planning a trip to
China
Here is what you need to know: China Travel Guide
China is a land of extremes, where contrasts abound, making it an incredible destination to explore. From its bustling metropolises to its tranquil rural landscapes, the country offers a unique experience at every turn.
The country is home to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Wall of China—or rather, one of the many great walls built throughout its history.
It is vast and diverse, with each region offering a distinct identity. Life in a coastal city feels entirely different from that in the central provinces, Tibet, or Taiwan, and the population’s cultures and traditions vary greatly from place to place.
你好! We spent three years living in central China, in a second-tier city with over 11 million inhabitants. For us, it became a second home—a place filled with incredible memories and countless adventures.
About
China located in Asia, is the most populous country in the world, with a staggering 1.43 billion inhabitants. However, its vast size offsets the population density, as the country spans 9,596,961 km², making it roughly as large as the entire European continent.
It ranks as the 3rd or 4th largest country by area, depending on how territories are measured, following Russia, Antarctica, and Canada.
The capital city is Beijing (Peking), a cultural and political hub steeped in history.
It has also made significant contributions to the world, being the birthplace of gunpowder, paper, printing, and the compass, innovations that have shaped human history.
The flag is known as the Five-starred Red Flag, symbolizes the country’s revolutionary spirit. The red represents the revolution, while the five stars and their arrangement signify the unity of the Chinese people under the leadership of the Communist Party of China.
China, known as Zhong Guo in Chinese, literally translates to “Middle Kingdom”.
Historically, the term Zhongguo had five distinct meanings: first, it referred to the capital city; second, the state ruled by the emperor; third, the Central Plains region; fourth, the upland regions; and finally, the areas inhabited by the Han and Xia nationalities. This reflects China’s historical centrality in its cultural and political worldview.
The panda, also known as the giant panda or panda bear, is a bear species native to south-central China. It is easily recognized by its distinctive black patches around its eyes, ears, and body. The term “giant panda” is often used to differentiate it from the red panda, which, despite its name, is a neighboring species belonging to the mustelid family.
China is home to many iconic monuments, including one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Wall of China. Interestingly, the Great Wall is just one of many walls built throughout its history for defense purposes.
Another extraordinary historical site is the Terracotta Army. While not officially a world wonder, it is considered one of the most remarkable examples of early industrialization. This vast army consists of over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses, all meticulously crafted to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
What to expect?
Language: The official language is Chinese Mandarin, spoken by more than 70% of the population. However, several other major dialects are widely used, including Yue (Cantonese), Xiang (Hunanese), Min dialect, Gan dialect, Wu dialect, and Kejia (Hakka). English can be helpful in touristic areas, but it’s not commonly spoken outside these zones.
Food: China offers an incredible variety of food, with thousands of dishes to suit every taste. Each province has its own specialties, making it a paradise for food lovers. Whether you’re a meat lover or vegan, you’ll find plenty of options. It is also a dreamland for plant-based diets. Be sure to try local food both in fancy restaurants and from street food vendors for an authentic experience.
Transportation: For reaching the main cities, planes are the fastest option, as China’s vast size makes other modes of transport time-consuming for long distances. From major cities, trains are a convenient way to travel to nearby cities, while buses are ideal for smaller towns.
Money: The currency is the Yuan (CNY). Exchange rates vary, but during our visit, 1€ was worth 7 Yuan, and now it’s approximately 8 Yuan. While most places accept credit cards, smaller businesses often prefer UnionPay cards. Additionally, mobile payments are widely used across the country, from small shops to large markets.
Plugs: Chinese plugs are mostly multi-type, meaning both USA and EURO plugs can be used. The standard voltage is 220V, with a frequency of 50Hz.
Safety: China is extremely safe for travelers. We walked alone at night in both large and small cities and always felt secure. The culture of rule-following and respect contributes to this safety. While pickpocketing is possible in crowded areas, we never experienced it during our stay.
VPN: Most major internet services are blocked in mainland China, including Google, Google Maps, Facebook, and WhatsApp. To access these, you’ll need to use a VPN. Make sure to set this up before entering the country, as many VPN websites are also restricted.
Zhengzhou - Living
Travelling
Looking for something in particular ?
Pssst, did you know that...
If you purchase something through our links we earn a small fee. However, you still pay the same. Win-win! And one day we may get to be full time travel blogger =)
