Once a dazzling empire, today a neon-lit super state, mighty China is as fascinating as ever.
Nowhere on earth will you feel more anonymous than in the streets of Beijing, and few places will inspire as much awe as Tiananmen Square. The Great Wall of China was the first manmade construction visible from outer space, and the country lays claim to some of the highest peaks on earth. This is one place that’ll make you feel small.
What people say
China is everything you read and more. It is truly overwhelming in its culture and sights. The food is fresh and excellent quality.
What people say
There was a lot of walking and climbing stairs in China, we had a great group and all got on well. This trip had the three things on my bucket list The Great wall of China, Yangtze river and the terracotta warriors.
China travel highlights
Face a terracotta army in Xi’an
The terracotta warriors sat undiscovered in the Chinese countryside for thousands of years. The unearthed sculptures are still being unearthed to this day.
Dare to enter Forbidden city
Not far from the Great Wall, the abandoned imperial palace is the largest palatial structure remaining from ancient times.
Marvel through the Tiger Leaping Gorge
This spectacular gorge is the deepest in the world. With cascading walls, thriving flora and the Yangtze River as its centrepiece, Tiger Leaping Gorge will take your breath away.
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China travel FAQs
All nationalities except for Singaporean, Bruneian and Japanese, require a visa in advance. Visas will not be issued at the airport or border but need to be obtained with an application from for a single entry visa. Contact your local embassy or consulate to arrange the application. You’ll need to provide your dates, hotel booking and other travel information in the application.
On Mainland China, tipping isn’t customary but it is slowly becoming more commonplace. Feel free to leave extra change if the service has been good. If the restaurant includes a surcharge with the bill, there’s no need to tip extra.
In Hong Kong on the other hand, tipping is expected for services like taxi rides, porters and at restaurants.
China has good internet access in urban centres but not in rural and remote areas. Keep in mind that some websites are blocked by the Chinese government.
Mobile coverage is good in China, except in some rural and remote places. Remember to activate global roaming with your provider if you wish to use your mobile while traveling.
Most toilets in China are squat toilets, however you may find Western-style toilets in hotels and high-end restaurants. You may like to carry some soap and toilet paper with you in places where they may not be provided.
- Metro ride = 3 RMB
- Can of soft drink = 3-5 RMB
- Bottle of beer = 7-10 RMB
- Basic lunch = 15 RMB
- Basic rice or noodle dinner 25 RMB
- Three-course dinner = 80 RMB
Drinking tap water is not considered safe in China. For environmental reasons, avoid buying bottled water and bring a bottle or canteen with you. Ask your leader where you can access filters to refill your supply, or carry your own purification tablets with you.
You can use your credit card in big cities, at major hotels and some restaurants. However you’ll need cash when making purchases in rural areas or from small businesses on the street.
There are plenty of ATMs in China’s big cities, however they are harder to find in rural and remote areas. Prepare by carrying cash when you venture further out.
Yes. All peregrine passengers are required to purchase travel insurance prior to their trip. Your insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day.
For more information on insurance, please go to: http://www.peregrineadventures.com/how-we-can-help/our-services
For a current list of public holidays go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/china/public-holidays