What are the best travel destinations?

China stretches over 4,800 km from the western Pacific coast to Central Asia, offering a wide variety of travel destinations due to its vast size. The sheer size of the country makes trip planning both exciting and challenging. When planning a trip to China, resist the temptation to see everything at once. While you may return with amazing pictures, truly experiencing the country requires taking enough time for the journey.

China is certainly a destination you'll want to visit more than once. For your first trip, consider leisurely visiting major cities and key attractions. Subsequent trips are ideal for exploring region by region, delving into different ethnic cultures and scenic wonders.

Keep in mind that China experiences extreme climatic variations. For example, in February, you can sunbathe on the southern coast and enjoy tropical fruits, while at the same time, the famous Ice Sculpture Festival takes place in Harbin in the north. Similarly, Beijing hosts the "Snow and Ice Festival" at the Longqing Gorge with spectacular fireworks, illuminated ice lanterns, and ice fishing. Witnessing the Forbidden City draped in snow is another extraordinary highlight.

Travel costs in China

While travel costs have risen globally in recent years, China still offers very affordable hotel accommodations, meals, and entertainment options, especially compared to other top travel destinations. Costs for train and air travel within the country are particularly reasonable.

For the price of a deluxe room in a comparable hotel (in New York, Paris, or Berlin), you can get in Beijing or Shanghai:

• a 5-star hotel room plus
• a day tour plus
• three meals including Beijing duck plus
• an evening city tour. 

Most visitors rave about the great shopping deals in China. Jewelry, silk, carpets, Chinese paintings and calligraphy, and other popular gifts are offered at much lower prices than elsewhere in the world. So, plan your trip with light luggage and an extra bag for gifts and souvenirs that you'll surely want to buy.

Appropriate Travel Clothing

Pack lightly and bring comfortable clothing for your trip. Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are a must. A suit with a tie for men and one or two dresses or pantsuits for women should suffice for most formal occasions. Pack a few shirts, sweaters, and a jacket (depending on the season).

If you can layer these clothing items, you'll be well-prepared for the different climate zones. All hotels offer reliable laundry and dry-cleaning services.

Health

There are no required vaccinations for entry. However, if you are coming from an area with infectious diseases, you must provide proof of appropriate vaccinations on the "Health Declaration Form."

Please inquire at your hotel whether tap water is safe to drink. Tourists are advised to consume only bottled drinking water.

China does not have a system of general practitioners. Medical care is therefore focused on hospitals. Major cities have international hospitals with modern facilities at Western standards.

COVID-19 Regulations

Since August 30, 2023, no COVID-19 tests are required for entry into China. The requirement to provide proof of a negative PCR or antigen test result has been waived. There are also no other travel restrictions related to COVID-19.

Elektrizität

Electrical appliances require an adapter for the plug type used in China. The standard voltage in China is 220 volts. Some 4-5 star hotels have 110-volt outlets in their bathrooms.

Most hotel rooms provide a hairdryer for your convenience.

Safety

China is considered one of the safest travel destinations in the world. Crime rates are low, and virtually no crimes against tourists are committed. Even late at night, there is little to fear. Chinese people are polite and hospitable, and Chinese laws are quite strict. Please note that all hotels either have a safe in the room or at the reception. Store your valuables in the hotel safe. If a problem arises, please report it to the hotel security or the police.

Important Phone Numbers

110 --- Police
119 --- Fire department
120 --- Emergency medical services
114 --- Directory and Information

Tipping and Gifts

Tipping is uncommon in China, although this has changed in some places recently and may be expected depending on the circumstances. Many tourists bring small gifts to thank guides, drivers, or other service providers. Simply ask your tour operator or guide in China if you want to know exactly what might be appropriate.

Money and Credit Cards

China's currency is the Renminbi (RMB), commonly referred to as Yuan. Ten JIAO make up one Yuan. Currently, 7.79 Yuan equals approximately 1 Euro (as of June 2024), with the exact exchange rate set daily. The Bank of China offers exchange offices for foreign currencies in all hotels, airports, and other centers.

International credit cards are accepted in almost all hotels and shops in major cities. There are now countless ATMs in China where you can withdraw money with your debit card. Travelers are encouraged to pay in Yuan at smaller shops, restaurants, and hotels.

Since the end of July 2023, foreign travelers can also pay easily, conveniently, and contactlessly with their smartphone in China. Visitors can link their Visa and Mastercard accounts for payments with China's popular mobile payment platforms Alipay and WeChat Pay.

Official Chinese Holidays

1. – 3. Januar --- New Year's Day
Late Jan. – Early Feb. --- Chinese New Year
1. – 3. May --- Labor Day
1. – 3. Oktober --- National Day

Foreign Language Newspapers

The English-language China Daily and Beijing Weekend are available in all major hotels and newsstands. Others such as Beijing Review, China Pictorial, China Today, and Women of China are mostly found in bookstores.

Foreign printed materials are now also available in major cities.

Calling Abroad

There is an increasing number of internet cafes in major cities where you can receive and send emails. You can practically make phone calls from anywhere. Public telephones (including long-distance calls) are available almost everywhere with telephone cards.

Nützliche Telefonnummern:

113 --- Operator for long distance calls
114 --- Directory assistance
115 --- International directory/assistance
116 --- Long-distance directory assistance
117 --- Time announcement
121 --- Weather forecast 

Embassies and Consulates in China

Beijing hosts embassies from all European countries and the EU. Consulates are located in various major cities such as Shanghai, Guangdong, Chongqing, and Hong Kong.
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