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Introduction to China

Shanghai

China’s largest city, Shanghai has something of Old Europe about it, particularly in the Bund area alongside the Huangpujiang River. Here English and French influences on the architecture give a very different feel from the traditional Chinese buildings (or even the modern skyscrapers rising above). This area is famous for its food and nightlife. Yet Shanghai has much to offer visitors, such as People’s Square with its museums and theatre, the Oriental Pearl Tower, the China Art Museum, Shanghai Disney Resort, or simply shopping along Nanjing Road.

Tibet

The autonomous region of Tibet in the Himalayas is a world away from eastern China’s bustling cities. With its temples and palaces, once home to the Dalai Lama, gardens and mountainous scenery, this region is now easier to reach and on the bucket list of many travellers.

History of China

Experiencing some of China’s best sights can be done on day trips from bases in major cities. For example, to visit the Great Wall of China, you can easily do this from Beijing. Suzhou and its Classical Gardens are an easy trip from Shanghai.

Much of China is busy and built up, so sometimes it’s appealing to find a slower pace of life. There are resort destinations of good standards, with beaches, spas and good quality accommodation, particularly on Hainan Island off the south coast.

You can also undertake great river voyages in China, both along the Yangtze and Li rivers. Modern, comfortable boats offer accommodation on board and transport you along these mystical rivers, past incredible landscapes and calling in at places of interest along the way.

China’s hotels operate on a one- to five-star rating system like the rest of the world, but you can expect standards to vary in some less visited areas. Generally speaking, big cities where tourists and business travellers are common will have the higher standards, more akin to Western hotels. In fact, you’ll find most of the big name hotel chains in these areas.

Naturally, the price of accommodation in China varies in different parts of the country. Hotels in the downtown areas of big cities, like Beijing and Shanghai, are much more expensive than those in smaller cities. Generally the prices are on a par with hotels in other worldwide cities of a similar stature.

Generally, hotels of three star and above will feature many of the amenities and quality of rooms that would be expected by a foreign visitor, including WiFi, comfortable beds, TVs and a restaurant.

There is a growing trend for boutique hotels in China. These can offer an authentic experience of the real country, or may offer a very modern experience utilizing the latest in technology or design.

Breakfast is usually included in the price, and you can expect lots of form-filling when you arrive, and to pay a deposit. Keep your receipt to ensure you get it returned.

Another of China’s most visited attractions is the Terracotta Army. Discovered by chance near the city of Xi’an in the 1970s, this vast army of ornamental warriors keeps growing as more are uncovered.

The Yangtze River is another of China’s major attractions. Many visitors take a cruise along it, usually taking in the Three Gorges, Fengjie and Yichang. But bear in mind this river is 2,700km long, so arranging a tour is a good way of ensuring you see the best bits.

Another waterway popular with visitors is the River Li in southern China. It passes through amazing countryside, mountain rock formations and small towns and is also best seen from a river cruise.

The region around Hangzhou is also a wonderful region for experiencing China’s landscapes. The Grand Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site passes through here and around the West Lake are many historic bridges and temples.

Tibet is a world away from the busy metropolises in the east. This mountain kingdom is the traditional home of the Dalai Lama and in its main city, Lhasa, you’ll find the Potala Palace which has featured in many travel brochure photographs. You can fly to Lhasa, or take the slow long-distance train.

Shenyang in the north eastern part of China is another historic region to visit. Fans of the country’s ancient dynasties can visit the Mausoleum of Light which houses the Imperial tombs of Ming and Qing leaders, and is the second-largest palace complex after Beijing’s Imperial Palace.

Other cities worth visiting for their historic sights and cultural heritage include Pingyao, Chengdu, Lijiang, Hangzhou, and Lhasa in Tibet.

Wherever you go in China there are some wonderful museums, art galleries and monuments to enjoy, and all are open and welcoming to tourists. There are also lots of attractions for families, from Shanghai’s Disney Resort, to Beijing Zoo or the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding where you’ll see these gentle mammals in their home country.

Taking a river cruise is a popular option in China. It allows you time to relax on board a modern ship with your own cabin and excellent food served on board, with regular stops along the way at points of interest. Often you’ll travel through some of the country’s most spectacular scenery, especially along the Yangtze River and River Li.

In cities like Shanghai you can enjoy some excellent nightlife, and wherever you are in China you can enjoy sumptuous and delicious food and drink – even from street food vendors which just add to the authenticity.

Throughout the country regional tastes and influences determine the style of food you are most likely to encounter in traditional eateries, with varying degrees of spices and a reliance on different ingredients.

You’ll also find an interesting array of popular drinks in China, from different styles of tea like oolong and pearl milk tea, to soybean and coconut milk, and fizzy Suanmeitang.

Coffee has a growing popularity in China, with beans grown in Yunnan the most common. Alcohol is also widely available, with Tsingtao beer the most famous brand.

Western food is quite readily available in the main cities and tourist areas, with fast food chains readily available. These have increasingly adapted their menus to include local influences, like green tea scones and fried dough sticks.

Most high end hotels will serve a Western breakfast alongside more traditional Chinese options like rice porridge, egg pancakes and dough sticks. Street vendors also sell traditional breakfasts from their carts and are very popular among locals and tourists alike.

The Chinese love to dine out as an important part of their social life. Often the most local, unlikely places can serve the best authentic foods. Dining out is also a big part of the experience for visitors to China and you will find all kinds and styles of restaurants, particularly in big cities and tourist areas.

Arriving in China as part of a cruise is an increasingly common option. Most cruise ships arrive at Tianjin when visiting Beijing. Others stop at Hong Kong and Dalian.

Getting around China by long-distance train is possible, with more routes opening up. It can be an adventurous journey, but takes much longer than flying. In the eastern part of the country high speed bullet trains link most of the major cities and urban areas, which can be an easy and efficient way of getting around without the need to fly. These trains are modern and affordable, and you can expect plenty of English signs at the stations used by bullet trains. Given the choice, opt for a soft sleeper ticket which grants you priority boarding and more comfortable seats.

Most major cities in China have subway systems. These are safe, clean and reliable ways of getting around and often link major points like airports, train stations and popular attractions. They are very cheap to use, with English signs and maps. The ticket machines also have English language option and instructions.

Taxis are an option, and you can usually have your hotel arrange one for you. But beware that local drivers will often hike prices for tourists. A private driver is a better option, and again can be arranged by most hotels. These have better cars, can stay with you longer, and may even have an interpreter.

China is a year- round destination and welcomes millions of visitors. Even in winter, cities like Beijing and Shanghai can look spectacular when snow falls, or you can head further south to enjoy cities where it is still warm.

When it comes to dining out, China’s main cities have many high quality establishments to try. These include Sir Elly’s in Shanghai which overlooks the Bund and skyline and serves the finest local cuisine; in Beijing TRB Forbidden City has tables alongside the fabled palace’s canal and serves European style fine dining. For the city’s best Peking Duck join the queue at Siji Minfu, also alongside Forbidden City, with balcony tables the hardest to come by.  

Among China’s most luxurious hotels are Le Meridien, The Peninsula and Park Hyatt in Shanghai, the Rosewood and Aman in Beijing, the fairytale Banyan Tree in Lijiang, Tibet’s St Regis Lhasa Resort, and the Four Seasons in Guangzhou.

Then there are the growing number of boutique hotels. The peaceful and private Cours et Pavilions in Beijing has Ming and Qing antiques dotted around. Meanwhile, the Puxuan Hotel & Spa is housed in a glass box of a building above the Guardian Art Centre.

In Shanghai the Waterhouse hotel is situated in a former Japanese Army HQ at South Bund combining rustic interiors and luxury. URBN Hotel is another boutique situated in an old building, this time a former post office. It is China’s first carbon-neutral hotel.

China has grown incredibly as a tourist destination and caters well for the needs of most groups, from backpackers to those who enjoy the finer touches.

Despite communist rule, China has a strong cultural identity where its heritage is celebrated even if the present-day leaders censure and restrict the population in many ways. You will experience restrictions on internet usage while in China, including popular social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and the Gmail service. Search results are also censored on the websites that are permitted.

The Chinese people are friendly and welcome foreigners with a handshake. But they also value personal space and often avoid eye contact. They do, however, love to laugh and enjoy social gatherings and patriotic events.

Weather in China

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