate visa.

Where to go to China?

China's development continues to surge with each passing year, and this extends to its tourism sector. You can find comfortable hotels and budget-friendly hostels scattered across the country. When deciding where to go in China, it's all about choosing your preferred style of vacation. You have the opportunity to relax by the sea, explore magnificent mountains with ski resorts, embark on enriching excursions with a vast array of options, engage in activities or find serenity in meditation, marvel at modern skyscrapers, or immerse yourself in the depths of history. Whatever your preference, tripmydream is here to assist you in making your vacation plans in China.

Beijing

Hong Kong

Shanghai

When to go to China

China's vastness is truly remarkable, offering everything from the ocean and the resort island of Hainan to the towering peaks of Tibet, ancient historical landmarks, and bustling metropolises with millions of inhabitants. It's safe to say that you can visit this country year-round. While summer sees the highest number of tourists, winter is less popular. Spring and fall are ideal for exploration and excursions. In essence, your trip to China can be relevant at any time of the year, and the choice of destination depends on your preferences. tripmydream is your resource to help you decide when to plan your vacation in China.

China in spring

Spring in China is a great time to visit this amazing country. In March in most of China, nature comes to life and everything blooms. But still the territory of China is large, and the weather in different provinces can vary greatly. It is best to be guided on excursions around the country.

China in summer

Summer in China is warm, and in some regions even hot. It gets warm as early as June, with temperatures ranging from +17°C to +30°C, depending on the region. Summer is not considered the best time to visit major cities. However, many of the country's mountainous regions are comfortable to visit.

China in the fall

Autumn is much cooler than summer, but it is still warm. Autumn in China, especially September and October, is a great time for sightseeing and city trips. Depending on the region, daytime temperatures range from +13°C to +25°C.

China in winter

In winter in China, it is best to go to Hainan Island if you need a beach vacation. Or, of course, to the mountains, for the sake of ski resorts. There are such opportunities in the country. Winters in the western regions of the country are very harsh. And snow falls in many areas, except in the extreme south.

Climate and weather in to China by months

Usefulness

To make your trip to China perfect, tripmydream has put together helpful tips and travel tweaks.

Visa to China

China offers quite challenging visa requirements. The consular fee depends on which of the visa options you order.

Customs & Tax Free

Alcohol, cigarettes, groceries and souvenirs - what is prohibited to import and export from China. Find out if and where you can get a VAT refund.

Customs regulations

Travel by car

You can of course rent a car in China to get to know this country better and visit small towns, but unfortunately only with a local driver.

Lease terms and traffic rules

Phrasebook for tourists

Although Chinese is considered one of the most difficult languages in the world, you can try to learn some phrases for better understanding in this country.

Learn phrases