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China is a fascinating and diverse country, ultra modern at times
but also alive with ancient history and tradition. From the skyscrapers
of Hong Kong and Shanghai to ancient cities, sprawling countryside,
mountain retreats and nomadic villages, this country has it all.
Hot from a spectacular Olympics in Beijing, China is now rightfully
assuming its place as a top travel destination.
From the Spectacular Great Wall to the Tiger Leaping Gorge, the
potential for outdoor adventure and trekking are immense, but
be sure to sit back and relax afterwards by sampling some tasty
Chinese cuisine including spicy hotpots in Sichuan and of course,
the famous Peking Duck in Beijing.
The people of China are very friendly, and are just as likely
to be fascinated by you as you are with them, so you may feel
a bit like a celebrity at times!
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China is a great destination all year round, however the best time
to visit are the months April - May and September- October; during the
spring and the fall. During this time temperatures are pleasant and
there is little rain.
The north-western part of China is known for its dry, hot summers and
long, cold winters. During the summer temperatures rise to about 30
degrees Celsius and it's not much cooler in the evenings. Central China
has hot, humid summers. Southern China has a subtropical climate with
precipitation spread out over each month. Click here for more information
about the climate
in China and the best
time to visit China.
Holders of British passports must have a valid Chinese
Visa stamped into their passports before arriving in China. Your
passport must also be valid at least 6 months after your intended departure
from China, and have at least one blank page. You’ll need to complete
the Visa application form, supply photos, and you may even need to provide
details of your flights and travel vouchers.
Chinese Visa's are usually valid for 90 days from the date of issue,
for a maximum stay of 30 days in China, so don't get your Visa too early.
Changes in your daily rhythm, the climate and your diet (especially
digesting more spicy dishes) means you are more likely to pick up the
odd stomach bug than at home, however the risk of getting ill certainly
shouldn’t put anyone off going. Trekkers heading to areas of China
with high altitude may suffer from altitude sickness. Click here for
more information on travellers
health in China.
There are many different forms of transport
in China, most widely used is the efficient and well developed rail
network. Buses are also widely available, and due to the distances involved
in this vast county some travellers also choose to take a domestic flight
to cut their travelling time.
Pre-arranged independent travel in China
Travel Nation's sister company, Rickshaw Travel, has a dedicated website :
www.chinatravelplan.co.uk that caters for people who want to travel independently in China, but not leave it all to chance.
The site features many bite-sized travel experiences all over China,
each lasting around 3-4 days. You can pick and mix from these to create
your perfect trip. The hotels and other forms of accommodation featured
on this site are generally modest, but clean and comfortable, and
have been selected because they have an authentic feel. International
style chain hotels have been avoided.
Group tours in China.
Joining a group tour in China can make the whole China travel experience
much easier and is a great way to travel if you prefer not to travel
alone or are apprehensive about travelling independently.
Typically these trips consist of around a dozen people and a tour leader.
Tour leaders can really smooth the way on your trip and are usually
a font of knowledge about the country. These tours have been tried
and tested to make the best use of time. Things like accommodation
and transport will be pre-arranged for you. There are lots of companies
offering with group tours in China offering many different trip styles.
At Travel Nation we have a vast knowledge of these trips and will
be happy to advise you on what trip might best suit you needs.
Click here to see a wide selection of group
tours in China on offer.
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