Traveling To China
Some years ago, that title would not have existed. There were few American tourists packing up for a trip to China – but Chinese tourism is booming! In 2005 more than 120 million foreign visitors visited China – and experts have predicted a growth rate of 10% every year. Last year 49 million people flew into Beijing!
As always, start with the “how to visit”, then the “when to visit” and follow that up with the “where and what to visit”.
Your choices on the how to visit is an escorted tour, a hosted tour, a river cruise, an independent trip or a combination of these. The escorted tour will provide the biggest bang for your buck. You will be able to choose the itineraries that please you and then you really have nothing else to worry about. Work with a travel professional who can guide you to a reputable tour company and match your wishes and personality with that of the tour. Many of the biggest names in the tourism business are offering escorted trips to China. You can choose from Tauck, Brendan, Globus, General and the newest entry Viking. These tours will provide you with your accommodations, some of your meals, handling your luggage, your sightseeing and moving you from one place to the next.
It is wonderful no hassle- no worry way to travel!! Remember, this is a country with at least 6 very different languages of its own. And while approximately one fifth of the population is learning English – in a country this size that’s not a lot of people able to answer your questions!
The hosted tours offered by, among others, Brendan and Monograms (a division of Globus) offer you a bit more independence without completely giving up your safety net. They will arrange your flights, your transfers from the airport, offer you a half day tour of the cities you visit and provide you with the services of a local host. This host is there to answer any questions, give restaurant recommendations and generally smooth your way. If you’re visiting more than one city normally your transportation between cities is also included.
River cruising is a rapidly growing business and travel in China is one of their newest frontiers. The river cruises travel the Yangtze River, normally from Beijing to Shanghai or the reverse, although some travel as far as Tibet. The Yangtze is the third longest river in the world and offers a unique perspective on the face of China. River cruising is done on small ships built to navigate the narrow rivers. They hold far fewer passengers then their ocean going brothers and so you do become better acquainted with your fellow travelers. The food is a blend of Chinese and European and there is usually one open seating for meals. You make stops along the river- visiting many of the same sights as you would see on land tours but there is only one time to unpack and your hotel room follows you throughout the trip. Many of the river cruises have certain themes – the history of a certain region, the Silk Road Trade Route, food etc. Again, working with a Travel Professional will help guide you in the right direction.
The independent route is the most challenging! China is not a country to plan a self drive vacation! Foreigners are rarely allowed to drive in China so your movement around the country will depend on public transportation. If you wish to be truly independent consider a city stay. Base yourself in one of the major cities and do your exploring within a certain area. Day tours can be set up before you go which will provide you the opportunity to see some of the country without being completely on your own.
When to go? Spring and autumn are the best times to visit. Daytime temperature will range from 68° – 86° F. Try to avoid major public holidays such as Chinese New Year since accommodations can be difficult to find. Most visitors to China enter the country through Hong Kong, Shanghai or Beijing. These three major cities are served by United Airlines, Delta, China Eastern and American Airlines, among others. You will need to have a valid passport and a valid visa to enter China.
What To See? Remember you can’t see it all!!! But there are a few things to keep in mind.
See The Great Wall of China. This “long wall” was built to protect China’s northern border more than 2000 years ago. It was once 6200 miles long and is still an impressive 3,750 miles long. You’ll discover that, rather than one continuous structure, the wall is a series of structures. Each tower was built to house hundreds of soldiers.
See the Terra Cotta Warriors. It took 40 years to complete this incredible display. The army of approximately 8,000 soldiers were built to guard the tomb of Emperor Qin Huan and to help him rule an empire in the afterlife. They were completed in 90 B.C. and were not seen again for 2200 years.
See the 2008 Olympic Games! The Games will be in China in August of this year and the preparations are intense. The Olympics will be based in Beijing but will spread throughout the country. The theme is “One World One Dream” and the official mascots are the Fuwa- five children who form a circle of friends representing 4 of China’s most popular animals, the Fish, the Panda, the Tibetan Antelope, the Swallow and the Olympic Flame.
All that being said, a trip to China requires careful thought and even more careful planning. It has been said that “China is not a country- it’s a different world.” With modern metropolises, known for their upscale shopping to desert landscapes it is impossible to see all of China in one trip. This is a country of more than 3 ½ million square miles with a population of almost 1 ½ billion. It is a country with a 5000 year history that must be savored and appreciated like a fine meal.
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(cc: photo credit: jiahao shang)
Categories: Destination Guides
