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CHINA - TRAVEL GUIDE

Shanghai
Shanghai

With this China travel guide, I try to gather in one place the main information you need to travel more and better.

It aims to prepare you to arrive at this new destination, knowing everything you need to have a smooth, safe trip and avoid the vast majority of problems that every traveler faces.

With this information you will be able to make the best decisions, transforming your view as if it were a place.

Here you will find the main places to visit, what the costs are, a great way to save money, recommendations on places to stay, restaurants, transport tips, and safety advice.

Even with different ways of traveling, from backpacking, or on a family vacation, cruise, two week vacation, around the world trip.

Here you will find everything you need to travel more, better, longer, and cheaper.

If you do not find any information, do not hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to answer.

About china

Where it is?

China is a country located in East Asia. It is the third largest country in the world by geographic area, encompassing a vast territorial extension that spans several climatic and geographic zones.

The country borders 14 countries, including Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, among others.

China has a total area of approximately 9.6 million square kilometers and is divided into 23 provinces, five autonomous regions (Xinjiang, Tibet, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, and Guangxi), four municipalities directly subordinate to the central government (Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, and Chongqing) and two Special Administrative Regions (Hong Kong and Macao).

Climate

Due to its vast territorial extension, China has a wide variety of climates. The country is characterized by a mixture of temperate, subtropical, and desert climates, as well as high mountain areas with a cold climate.

In northern China, where cities like Beijing and Shanghai are located, the climate is generally temperate, with cold, dry winters and hot, humid summers.

The central region of the country has a subtropical climate, with milder winters and hot, humid summers.

In the mountainous regions of southwest China, such as Tibet and parts of Sichuan Province, the climate is cold and alpine, with long, harsh winters and short, cool summers.

In southern China, including the Guangdong region and Hainan Island, the climate is subtropical humid, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. These areas are also prone to typhoons during the summer and fall months.

In western areas of China, such as Xinjiang and Gansu, the climate is predominantly arid and desert, with extreme temperatures in summer and winter.

time zone

China has only one official time zone, known as China Standard Time (CST), which is 8 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+8).

This time zone is valid across the entire country, spanning from the Xinjiang region in the far west to the city of Shanghai in the far east of China.

If in Brasília it is 02:00, in Beijing it will be 13:00, that is, they are 11 hours ahead of us

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Money

China’s official currency is the Renminbi (RMB), also known as the Yuan. The currency symbol is ¥ and the ISO code is CNY (Chinese Yuan).

Renminbi is subdivided into smaller units called Jiao and Fen, but these are rarely used in everyday life, dealing more with Yuan values.

The most common coins in circulation are 1 Yuan, 5 Jiao and 1 Jiao, and paper notes are available in different denominations including 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Yuan.

Value restrictions

Declaration of Values: Travelers carrying the equivalent of US$5,000 in foreign currency or local currency must declare the value at customs.

Exit restrictions: For exiting China, the limit for carrying foreign currency is 20,000 US dollars or the equivalent in other currencies. Amounts above this limit must be declared and may require additional documentation to prove the origin of the funds.

A little of history

China’s history is one of the oldest and richest in the world, with a civilization that dates back millennia.

Antique:

China has an ancient history that dates back some 5,000 years. During this period, dynasties such as the Xia, Shang, and Zhou ruled different parts of the country, establishing political, social, and cultural systems. The Zhou Dynasty introduced the concept of the “Mandate of Heaven”, a central idea that legitimate rulers were chosen by Heaven.

Chinese Empire:

The Chinese imperial period began with the Qin Dynasty, which unified China in 221 BC. and gave rise to the name “China”. The Han Dynasty that followed was one of the most prosperous periods in Chinese history, marked by cultural advances, territorial expansion, and the silk road. China also saw the rise and fall of other dynasties such as the Tang, Song, Yuan (ruled by the Mongols), Ming, and Qing.

Foreign Invasions:

In the 19th century, China faced a series of foreign invasions and conflicts, including the Opium Wars, the Japanese invasion, and Western interference. These events led to popular uprisings and the decline of the Qing Empire.

Republic and Revolution:

In 1912, the Xinhai Revolution overthrew the Qing dynasty and established the Republic of China. However, the Republic faced political and military instability, with the country fragmenting into different warlords.

Communist Revolution:

The leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, gained strength during World War II and the Chinese Civil War. In 1949, the People’s Republic of China was proclaimed, and the communist government took control of the country.

It was Mao Zedong:

Under Mao’s rule, China underwent major social and political transformations, such as the Great March, the Great Leap Forward, and the Cultural Revolution. These periods were marked by advances as well as challenges, with significant consequences for the Chinese economy and society.

Economic Reforms:

After Mao’s death in 1976, Deng Xiaoping led economic reforms that opened China to the global market and introduced a socialist market economy. These reforms have driven the country’s rapid economic growth over the past few decades.

Modern China:

In recent decades, China has emerged as an economic and global powerhouse. The country has undergone a comprehensive modernization, with investments in infrastructure, technological advances, and a growing international influence. However, China also faces challenges such as human rights issues, inequality, and environmental issues.

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Culture

Spoken language

The language spoken in China is Chinese, also known as Mandarin. It is the country’s official language and is spoken by the majority of the Chinese population.
Mandarin is based on the dialect spoken in Beijing
However, it is important to note that China is a linguistically diverse country, and in addition to Mandarin, there are several other regional languages and dialects spoken in different parts of the country.

Some examples are Cantonese, Shanghainese, Hakka, Fujianese, and Sichuanese, among many others.

Religion

China is a multicultural country and is home to a variety of religions and belief systems.
Most of the country’s inhabitants say they have no religion, but traditional religions such as Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism are predominant.
There is no precise number of religions but the latest data show that without religion (40%), Chinese popular beliefs (28.9%), Buddhism (8.7%), atheism (7.5%), Christianity (9 %), traditional beliefs (4.3%), Islam (1.6%).

In addition to these main religions, there are also ethnic minority religious practices and beliefs, such as shamanism practiced by minority ethnic groups and local traditional religions.

Gastronomy

Chinese cuisine is extremely diverse and considered one of the most important and influential in the world. With a culinary history dating back millennia, Chinese cuisine is known for its variety of flavors, careful preparation techniques, and importance placed on ingredient balance.

Ingredients: Chinese cuisine uses a wide variety of ingredients, including rice, noodles, meat (such as pork, chicken, duck, and beef), seafood, tofu, vegetables, mushrooms, bean sprouts, and a wide range of herbs, spices, and condiments.

Regional cuisines: China has many distinct regional cuisines, each with its own characteristics and famous dishes. Some of the best-known regional cuisines are Sichuan cuisine (spicy and bold), Guangzhou cuisine (dim sum and seafood), Jiangsu cuisine (refined and delicate), Hunan cuisine (spicy and spicy), Fujian cuisine (flavors of the sea), among others.

Tea: Tea is an essential part of Chinese culture and accompanies many meals. Different varieties of tea such as green tea, black tea, oolong tea, and Pu-erh tea are loved for their different tastes and health benefits.

Main Dishes

Fried rice

Fried rice is a popular dish in China, prepared by frying boiled rice with different ingredients such as vegetables, meat, shrimp or eggs.

It’s a versatile and flavorful dish, with regional variations across the country.

Chinese Fried Rice

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao chicken is a spicy and savory dish that originated in Sichuan province. It is prepared with pieces of chicken, peanuts, peppers, onions, and hot sauce, offering a delicious combination of flavors.

kung-pao chicken

Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu is a classic Sichuan dish. It consists of soft tofu cooked in a spicy sauce, usually with ground meat, chili peppers, green onions, and fermented beans.

It is a dish rich in flavors and textures.

Mapo Tofu

Peking duck

Peking Duck is an iconic dish of Chinese cuisine. The duck is marinated, roasted in a special oven, and served with thin wheat pancakes, accompanied by hoisin sauce, chives, and cucumber. It is known for its crispy skin and juicy meat.

Peking duck

Chow Mein

Chow Mein is a fried noodle dish that can be prepared with a variety of ingredients such as beef, chicken, seafood, and vegetables. It’s a quick, tasty dish that’s popular across China.

CHOW MEIN

Jiaozi dumplings

Jiaozi dumplings are a Chinese specialty widely consumed during the Chinese New Year. They are small dumplings stuffed with meat, vegetables, or various combinations, steamed, boiled, or fried. They are served with dipping sauces.

Jiaozi dumplings

What to do in china

China is a vast and diverse country with a rich history, culture, and breathtaking scenery.

Visit the Great Wall:

The Great Wall of China is one of the wonders of the world and an iconic destination. You can explore different sections of the wall, at Badaling, Mutianyu, or Jinshanling, and enjoy the breathtaking views and millennia-old history.

I went to visit Mutianyu, both the renovated part and the original part.

Explore the Forbidden City:

Located in Beijing, the Forbidden City is an imposing and historic palace complex that served as the residence of Chinese emperors. Stroll through its well-preserved courtyards, halls, and gardens to learn about the rich Chinese imperial history.

When I was there, I had the pleasure of enjoying the place with very few people, which makes for a very immersive experience.

Meet the Terracotta Army:

Located in Xi’an, the Terracotta Army is an amazing collection of life-size statues of warriors and horses, built to protect the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. It is a fascinating and unique archaeological attraction.

Seeing the Terracotta Warriors was one of my main goals in China.

Explore vibrant Shanghai:

Shanghai is a pulsating, modern metropolis filled with stunning skyscrapers, historic architecture, upscale shopping, dining, and lively nightlife. Stroll along the Bund, visit classical Chinese gardens, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Oriental Pearl Tower.

Shanghai for me was a pleasant surprise, as it is possible to be in traditional China and at the same time in modern

Exploring nature in Zhangjiajie:

Zhangjiajie is famous for its impressive limestone mountains, which inspired the setting of the movie “Avatar”. You can hike through the national parks, explore the glass suspension bridges and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

For me, it was one of the most magical places in China, with stunning landscapes.

I also went to visit the glass bridge which is also a must-see attraction.

Taste the local cuisine: China is famous for its delicious cuisine. Try authentic dishes like Peking duck, dim sum, mapo tofu, hand-pulled noodles, and a variety of regional flavors.

As I stayed 28 days in China I had the opportunity to try them all

Visit Tibet:

Also known as “the Roof of the World”, this area is perfect for adventurous travelers looking for unique attractions.

As I had already done the Everest base camp in Nepal, I went to visit the camp in Tibet.

Tibet has had a tumultuous past, so during your visit it is advisable to be careful when mentioning the Dalai Lama.

The region was annexed by China in the 1950s, forcing the Dalai Lama and his government into exile.

You need special permissions to visit which I used china highlights to obtain.

Visit the Potala Palace (Tibet):

This Tibetan palace was home to the Dalai Lamas until 1959 when he was forced to flee. Established as a sacred site in the 7th century, the many halls, temples, and courtyards were built from wood and stone. The current building, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dates from the 17th century, and copper was poured into its foundation to stabilize it against earthquakes.

Forbiden city
Shanghai
Forbiden city
Zhangjiajie
Terracota Warrior
Zhangjiajie
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When to go to China

The best time to visit China will vary depending on your preferences and the specific destinations you plan to visit. Due to its geographic size, China has a wide range of climates in different regions.

Spring (March to May):

Spring is generally a pleasant time to visit most regions of China, as the weather tends to be mild and pleasant.

It’s a great time to visit destinations like Pekin, Shanghai, Xi’an, and Hangzhou.

Summer (June to August):

Summer can be hot and humid in many parts of China. However, it is a good time to visit mountainous areas such as Zhangjiajie or the Yellow Mountains, where you can enjoy stunning natural scenery and milder temperatures.

I visited in July and the weather was wonderful all over China where I’ve been.

Autumn (September to November):

Autumn is considered one of the best times to visit China. The climate is generally pleasant, with moderate temperatures and colorful landscapes due to the autumn leaves.

It is an ideal time to visit the Great Wall, Guilin, Chengdu, and other regions.

Winter (December to February):

Winter can be cold in many parts of China, especially in the northern regions. However, it is a good time to visit destinations like Harbin, famous for its ice sculpture festival, or to enjoy the snowy landscapes in areas like Jiuzhaigou or the snow-covered Great Wall.

It is also important to take into account Chinese events and holidays, such as the Chinese New Year, which is a busy time for domestic travel in China. Additionally, certain attractions may have special hours or closures during specific holidays.

How to get

Most flights from Brazil to China involve connections in other countries. Major airlines offering connecting flights to China include Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Air France, among others. Connections can be made in cities such as Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, and Paris, among others.

On my trip around the world, I entered China via Hong Kong.

Costs

3 styles and their costs


Backpacker:

Staying in hostels (hostels) using shared dorms, doing your own food and/or local and cheap restaurants, using local transport, exploring the city on foot, and taking tours for free or cheaper.

Daily Spend: From $30.00 to $50.00 per day

Intermediary:

staying in hostels/economical hotels in private rooms, eating in an average restaurant, going to the main paid attractions, using some taxis and Uber.

Daily spend from USD 80.00 to USD 140.00 per day.

See if Uber is available in the city you are visiting

Luxurious:

Staying in the best hotels, going to all the attractions, hiring more sophisticated packages such as using a helicopter, etc.

Daily Spend: $200.00 and above per day

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Getting around

China has a well-developed transport system, offering many options for getting around the country.

Airplane:

China has an extensive network of airports connecting the main cities and regions of the country. It’s a convenient and quick option for traveling long distances. Chinese airlines such as Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines offer both domestic and international flights.

Train:

China has one of the largest and most advanced rail networks in the world. High-speed trains (bullet trains) are a popular option for traveling between cities. They are fast, comfortable and offer good connectivity. There are also conventional trains that serve more remote areas of the country.

I used the train most of the time to get around, mainly because the distance was great and it is a way to enjoy the scenery at a reasonable cost.

Each trip breaks the time record, even the longest, which was from Lhasa (Tibet) to Beijing (China) 41 hours.

Subway:

Major Chinese cities have efficient and expanding metro systems. The metro is a convenient and cost-effective way to get around cities, avoiding traffic. Fares are affordable and trains are frequent.

Bus:

Buses are widely used for local and intercity transportation in China. There are different types of buses, from city buses to long-distance buses. It’s a cost-effective option, but it can take longer, especially on longer trips.

Taxi and app cars:

Taxis are common in Chinese cities and offer a convenient way to get around.

In addition, transport apps such as Didi Xuxing are popular in China and allow you to order private cars.

I used the taxis very little but they worked very well.

How to communicate

The easiest and cheapest way is to buy a local sim and use WeChat (WhatsApp from Chinese people)

There are several Chinese operators such as China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom that offer prepaid plans with local and international calls. You will need to have an unlocked phone to use a local SIM card.

The internet in China is blocked, so to access websites outside of China you need to use a VPN.

Important to install before arriving, because inside you will not be able to install the VPN.

I used Privatevpn and it worked great

Security in china

Security in China is generally considered good, with low crime rates compared to many other countries.

Most major cities in China are extremely safe.

Violent crime remains rare and is generally safe, even for women walking alone at night.

There are some scams, as in any country, and petty crime can happen, especially in crowded areas.

Crime:

The crime rate is generally low in China, especially in popular tourist areas.

Government security measures:

China has a tight government security system and surveillance measures in place, particularly in sensitive areas such as the Xinjiang region and certain parts of Hong Kong.

It is important to be aware of local laws and regulations and to follow the authorities’ instructions.

Document and ID care:

Keep your identification documents, such as your passport and visa, in a safe place during your stay. It is advisable to make copies of your important documents and keep them separate from the originals.

Travel in sensitive areas:

Certain areas of China, such as the Xinjiang region, and Tibet, have travel restrictions or additional security measures.

I had to get several permits to go to Tibet and on the way to Everest base camp I was stopped at 6 checkpoints.

Scam risk:

As with any other tourist destination, China is a place where you are likely to be scammed or someone trying to scam you. In fact, it’s extremely likely. Have your wits with you and check your change or try using small bills.

I chose Thailand, as I was two months away from entering China.

You must provide a completed application form, recent photos, copies of your air ticket and hotel reservation, and pay the visa fee.

I had a lot of problems, because when I was in Thailand they were only going to pay for Thai residents.

I made a special request and they gave me 30 days and only one entry, which caused me a lot of trouble as I had to change my entry.

See here 15 Infallible Tips for Traveling Safely in Any Country.

The index ranks countries from 0 to 100, with 0 to 33 being the most dangerous, 33 to 66 being somewhat safe/dangerous, and 66 to 100 being the safest.

Documents and Vaccine

Brazilians need to obtain a Chinese visa before traveling to China.

It is necessary to apply for a Chinese visa at the Embassy or Consulate General of China in Brazil, but they only give a visa for up to 3 months of the trip, as I was traveling before and would only arrive in China in 6 months and would have to apply for a visa in another country.

I chose Thailand, as I was two months away from entering China.

You must provide a completed application form, recent photos, copies of your air ticket and hotel reservation, and pay the visa fee.

I had a lot of problems because when I was in Thailand they were only going to pay for Thai residents.

I made a special request and they gave me 30 days and only one entry, which caused me a lot of trouble as I had to change my entry.

You will need to have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining from the date of entry into China.
Return ticket and travel itinerary:
The exit ticket was needed, which had the Trans-Siberian train ticket.
This may be required at immigration as proof that you intend to leave the country within the permitted period.
Plan with all the places I went to visit, hotel reservation,s and train tickets.
International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination.

It was very complicated and tense because it wasn’t right to be able to go to China, but in the end, it worked out kind of well.

But I had to make a lot of changes, as I asked for multiple entries and received only one, I asked for 60 days and received only 30.

My trip to China was part of a trip around the world.

Planing your Travel? Tips and Tricks

Here are tips and tools to make the journey more enjoyable.

If you still have doubt.

Check the blog area with the materials that will help you on your trip as:

Book your flight.

Finding cheap air tickets can be difficult and stressful, but with my blog’s tips and using Skyscanner or Momondo the task can be even fun. Today are the most complete tools on the market . In my experience I have seen that even using  others these two end up having the best prices.

Book your accommodation.

If you prefer Hostel a great tool is Hostelwold, If you want besides hostels, other options use the Booking.com. I have used both very often and always find the best prices.

Travel insurance.

Insurance is what we never want to use, but it is traumatic if we need and not have it.
It will cover the costs of any eventuality of illness, injury, theft and / or ticket cancellations, etc. It is extremely important to have as you never know what can happen.
I have used the WorldNomads, which always have the insurance coverage that travelers need, in addition to having coverage worldwide.

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