The 6 reasons to go to China
The reasons for a trip to China are many - a fan would list dozens of them. But if a traveler only needed a few of them in order to decide to go to this strange place, these would be the first five I would tell him:
- 1Treat your taste buds
- 2Be surprised...on every street corner.
- 3Charging your inner batteries
- 4Beyond the clichés
- 5Admire the amazing landscapes
- 6Discover a new world
1. Treat your taste buds
Forget about the poor copies of Chinese restaurants in Europe: from north to south, and from east to west, there are many kinds of Chinese cuisine and the flavors are varied. Your palate will be honored, because the cuisine will be a high point of your trip. Peking duck, Chinese fondue, grilled ravioli, a pot of Szechuan spiced fish, or even Canton dim sum: and what if you let the cuisine guide your steps?
2. Be surprised...on every street corner.
Monotony on a trip? There's very little of that for you... Discovering China is the cure for boredom. In a country where contrast is king, the surprises just keep coming. There's a big gap between the cities and the countryside, an architectural juxtaposition with the old and the modern, the varied landscapes, the diversity of the population... There will be many surprises during your trip!
3. Charging your inner batteries
At a time of continuous economic gloom and crises that seem to drag on, take a rejuvenating bath and immerse yourself in the energy of the new heart of the global economy. In bustling Shanghai, Hong Kong, or Canton, like everywhere else in China, you won't be able to resist the liveliness of this new economy in a country full of contrasts and surprises… It's been tested and approved over and over: spending some time in China allows you to charge your batteries.
4. Beyond the clichés
China is in the media spotlight more than any other country, and often for the worse. "Yellow Peril," a concept forged in the 19th century, is still a reality. But perhaps that’s the best reason to go to China: to set prejudices aside and face the Chinese reality; confronting Western views and fantasies in real life in the Middle Kingdom. Form your own opinion about this extraordinary country and you won't be disappointed, because one thing is certain: China is much richer than it may seem in Western media and it won't fail to move you.
5. Admire the amazing landscapes
The beauty of nature is amplified in China. In a country the size of a continent, with China being 17 times the size of France, you'll have a wide selection of choices for getting close to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world! A bright green panorama of rice terraces at the Dragon's Backbone, the towering mountains of Shangri - La, the karst mountains bathed in mist from the Li River, or even the endless Taklamakan desert - here nature reveals her most beautiful spectacles...
6. Discover a new world
Even if the whole Earth has become a playground for travellers, many countries no longer allow for discovery or a change of scenery. In China, much more than anywhere else, you'll really sense the "otherness." Here, it's a landmark. Beginning with the language, quite simply. Even though signs in the big cities like Shanghai and Beijingare written using the Latin alphabet, it's far from being the norm in the rest of the country. Beyond the language, written or spoken, this is the way to think, to see the world that is different. Welcome to an entirely new world...
Discover the destination
Why go to China?
Those of you who love culture clashes will be able to breathe them in ! If you hate crowds then a trip to China is not for you!
We advise you if...
- • You love meeting people
- • You're prepared for cultural shocks
- • You're willing to put prejudice aside and keep an open mind
- • You like big things - towns, landscapes and distances
- • You love trying new food
- • You're looking for an affordable destination
- • You like to be in a secure environment
When to go in China?
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Generally, spring and autumn are the most clement periods for going to China. October, April-May, and in a lesser measure, September are the the favorite months for Chinese visitors, as well as foreigners. The temperatures are pleasant more or less everywhere, there is relatively little rainfall, and the vegetation and colors are particularly beautiful. In any case, avoid the public holidays, when the major cities and tourist sites will be under attack!
What to see in China?
Top places to discover.
See all places
Prepare your departure to China
Important numbers, formalities, languages, etc. All the practical information for what you need to know about China!
What documents do you need to travel to China?
To enter China, you'll need a visa. To file a visa application, go to the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre or send your application by post. (Details are available at the website: www.visaforchina.org). You can also get in contact with the centre by phone at +44(0)20 7776 7888 or by email at the following address: ukcentre@visaforchina.org
Health advise
No vaccines are required. Travellers should be up to date with routinely recommended vaccinations according to the UK schedule. More specifically, the National Travel Health Network and Centre recommends that the following vaccines be up-to-date: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Polio, Rabies, Tetanus, Tick-borne encephalitis, Tuberculosis, Typhoid
Language
During your trip to China, you'll get the chance to discover the country's wealth through its languages. Although the official language is Mandarin or "Standard Chinese" (Putonghua ), the country has 129 other spoken languages, divided into two broad categories: Mandarin dialects and other "Chinese" languages, so many it can make you dizzy!
Time difference
There are only 8 time zones between you and all this diversity! Therefore, in winter count on 8 hours difference and 7 hours in the summer. Although the country covers 4 different time zones geographically, the time is the same no matter where you are in the country.
Phone and internet connection
To call the UK from China, you must dial 00 + 44 + City Area Code + Phone Number you wish to call (without the leading 0).
Electricity
You'll need an adapter to charge electronic devices like digital cameras, phones, and laptops, because the current is 220V/50Hz.
Some local addresses that may be useful to you prior to your departure:
