Category Archives: Travel Tips

Most of the travelers want to take some mementos or bargains. With having so many options available with you, shopping in China can be confusing, time consuming and exhausting for you. So, the following tips would help you to make your experience easy and better.

You should not buy everything on the very first or second day. Each city is having its own specialty. You can buy Cloisonne, fresh water pearls from Beijing. Xi’an is good for the shopping of Terra Cotta soldiers’ replica, Tangsancai and antique furniture. You can buy silk carpets from shanghai and longjing Tea and silk from Hangzhou. Suzhou is famous for silk whereas scroll paintings and China Southern Sea Pearls are famous items of Guilin. You can also buy Mounted butterflies, Dali Batik and Pure tea from Yunnan and carpets and jade articles from Xinjiang. Thang-ka ortanka which is sheep skin wall hanging can be bought from Tibet.

You should not feel obligate for shopping. If your guide is offering you shopping opportunities as a courtesy and if you are not interested at all, say no to them. Some of them might be enthusiastic and thinking that this is what you want but you should not be embarrassed and say that you do not want that directly and immediately that you do not want to go with the shopping. You will find many attendants trying to help you in making a purchase. But, it does not mean that you have to by it. You should look around and choose by your own.

Shopping can be a great idea in China and you can expect the items at very low price that you cannot get at your home. You can also get some of the branded items at a very reasonable and discounted rate in China. But, you should be cautious of the fake items at the same time. Most of the Antique buyers have seen that their antique item is fake. The antiques should be officially certified to be able to be exported legally. The penalty for the same is very severe. You should keep all the certificates, receipts and official documents which are received after purchasing any antiques.

 

If you are planning for the first trip to China then you would want to see all of the main and popular tourist attractions of the country. You will not like someone saying that you have not seen this place or you have not really experienced the country of China.

Your trip to China might be once in a lifetime experience for you and you will want to make it to count. China is a very big country. So, there will be a question in your mind that how can you see such a huge country in just a few day of travel.  You would also like to experience the beautiful sites of China as much as possible.

The country of China is full from beautiful scenic places, historical buildings, Hills, beaches and all other things which a tourist look in any country. But, most of the travelers on their first trip to china mainly focus on the historical and cultural aspects of China.  Most of the travelers also look at the natural scenery of China and minority culture is another highlight. Big cities like Shanghai, Hong Kong, Xi’an, etc. are very much famous for shopping.

If you are going for the first time then it is advisable that you should take it easy. You should not go for too much adventure on the first trip. If you are looking the possibility of the more in-depth; visit for exploring this country in the future.

Being a new country can be very much exhaustive with the bombardment of senses like new sights and sounds, new customs, new language to process, different food, different time zone and different climate. So, you need not make your itinerary too much hectic.

You might be detracted by over extending yourself from your visit so it is recommended that you explore only the best of the easily accessible China for the first time. You should spend your rest of the trip by relaxing and taking in ambience.

 

If you are planning a trip for China and you are not sure that what places do you need to visit and if you do not know much about the famous attraction in China then you can take the help of a Tour Guide. They will easily guide you to the popular tourist attractions and help you to understand the history of those attractions. You will also be aware about the different culture and practices of China.

China has thousands of well trained and licensed tour guides. Some of them are librarians, professors or teacher, working as a part timer. But, they all require passing a strict examination for qualifying for working as a tour guide in china. So, you do not need to worry about the quality of the tour guide that you are taking with you.

The travel companies of China have been divided into three classes. First class can work directly with the foreign tour operators. The tour guides working for this particular class are very much experienced. The English language is the first and foremost foreign language spoken by these tour guides. They work according to the pre-arranged schedule which is arranged by the employer.

The tour guides are generally less qualified in the less developed areas like along the Silk Road, Tibet and in some parts of Sichuan and Yunnan than those who are working in the East. This difference is mainly in the quality of the spoken English.

You can consult your tour operator from where you have bought the tour package and they will provide you the guide service. If you have not consulted any tour operator then you can avail this facility from any tour operator after reaching china. The guide assigned to you will speak your nominated language and will meet you at the airport. He will deliver you to the hotel and accompany you on your tour in that particular city. You will get different guide in different city as they will not fly or take train or bus with you.

 

If you are traveling to China for the first time then you must be worried about the items that you should carry. Here are the few things that will help you when you are going to china.

Home Checklist

• Arrange for plants and pet care
• Stop  all kinds of routine deliveries
• You should make sure that your home seem lived-in when you are away by
  putting lights and a radio on timers
• You should turn down thermostat
• You should leave keys, a copy travel itinerary as well as your
  contact information to friends or family
• Lock door, windows and garage.

Before Leaving

• Take Guide books and maps with you
• Passport and visa(s)
• Foreign currency of the destination country
• Credit cards
• Travelers checks or ATM card
• Insurance: Trip Cancellation/Medical
• Personal Identification documents
• Photocopies of documentation
• Birth Certificate (if needed)
• Marriage License (if needed)

Basic Essentials

• Appropriate Luggage having appropriate commodities
• Luggage Locks & ID Tags (Locks are needed for checking baggage when flying to china)
• Appropriate Clothing
• Footwear
• Rain Gear
• Camera with batteries and chargers
• Small Binoculars
• Small Flashlight
• Sun Protection (Hats and Sunglasses)
• Reading Materials if you love reading
• PSP or Media player
• Ziplock Plastic Bags
• Contact List with information of your tour guide, travel advisor, embassy, as well as your family and friends.

Toiletries

• Toothbrush/Paste

• Comb/Brush
• Dental Floss
• Blow Dryer
• Shampoo
• Deodorant
• Lotions/Creams
• Lipbalm
• Towel/Washcloth
• Shaver and Shaving Cream

Medication

• First Aid Kit
• Aspirin/Pain Reliever
•  Medicine for diarrohea
• Insect Repellent
• Contact Lens
• Antibiotic Ointment
• Alcohol Wipes
• Medicine for Motion Sickness
• Items for Personal Hygiene
• Personal Prescriptions
• Medical Record
• Contact Information of Doctor or Medical Advisor

You can visit grassland in Tibet.  The weather of Tibet is featured with the big temperature changes and clear skies. Beijing and Xi’an are hot, dry in summer and cold in the winter. Shanghai and its nearby areas like Hangzhou, Suzhou and Yellow mountains, Guilin and Hong Kong experiences monsoon rains in the summer and spring. It also has hot summer and mild winters.

You can visit Harbin in winter to enjoy Ice festival and ski slopes. Tibet has big temperature differences and best avoided in the frigid winter. The Silk Road to the northwest is also having the warmer months. Visiting deserts and barren vistas can be a good idea.

Tropical Hainan is sunny escape for the holidaymakers at any time of the year. Chengdu is the overcast city which has hot summers and cold dreary winters. Kunming is also known as the Spring City and it has pleasant weather all round the year.

You can enjoy winter at Yabuli Ski Resort in the Northern China which is having the daytime temperature around -30°C. North-Central China has the climate similar to Kansas and Nebraska with less rain and snow during the winter. Hot and dry summer and cold winter and late winter and early spring bringing regular dust storms as well as haze can be seen.

Central and Southern China is comparable to the Gulf coast areas though the winter storms are not frequent.  Rainfall is also concentrated in the stormy monsoon months during late spring and throughout summer. It has relatively dry and settled autumn and winter. Summer is hot as well as humid whereas winter is cool, shorter and overcasted with drizzle. Weather of Northeast China in similar to that of Minnesota having dry and short warm summer and long and very cold winter. Crescent lake near the Dunhunag area in Western China is another place to visit which has annual precipitation around 23 mm.

The best time to visit China depends on few factors which are as follows-

• Where do you want to go in China?
• What do you want to do?
• Do you like it dry or wet, or are you not bothered?
• Do you like cold or hot or moderate weather or are you not bothered?
• Do you want to take advantage of low season discounts?
• Do you want to see the festivals of China or seasonal attractions?
• Do you want to avoid tourist crowds and crowded transportation?

You should avoid the major holidays of China if you do not like to participate in the celebrations. Because, the tourist areas as well as transports are full packed and the price of the hotels are doubled or even more than that. The major holidays of China are New Year, Labor Week day and national Week days apart from some small holidays.

As far as season is concerned, it depends solely upon your choice and you can travel all the year round if you are prepared with the clothing. You can enjoy different scenery in different seasons. You can choose among flower blooming, autumn hues, hot sunshine and snow-scenes.

If you are looking for a cruise on the River Li from Guilin to Yangshuo then the best time is from April to July when the scenery at these places is at its best in the mountain mist or sun and river has plenty of water. The peak tourist months at the most popular destinations are May, September and October. The weather at these times is much comfortable. But the prices for everything are high and it is crowded everywhere.

Prices are bit low during the late March and April and from June to August. But, the low season arrives during late November and continues throughout winter when there is few crowd and price is lower. IF you want to see colors of china then you can arrive in the months of late October to early December as the parts of this country is saturated with fall hues.

China is a very huge country by area and it is almost the same size as Europe or USA and has the greatest range of climate and weather than any other country of the planet. If you are planning to travel to China, then you should check the weather condition which is suitable for you or not. Due to the vast area of China therefore there is huge difference of climate and other conditions from one region to another within China.

The climate ranges from the desert of Xinjiang to the Northwest to the Inner Mongolian grasslands, to the temperate and alpine forests and the farmlands to the rice paddies and from sub-tropical vegetation to the tropical rain forest to the sunny beaches. There are Tibet archipelagos and plateau of the tropical islands at very

high-altitudes.

 

With the difference between the latitude and altitude as well as the effect of the season, there is huge difference in the temperature. The lowest temperature recorded is as low as -40 degree Celsius in the north and as high as about 40 degrees Celsius in the south. The distance from the rains of monsoon of the tropics defines the amount of rainfall in China and along with the distance from the Pacific Ocean as well as the presence of mountains.

The rainy reason generally occurs between the month of March and April in the southern and eastern part of china like Guilin Hangzhou and Suzhou, from June to August in the western part i.e. in Tibet and Yunnan Province and from May to September for the areas near Yangtze River which is Yichang and Chongging. During these times, heavy rainstorm can also cause landslides in the remote areas of Tibet and Shangrila interrupting the essential services in those areas. Rural areas near the River Yangtse are also affected by floods. Eastern and southern coasts are often accompanied by the Typhoons during the wet season. You should monitor the weather conditions if you are going to travel in those affected areas. In case of natural disaster, you should consult the local authorities.

 

Zhouzhuang, the No.1 water town in China with a history of more than 900 years, is located in the north-east of the Suzhou city and the north-west of the Kun Mountain with 45 kilometers away from Suzhou city center and 100 kilometers away from Shanghai. Nearby airports including the Shanghai Hongqiao airport and Pudong airport and also Xiaoshan International airport, among which the Hongqiao airport is the nearest one with only 90 kilometers from Zhouzhuang. Vicissitudes of the long history and heavy Wu culture have left the delicately beautiful water country style and appearance, unique historic figures and cultural heritage, plain folk custom to Zhouzhuang so as to make it the treasure of the Eastern culture. As the representative of  the excellent traditional Chinese culture, Zhouzhuang has been the cradle of the Wu culture and the model of the water country in the Jiangnan area.

Zhujiajiao water town, located in the middle southern part of the Qingpu area in Shanghai city and close to the Dianshan Lake scenic spot, is listed as one of the Four Shanghai Ancient Cultural Towns and enjoys the reputation of the “Shanghai Venice” and “ Hollywood in the Shanghai Suburbs” in 1991. Covering an area of 54.5 square kilometers with its east setting in the boundary of the Daying country and Huancheng line, west next to the Dianshan Lake and Daguan Garden, south neighbour the Shenxiang County and north connecting with the Dianhan Lake in Kunshan city of Jiangsu province, the Zhujiajiao is 6 kilometers away from the Qingpu county and 48 kilometers away from the Shanghai city center. It features long history and rich tourist resources which worthy a visit.

Tongli water town, one of the six famous county in the Jiangna area, is located in the Wujiang district in Suzhou city, which is in the Taihu Lake band and east of the Ancient Canal. Built in the Song Dynasty, the Toling has a long history of more than 1000 years and it is really the ancient water town in China. With 18 kilometers away from Suzhou city and 80 kilometers away from Shanghai, the Tongli is one of the six famous water towns in Jiangna area covering an are of 33 hectares. Features elegant scenery and surrounded by waters in four sides, the Tongli water town is the earliest ancient town and the only culture relic protection site.

Xitang, also one of the 6 ancient town in Jiangnan area, is located in the boundary of the Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai province in Jiashan county. Being a national AAAA level scenic spot, the Xitang is an ancient town with a long history and covers and area of 83.61 square kilometers. It is one of the regional places of the Wu culture which is characterized by the fantastic scenery and rich tourism resources. There exists a plenty of ancient residences and courtyards in the Xitang water towns, which makes the scenery there much more classic and elegant, and you will never regret going there.

Tasting the delicious Chinese local food while enjoying the fantastic scenery, so wonderful, right? You’ll feel a sense of happiness and fulfillment. Maybe someone may regard it as a dream, but it will come true here in China—Yeah, just start your tour to the foodie towns in China in this new year of 2013 right now, you’ll get great surprise and miracle here!

1. Lanzhou of Gansu Province, whose food is strongly influenced by the ethnic groups especially the Hui people , is a great foodie town in China, where the cuisine there are characterized by the roasting, steaming, and braising of beef and mutton and the tastes of salty, fresh, tart, and spicy are favored by the Hui people there. Baihe Tao, Jincheng Babao Melon Carving, Jincheng Baita and albino leeks with chicken and roasted pork are its famous and typical cuisines. Do remember to taste the Lanzhou beef noodles when traveling there as it is the most famous food. And the best and must-taste  beef noodles in Lanzhou is at Wumule Penhui.

2.Guangzhou of Guangdong Province, where Cantonese Cuisine including the Chaozhou dishes and Dongjiang dishes is its representative cuisine, is famous for its dim sum for travelers from home and abroad. Typical dim sum include Shrimp Dumpling, Steamed Shaomai, Steamed Vermicelli Roll and so on. Traveling to Guangzhou, you can also have a taste its famous dishes Stewed Wild Dog Meat, Dragon Fighting against the Tiger, Roast Suckling Pig, and Taiye Chicken and, which are featuring few thick spicy dressings.

3.Datong in Shanxi Province, as a famous foodie town in China, is famous for its jin cai which features the liberal use of vinegar, round breads and pastries and hundreds of varieties of noodles. And just go to the Phoenix Court to tastes it as the Jin cai there is the most the refined. When traveling there, you can also taste its other famous cuisines such as Guangling Dried Bean Curd, shao mai, Hot Pot, Buckwheat Flour Dough, yangsheng hulusi and Yellow Rice Cake, which are worthy your taste.

4. Qingdao of Shandong Province, one of China’s best seafood cities, is famous for the  clams, fish, prawns, shrimp, shellfish, geoducks and sea weed as well as local foods from other areas. However, besides the seafood, the refreshing brew of Tsingtao is also the best and popular among the whole world. Just walk along the Yunxiao Road Gourmet Street, Minjiang Road Gourmet Street andMaidao Seafood Street to have taste these delicious snacks there, I’m sure you will have a full sense of satisfaction during your Qingdao tour!

Have you ever thought enjoying the amazing beauty of your tour destination just from your hotel window rather than going out? Yep, so unbelievable! Here are 5 wonderful hotels in China with fascinate views, which will undoubtedly make your tour in China enjoyable and unforgettable.

Grand Hotel Beijing, a five star hotel, is characterized by the traditional sweeps and dragon’s tails, where you will enjoy the high-standard equipment and facility. Moreover, you’ll also get a bird’s eyes view of the Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City. Just lying in the comfortable bed and appreciating the majestic view of the Forbidden City and the Tiananmen Square—so great!

Hotel Indigo Shanghai, featuring superb creature comforts and boutique style, is the first Hotel Indigo in Asia Pacific. You will enjoy your staying here not only because its design, equipment, recreation activity, service, but also the alluring view of the Shanghai old town, Huangpu River, the gleaming Pudong skyline, and Bund from its room windows.

St. Regis Lhasa Resort of Tibet Autonomous Region, the first international luxury brand hotel in Tibet and one of the highest luxury hotels all over the world, offers excellent home amenities and facilities including a Iridium Spa to make sure that there is absolute soothing relief from altitude stress. What’s more, you can view the mysterious Potala Palace just from your room hotel’s window. How astonishing!

Ritz-Carlton Guangzhou Guangdong, the tallest structure in China and the world’s second tallest TV tower, is located in Guangzhou’s Central Business District featuring the world-standard design, equipment and facility. It is also a wonderful hotel worthy your stay where you can enjoy the captivating scenery of the Pearl River, Guangzhou Opera House and Guangzhou Museum just staying at your bed without going out of the hotel.

Li-An Lodge Guangxi, located atop on top of a mountain in Guilin, is an entirely wood structure implementing the Chinese traditional building technique of tongue and groove without a single nail.Maybe you have never stayed in this kind of wooden lodge before, right? You can have a try here, so exciting and novel! What really shocks you will be the charming scenery of the rice terraces in its font and under-footing—a field of green in spring and yellow in autumn, you really cannot believe it!

Are they beckoning? I’m sure the answer is “ yes”! Right, just plan your tour to these destinations for your China tour now, and your 2013 will be full of miracle and surprise!