China Tour

China is a remarkable five-year-old civilization that offers a vibrant and intriguing combination of the ancient and modern. From the exceptionally remote deserts of the wild northwest to the ultra-modern city of Hong Kong in the south, the diversity of this vast country's archaeology, architecture, cuisine, and cultural heritage is astounding. From ancient historical sites and antique relics to grand imperial palaces, exquisite water towns and enchanting natural wonders, there's something for every type of traveller. The Forbidden City, The Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, and Chengdu's panda sanctuaries are among the most visited attractions. Although there is so much to explore, try to avoid a jam-packed itinerary as one of the great joys of touring China lies in aimlessly wandering through the backstreets and exploring the immaculate public parks, traditional teahouses or tranquil hidden temples. Whether you prefer a slow boat down the Yangtze or taking in the extraordinary architecture, shopping and nightlife of Shanghai, exploring China provides countless opportunities for adventure.

Currency 

Local currency: Chinese Yuan Renminbi 
Symbol: ¥ 
ISO code: CNY 
Subunit: Fen (分) 
Banknotes: ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥20, ¥50, ¥100 
Coins: ¥1, ¥0.5, ¥0.1 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Limited acceptance 
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm 
Weekends: Some banks open on Saturdays for limited hours 
Public Holidays: Yes (varies by region) 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines 
International Airports: Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Numerous 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Rare 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Yes 

Water: 
Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Limited availability in coastal cities 
Leisure cruises: Limited 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Generally safe in reputable establishments 
Meat: Yes, if properly cooked 
Street food: Yes, but choose vendors wisely 

Local cuisine: Chinese cuisine boasts a rich diversity of flavors, influenced by various regions such as Cantonese, Sichuan, Hunan, and more. Notable dishes include Peking Duck, Kung Pao Chicken, Dim Sum, and Hot Pot. 

Drinks: Green tea, Baijiu (Chinese liquor), Herbal teas, Tsingtao beer 

Tipping: Not expected, but rounding up the bill is appreciated 

Annual rainfall: Varies by region: 100 mm to over 1,500 mm
Average temperature: Varies by region

Summer: 
Average highs: 25-35°C 
Average lows: 20-25°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 5-15°C 
Average lows: -5-5°C 

Best time to visit: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making them ideal for exploring China's attractions. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type A, Type I, Type C 
Voltage (V): 220 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.