For thousands of years China has been shrouded in mystery and intrigue, and foreigners, especially Westerners, still find it difficult to penetrate the inner depths of this fascinating and enigmatic nation. However, in recent decades and particularly since the Olympic Games in 2008 when Beijing showcased some of its most spectacular attractions, there has been a major increase in travellers interested in exploring this vast and intriguing destination. And it's no wonder, as there is a great deal to discover in China, the world's third largest country.
What makes it so attractive as a travel destination is its unique culture and ancient antiquities. Ruins and relics from Neolithic settlements and the dynastic reigns of the mighty emperors of yore await, while there are plenty of adventures to be had and exciting attractions that have to be seen to be believed. The Forbidden Palace, the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Army of
Xi'an are some of the prominent and tourist-heavy, but no less breathtaking, attractions in this ancient Eastern empire, but there are many, many more.
The People's Republic of China has been under a communist government since 1949, but is currently undergoing a boom in social and economic development with a great emphasis placed on tourist facilities and infrastructure. The country has been opening the doors to its wealth of historical and cultural treasures, with awed visitors flooding in.
Organised tours are still the favoured way to explore China, but independent travel is slowly becoming easier. Major cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai, are modern metros offering fast food and glitzy stores alongside centuries-old historical buildings and traditional eating houses. Archaeological wonders vie with amazing architecture in the interior, while majestic mountains and remote monasteries crown the country's northern territories.
With all this to marvel at, China would take several years' worth of holidays to explore properly, so keen travellers best get started...
Key Facts
Language:
The official language is Mandarin Chinese, but there are hundreds of local dialects.
Passport/Visa:
There are a few complex exceptions to Chinese visa requirements, which will not apply to the majority of visitors, but all requirements should be confirmed with a Chinese embassy before travel. All documents necessary for further travel and sufficient funds to cover intended period of stay are required; travel to Tibet will require a special Tibet Entry Permit. It's recommended that passports be valid for six months after intended period of travel.
Currency:
China's currency is the Renminbi Yuan (CNY), which is divided into 10 jiao or 100 fen. Cashless payments via smartphone applications such as WeChat Pay are increasingly commonplace in main cities, and major credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are widely available in major cities. It is not possible to exchange Scottish or Northern Irish bank notes; banks are closed on weekends.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Plug types vary, but the two-pin flat blade and oblique three-pin flat blade plugs are common. Adapters are generally required.
Travel to China
Overview
China's attractions are so many, and its landscapes so vast, that travellers will need a lifetime to fully explore this fascinating and impossibly diverse country. That said, the must-see sights are fairly obvious and highly accessible and, as previously restricted areas open up, the list of world-class attractions keeps growing. In addition to big draw-cards such as the Great Wall, the Xi'an Terracotta Army, and the Forbidden City, travellers can choose from a huge range of cultural treasures, traditional temples, incredible landscapes, national parks, and festivals. Travellers should choose areas that they would like to explore wisely, especially if travelling on a budget, because the country's vastness can make travelling from place to place considerably expensive.
One of the most amazing sights in China can be seen in every Chinese city every day: the incredible pace of modernisation reflected in the energy of the people, frenetic
urban development, and the relentless embrace of capitalism, with all its virtues and vices. These impressions are likely to leave the deepest mark on visitors to China. The contrast between the ancient and the new is intriguing and makes exploring China a joy for both history and culture buffs as well as the more modern tourist interested in technology and development.
China is a year-round destination, although visitors might want to plan around Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) in late January and early February, when much of the country shuts down for a week and public transport is completely booked up.
Climate in China
China covers extensive territory and has a complex topography, so the weather differs substantially from region to region. The southeast, below the Nanling Mountains, tends to be very wet with high temperatures all year round. In the central Yangtze and Huaihe River valleys there are four distinct seasons with very hot summers and extremely cold winters, and rain all year round. The dry north experiences a short but sunny summer, with long, bitterly cold winters (between December and March), with temperatures in Beijing dropping as low as -4F (-20C). The coast is humid and experiences Typhoons during summer. Travellers are advised to research the climate for the specific region they are visiting.
Health Notes when travelling to China
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming into China from infected where there is a risk of transmission. There is a risk of malaria throughout the low-lying areas of the country, and it is recommended that travellers to China seek medical advice about malaria before departure. All eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines; vaccinations are recommended against hepatitis A and hepatitis B, typhoid (not necessary if eating and drinking in major restaurants and hotels), Japanese encephalitis (usually only recommended for rural areas), and rabies (only recommended for travellers at risk of animal bites). Tap water shouldn't be drunk unless it has first been boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected. Street food should be treated with caution. High levels of air pollution in major cities and industrialised areas in China may exacerbate bronchial, sinus or asthma conditions. There is generally a high standard of
health care in major Chinese cities, but it is not provided free of charge; travellers are advised to have comprehensive travel health insurance.
Safety Notes when travelling to China
China is one of the safety countries to visit in Asia. Serious crime against foreigners is rare but does occur, particularly in isolated or sparsely populated areas. If travelling alone, including following parts of the Great Wall, it is advisable to leave an itinerary and expected time of return with a third party. Travellers should take extra care in street markets and at tourist sites, which attract thieves and pickpockets, and around the popular expat bar areas at night, where lone foreigners have occasionally been targetted. Travellers should be cautious about using pedicabs in Beijing, as tourists have reportedly been mugged by the drivers. Disputes over taxi fares can occur. Passengers should insist on paying the metered fare and should ask for a receipt; this has the taxi number on it.
Seasonal heavy rains and typhoons cause hundreds of deaths in China each year, particularly those areas bordering the Yangtze River in central, southern and
western China. Demonstrations have taken place in Lhasa, Tibet, as well as in some Chinese provinces in protest against Chinese rule in Tibet. Even though the situation seems to have stabilised, visitors are advised to stay up to date on the situation before travelling to the region and to avoid all protests. The Chinese government sometimes suspends the issue of permits for travel to Tibet due to unrest.
There is currently little threat from global terrorism. The risk of terror attacks is higher in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and travellers should exercise caution if travelling to or around Xinjiang.
Customs in China
Chinese people usually have three names, the first of which is their surname, or family name. As a result, visitors should be prepared for hotels mistakenly reserving rooms under their first names. For clarity, surnames may be underlined. When addressing Chinese people, the surname should come first and official titles should be used. Chinese handshakes last longer than those in western countries, and it is customary to stand close together when in conversation. Politeness in western terms is often foreign to the Chinese, and they rarely bother with pleasantries. It is considered disrespectful to keep prolonged eye contact, avoiding eye contact is considered reverential rather than rude. All foreigners should carry their ID on them at all times, as spot checks are common. Failure to show evidence of ID when requested by an official may result in a fine or detention.
Duty Free in China
Travellers to China do not need to pay customs duty on 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco; 1.5 litres of alcohol; perfume for personal use; and personal articles up to the value of CNY2000. Prohibited goods include arms, ammunition, or printed material that conflicts with the public order or moral standards of the country. Also prohibited are radio transmitters and receivers, exposed but undeveloped film and fresh produce. Strict regulations apply to the import and export of antiquities, banned publications, and religious literature. All valuables must be declared on the forms provided.
Doing Business in China
The Chinese are strict timekeepers and being late for a meeting is considered rude. When meeting people for the first time it is normal to shake hands and say 'ni hao', which means 'how are you'. Handshakes generally go on for longer in China than in most western countries. Business cards are commonly exchanged at the start of meetings in China; it is customary to have one side printed in Chinese and one in English. When giving or receiving business cards or a gift, it is customary to hold it with both hands. Chinese consider gifts an important show of courtesy. Decision-making may take longer than expected during negotiations. During a meal or reception, a host is likely to offer a toast; foreigners may be expected to offer them one in return.
Women are generally treated with respect and courtesy when doing business in China and it is increasingly common to find Chinese women in senior positions, especially in the big cities. Businesswomen
should, however, avoid showing too much skin. Business dress for both men and women tends to be conservative and plain without much ornament or bright colour.
Business hours are 8am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday. A five-day week is more common in larger cities and international companies. Workers usually take their lunch break between 12pm and 2pm and it is not unusual to find offices empty during this time.
Communication in China
The international dialling code for China is +86. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free WiFi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.
Tipping in China
Tipping is not officially recognised in China, though the practice is has become increasingly common among tour guides, top-end restaurants, tour bus drivers and hotel staff. Travellers wanting to tip should leave a gratuity of about 10 percent. Large hotels and restaurants often include a service charge in their bills, usually of around 10 percent, so travellers should make sure that they aren't doubling up.
Passport/Visa Note
There are a few complex exceptions to Chinese visa requirements, which will not apply to the majority of visitors, but all requirements should be confirmed with a Chinese embassy before travel. All documents necessary for further travel and sufficient funds to cover intended period of stay are required; travel to Tibet will require a special Tibet Entry Permit. It's recommended that passports be valid for six months after intended period of travel.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans:
US nationals require a passport that is valid for six months after the date of departure. A visa is required for entry into China.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadians require a passport that is valid for six months at the time of entry. A visa is also required.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK nationals require a passport that is valid on arrival for six months after the date of departure. UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from China. Travellers may need to show a police report indicating how they lost your full passport. A visa is required for entry.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Australians require a passport valid on arrival, and a visa for entry to China. A valid visa is required.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals require a passport valid on arrival, and a visa for entry to China.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand nationals require a passport valid on arrival, and a visa for entry to China.
Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African nationals require a passport valid on arrival, and a visa for entry to China.
Tourist Offices
Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Guangxi: +86 773 288 5326, http://www.topchinatravel.com/
China Embassies
In the United States:
Chinese Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 495 2266.
In Canada:
Chinese Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 3434.
In the United Kingdom:
Chinese Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7299 4049.
In Australia:
Chinese Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6228 3999.
In Ireland:
Chinese Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 219 6651.
In New Zealand:
Chinese Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 473 3514.
In South Africa:
Chinese Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 431 6500.
Foreign Embassies in China
American Embassy
United States Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 8531 3000.
Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 5139 4000.
British Embassy
British Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 5192 4000.
Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 5140 4111.
Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 8531 6200.
New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 8531 2700.
South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 8532 0000.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to China
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in China, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in China. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
You may need this vaccine if your trip will last more than a month, depending on where you are going in China and what time of year you are traveling. You should also consider this vaccine if you plan to visit rural areas in China or will be spending a lot of time outdoors, even for trips shorter than a month. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans. See more in-depth information on Japanese encephalitis in China.
You may need a polio vaccine before your trip to China if you are visiting the Xinjiang province, especially if you are working in a health care facility, refugee camp, or humanitarian aid setting. This kind of work might put you in contact with someone with polio.
If you were vaccinated against polio as a child but have never had a polio booster dose as an adult, you should get this booster dose. Adults need only one polio booster in their lives.
If you were not completely vaccinated as a child or do not know your vaccination status, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in China, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to China
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
There is no risk of yellow fever in China. The government of China requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.
When traveling in China, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. For more information on malaria in China, see malaria in China.
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in China, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in China. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
You may need this vaccine if your trip will last more than a month, depending on where you are going in China and what time of year you are traveling. You should also consider this vaccine if you plan to visit rural areas in China or will be spending a lot of time outdoors, even for trips shorter than a month. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans. See more in-depth information on Japanese encephalitis in China.
You may need a polio vaccine before your trip to China if you are visiting the Xinjiang province, especially if you are working in a health care facility, refugee camp, or humanitarian aid setting. This kind of work might put you in contact with someone with polio.
If you were vaccinated against polio as a child but have never had a polio booster dose as an adult, you should get this booster dose. Adults need only one polio booster in their lives.
If you were not completely vaccinated as a child or do not know your vaccination status, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in China, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to China
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
There is no risk of yellow fever in China. The government of China requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.
When traveling in China, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. For more information on malaria in China, see malaria in China.
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in China, so your behaviors are important.
Eat and drink safely
Tap water is not drinkable in China, even in major cities. Bottled water is easily available.
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
Food that is cooked and served hot
Hard-cooked eggs
Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
Food served at room temperature
Food from street vendors
Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
Unpasteurized dairy products
”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
Bottled water that is sealed
Water that has been disinfected
Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
Carbonated drinks
Hot coffee or tea
Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
Tap or well water
Ice made with tap or well water
Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in China. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.
Some diseases in China—such as dengue and leishmaniasis—are spread by bugs and cannot be prevented with a vaccine. Follow the insect avoidance measures described above to prevent these and other illnesses.
If your travel plans in China include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in China. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.
Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call China’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Malaria is a risk in some parts of China. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of China may be poor.
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in China, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
For information traffic safety and road conditions in China, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for China.
Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
Follow all local laws and social customs.
Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
To call for emergency services while in China, dial 999 (Beijing) or 120 (Shanghai) for an ambulance, 119 for the fire department, and 110 for the police. Write these numbers down to carry with you during your trip.
Learn as much as you can about China before you travel there. A good place to start is the country-specific information on China from the US Department of State.
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for China for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
Be aware of current health issues in China. Learn how to protect yourself.
Watch Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions
UpdatedLunar New YearDecember 06, 2017The Year of the Dog begins on February 16, 2018, and many people will travel to Asia to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Destinations include Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mauritius, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Avian Flu (H7N9) in ChinaMarch 07, 2017Chinese health authorities have confirmed human cases of avian influenza A (H7N9) since September 2016. CDC advises people traveling to China to avoid contact with poultry (including poultry markets and farms), birds, and their droppings and to avoid eating undercooked poultry. Infected birds that appear healthy may still be able to transmit this virus to humans.
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
China's currency is the Renminbi Yuan (CNY), which is divided into 10 jiao or 100 fen. Cashless payments via smartphone applications such as WeChat Pay are increasingly commonplace in main cities, and major credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are widely available in major cities. It is not possible to exchange Scottish or Northern Irish bank notes; banks are closed on weekends.
Exchange rate for 1 CNY - Chinese Yuan
0.00BMD Bermudan Dollar
0.13EUR Euro
0.14USD U.S. Dollar
0.11GBP U.K. Pound Sterling
21.13JPY Japanese Yen
0.19CAD Canadian Dollar
0.13CHF Swiss Franc
0.21AUD Australian Dollar
5.44UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia
61.30KZT Kazakhstani Tenge
12,853.51LBP Lebanese Pound
0.67LYD Libyan Dinar
0.95BOB Bolivian Boliviano
0.00NPR Nepalese Rupee
0.00OMR Omani Rial
0.00QAR Qatari Rial
0.19SGD Singapore Dollar
1.49SEK Swedish Krona
0.00TTD Trinidad Tobago Dollar
0.00VEF Venezuelan Bolivar
8.03DOP Dominican Peso
0.00HRK Croatian Kuna
2.34MXN Mexican Peso
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11.52INR Indian Rupee
Exchange Rate for U.S. Dollar to Chinese Yuan
1 USD = 7.24 CNY
Exchange Rate for Euro to Chinese Yuan
1 EUR = 7.78 CNY
Exchange Rate for Canadian Dollar to Chinese Yuan
1 CAD = 5.30 CNY
Exchange Rate for U.K. Pound Sterling to Chinese Yuan
1 GBP = 9.09 CNY
Exchange Rate for Australian Dollar to Chinese Yuan
1 AUD = 4.77 CNY
Exchange Rate for New Zealand Dollar to Chinese Yuan
1 NZD = 4.34 CNY
Exchange Rate for South African Rand to Chinese Yuan
1 ZAR = 0.39 CNY
Changchun Longjia International Airport (CGQ) Changchun Longjia International Airport http://www.ccairport.cn
Location: Changchun The airport is located 27 miles (40km) from Changchun city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts: +86 431 8879 7512
Getting to the city: Airport bus shuttles and taxis are available at the airport. Shuttles are available every day, from the first take-off to the last arrival. There is also a Changchun-Jillin Intercity Railway station in the basement of the terminal with trains to the city centre.
Car rental:
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available outside of the airport.
Facilities: Airport facilities include shops, restaurants, banks, a post office, money exchange services, and various lounge and recreation rooms.
Parking: The airport has multiple parking garages.
Beijing International (PEK) Beijing Capital International Airport en.bcia.com.cn
Location: Beijing The airport is situated 20 miles (32km) northeast of Beijing.
Time: Local time is GMT +8.
Contacts: Tel: 010 96158 or email: service@bcia.com.cn
Transfer between terminals: A shuttle bus service runs between the terminals.
Getting to the city: Beijing Airport is serviced by the Airport Express Line, a rail link that runs form Terminal 3 to Terminal 2 and then to the city with stops at Sanyuanqiao and Dongzhimen. The trains run every 15 minutes from 6am to 11pm. Shuttle buses run regularly (about every 45 minutes) to the city centre, Beijing Railway Station and major hotels. Metered taxis are also available, but it is recommended that passengers have their destination written in Chinese to avoid confusion.
Car rental: Car rental is available.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are metered and tips are not expected. Any road tolls and bridge tolls will be expected to be paid for by the passenger. Avoid taxi drivers that approach customers and instead wait in the taxi line and insist on using the meter.
Facilities: There are several bureaux de change, a bank and ATMs, telephones, tourist information, numerous shops and duty free shopping, and a business centre. A food corridor provides a range of eating and drinking options, while an entertainment centre offers everything from films to Chinese massage.
Parking: There are 4 parking garages, which are connected to the terminal buildings by means of an underground walkway. There is also an airport subway linking the parking garage to the terminals. Parking costs RMB 2.5 per 15 minutes, is free for the first 30 minutes, and RMB 5 for every subsequent 30 minutes. The maximum daily charge is RMB 80 for the first day.
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport http://www.shairport.com
Location: Shanghai The airport is situated eight miles (13km) southwest of central Shanghai.
Time: GMT +8.
Contacts: +86 21 6268 8899
Transfer between terminals: The two terminals are linked by free shuttle buses and subway line 10.
Getting to the city: Public buses serve the airport, linking to People's Square and the main railway stations; buses depart regularly from 6am to around 11pm. Line 2 and 10 of the Shanghai Metro connects the airport to the city, found outside terminal 2. The bigger hotels offer shuttle bus services to and from the airport.
Car rental: Car rental is available.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available outside the airport but finding the right one can be confusing without assistance. Taxi drivers usually do not speak English so it is best to indicate the destination on a map, or have it written down in Chinese.
Facilities: There are ATMs and currency exchange facilities, as well as duty-free shops. There are also a variety of food outlets, bars, an information counter, a post office, a children's playground, medical facilities, and business centre. Smoking is banned throughout the airport but there is a smoking room. If you want to shop in earnest there is a shopping centre just outside of the airport.
Parking: Parking is available outside terminal 2. The first two hours cost RMB 10 per hour, after two hours, its costs RMB 5 per hour. A day costs RMB 60.
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) Pudong International Airport http://www.shairport.com
Location: Shanghai The airport is situated about 29 miles (47km) east of central Shanghai.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts: +86 21 96990
Transfer between terminals: Shuttle buses run between the terminals at 10 minute intervals between 6am and 12am.
Getting to the city: Metro Line 2 (Green Line) connects the airport with the city, with regular departures between 6am and 10pm. Public buses also service the airport. Taxis are available and are a convenient way to get to the city, but they are a more expensive option. Many hotels provide an airport pick-up service for their guests.
Car rental: Car hire is available at the airport and vehicles can be booked in advance.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available outside the airport terminal. Passengers should not expect drivers to speak English; it's best to use a map to indicate the destination, or to get it written down in Chinese. The drive into central Shanghai takes about 45 minutes.
Facilities: Facilities at the airport include banks, ATMs and currency exchange, a post office, luggage storage, a children's playground, medical facilities, and business facilities. There are also several restaurants and shops, including duty free.
Parking: Short-term and long-term parking is provided at Shanghai Pudong Airport. Rates range from CNY 10 per hour, for the first two hours, up to a daily maximum of CNY 60.
Beijing Daxing (PKX) Beijing Daxing International Airport daxing-pkx-airport.com
Location: Beijing The airport is 29 miles (46km) south of Tiananmen Square.
Time: Local time is GMT +8.
Contacts: Tel: 010 96158 or email: info@daxing-pkx-airport.com
Getting to the city: There are four transportation options from the airport to the centre of Beijing, including taxi, bus, train, and subway. Taxis take around 80 minutes costing around RMB 220 while buses take 90 minutes at a cost of RMB 40. Trains take 20 minutes and cost RMB 30 and the subway costs RMB 35, taking around 20 minutes.
Car rental: Car rental is available.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available from the airport. A trip to the city centre costs around RMB 220.
Facilities: There are banks, currency exchanges, airport hotels, a children's play area, lounges, lost and found services, phone charging ports, parking facilities, special needs facilities, a yoga room, Chinese gardens, luggage services, and medical rooms.
Parking: There are two parking buildings at the airport, as well as parking spaces outside the terminal. There are 52 charging stations for electric cars.
Guangzhou Airport (CAN) Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport http://www.baiyunairport.com
Location: Guangzhou The airport is situated 17 miles (28km) from Guangzhou city centre.
Time: Local time is GMT +8
Contacts: 020 96458
Getting to the city: There are 5 Airport Express lines and 6 Airport Non-stop lines to round-trip between airport and downtown. There are also local taxis that transport passengers to and from Guangzhou city.
Car rental: Rental cars are available at the airport, or in downtown Guangzhou.
Airport Taxis: There are taxis available at Guangzhou Airport.
Facilities: There is a post office, bank, business centre and information desk at the airport, as well as leather, cosmetics, and local speciality stores. The airport also has dining facilities and a wine and cigarette shop. Special facilities for the disabled are provided.
Parking: There is both covered and uncovered parking at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.
Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) Haikou Meilan International Airport http://www.mlairport.com
Location: Haikou The airport is located 24 miles (38km) from Haikou city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts: +86 898 6577 60114
Transfer between terminals: The terminals are within walking distance of each other.
Getting to the city: Airport bus shuttles are available from the airport to the city centre and various hotels. City buses and taxis are also available from the airport. There is also a high-speed rail at the domestic departure hall No. 2, connecting to Haikou and other nearby cities.
Car rental:
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available from the airport and can be found directly opposite Gate 3 of the Arrivals Hall located on the first floor. The starting price is CNY 10 per 3 kilometres.
Facilities: Airport facilities include a medical centre, lounges, various shops and restaurants, cafes, and VIP services.
Parking: Parking is available at the airport.
Xiamen Airport (XMN) Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport http://www.xmairport.com.cn
Location: Xiamen The airport is located on the north side of Xiamen Island, roughly six miles (10km) from downtown Xiamen.
Time: Local time is GMT +8.
Contacts: +89 0592 96363
Getting to the city: There are several city bus routes from the airport.
Car rental: There are no car hire facilities at Xiamen Airport, however rental agencies are located in the city.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available outside the Arrivals Hall.
Facilities: The terminal features a bank, ATMs, foreign currency exchange service, medical centre, baby room, lost and found, public telephones, smoking areas, disabled services, luggage storage facility, first-class and VIP lounges, a business centre, massage chairs, and an entertainment hall. There are also several coffee shops, Chinese and Western-style restaurants, and a number of duty-free and souvenir shops.
Parking: There are two ground-level car parks and an underground facility.
Chengdu International Airport (CTU) Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport http://www.chengdu-airport.com
Location: Chengdu Chendgu International Airport is located about 10 miles (16km) southwest of downtown Chengdu.
Time: Local time is GMT +8
Contacts: 028 8520 5555
Transfer between terminals: The terminals are within walking distance, however shuttles are available to transfer passengers.
Getting to the city: There are buses from the airport to the city centre, the railway staion, and century city. Passengers can also take the High-speed train to Chengdu Nan (South) Railway Station and Chengdu Dong (East) Railway Station.
Car rental: There are no car hire facilities at the airport, however rental cars are available in downtown Chengdu and airport pickup services are available.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available outside of of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Facilities: Airport services include an information centre, a currency exchange, baggage trolleys, a smoking room, ATMs, luggage storage and packaging, a lost and found, medical services, VIP and first class lounges, restaurants and shops, and business services.
Parking: Parking is located in front of Terminal 1. The first half an hour is free, after that the parking rates start at RMB 4 and increase by RMB 2 every half an hour. It costs RMB 96 per day.
Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX) Sanya Phoenix International Airport http://www.sanyaairport.com
Location: Sanya The airport is located nine miles (15km) from Sanya city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Transfer between terminals: All three terminals are located in the same building and are within walking distance of one another.
Getting to the city: Airport buses are available from 10am to 8pm, with a bus departing every hour.
Car rental: A number of local car rental companies are represented at the airport.
Airport Taxis: Taxis to downtown are available from the designated pickup area outside the domestic terminal.
Facilities: Airport facilities include restaurants, shopping, wheelchair facilities, banks, ATMs, currency exchange, a smoking room, baby-care room, and first aid. The airport also has a VIP lounge and business lounge.
Parking: The domestic parking lot provides parking for 2,567 cars, the international terminal parking lot has 155 parking spaces and the VIP terminal parking lot provides parking for 131 vehicles.
Shenyang Airport (SHE) Shenyang Taoxian International Airport http://www.shenyang-airport.com
Location: Shenyang The airport is located 16 miles (26km) south of Shenyang city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts: 024 96833
Getting to the city: Travellers can take the airport shuttle-bus to and from the city centre, as well as to important hubs such as the Shenyang Railway Station. Taxis and shuttles are also available to transport travellers to the nearest train station.
Car rental: Avis offers car rental services at the airport.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available.
Facilities: Airport facilities include a business centre, medical facilities, shopping, restaurants, banks, a locker room, luggage storage, free mobile-phone-charging points, a nursing room, and a VIP lounge. Disabled services are good.
Parking: Parking is available at the airport.
Changsha Huanghua International Airport (CSX) Changsha Huanghua International Airport http://www.changsha-airport.com
Location: Changsha The airport is located 16 miles (25km) from downtown Changsha.
Time: GMT +8
Transfer between terminals: The terminals are within walking distance of each other.
Getting to the city: Airport buses are available outside the airport arrival hall. Taxis are also available.
Car rental:
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available.
Facilities: Facilities available at this airport include ATMs, a medical centre, luggage storage and nursery rooms.
Parking: Parking is available at the airport.
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport http://www.airport-chongqing.com
Location: Chongqing The airport is located 12 miles (19km) from Chongqing city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts: 871 6709 0114
Transfer between terminals: The terminals are within walking distance of each other.
Getting to the city: Airport shuttles are available to the centre of the city. Buses, taxis, and light rail facilities also offer transport to the city centre.
Car rental: Car rental facilities are offered at the airport.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available at the airport.
Facilities: Airport facilities include shops, a smoking room, a clinic, ATMs, currency exchange, and various cafes and restaurants.
Parking: Parking is available at the airport.
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) Guilin Liangjiang International Airport http://www.airport-gl.com.cn
Location: Guilin The airport is situated 10 miles (17km) from Guilin city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts: 0773 284 5114
Getting to the city: A regular bus service connects the airport and Guilin city centre.
Car rental: It is possible to rent a car at the airport.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available at the airport.
Facilities: Airport facilities include a bank, a beauty salon, various restaurants and cafes, shopping (including duty-free shops) and banking facilities.
Parking: Parking is available.
Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport (DLC) Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport http://www.dlairport.com
Location: Dalian The airport is located six miles (10km) from the city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts: 411 8388 6699
Getting to the city: Passengers heading to the city centre can take airport buses on the Dalian Metro Line 2 to central Dalian, and taxis.
Car rental:
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available from the airport's designated taxi parking area.
Facilities: Airport facilities include shopping (including duty-free shopping), restaurants, luggage storage and lost and found.
Parking: Parking facilities are available.
Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport (KWE) Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport http://www.guiyang-airport.com
Location: Guiyang The airport is located 18 miles (30km) from Guiyang city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts: 0851 96967
Getting to the city: Airport buses are available to the centre of the city.
Car rental: It is possible to hire a car at the airport.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available and can be found in the ground transportation area of the airport.
Facilities: Airport facilities include medical assistance, luggage storage, restaurants, and a hotel.
Parking: Parking is available at the airport.
Harbin Taiping International Airport (HRB) Harbin Taiping International Airport http://www.harbin-airport.com
Location: Harbin The airport is located 23 miles (37km) from Harbin city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts: +86 451 8289 4220
Transfer between terminals: The terminals are linked and within walking distance of each other.
Getting to the city: Shuttles and taxis are available from the airport to the city centre.
Car rental: Car rental is available at the airport.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available from the airport to the city centre and railway station.
Facilities: Airport facilities include shopping (plus duty-free shops), restaurants, and airport lounges.
Parking: The airport has a parking lot.
Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport (TNA) Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport http://www.airport-jinan.com
Location: Jinan The airport is located 21 miles (33km) from Jinan city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts: +86 0531 96888
Getting to the city: Airport transport includes shuttle buses to the city, as well as buses to nearby cities.
Car rental:
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available from the airport to the city centre, but they can be expensive.
Facilities: Airport facilities include a hotel, ATMs, foreign exchange, bank, and an information centre. The airport also includes a medical centre, a mother-and-child room, first-class and business lounges, and a restaurant.
Parking: Jinan International Airport has two parking lots: P1 and P2.
Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) Kunming Changshui International Airport http://www.kunming-airport.com
Location: Kunming The airport is located 24 miles (39km) from Kunming city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Getting to the city: Several bus routes connect the airport to the city.
Car rental:
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available at the airport.
Facilities: Airport facilities include shops, restaurants, snack bars, coffee shops, banks, a first-aid room, lounges, and a children's play area.
Parking: Parking is available at the airport.
Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) Nanjing Lukou International Airport http://www.nanjing-airport.com
Location: Nanjing The airport is located 27 miles (43km) from the city centre of Nanjing.
Time: GMT +8
Getting to the city: Bus, train, and taxi services are available from the airport to the city centre.
Car rental:
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available at the airport and charge by meter.
Facilities: Airport facilities include shops, restaurants, a bank, ATMs, and a medical centre.
Parking: The airport has a parking area.
Nanning Wuxu International Airport (NNG) Nanning Wuxu International Airport http://www.nnairport.com
Location: Nanning It is located 20 miles (32km) southwest of the centre of the city.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts: +86 771 209 5114
Getting to the city: Airport shuttles and taxis are available from the airport to the city centre. Two airport bus lines connect the airport to the city centre.
Car rental:
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available for hire at the airport.
Facilities: Airport facilities include restaurants, a business centre, VIP club, banks, a post office, and medical centre.
Parking: Parking is available near the terminal.
Ningbo Lishe International Airport (NGB) Ningbo Lishe International Airport http://www.ningbo-airport.com/wz/pcIndex/index.jhtml
Location: Ningbo The airport is located 10 miles (16km) from Ningbo city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Getting to the city: Buses and airport shuttles travel to the city centre.
Car rental:
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available at the airport.
Facilities: Airport facilities include cafes, restaurants, and ATMs.
Parking: Parking is available at the airport.
Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport (SWA) Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport http://www.cs-airport.com
Location: Shantou The airport is located 23 miles (37km) from Shantou.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts: +86 663 393 3333
Transfer between terminals: Both terminals are located in the same building and are within walking distance of one another.
Getting to the city: Airport express buses are available from the airport to Shantou, Chaozhou, and Jieyang. Taxis are available. A high-speed rail station connects Jieyang City to Xiamen-Shenzhen Railway Chaoshan Station, which stops at Jieyang Chaoshan Airport.
Car rental: It is possible to rent a car at the airport.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available outside the Terminal Building. Passengers should insist that drivers use the meter.
Facilities: Airport facilities include shopping (plus duty-free shops), restaurants, medical services, ATMs, money exchange, a health shop, massage chairs, and a VIP lounge.
Parking: Parking is available outside the terminal building.
Shenzhen International Airport (SZX) Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport http://www.szairport.com
Location: Shenzhen The airport is located 20 miles (32km) from Shenzhen city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts: +86 755 2345 6789
Getting to the city: Shuttle buses, buses, and taxis run to the centre of the city, and metro line links the airport to the Futian Railway Station. Free shuttle buses connect the airport to the Pier, from which ferries service other cities. Transport heading to Macau and Hong Kong is also available.
Car rental: There are two major car rental companies at the airport: Zhizun Car Rental and China Auto Rental.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available from the airport outside Gate 4. Passengers should insist that the meter is used.
Facilities: Airport facilities include banks, ATMs, restaurants, a police station, foreign exchange, smoking areas, a playground, baggage protection, a prayer room, and medical services.
Parking: Plenty of parking is available outside the terminal building.
Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC) Urumqi Diwopu International Airport http://www.urumqi-airport.com
Location: Urumqi The airport is located 15 miles (24km) from the city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Transfer between terminals: An airport bus-shuttle transports travellers between terminals every 30 minutes.
Getting to the city: Public buses and shuttle buses are available from the airport to the city centre.
Car rental: It is possible to rent a car at the airport. Car hire with a driver is also available and should be arranged prior to arrival at the airport.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available from the airport to the city centre.
Facilities: Airport facilities include VIP lounges, first-aid stations, infant-nursing rooms, and a selection of shops and restaurants.
Parking: Each terminal has its own parking lot.
Wenzhou Longwan International Airport (WNZ) Wenzhou Longwan International Airport http://www.wenzhou-airport.com
Location: Wenzhou The airport is located 14 miles (22km) southeast of Wenzhou city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Getting to the city: An airport bus shuttle service and local bus services are available from the airport to the city centre. Taxis are also available.
Car rental: Local companies offer car rental with a private driver.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available.
Facilities: Airport facilities include banking facilities, restaurants, medical services, baggage-wrapping services, luggage storage, a lost and found, and a shopping mall.
Parking: Parking is available at the airport.
Wuhan Tianhe International Airport (WUH) Wuhan Tianhe International Airport http://www.whairport.com
Location: Wuhan The airport is located 16 miles (26km) from Wuhan city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts: +86 27 96577
Transfer between terminals: A free shuttle bus connects the two terminals.
Getting to the city: Airport shuttle buses and metro rail lines take visitors to the city centre. Long-distance buses service other cities, and connect to the Wuhan Railway Station. Taxis are also available at the airport.
Car rental:
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available at the airport. Visitors should insist the meter is turned on and have their desired destination written down in Chinese or indicated on a map.
Facilities: Airport facilities include shops (including duty-free), restaurants, business services, banks, foreign exchange services, and medical services.
Parking: Parking is available in front of the airport.
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) Xi'an Xianyang International Airport http://www.xxia.com
Location: Xi An The airport is located about 19 miles (31km) northwest of Xi'an.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts: +86 029 96788
Transfer between terminals: A free shuttle bus transports passengers between terminals.
Getting to the city: Airport bus shuttles, intercity buses, a metro line, and taxis are available from the airport to the city centre. Bus tickets can be bought from the Passengers Service Centre in T2 and in the arrival hall of T3.
Car rental: Car rental services are available.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available outside Arrivals.
Facilities: Airport facilities include pay phones, drinking fountains, ATMs, nursery rooms, smoking rooms, mobile charging facilities, restaurants, shops, currency exchange services, an hourly hotel, a clinic, VIP lounges, and police services.
Location: Yanji The airport is located four miles (6km) from Yanji city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Getting to the city: Taxis are available at the airport.
Car rental: Car rental services are available at the airport.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available from the airport; it is a good idea for passengers to have their destination written in Chinese, as most drivers do not speak English.
Facilities: Airport facilities are extremely limited.
Parking: Parking is available at the airport.
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO) Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport http://www.airport-zhengzhou.com
Location: Zhengzhou The airport is located 28 miles (45km) from Zhengzhou city centre.
Time: GMT +8
Getting to the city: Bus shuttles and taxi services are available from the airport to the city centre.
Car rental: Car rental services are available at the airport including Avis, Hertz and Sixt.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available from the airport to various destinations. A taxi to the railway station takes roughly 50 minutes.
Facilities: Airport facilities include currency exchange, public phones, a business centre (internet, printing, copying and cellphone charging), drinking water, and a restaurant. Disabled services are available upon request.
Parking: Parking is available next to the terminal building.
Location: Zhuhai The airport is located 31 miles (50km) from the city centre of Zhuhai.
Time: GMT +8
Contacts: +86 756 777 1111
Getting to the city: Numerous buses run to and from the airport. City buses are available to the Zhuhai Doumen District, city rail station, and Sanzao town. The airport has its exclusive taxi company to transport the arrivals to everywhere.
Car rental: Car rental services are available at the airport.
Airport Taxis: The airport taxi stops are in front of the waiting area at the passenger arrival terminal. The airport has a dedicated taxi queue lane. A taxi ride to the city about 40 to 60 minutes.
Facilities: Airport facilities include luggage trolleys, locker rooms, currency exchange, ATMs, a nursing room, child activity room, drinking water, power points, wheel-chair accessiblity, and medical emergency centre.
Parking: Parking is available at the airport for a fee.
Hangzhou Airport (HGH) Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport http://www.hzairport.com
Location: Hangzhou The airport is located 19 miles (31km) from downtown Hangzhou.
Time: GMT +8
Transfer between terminals: The terminals are close to each other and can be reached on foot.
Getting to the city: The Airport Bus shuttle service links the airport to points in city. Taxis are also available.
Car rental: Car rental services are available at the airport.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are located outside Gate 4 and Gate 10 of the domestic arrival area.
Facilities: Facilities include medical services, ATMs, currency exchange, a children's play area and a designated smoking section.
Parking: Parking is available at the airport.
Overview of the Attractions in China
China's attractions are so many, and its landscapes so vast, that travellers will need a lifetime to fully explore this fascinating and impossibly diverse country. That said, the must-see sights are fairly obvious and highly accessible and, as previously restricted areas open up, the list of world-class attractions keeps growing. In addition to big draw-cards such as the Great Wall, the Xi'an Terracotta Army, and the Forbidden City, travellers can choose from a huge range of cultural treasures, traditional temples, incredible landscapes, national parks, and festivals. Travellers should choose areas that they would like to explore wisely, especially if travelling on a budget, because the country's vastness can make travelling from place to place considerably expensive.
One of the most amazing sights in China can be seen in every Chinese city every day: the incredible pace of modernisation reflected in the energy of the people, frenetic
urban development, and the relentless embrace of capitalism, with all its virtues and vices. These impressions are likely to leave the deepest mark on visitors to China. The contrast between the ancient and the new is intriguing and makes exploring China a joy for both history and culture buffs as well as the more modern tourist interested in technology and development.
China is a year-round destination, although visitors might want to plan around Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) in late January and early February, when much of the country shuts down for a week and public transport is completely booked up.
Forest of Steles Xi An
The Stele Forest in Xi'an, also called the Beilin Museum, contains more than 3,000 ancient standing stones, dating back to the Tang dynasty (618-907). The museum itself is nearly as old, having been established in 1087. The steles are divided into seven exhibition halls, displaying classic examples of traditional Chinese calligraphy, painting and historical records. Travellers interested in history, writing and philosophy will delight in its collection, while English guides are recommended as a lot of the interesting cultural relevance of the inscriptions may otherwise be lost. The museum also enjoys lovely grounds with fountains, pagodas and a gift shop, making it a great place to relax after a long day of sightseeing.
Website: http://www.beilin-museum.com
The Bund Shanghai
No trip to Shanghai would be complete without a walk along the famous Bund. Shanghai's picturesque waterfront promenade stretches for a mile (2km) along the bank of the Huangpu River. Once the most famous street in Asia, it's still renowned for its strip of Art Deco buildings. One of the grandest of these buildings is the home of the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank. From the Bund, visitors can take a river trip down to the mouth of the Yangtse. Boats leave regularly from the Shiliupu Pier south of the Bund and the trip takes about three hours. Those preferring aerial vistas with a drink in hand could visit rooftop Char Bar in the Indigo Hotel.
Shanghai Museum Shanghai
The Shanghai Museum is found at the People's Square, the political and cultural centre of Shanghai. Shaped like a giant bronze urn, it contains a collection of some 123,000 artefacts in 21 categories. Permanent galleries cover anything from ancient jade assemblages and Chinese minority art to intriguing calligraphy and furniture from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Foreigners should look out for the museum's advanced audio tour, which is offered in eight languages, and be sure to get there early to avoid long queues. As well as the impressive exhibits, there's a restaurant, gift shop and green space, surrounded by the Grand Shanghai Theatre and City Hall.
Website: http://www.shanghaimuseum.net
Yuyuan Gardens Shanghai
The Yuyuan Gardens, or the Gardens of Contentment, date back to 1559 and are the best example of classical Chinese gardens in Shanghai. A peaceful refuge with koi ponds amid trees and pagodas, the gardens have been divided into six sections. The gardens' intricate designs are replete with pavilions, rockeries, ponds and a traditional theatre arranged in an ornate maze.
The gardens are on Yuyuan Street in downtown Shanghai and can be reached via the Town God Temple Market, a warren of shops and stalls that is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist bazaar. It is best to visit the gardens during the week because they become crowded over weekends and the crowds can detract from the spirit of the place.
Website: http://www.yugarden.com.cn
Qin Terracotta Army Museum Xi An
In 1974, a group of peasants digging a well in Lintong District unearthed fragments of a life-sized warrior figure. Further excavation revealed several timber-lined vaults filled with thousands of greatly detailed terracotta soldiers, horses and chariots: an entire army assembled in position to follow their Emperor Qin into eternity. The pits are now open to public viewing and thousands of visitors flock to gaze at the stunning array of figures with their vivid facial expressions.
The Terracotta Army Museum consists of the original pit that was discovered in 1974, which has been enclosed to preserve the ranks of 6,000 soldiers found there. A second pit, containing 1,400 figures of cavalrymen, horses and infantrymen, and 90 wooden chariots, is also part of the museum.
Visitors can also see Qin's Mausoleum and view almost 100 sacrificial pits containing the skeletons of horses buried with him. There are also about 20
tombs holding the remains of his counsellors and retainers. The emperor's tomb itself is under a 249-foot (76m) high mound that has not yet been excavated, but is believed, according to historical records, to have contained rare gems and other treasures.
Website: http://www.bmy.com.cn
Shaanxi Provincial History Museum Xi An
The graceful complex of the Shaanxi Provincial History Museum is built in the style of a Tang dynasty pavilion, itself a staggering sight. The museum's exhibits are even more breathtaking, consisting of about 113,000 artefacts unearthed in the province and chronologically arranged in three exhibition halls. The exhibits cover the Han, Wei, Jin, North and South, Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as the prehistoric and bronze period. Shaanxi province was a vital region for the cultural development of China, and the capital of 13 glorious dynasties. The Shaanxi Provincial History Museum stands as testament to the area's importance, serving as China's premier, world-class history museum. Travellers are advised to get there early to avoid massive queues.
Website: http://www.sxhm.com
Banpo Village Remains Xi An
The remains of the ancient settlement of Banpo, dating from about 5000 BC, are found in the Yellow River Valley east of Xi'an. The site makes up one of the most complete examples of an agricultural Neolithic settlement in the world. It contains the ruins of more than 40 homes, 200 cellars, a collection of pottery and tools, and more than 250 graves belonging to a matriarchal community of the Yangshao culture.
There is an on-site museum, with two smaller exhibition halls displaying various archaeological artefacts that have been unearthed in the area. More than 400 archaeological sites similar to Banpo have been discovered in and around the Yellow River Valley in China, giving the area the reputation of being the birthplace of ancient Chinese culture.
Website: http://www.banpomuseum.com.cn
Huaqing Hot Springs Xi An
The Huaqing Hot Springs at the base of the Lishan Mountains is where ancient emperors bathed and relaxed. Huaqing is one of the Hundred Famous Gardens of China and the setting is tranquil and beautiful. The spa has been operating for more than 12 centuries and its warm mineral waters, containing lime, sodium carbonate and sodium sulphate, are still enjoyed by locals and visitors today. The waters are particularly recommended for the treatment of dermatitis, rheumatism, arthritis and muscular pain. Even the Hibiscus Pool, dating from the year 712 and having been restored, is open to the public. There is also a fascinating museum at the site containing building materials from the Tang Dynasty. Another attraction at the springs is the Hovering Rainbow Bridge, which reflects the sunset in such a way that it appears to be a rainbow. Visitors can also take a cable car up to take in marvellous mountain vistas.
The Great Mosque is the pride of China's Islamic community, with the religion arriving in the country along with Arab merchants and travellers in roughly the year 600. The Great Mosque in Xi'an is the best-preserved ancient mosque in China, having been built in 742. It is built in traditional Chinese style with platforms, pavilions and halls, and is divided inside into four courtyards. Visitors can explore the passages, courtyards and archways, with furnishings dating from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
The main prayer hall can accommodate 1,000 worshippers and its ceiling bears more than 600 classical scriptures in colourful relief. This unique mix of Islamic and Chinese architecture is surrounded by landscaped gardens, ideal for quiet sanctuary and contemplative walks. It remains a place of worship, so visitors should dress appropriately and behave respectfully.
Potala Palace Tibet
The vast Potala Palace stands on a cliff top above Lhasa, considered the greatest achievement of Tibetan architecture. The palace was originally built in the 7th century by the then emperor for his bride. It was later partially destroyed by lightning and war, but restored and extended in 1645 by the Fifth Dalai Lama when he became the political and religious leader of Tibet. The Fifth Dalai Lama took up residence in the palace in 1653, and it remained the Dalai Lama's official residence until the exile of the 14th Dalai Lama in 1959.
The palace is renowned for its interior splendour. It consists of two main sections: the White Palace which is the secular section containing offices, dormitories, a Buddhist seminary and printing house; and the Red Palace, which is the sacred sanctuary dedicated to religious study and prayer. The latter contains chapels where the mummified remains of three Dalai Lamas lie, and the Great West Hall famous for
its rich murals. The only remaining structures dating from the 7th century are the Dharma Cave and the Saint's Chapel, but the palace houses many ancient cultural treasures and relics. In fact, the palace contains over 10,000 shrines and 200,000 statues.
Jokhang Temple Tibet
The Jokhang Temple lies in the heart of Lhasa. It was built nearly 1,300 years ago but remains the spiritual centre of Tibet, drawing pilgrims from all over the region who come to demonstrate piety to the Buddha. The original structure was enlarged under the reign of the Fifth Dalai Lama and it now stands as the product of Han, Tibetan and Nepalese architectural design. It is a four-storey timber temple with a golden roof that contains a number of valuable cultural relics, sacred sculptures and magnificent murals.
Possibly the most special statue is the site's original sculpture of Buddha called Jowo, which is richly decorated with jewels and silk. An annual prayer festival is held in the temple, which is also the venue for the initiation of the Dalai Lamas. The Jokhang Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is generally considered to be Tibet's most sacred and important temple.
Tashi Lhunpo Monastery Tibet
Tashi Lhunpo is one of Tibet's most revered and influential monasteries, lying about a mile (2km) to the west of Shigatse at the base of Drolmari Mountain. Founded by the First Dalai Lama in 1477, it became the seat of Tibet's second most important spiritual leader, the Panchen Lama, in 1713. The monastery today houses about 800 monks in its 3,229 square foot (300 sq m) of muraled buildings.
The oldest section is the main chanting hall that houses the throne of the Panchen Lama. The tallest section is the Maitreya Chapel, which contains the world's largest brass statue of Maitreya. The seated figure is 86 feet (26m) high and decorated with gold, pearl, amber, copper, coral, diamonds and other precious stones. It's said that it took 900 craftsmen nine years to complete the statue.
There are other treasures such as the remarkable Thangka Wall, which is nine floors high and used to display massive images of Buddha on
important days in the Tibetan Lunar Calendar.
Mount Everest Tibet
The Shigatse prefecture is the gateway for climbers to the North Col route of the world's highest mountain. The ultimate climber's challenge, Mount Everest towers at 29,028 feet (8,848m) on the border between Tibet and Nepal. Access to the Everest Base Camp is via the town of Tinggri. About 20 miles (30km) from the town, climbers embark on a 48-mile (78km) trek to the first camp.
About six miles (10km) from the base camp is Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery on earth at an altitude of 16,728ft (5,099m). The monastery is continually being restored and offers hostel accommodation. Just south of the monastery is the world-renowned Rongbuk Glacier.
Because of its height, adventurers wishing to climb Mount Everest will need to allow several weeks simply to acclimatise to the thin atmosphere. Climbing Mount Everest is not to be attempted without the aid of a guide, and should only be tackled by extremely experienced
climbers. Numerous travel agencies offer package multi-day hikes around the area and up to the Everest base camp.
Pelkor Monastery Tibet
The fascinating Pelkor Monastery is situated at the foot of Dzong Hill in Tibet. Also called Baiju Monastery, it has an unusual structural style incorporating Han, Tibetan and Nepali influences. The main structures were built around the beginning of the 15th century, and now house richly embroidered Tibetan opera costumes of pure silk dating to the Ming and Qing dynasties. It's unique in that it's the only monastery to accommodate monks from three different Buddhist orders. A popular pilgrimage site, it houses a number of shrines, frescoes and the renowned Arhat clay sculptures. But the most famous attraction at Pelkor Monastery is the Bodhi Dagoba, a building consisting of nine tiers, 108 gates and 76 shrines to Buddha.
Forbidden City Beijing
The majestic Forbidden City is a historical precinct situated in the heart of Beijing. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been declared the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. The Forbidden City, called Gu Gong in Chinese, was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
It is the biggest and best preserved complex of ancient buildings in China, and the largest palace complex in the world. Construction began in 1407, and for 500 years this inner sanctum was off limits to most of the world as the emperors lived in luxury, secluded from the masses and surrounded by their families, servants and members of court.
The Forbidden City has a permanent restoration squad working continuously to keep the more than 90 palaces and courtyards, 980 buildings and 8,728 rooms in perfect condition. Now open to all visitors, its museum is home to a priceless collection of ancient artefacts.
The complex can get overrun so it is best to go early in the morning to fully appreciate the layout of the place without too many crowds.
Website: en.dpm.org.cn
Tiananmen Square Beijing
The famous and distinct Tiananmen Square is at the heart of Beijing, a place of so many historic events. The largest city square in the world, it was a gathering place and site of government officials during ancient imperial days. Major rallies took place in the Square during the Cultural Revolution, when Chairman Mao reviewed military parades up to a million strong. But the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre meant it has become a site of great political significance in modern history.
The square is surrounded by several monuments, some ancient and some modern, including the former gates to the Forbidden City, the Gate of Heavenly Peace and Qianmen, as well as the Chinese Revolution Museum and the Mao Mausoleum, where China's former leader lies preserved. There is also an underground walkway connecting Tiananmen Square with the Forbidden City. Like most big tourist attractions in China, it is best to try and go early in the day to avoid the
masses, with the square open to visitors as early as 5am.
Great Wall of China Beijing
The Great Wall of China is a perennial favourite among tourists. Stretching some 4,000 miles (6,350km) and built in stages from the 7th century BC onwards, it snakes across the mountains and valleys of five provinces in northern China and originally served as a mammoth defensive bulwark against neighbouring Manchurian and Mongolian peoples.
Several sections of the wall, which has become the most prominent symbol of Chinese civilisation, can be viewed in the greater Beijing area. In Yanqing county, in northwest Beijing, is the 600-year-old Badaling Fortification, representative of the Ming dynasty sections of the Great Wall. Other sections can be seen at Jinshanling, Mutianyu and Simatai.
The more popular sections can be very crowded but, generally, if travellers walk a little way they can escape the worst of it. There are some wonderful stretches of the wall to hike, such as the roughly six-mile (10km) section between
Jinshanling and Simatai, but visitors should be careful about setting off alone as parts of the wall are unstable and unsafe.
It's recommended that tourists take their own water and snacks and pack warm clothes if planning to go during winter, as temperatures at the wall can be freezing. There are countless vendors, but their goods are usually overpriced and of questionable quality. It is illegal to remove stone from the wall and Chinese authorities are clamping down on the practice.
Website: http://www.mutianyugreatwall.net
Summer Palace Beijing
The magnificent Summer Palace was built in 1750 by the Emperor Qianlong, and continued to be an imperial residence until the Empress Dowager Cixi died in 1908. It is the largest and most well-preserved royal park in China, and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The palace and stunning gardens are open to visitors, who pass through a grand courtyard into the Hall of Benevolent Longevity, the Hall of Jade Ripples and the Hall of Joyful Longevity. Empress Cixi's private theatre in the Garden of Moral Harmony is a must see, as is the long corridor that skirts Kunming Lake's northern shoreline to reach the marble boat, an elaborate two-storey structure of finely carved stone and stained glass.
All in all, the Summer Palace boasts not only famously beautiful grounds but also 3,000 man-made ancient structures, including mansions, temples, pavilions, bridges and towers. Once a place for weary royals to relax, the
Summer Palace is now a sanctuary for travellers and, although it can get crowded, it always seems calmer and cooler than the rest of the city.
Website: http://www.summerpalace-china.com
Zhoukoudian Cave Beijing
About 25 miles (40km) south of Beijing, in the Fangshan District, is the Zhoukoudian Cave, the source of the largest collection of Homo erectus fossils from any single site in the world. The fossils recovered from the cave represent about 40 individuals, most famous of which is a cranium element commonly known as the 'Peking Man', the world's earliest fire-using primitive man who lived between 200,000 and 700,000 years ago.
The Zhoukoudian site on Dragon Bone Hill has a comprehensive seven-room exhibition of fossils and artefacts depicting human evolution and the lifestyle of primitive humans. It showcases fossils from all over China, allowing visitors to compare the different lifestyles of the ancient communities that were discovered here.
Website: http://www.zkd.cn
Tombs of the Ming Dynasty Beijing
Built by the emperors of the Ming Dynasty of China, the majority of surviving Ming tombs are clustered near Beijing and easily reached on short excursions out of the capital. Thirteen emperors' mausoleums, dating from between 1368 and 1644 and collectively UNESCO-listed, can be seen in the Ming Tombs Scenic Area at the foot of Tianshou Mountain.
Currently only three of the tombs are open to the public (Chanling, Dingling and Zhaoling) but this is more than sufficient as all the tombs are similar in design and the three that can be explored are arguably the most interesting. The Changling Tomb is the largest, oldest and best preserved, looming majestically at the end of the Sacred Way. The Dingling Tomb is the only one which has been properly excavated but tragically many of the artefacts and the remains of the emperor and empresses entombed in the mausoleum were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. Even so, the excavated Underground
Palace in Dingling is fascinating and some magnificent artefacts can still be viewed.
Many operators in Beijing offer tours to the Ming Tombs, often combined with trips to the Great Wall and other nearby attractions. Visitors travelling independently will need to pay entry to each tomb separately.
Chimelong Guangzhou
Chimelong Paradise is one of China's largest amusement parks and is recognised internationally as a quality establishment, with one of its rollercoasters even being featured in the Guinness Book of Records. The park has more than 100 rides and is guaranteed to delight thrill seekers and kids of all ages. The water world section boasts one of the largest water stunt shows in the world and is a famously enjoyable place to spend a sunny day.
The Chimelong International Circus is said to be the world's largest permanent circus and the theatre can hold nearly 7,000 people. This show is wildly popular and it is recommended that visitors book their tickets in advance, especially if going over the weekend. The Chimelong International Circus includes award winning acts from all over the world and its set, lighting and costume design are sublime. Chimelong certainly tops the list when it comes to family attractions in
Guangzhou.
Website: http://www.chimelong.com
Chairman Mao Mausoleum Beijing
Although Chairman Mao Zedong requested to be cremated, his body was instead embalmed. After a supposed mishap during the process, a wax model was made as backup and it's unknown which version of the Great Helmsman is on display today at the Mausoleum. The Mausoleum itself was built in 1977 on the prior site of the Gate of China, the main gate of the Imperial City during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The tomb is on the first floor and on the second is a museum dedicated to other great communist leaders, including Mao himself. Those interested in visiting the Mausoleum can join the long line of visitors outside the building every day. Visitors should remember to dress respectfully and maintain silence in the mausoleum, as the site is a place of worship more than a tourist destination.
Website: cpc.people.com.cn/GB/69112/113427/
Beihai Park Beijing
A place of tranquillity and grand imperial beauty, the Beihai Park is one of the great attractions of Beijing. It's centrally located and close to the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park, providing a peaceful, natural haven after a long morning of sightseeing. One of the oldest and best preserved imperial gardens in China, Beihai Park's history extends over 1,000 years to the ancient Liao dynasty, which ruled between 916 and 1125. Built up through five dynasties, the park is an emblem of old-world China, designed according to the ancient Chinese art of landscaped gardens with artificial hills, colourful pavilions and intricate temples.
Kublai Khan lived in what is now the Circular City of Beihai Park. The Tibetan-style White Dagoba, built in 1651 on Jade Island, is a landmark for both Beihai Park and Beijing, having been constructed on the suggestion of a famous Tibetan Lama priest, NaomuHan. Apart from the famous White Dagoba and the
Circular City, landmarks within Beihai Park include Hao Pu Creek Garden, the Quiet Heart Studio, Nine-Dragon Screen and the Five-Dragon Pavilions. The Fangshan Restaurant, started nearly a century ago by royal chefs, is also worth a visit.
Beijing's prominent art district is home to 798 Space, an art gallery housed in a former electronics factory that built components for China's first atomic bomb and early satellites. Exhibiting the latest in contemporary Chinese art in its lofty viewing rooms, 798 Space is a visual delight for any traveller. Besides regular national and international exhibitions, 798 Space also hosts corporate and commercial events such as fashion shows, product launches, conferences and fairs. A film and video viewing area and a gallery bookshop are also housed in the gallery, as is a colourful little restaurant. The art precinct itself is dotted with avant-garde statues, charming coffee shops and noodle bars, and a plethora of other wonderful art galleries to visit.
Website: http://www.798district.com
Great Bell Temple Beijing
The Qing Temple is home to the Ancient Bell Museum (Gu Zhong Bowuguan) and is a great stop for travellers en route to the Summer Palace. A 47-ton bell with a height of 22.7 feet (6.9m) was transported to the original temple on ice sleds in 1743. It is inscribed with Buddhist Mantras on both the inside and outside and features over 227,000 characters.
The bell was often chosen by the emperors to pray for rain and blessings for the people of China, and was one of three projects that the Yongle Emperor of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) commanded after reestablishing Beijing as the capital, the others being the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. The bell is considered auspicious in Chinese tradition and is nowadays rung 108 times to begin the celebrations at grand ceremonies. There are a further 31 bells on display in the Ancient Bell Museum, most with tributes to various emperors inscribed on them.
The Underground City Beijing
Beijing's Underground City is a forgotten vast bomb shelter eight to 18 meters beneath the ancient capital's downtown area, built in case of nuclear attack. Aside from some rather odd recent additions, it features factories, restaurants, hospitals, schools, theatres and shops. There's even a mushroom farm to provide food easily cultivated in darkness. On Mao Zedong's orders, it was built from 1969 to 1979 by more than 300,000 local citizens including school children, mostly by hand. The tunnels were initially intended to accommodate all of Beijing's six million inhabitants upon completion. Winding for over 18 miles (30km) and covering an area of nearly 53 square miles (85 sq km), the underground City includes more than 1,000 anti-air raid structures.
Beijing Aquarium Beijing
Located within the Beijing Zoo, the Beijing Aquarium is one of the world's largest inland aquariums. Its interactive exhibits provide an immersive experience that never fails to delight, such as an imaginative Amazon rainforest, complete with piranhas and pandas, as well as an exquisite shark tank, dolphin shows and displays of rare and endangered fish. A boat from the canal south of the aquarium runs to the Summer Palace, giving visitors the opportunity to sightsee while en route to the attraction.
Website: http://www.bj-sea.com
The Beijing National Stadium Beijing
The Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest due to its appearance, was the hub of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, hosting all of the track and field events as well the opening and closing ceremonies. The unique-looking supports make it the largest steel structure in the world, created using a web of steel frames converging in a grid formation. The visual effect is unique and impressive and it was designed to symbolise harmony between technology and nature. The stadium has reopened as a tourist attraction, and the public can tour the facilities, or visit the ski resort now housed inside during the Happy Snow season.
Website: http://www.n-s.cn
Lingyin Temple Hangzhou
The Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou is one of the top 10 most famous Buddhist temples in China. Built in 326 AD and situated in the breathtaking Lingyin-Feilai Feng Scenic Area, it housed some 3,000 monks during its heyday and is still one of the largest and wealthiest temples in China.
The forested walkway to the temple is strewn with hidden grottos, alcoves and ancient sculptures. Jovial and beautifully carved, the Laughing Buddha is particularly beloved. The temple's name can be translated as 'Temple of the Soul's Retreat' or 'Temple of Inspired Seclusion', both aptly describing its wondrous and meditative atmosphere.
Although visitors can view the famous statues carved into the mountain independently, the Lingyin Temple complex is definitely worth exploring too. One of the many treasures Lingyin displays is a Sakyamuni statue 82 feet (24.8m) tall, which is one of the largest wooden statues in China and covered in gold
leaf. The temple also stores an important collection of Buddhist literature that makes it popular with scholars.
Website: http://www.lingyinsi.org
Happy Valley Amusement Park (Beijing Huanle Gu) Beijing
Happy Valley is a fantastic place to spend the day with or without the little ones. It features about 40 rides, an IMAX Theatre and even a shopping centre. It is similar in style and layout to Disneyland, featuring six theme parks: Fjord Forest, Atlantis, Happy Hour, the Aegean Sea, Lost Maya and Shangri-La. Atlantis is probably the favourite of these, with a massive palace built in its centre. But Happy Valley gets equally crowded on the weekends, with queues lasting up to three hours for rides. To avoid disappointment, visitors are advised to find out ahead of time whether the state-of-the-art roller coasters will be running as some rides close during quiet periods.
Website: bj.happyvalley.cn
Beijing World Park Beijing
The Beijing World Park is must see on the itinerary of those travelling with children in Beijing. It features about 100 miniature models of some of the world's most famous tourist attractions from over 50 countries across the globe, and is designed to let visitors experience a trip around the world without ever having to leave Beijing. The sights include Egypt's Great Pyramids, France's Eiffel Tower, India's Taj Mahal, England's Stonehenge and New York City's Manhattan Island. The park is a great place for kids to learn and enjoy naming the attractions as they stroll through the replicas. Summer is the best time to visit Beijing World Park, as it's a venue designed for sunny weather.
Tianmen Mountain National Park Guilin
A trip to Tianmen Mountain Park is an ideal weekend excursion from Guilin, boasting some of the most beautiful and most photographed landscapes in China. The city of Zhangjiajie nestles within the famous mountain park, from where visitors can take one of the world's longest scenic cableways up into the mountains.
Tianmen Cave, a massive archway created by an ancient cliff collapse, is known as Heaven's Gate because it resembles a doorway into another world. Travellers have to climb 999 steps to reach this natural phenomenon, but it is well worth the effort and is said to bring happiness and health, the number 999 being a lucky number in Chinese culture.
Other attractions in the park include various scenic areas, some impressive temples and the terrifying Walk of Faith, a walkway constructed of glass so that, as visitors edge along it, they can see the ground 4,690 feet (1,430m) below. The transparent pavement is a
uniquely thrilling sightseeing experience, with those who brave it rewarded by truly heart-stopping scenery. The mountains can get cold, so the best time to visit Tianmen is during summer and autumn (May to October).
Temple of the Six Banyan Trees Guangzhou
A must-see attraction in Guangzhou is the impressive Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. This ancient Buddhist structure was built around the year 537, and still attracts many local and foreign visitors. Aside from its three famous Buddha statues, one of the temple's best features is the magnificent statue of Kuan Yin, the Buddhist bodhisattva associated with compassion and mercy. The nearby six-story Flower Pagoda is a beloved landmark, with its distinctive petal-like layers and rich collection of cultural treasures. The temple is surrounded by some lovely gardens that add to the impression of it being a centre of serenity in a bustling city.
South China Botanical Garden Guangzhou
The South China Botanical Garden is stunningly beautiful and varied, and one of the largest in the country. It's divided into three areas: a nursery and arboretum, which house modern conservatories and over 30 specialised gardens; a research and residential zone; and Dinghushan Nature Reserve, which was the first national nature reserve in China. The South China Botanical Garden has a plethora of local flora for visitors to admire, including collections of magnolias, orchids and medicinal herbs, as well as bonsai, bamboo and endangered plants. Long Dong Magic Forest is a particularly special attraction, as it is one of the top eight scenic spots in Guangzhou. Non-botanical attractions at the gardens include the Science Education and Information Centre and Guangzhou's Oldest Village, which was rebuilt on Neolithic ruins.
Website: english.scib.ac.cn
Baiyun Mountain Guangzhou
Baiyun Shan Mountain is a popular tourist attraction just outside of Guangzhou, with the lofty vantage point providing phenomenal panoramas of Pu Valley, the Nengren Temple and the sprawling cityscape of Guangzhou. There are cable cars running for just over a mile (1.7km) between Yuntai Garden and Peak Park, the park itself consisting of 30 peaks and covering over 17 square miles (28 sq km). It's stunningly beautiful, with well-maintained gardens, numerous temples and a sculpture park, and time here is best spent walking along the winding paths up in the clear mountain air and relishing a break from the city. As with most monitored nature areas in China, visitors are sadly not really given the freedom to wander, hike or picnic beyond the paths.
Grand Canal Hangzhou
The Grand Canal in China is the largest man-made canal in the world. It once ran from Hangzhou all the way to Beijing, covering a stunning 1,115 miles (1,794 km). It was built section by section over many centuries, but the majority of it was developed under the Sui dynasty during the 7th century. The canal played a vital role in Chinese history, not just as a trade route, but also as a military asset and an important cultural and economic link between the north and south of the country. Boat trips along the Grand Canal are a popular way to see the countless scenic river towns in southern China, with spectacular river vistas, attractive bridges and old buildings on its banks. It is also lovely to walk or cycle along the canal through central Hangzhou.
Reed Flute Cave Guilin
The limestone formations of Reed Flute Cave resemble everything from lions and monkeys to the skyline of Guilin itself, each with a name and story. Myths and atmospheric lighting add to its mystery and magic, with guides pointing out main attractions and ancient inscriptions dating back to the Tang dynasty more than 1,200 years ago. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside the cave, and visitors should be prepared to wait for more people if they are in a group of less than 20. The cave is situated in a park with ponds, bridges and pavilions; a beautiful place in which to relax and wander either before or after the tour. For those travelling near Guilin with children, this is a wonderful attraction for the whole family.
Stone Forest Kunming
The Stone Forest of Shilin is a breathtaking and eerie landscape. The limestone pillars and stalagmites poking out of the green hillsides look like petrified trees, with rock formations believed to be over 270 million years old and formed by the slow erosion of time. The Shilin National Scenic Area includes seven areas: the Greater and Lesser Stone Forests (also called Lizijing Stone Forest), Naigu Stone Forest, Zhiyun Cave, Lake Chang, Lake Yue, Dadie Waterfall and Qifeng Cave. The Naigu Stone Forest and Suogeyi Village, also within the scenic area, are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visitors can avoid the masses by going in the morning or early evening, and avoiding weekends and Chinese public holidays. They might even catch one of the few guides who can speak English.
Elephant Trunk Hill Guilin
Elephant Trunk Hill on the banks of the Li River has a large natural arch, faintly resembling an elephant drinking water. This natural limestone monument rises over 180 feet (55m) above the water. The opening of the arch is called Water Moon Cave as the reflection of the moon at night appears as though it is both in and out of the water. Inside this cave there are more than 50 inscriptions dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907).
Visitors can explore the hill and the cave by hiring one of the traditional bamboo rafts that paddle around the base. At the top of the hill is a two-story pagoda built during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), intended to resemble a vase on the elephant's back when viewed from afar. The hill is part of a beautiful park with lovely lush hills, winding paths and a number of sculptures, many of which are elephant themed. Dusk is possibly the best time to visit, as this is when the scenery is at its most
dramatic.
Jiuxiang Scenic Area Kunming
The Jiuxiang Scenic Area near Kunming is a breathtaking cave complex and the largest in China. Stone forests of karst limestone are littered throughout, with lush forests and underground waterfalls common in this subterranean world. Jiuxiang is also the home of the aboriginal Yi people and the excavated Yi cliff paintings of the Qin (221 BC to 206 BC) and Han (206 BC to 220 AD) dynasties. Yi customs and culture are still evident today in the many legends and folk stories. These are brought to life in the magical underground universe of Jiuxiang, which includes more than a hundred caves, as well as bridges, valleys and rivers.
Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center Chengdu
The Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre is a must see for animal lovers. The largest centre of its kind, Chengdu was founded with the aim of increasing the population of giant pandas in captivity so that more may be released into the wild. The park is also a home to other endangered Chinese animals, such as the South China Tiger, red pandas and golden monkeys. It takes about two hours to walk the grounds; alternatively, visitors can ride in a tour cart. It is best to go for feeding time (9am to 10am), which is when the animals are most active.
Website: http://www.panda.org.cn
Lhasa Tibet
Lhasa is a holiday destination set in a marshy valley dominated by surrounding mountain peaks. It is the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region and one of the highest cities in the world at an elevation of 12,000ft (3,658m). Lhasa has long been the religious, cultural and political centre of Tibet, sheltered from the harsh winds of the Tibetan plateau in a spot that has been inhabited for at least 1,500 years.
Being the religious centre for Lamaist Buddhists since ancient times, flocks of pilgrims have made their way to Lhasa over the centuries to worship at the feet of the Dalai Lama. Now tourists on holiday are following in their wake to explore the surrounding mountains and investigate Tibet's unique culture and long history. While the city is currently enjoying a period of rapid modernisation, it retains its importance and aura as a holy city.
Mount Qincheng Chengdu
Mount Qingcheng is said to be the birthplace of Taoism, and serves as a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It's two sides provide rather different experiences. The front of the mountain is more tourist friendly, boasting an impressive array of cultural and historical landmarks such as the Jianfu Palace, Tianshi Cave and Shangqing Palace. The back of the mountain is more off the beaten track, and there are stunning but demanding hiking routes through narrow and unspoilt passes, waterfalls and woods. Although the paths are well maintained, there is a cable car that can be taken halfway or all the way up. The mountain is an ideal escape from crowded urban sightseeing and is a must for those interested in the region's flora and fauna.
Kuanzhai Ancient Street Chengdu
Kuanzhai Ancient Street is one of three historic preservation areas in the city and scores highly on most visitors' lists of things to see and do in Chengdu. It is formed by the confluence of three alleys: Kuan Alley, Zhai Alley and Jing Alley. The city once boasted 45 18th-century courtyards, and Kuanzhai contains the only three that remain well-preserved. Kuanzhai is trendy and artistic and an entertaining cultural experience for visitors, with ancient Chinese architecture providing a captivating contrast to modern restaurants and art galleries. It is particularly interesting to walk this street in the evening when the ancient attractions are juxtaposed with a lively nightlife, bright city lights and cultural dance performances.
West Lake Hangzhou
Famed for its natural beauty, West Lake in Hangzhou is perhaps the landscape most representative of ancient China owing to its immortalisation in art. This is where visitors will recognise the blue waterscapes, bridges, and gardens on many ceramics. The lake itself is sheltered on three sides by mountains where travellers can truly feel that they have escaped the city.
West Lake is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of historical points of interest, including the various temples, pagodas and museums. Visitors can easily hire a boat to take them to the islands in the centre of the lake, which is a lovely way to view the area. Many visitors hire bicycles and ride all the way around West Lake, a trip of about six miles (10km) depending on the route.
There are so many things to see and do in West Lake that visitors will need at least a day to explore. Famous scenic spots worth seeking out are Su Causeway, Crooked Courtyard,
Flower Pond and Broken Bridge, which is considered the most romantic spot in West Lake.
Yuantong Temple Kunming
The ancient Yuantong Temple is easily one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kunming. The 8th-century temple is situated in a natural depression at the foot of Yuantong Hill, showcasing an interesting mixture of architectural styles from the Yuan and Ming dynasties. It should be remembered that it's still an active temple, where visitors can hear chanting and classes being conducted as they explore beside the monks and pilgrims.
For a remarkable, panoramic view of the temple complex, travellers can climb Yuantong Hill by taking one of the stone staircases carved into the mountain on either side of the main hall. These stairways boast the most ancient inscriptions in Kunming, carved into the stone wall and still readable after centuries of exposure to the weather. There are also some impressive statues and carvings within the temple, such as the two ferocious dragons carved into the pillars, while the lovely scenic area of Green
Lake is a 10-minute walk away.
Asia is a hot ticket these days in the luxury travel market—and Viking is meeting the demand in 2025 with six new itineraries in Japan, China, and Tibet. The new itineraries are for 15 to 22 voyages from September to November 2025 on the Viking Yi Dun—formerly the Viking Sun
China is expecting air passenger travel to hit a record in 2024, bouncing past pre-pandemic levels. Passenger flights may reach 700 million this year, Song Zhiyong, head of the Civil Aviation Administration, said Tuesday at the Asia Pacific Summit for Aviation Safety, according to China’s
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If you’re looking for a more immersive travel experience that will allow you to enjoy incredible destinations at a slower pace—with a window-seat view onto towns and passing landscapes while journeying alongside local commuters—Intrepid Travel’s new trip category might be just
I was recently applying for a new passport, dreaming of all the new stamps and visas I’d collect, when I wondered: “Can Americans travel to China?” As it turns out, some recent policy changes out of Beijing have made it easier than ever to marvel at the Great Wall of China
Toronto’s Chinatown is buzzing with a new beat, and it’s not just from the city’s energetic nightlife. New Ho King, a Chinese restaurant that has been a staple in the area since 1975, is now at the
In a move that has thrilled adventurers, China has officially announced the reopening of Mount Everest to foreign climbers. This significant development comes after a period of closure due to global health concerns. The reopening marks a momentous occasion for
The U.S. is considering easing advisories against its citizens traveling to China, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said on Tuesday, acknowledging concerns that the warnings may have curtailed exchanges between Americans and Chinese people
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Minor Hotels, an international hotel owner, operator and investor with more than 540 hotels in 56 countries worldwide, and its joint venture partner in China, Funyard Minor JV Co., (China), is announcing the upcoming debut of Avani Hotels & Resorts in China
China's travel activity and spending jumped above pre-pandemic levels during the Lunar New year holiday, signaling that consumption was improving in the world's second-largest economy
Travel across China ramped up in recent days as millions boarded trains and planes and braved heavily trafficked roads in what officials have estimated will be a record 9 billion trips surrounding the Lunar New Year on Saturday
Six Chinese cruise companies may come together to form a new cruise holding company in Huaxia International Cruises. According to local sources in China, the new company will operate under a shareholder cooperation agreement that was signed in late December
Blizzards and freezing rain have brought massive disruption to China's peak Lunar New Year travel rush, leaving drivers stuck in cars on icy highways and passengers struggling to rebook canceled trains and flights
China on Friday kicked off its busiest annual period of mass migration with a record 9 billion domestic trips expected to be made during a 40-day travel rush around the Lunar New Year holidays, state media predicted
On January 26, 1950, the Indian constitution took effect, making the Republic of India the world's most populous democracy. Mahatma Gandhi's struggles to win Indian Independence bore fruit in what he called the "noblest act of the British nation."
Its first leader, Jawaharlal Nehru, was a follower of Ghandi yet led the young independent nation through wars with China and suppressed Indian states seeking autonomy. He died in 1964.
China on Friday kicked off its busiest annual period of mass migration with a record 9 billion domestic trips expected to be made during a 40-day travel rush around the Lunar New Year holidays, state media predicted
China’s first-ever domestically built cruise vessel set sail on its maiden voyage on Monday from Shanghai, a sign of the country’s rising prowess in sophisticated construction as it resorts to self-sufficiency in significant technologies
All equipment needed for China's first domestic large cruise ship, the Adora Magic City was installed on Sunday, with 1,292 crew members from around the world boarding for duty. The ship has been officially transferred to the operator and it's ready for the inaugural voyage
The WHO last month requested information on the outbreak, then held a teleconference with Chinese authorities in which officials said the pneumonia was caused by a common bacteria, mycoplasma, as well as seasonal viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus and the flu
China's foreign ministry said on Tuesday its visa-free travel policy has produced a clear effect, making things easier for travelers. Francis Maguire reports
The Adora Magic City was officially named and delivered in Shanghai on Saturday, November 4, making the completion of China’s first large, domestically-built cruise ship. Chinese officials continue to highlight the construction project which was completed in just five years
Pent-up travel demand — which drove global travel recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic — is over, said Intercontinental Hotels Group CEO Elie Maalouf
Marco Polo was a merchant trader, not an explorer. However, the Venetian's family traveled far and wide during the later thirteenth century, earning them great acclaim as explorers. The Polos journeyed to China over the Silk Road and
Uyghur advocates have called on western tourism companies to stop selling package holidays that take visitors through Xinjiang, where human rights abuses by authorities have been called a genocide by some governments
Peak summer in China — the first in four years without harsh COVID restrictions: Tickets for attractions like the Forbidden City in Beijing are selling out in minutes. Streets are crowded and subway stations are even more packed than usual. Foreign tourists, however, are few. For
United Airlines will once again be flying from the United States and China with the return of service to Beijing and more flights to Shanghai. Announced Friday, the airline will be flying from San Francisco to Beijing on a daily basis starting in November and flights to Shanghai, also
Starting on Oct. 1, United Airlines will introduce daily nonstop flights between San Francisco and Shanghai, reestablishing connections to Beijing. These flights between the United States and China have been made possible through a bilateral agreement between the governments. Passengers can
In the heart of Asia, amidst an enchanting mix of mystery and allure, stands a city swiftly rising as the continent's most coveted travel destination. As China's other Special Administrative Region, it holds a fascinating history as a former Portuguese colony. The city is no other
New York City's Chinatown is arguably one of the most famous neighborhoods in the world—and perhaps one of the most storied, too. Ava Chin, whose memoir, Mott Street: A Chinese American Family’s Story of Exclusion and Homecoming, tracks her family's New York
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Adora Cruises, a joint cruise venture by Carnival Corporation and China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) Cruise Technology, will name its new vessel Adora Magic City, according to Chinese state news agency Xinhua. Adora Magic City aims to offer guests a blend of Eastern
Royal Caribbean has announced new cruises in Asia in 2024 with two Quantum class cruise ships sailing in the region. Royal Caribbean will once again be offering cruises from China in 2024 when Spectrum of the Seas homeports in Shanghai. The cruise ship will sail four and five night cruises to
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India’s airline industry may be on a strong growth trajectory — but don’t expect India’s outbound travel to overtake China’s soon, aviation analysts say. The South Asian nation may be set to overtake China as the world’s most populous country, but there remains a
American hotel giants can’t get enough of Europe, especially when so much uncertainty lingers over the usual golden ticket of profitability that is China and its travel recovery. This month, Hilton Hotels & Resorts month outlined how 2023 will be the year of
Strike actions by German’s public sector employees and ground and flight control staff at the country’s largest airports brought significant problems in air traffic in the northern part of the territory, according to a China Daily report. A total of 351 flights were cancelled, thus
A requirement that travelers to the U.S. from China present a negative COVID-19 test before boarding their flights expired last Friday after more than two months as cases in China have fallen. Following other countries like Italy and Japan, the restrictions were put in place on Dec
China saw 226 million domestic trips during the Lunar New Year holiday, state media reported, a 74% surge from last year after the government lifted all travel curbs under its now-abandoned zero-Covid policy
The sounds can be heard almost every day at midnight: firecrackers being set off one after another, accompanied by funeral songs played on drums and the sounding of a traditional horn. The frequent ceremonies, which are meant to release the souls of the dead from purgatory, come as China’s worst
Singapore’s Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung told Parliament Monday that the government is not imposing new restrictions on travelers from China because limited flight capacity, combined with its current border policies, have resulted in few imported cases — and even
Following the Biden administration’s implementation of a new Covid-19-related travel requirement for passengers flying in from China, Asian American advocates and experts are urging caution and nuance amid years of heightened anti-Asian violence. Several Asian American organizations and
Thailand has rescinded an entry policy announced at the weekend requiring visitors to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination, its health minister said on Monday, citing sufficient immunisation levels in China and globally. Anutin Charnvirakul said checking evidence of vaccinations was inconvenient
As COVID-19 infections in China continue to rise, and as concerns grow over the reliability of the country’s reporting and sequencing of cases, more than a dozen countries have announced new entry restrictions on travelers arriving from China at a time when they’re largely on the
Travel to Fisgard Street in Victoria, British Columbia, and you’ll find a red and gold gate guarded by two stone lion statues. This ornate piece is the Gate of Harmonious Interest, and it serves as the entryway to the oldest Chinatown in Canada. Occupying a part of downtown
The U.S. announced new COVID-19 testing requirements Wednesday for all travelers from China, joining other nations imposing restrictions because of a surge of infections. The increase in cases across China follows the rollback of the nation’s strict anti-virus controls
Travel to Vancouver, and you’ll see a different side of the city within every area you come across. Stand in Chinatown’s neon-lit streets or look up to Coal Harbour’s glass skyscrapers and you’re transported to Asia. Between Yaletown’s stretch of alternating taco, boba, and sushi
Many hospitals and funeral homes say they're being overwhelmed by a worsening COVID-19 outbreak in China, even as the government reports just a handful of new deaths from the virus. The surge in cases across China is drawing a response from other countries, including
Chinese people have rushed to book overseas travel after Beijing announced it would reopen its borders next month. Passport applications for Chinese citizens wishing to travel internationally will resume from 8 January, the immigration administration said. It follows an
Throughout Asia, lanterns have been used to commemorate cultural and spiritual celebrations for centuries. Sky lanterns can be traced back thousands of years to the Eastern Han Dynasty in China (25–220 C.E.), when the objects were used not only as decorative light sources but
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Cannon Yu lives in Shantou, Guangdong province. In the past, her sales job at a packaged-foods company took her to business conferences all over the world. But she hasn't left China since early 2020 and is taking her sales calls online instead of in person in Thailand, Germany
The Chinese government on Monday, September 19, issued draft regulations that aim to bolster tourism along its border and make it easier for some foreigners to enter China. According to a draft policy document released by China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Monday, tour groups
Marco Polo was a merchant trader, not an explorer. However, the Venetian's family traveled far and wide during the later thirteenth century, earning them great acclaim as explorers.
The Polos journeyed to China over the Silk Road and spent 17 years there as the favored guest of Kublai Khan. So trusted was Marco Polo, the Khan appointed him a governor of the city of
The world's second highest mountain, K2 in Pakistan, has welcomed a record-breaking number of climbers this year amid a post-pandemic surge of summit fever. Some 207 permits were issued for ascending K2, says Sajjid Hussain, a tourism official in Gilgit Baltistan, the region bordering China
The Chinese airliner that crashed into a mountain in March was put into a near-vertical nosedive by someone in the cockpit, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday
Travelers say they feel safer in South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, China and Vietnam, according to a 2022 report by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection.
The U.S. State Department has urged Americans to reconsider travel to Hong Kong and mainland China due to “arbitrary enforcement of local laws and Covid-19-related restrictions” and “ including the risk of parents and children being separated.”
Kids from all over China now have a chance to pursue winter sports, thanks to indoor ski slopes, skating rinks, snow simulators and other attractions that are popping up, even in some of the country's warmest climates.
Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours, a company that curates Alaska tours with a locals-only lens, invites you to ride a snowmobile across Nelchina Glacier on a full-day adventure.
High-speed trains offer greener alternatives to short-haul flights. From China's floating Maglev trains to France's border busting TGVs, these are the fastest railway services you can ride today
Authorities in northern China are reimposing lockdowns and other emergency measures to curb the spread of coronavirus, with health officials warning of a worsening outbreak after the country recorded more than
Once the Chinese government gives its approval for international cruises, the market will bounce back strongly, Dr. Zinan Liu, chairman, Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean’s newest and largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas, which was due to begin sailings from Shanghai, China, in early 2022, will now sail
Marco Polo was a merchant trader, not an explorer. However, the Venetian's family traveled far and wide during the later thirteenth century, earning them great acclaim as explorers. The Polos journeyed to China over the Silk Road and spent 17 years there as the favored guest of Kublai Khan. So trusted was Marco Polo, the Khan appointed him a
The J Hotel, the world's highest luxury hotel, boasts a restaurant on the 120th floor and 24-hour butler service, located in the Shanghai Tower, in Shanghai, China
Leading global hospitality company Hilton (NYSE: HLT) and Shimao Group Holdings Ltd. (Shimao) today announced the signing of a landmark agreement to launch four luxury hotels in China
A hotel that bills itself as the world's first "polar bear hotel" has opened in China's far northeastern Heilongjiang province, drawing both guests and criticism for its central feature: live polar bears
December 31, 2019, the day we first heard about a new virus that emerged in China. There wasn’t much to be worried about and the cruises around the world continued as normal but in the months to follow the industry came to a complete pause and has mainly remained so ever since
As President Xi breeds a culture of nationalism and forges increasingly hostile relations with Western governments, some fear that if a diplomatic spat between their government and Beijing occurred while they were in China they could become a target
Costa Cruises, Carnival Corporation’s Italian brand, was among the first to suspend operations in China due to the COVID-19 pandemic in January 2020, but was also among the first to start cruising again, sailing from Italy in September
Online travel agency Trip.com is “more confident than ever” that China’s domestic tourism will recover in the long run, chief executive Jane Sun said on Thursday. That’s despite fresh lockdowns in the country as new coronavirus cases emerge
The Chinese authorities have confirmed that permission has been granted for the first two domestic cruise ships to resume service. After weeks of reports and rumors, it has been announced the first two cruises will depart on December 9 and 10, both sailing from Hainan province
The cruise industry will continue its careful resumption of service during December. This will include both the first sailings by Royal Caribbean International in over eight months as well as the first cruises in China. While fears of the resurgence of the virus continue to mount
American Airlines said it is restarting passenger flights to China on Wednesday, lifting the total number of U.S. weekly flights to 10 as the U.S. government continues to push for more air service between the world's two largest economies.
Assembly work is being on China’s first domestically built large, ocean-going cruise ship. The ship, which is part of a joint venture between China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) and Carnival Corporation, is viewed as the first step for the Chinese to enter the cruise ship construction business that is currently concentrated in Italy, Germany, France, and Finland.
China’s October National Day holiday will mark the country’s largest movement of people since before the pandemic, providing a chance for China to definitively show that life is back to normal in the country where COVID-19 first emerged.
The United States will no longer require international airline passengers from China, Iran, the Schengen region of Europe, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Brazil to enter through 15 designated U.S. airports.
The U.S. on Tuesday issued a sweeping new advisory warning against travel to mainland China and Hong Kong, citing the risk of “arbitrary detention” and “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.”
Marco Polo was a merchant trader, not an explorer. However, the Venetian's family traveled far and wide during the later thirteenth century, earning them great acclaim as explorers. The Polos journeyed to China over the Silk Road and spent 17 years there as the favored guest of Kublai Khan. So trusted was Marco Polo, the Khan appointed him a governor of the city of Yahzhou. Upon his return to Europe, Marco Polo was made a prisoner by the city of Genoa. During his confinement, he dictated the book "Il Milione" which was translated into many languages as "The Travels of Marco Polo". The Silk Road's prominence as a land-route to China, however, soon gave way to more viable ocean routes.
Travel to Mongolia when the coronavirus (COVID-19) is over. Because Mongolia has been overshadowed for many years by its powerful neighbors, China and Russia. Despite the exceptional growth in international tourism, the country has escaped the trampling boots of thousands of travelers.
Six newbuilds for SunStone Ships which are set to be chartered out are still making good progress under construction at China Merchants Group. Following the successful debut of the Greg Mortimer for Aurora Expeditions in 2019, the Niels-Erik Lund-led SunStone Ships has six more expedition ships to deliver between now and 2023.
Hilton was recently named the "Most Socially Responsible Hotel Management Group of China," at the 15th China Hotel Starlight Awards. Hilton won additional accolades at the property level, with Waldorf Astoria Beijing and Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund named among the "Best Luxurious Hotels of China,"
The United States and China have agreed to double the number of airline flights that each other’s airlines can operate between the countries, from four to eight per week.
Under One Sky is the first-ever shared initiative between Condé Nast Traveler and its sister publications in India, China, the U.K., the Middle East, and Spain. It is about connection, as travel has always been, about realizing that we must not act alone, that we are stronger together.
China Airlines looks set to be rebranded in an effort to distance itself from China - a move that could be highly controversial for the Taiwan-based airline.
Delta Air Lines has announced it will resume its flights to China on June 25. The first flight available after suspending service due to the coronavirus will be from Seattle and Shanghai-Pudong via Seoul-Incheon.
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts has announced plans for further growth in China. The hotel franchising company said it will add five new hotels to its Ramada by Wyndham brand this quarter, with three of the hotels already open
China will allow more international passenger flights but the slight policy loosening provides far less access than what U.S. airlines want. That friction culminated with the U.S. proposing to ban Chinese passenger airlines under a notice formally sent to China Wednesday evening local time. China the next morning announced the loosened restrictions.
Royal Caribbean is extending its sailing suspension through July 31, Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, revealed on the cruise line's parent company's first-quarter earnings call Wednesday. "The only exception to the suspension will be China operations," Bayley noted. The company isn't sure what sailing will look like when ships resume their
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., the parent company of Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea Cruises, has extended its sailing suspsensions into the summer, with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara canceling voyages through July 31, 2020. The extension does not include Royal Caribbean's sailings from China, which will be suspended through June. Suspension dates
European airlines are planning for a return to the skies this summer after being grounded almost completely for weeks over the coronavirus pandemic. The outlook, however, remains uncertain, with companies forecasting a slow recovery even next year due to public health restrictions and concerns. Finland’s national airline, a major carrier between Europe and China, said Monday it will add
Amid the global Covid-19 pandemic, people around the world are wondering when life will return to "normal." The word normal is, of course, relative, but a spate of domestic flight routes slowly opening up in Asia and the Pacific give clues into what the aviation industry could look like in the weeks and months ahead. China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and Australia are among the countries set to resume or
In early February, as the novel coronavirus gathered force, it was impossible to ignore the heartrending news coming out of Wuhan, China. I was about 945km away in Taiwan, where I started keeping a close eye on WeChat, the do-everything messaging and social-media app that rules China. Among unsettling accounts of people collapsing on the street and bodies being carried out of apartment blocks
From offering tickets at the cost of a vegetable to multi-seat discounts, Chinese airlines are rolling out a series of deals to attract travelers in the run-up to Labor Day -- the first major holiday since the nation came to a standstill due to Covid-19. Recording a loss of RMB39.8 billion ($5.6 billion) in the first quarter of 2020, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the country's aviation
As China gradually lifts its containment measures, Atlantis Sanya on the country's popular Hainan Island re-opened for business on March 28 with an occupancy rate of 70%. The majority of those guests were from outside Hainan, mainly Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Guangzhou and Chengdu. The early indications look promising to Jim Qian, executive chairman and CEO of Hong Kong-listed
Since 2007, the Tourism Crisis Management Initiative at the University of Florida has studied many disasters that have threatened the travel industry, from hurricanes to the Zika virus. Beginning in January, prompted by the coronavirus-related threat in China, it began a periodic survey of Americans who travel on their perceptions of risk and anxiety related to Covid-19, and the impact of those
In January, word came out of China that a new coronavirus known as COVID-19 was ravaging the city of Wuhan in the Hubei province. In just a matter of weeks, the virus spread around the globe, shutting down entire nations in its path. And that meant the halt of travelers to popular tourist destinations around the globe. As of March 13, coronavirus cases topped 125,000, though medical professionals warned that
As China slowly eases lockdown restrictions and life returns to somewhat normal conditions, residents have once again started traveling. From the Bund waterfront in Shanghai to scenic Huangshan Mountain park in the eastern Anhui province, major landmarks across the country welcomed thousands of visitors over the weekend. But an uptick in domestic sight-seeing doesn't necessarily mean international
My relationship with Chinatown started as many affairs do: intrigue with a hint of danger. Back in those dirty old Boston days, Chinatown’s reputation was pretty dodgy. The "Combat Zone" moniker hung around like the scent of stale beer and smoke the morning after. Walking home through the city at night, I was warned to avoid this neighborhood. That advice always seemed counterintuitive to
Lantau is Hong Kong's largest island, home to three of its busiest spots -- Hong Kong Disneyland, the Tian Tan Buddha and Chep Lak Kok Airport. But on the island's western tip, on a spit of land that curls into the South China Sea, is a fishing village called Tai O that feels like it has been frozen in time. There are still old-fashioned wooden houses built on
When it's safe to travel again, I know where I'm going first: Florida. But few who know me would have predicted this. You see, I've never been a big fan of Florida. Once I started traveling on my own as an adult, I looked to far-flung locations. I wanted to go far and away to unfamiliar places where I could get by on not a lot of money. This led to a two and a half week trip to China in
Residents in China have been subject to strict restrictions on movement for several weeks, and for nearly two months in the Hubei province. Wuhan was the epicentre of the COVID-19 virus outbreak and was locked down entirely, with barriers that prevented movement in the city now being dismantled. In Asia, several countries were quick to restrict movement for anyone holding a Hubei
Most cruise lines have voluntarily suspended their operations until the end of April, and in some cases further out. A few weeks ago, when operations were initially suspended in Asia, Royal Caribbean redeployed its China-based ships to Australia offering free cruises to first responders who battled the country's bush fires. But now that virtually all cruising has ceased and ships are either docked in
A section of the Great Wall of China has reopened after the popular attraction was closed in January amid coronavirus concerns. According to CNN and The Weather Channel, the Badaling section of the wall was reopened as life is China slowly regains normalcy. The Associated Press reports that Beijing's city zoo has also reopened. The province in China where the coronavirus pandemic
Most cruise lines have voluntarily suspended their operations until the end of April, and in some cases further out. A few weeks ago, when operations were initially suspended in Asia, Royal Caribbean redeployed its China-based ships to Australia offering free cruises to first responders who battled the country's bush fires. But now that virtually all cruising has ceased and ships are either docked in ports around
By now, you’re surely aware of the plethora of livestreaming and virtual options available on the internet. There’s the Metropolitan Opera, a virtual museum visit, a walk down the Great Wall of China, and much more. But, we want to add one more to the list because not only is it super cool, but it will also make you feel like you’re getting out in nature too. The National Parks Service (NPS) has long offered virtual
Uganda has restricted visitors from some countries with what it terms high cases of coronavirus, including China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, South Korea, and Spain. "Government has decided to ask travelers from the affected countries not to come to Uganda because the high cases they are reporting can easily be imported into the country," the country's health minister Jane
The U.S. State Department warned Americans late Wednesday to avoid traveling abroad, in response to a coronavirus outbreak that's reached pandemic status. Also Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised U.S. citizens to avoid travel to much of Europe, where the coronavirus has become more widespread than anywhere but China. The warnings by the
Amid the COVID-19 outbreak, airlines are changing their fee waiver and cancellation policies for trips to China, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan and South Korea.
Between outright cruise port closures, ports only denying entry to Chinese, South Korean and Italian nationals, and ports randomly turning away ships out of a fear there might be a sick person onboard, it might feel like cruise ships are being bounced around -- all due to continuing concerns over the spread of coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan, China, but has since spread to every continent except
As the world watches the Covid-19 coronavirus evolve into what may soon become a pandemic, many travelers have been left wondering what this means for trips they have booked. Whether you're heading to China, Italy, or nowhere near current outbreaks, here's everything you should think through before altering or cancelling your travels plans. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) is
After months of the disease's rapid spread within China, the new Covid-19 coronavirus is starting to take hold of other regions, causing concern that the outbreak may become a global pandemic. Over the weekend, Italy became the latest hotspot for the virus, along with South Korea and Iran, when cases jumped from three on Friday to over 322 on Tuesday, making Italy's the biggest documented outbreak outside of
Four more passengers from the Diamond Princess cruise ship have tested positive for coronavirus COVID-19, bringing the total number of Americans infected from the ship to 40, leading U.S. health officials said Tuesday. That brings the total U.S. coronavirus cases to 57. The number includes 12 who returned from China before the federal government imposed travel restrictions, two who became infected from other
Between outright cruise port closures and ports only denying entry to Chinese nationals, it might feel like cruise ships are being bounced around Asia -- and even Caribbean and South Pacific waters -- due to mounting concerns over the spread of coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan, China. Recently, Italy became the location of the largest outbreak of the virus outside of Asia, with 283 cases reported as of February
But one thing is for certain: the disease has already become a nightmare for travellers and the tourism industry alike. China, Italy, South Korea and Iran have reported significant numbers of cases and are doing their best to contain the threat. If you have a trip booked to one of those destinations, your rights can depend on your choice of airline and the small print of your insurance policy. But in practice, insurers and airlines
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is sending two of its vessels -- one from Royal Caribbean and one from Celebrity -- on a series of humanitarian voyages in Australia and the United States, along with the donation of one million masks to China to aid in efforts to combat the coronavirus outbreak. Royal Caribbean's Spectrum of the Seas will redeploy to Australia in late February 2020, offering complimentary cruises to the
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new advisories on Wednesday for travelers going to Hong Kong and Japan in the wake of the deadly coronavirus spreading across the world. The advisories are notably only a "level 1," a "watch," meaning travelers should exercise "usual precautions," unlike the "level 3" issued for China Jan. 27, which warns to "avoid nonessential travel." China's
Protesters from the village of Novi Sanzhary in Ukraine blocked the road leading a quarantine building where evacuees arriving by plane from Wuhan, China are due to be held for at least two weeks. The plane carrying Ukraine nationals landed at the Kharkiv Airport Thursday. Hundreds of police were dispatched to keep order, and some were seen dragging some protesters away from the crowd at the demonstration
Many cruise lines have canceled or altered scheduled sailings to China and in and around Asia as coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) continues to spread through more than 25 countries, killing more than 1,600 people and sickening tens of thousands more. In January, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, following an emergency
Many cruise lines have canceled or altered scheduled sailings to China and in and around Asia as the deadly novel coronavirus continues to spread through more than 25 countries, killing more than 1,000 people and sickening thousands more. On January 30, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, following an emergency committee
The Australian government has extended its travel ban on people who have travelled through China by another week, Scott Morrison has announced. The ban, initially set for 14 days and due to expire on Saturday, was extended on Thursday on the advice of Australia’s health authorities and the national security committee. The ban would be reviewed every week, the prime minister said. Australian citizens
On Tuesday, Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta announced on an earnings conference call with investors that the brand has temporarily closed 150 hotels in China, totaling 33,000 rooms, until the novel coronavirus outbreak subsides. "Hilton has temporarily closed approximately 150 hotels in China at the direction of local authorities," Nigel Glennie, Hilton's VP of Corporate Communications, told Business Insider in an
A middle-aged businessman from England who vacationed in the Alps has illustrated how the ease of international travel is complicating global efforts to track and contain the new coronavirus that emerged in China. From the Singapore hotel where he is believed to have picked up the virus during a conference, to a ski resort in the French Alps and a pub in his hometown of Hove on the southern coast of
The death toll from the coronavirus in mainland China has climbed to 811, surpassing that of the SARS outbreak in 2002-2003, officials said, as a 60-year-old U.S. citizen became what appears to be the first American fatality from the global virus outbreak. In a possibly hopeful sign, however, the number of new cases reported over the past 24 hours Sunday fell significantly from the previous period. Another 89
As the death toll from coronavirus has reached over 560 in China, the city of Wuhan is on lock down and has become a chilling place, as the origin location of the outbreak combats the virus. With transportation links shut down, a senior Chinese official ordered authorities in Wuhan to gather all those infected with the virus and place them in isolation or quarantine. “During these wartime conditions, there must be no
This year’s deadly coronavirus outbreak has gripped China, forcing many people to hunker down and stay out of public places during what has typically been a busy travel time. But while many businesses remain closed, some of China’s most popular museums are moving their exhibits to a new place to be enjoyed: online. The move comes as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases continues to rise, reaching as
Global travel has been greatly impacted by the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, with airlines canceling flights as new confirmed cases of the virus continue to be reported across the world. Many U.S. carriers, including United, American and Delta, have also suspended their travel to China, citing decreased demand — meaning that travelers are rethinking their original plans. But some of those travelers might be curious to
A Canadian citizen was turned away at the northern border as a part of President Donald Trump's temporary ban on people who have visited China before their arrival in the United States, acting Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Ken Cuccinelli said Monday. In the wake of Trump's proclamation, the US has started denying entry to foreign nationals who visited China in the 14 days prior to their arrival to the US
The United Arab Emirates is the latest country to announce suspension of flights to and from China — with the exception of the capital Beijing — in an effort to contain the new coronavirus, its state-run WAM news agency announced Monday. The suspension will come into effect on Feb. 5, the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said in a statement. “We continue to put our confidence in the Chinese
Russia reported its first two cases of coronavirus on Friday and restricted direct flights to China, its biggest trade partner, as Russians complained of rising prices for medical masks and anti-virus medicine. The two infected people, both Chinese nationals, are in a stable condition and have been quarantined, officials said. One of the cases was identified in the Siberian region of Tyumen and the other in the
As coronavirus has continued to spread globally, cruise lines have begun to skip port calls, step up screening measures, cancel sailings and even quarantined an entire ship for what turned out to be a case of the flu. On Thursday, the trade group Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) pledged that its members will deny boarding to anyone who has traveled through mainland China in the past two weeks
China Eastern Airlines announced that it is suspending its flights from Shanghai to New York and other US cities due to the rapidly spreading Wuhan coronavirus. The carrier canceled flights from the sprawling Chinese city to the Big Apple and Los Angeles through Feb. 10, citing “the recent public health incident,” according to a notice circulated to travel agents, CNN Business reported. The company also is canceling
The U.K. and Russia each reported their first cases of the dangerous coronavirus, and other countries moved to limit air traffic with China as the number of people infected there approached 10,000. Pakistan, a strategic ally of China, said Friday it would ban all commercial air travel to and from mainland China, a day after Italy suspended flights to China, including the territory of Hong Kong. Russia, too, said it would
What do the Mona Lisa, the Great Wall of China and Trolltunga have in common? It sounds like a bad travel joke, but the answer is — they are popular bucket list destinations for travelers around the world. The pop culture vernacular for “a checklist of things to do before one dies” has become a buzzword for travel planning, often shaping itineraries with specific hotspots and activities. The trend was advanced by
While multiple airlines have temporarily suspended all flights to China due to the coronavirus outbreak, those that are still flying to the country are adopting a series of measures to prevent the spread of the deadly disease. Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific announced it will no longer offer hot towels, pillows, blankets and magazines to passengers on Cathay Pacific and subsidiary Cathay Dragon flights to and
In these days of long airport security lines and faceless online reservation systems, imagine booking a flight with an airline where you can ask for your pilot by name and then sit in the co-pilot's seat. With that kind of availability, young pilots from around the world are gaining a bit of fame -- in China specifically -- and a great deal of precious experience at Star Marianas Air, a small Pacific island carrier. From a base
An estimated 6,000 passengers and crew are being held onboard the Costa Smeralda while medical teams run diagnostic tests on a 54-year-old Chinese woman and a traveling companion who have been quarantined, the Italian cruise line confirmed to USA TODAY. The quarantine comes amid concerns about the coronavirus outbreak, which originated in Wuhan, China. The woman and her traveling companion
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Tuesday announced its updated travel recommendations for China amid the outbreak of novel coronavirus. In a statement provided to Fox News, the federal health agency said it is now recommending that travelers “avoid all nonessential travel" to all of China in response to the outbreak, which has killed some 106 people and sickened thousands of
Multiple U.S. airlines that fly to mainland China are extending their travel waivers for passengers scheduled to fly there amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak that’s already killed over 130 people and sickened thousands. On Monday, both American Airlines and Delta extended their change-fee waivers through the end of February, allowing ticket holders with flights scheduled before then to change their travel
Following an outbreak of coronavirus that has sickened thousands of people and killed more than 100, Cruise Critic answers some of the questions travelers have. Read on to learn about what the virus is, how cruise lines are handling the unfolding situation, whether it's safe to visit China and whether their travel insurance will cover them if they cancel. What is coronavirus, and why am I hearing about it? There has
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued its highest travel warning on Monday, urging Americans to avoid all nonessential travel to China because of the outbreak of coronavirus. At the same time, the State Department raised its China travel warning to level 3, urging U.S. citizens to “reconsider travel” to the country due to the coronavirus outbreak. The State Department also raised the travel
Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises are all canceling upcoming departures from China due to the coronavirus outbreak. Royal Caribbean is suspending Monday's scheduled sailing of one of its cruise ships out of the country due to the deadly virus. The cruise line is suspending the Jan. 27 sailing of Spectrum of the Seas, its only ship currently with a home port in China, Jonathon Fishman, a
Millions of Chinese had to cancel travel plans and hunker down in their homes to avoid exposure to a new, mysterious coronavirus Thursday as three cities in central China went on lockdown to curb the spread of the deadly virus that has already claimed 17 lives. Health
Airports around the world are increasing health screenings and implementing new quarantine procedures as officials race to slow the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus, a new SARS-like illness that first appeared in Hubei province, China. Hundreds of people have been infected by
These dramatic current events are grabbing headlines, but should you still be grabbing your passport? Several destinations have recently been rocked by major events and tragedy: dramatic volcano eruption, severe levels of air pollution, and the ominous shadow of a possible
Chinese health authorities confirmed more than 100 cases of a new Sars-like virus on Monday as the country’s peak holiday travel season begins, sparking concerns over spread of the viral strain. While the virus first emerged in the central city of Wuhan in late December, the 139 new cases reported over the weekend in China included cases from capital Beijing in the north of the country
Airbus just released its newest aircraft into the skies, but by the looks of it, it could belong in the sea. Airbus’ Beluga XL, which will be used to ferry airplane parts to the company’s final assembly factories in Toulouse; Hamburg, Germany and Tianjin, China, had its first operational flight on Jan. 9, according to the company. The plane — it’s official name is the A330-700L — is the first of six such
It's hardly surprising that the world's largest and most populous continent has an astonishing variety of places to eat. From a celebrated American chef cooking creatively in southern China, to world-class sushi in Hong Kong or new wave Filipino dishes in Manila, you're truly spoiled for choice. So whether you're a local or a visitor, here are 20 new restaurants bound to whet your
I have never been to Iran and I have long considered it the gaping hole in the unique education that a lifetime of traveling has afforded me. Look at a map and there it lies, once upon a time the heart of the Persian empire, at the very center of a geographic constellation that includes Russia, China, India, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Europe. It’s easy to imagine the vectors of influence
Lunar New Year might still be two weeks away, but China is already bracing itself for an annual homecoming of epic proportions.
Considered the largest human migration on the planet, Chunyun -- the 40-day period when Chinese people head home to celebrate the Lunar New Year Spring Festival with their families -- officially began on January 10 and will end on February 18. Lunar New
China has just hurtled past another milestone in its vast high-speed railway expansion plans. As the countdown to the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics continues, the new 108-mile high-speed railway line connecting the capital with Olympic host city Zhangjiakou has just entered service, cutting the travel time between the two from three hours to 47 minutes. But this isn't just another bullet train. This beauty, part of
If you think enduring teeth-chattering cold is part of the fun when you travel, then the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival is the carnival for you. Set in Heilongjiang Province in northern China, it's the world's biggest snow and ice festival and features plenty of spectacular installations and activities. The annual festival officially runs from January 5 to February 25, but some
A passenger who threw coins into the engine of his plane before a flight was ordered to pay a $17,200 fine to make up for the damage. The passenger, 28-year-old Lu Chao, was flying for the first time in February 2019 onboard Lucky Air from Anqing Tianzhushan Airport in eastern China. As he was boarding the flight, he threw a few coins into the engine of the
If you went back to China after five years it would be completely different, but if you returned to Trout Point Lodge it would be exactly the same. Set on the edge of the world - or so it might seem to some - this luxury eco-lodge in Nova Scotia, Canada sits alongside 100 acres of swaying beeches, birches and maples. The pale blue Tusket and Napier Rivers flow
The Yangtze may only be the world's third-longest river, but it's about to be served by the world's biggest river cruise ship. The Victoria Sabrina ship will set sail on China's largest inland body of water in 2020, ferrying passengers through multiple provinces and providing views of the Three Gorges Dam. US-based company Victoria Cruises tells CNN Travel that the Victoria Sabrina, due to make her
I was that old gringo. I was driving south in my own car in Mexican sunshine along the straight sloping road through the thinly populated valleys of the Sierra Madre Oriental – the whole craggy spine of Mexico is mountainous. Valleys, spacious and austere, were forested with thousands of single yucca trees, the so-called dragon yucca (Yucca filifera) that Mexicans call palma china. I pulled off the road to look
The first road bridge linking Russia and China is complete following the launch of a natural gas pipeline between the two countries, Reuters reported on Monday. The new bridge, which spans the River Amur and is expected to open in the spring, will link the city of Blagoveshchensk in Russia’s Far East with Heihe in northeastern China in an effort to move larger amounts of freight traffic and agricultural
Seeing iconic Chinese sights like the terracotta warriors will soon become easier as China adds Xian, Ningbo, and Chongqing to its growing list of 144-hour visa-free travel ports. China has been building itself up as a stopover hub, and the visa-free transit permit—obtained upon arrival—lets travelers from the U.S., Canada, and 51 other countries
A train speeds across the checkerboard tracks of Chicago's bustling Tower 18 junction, sparks flying from wheels that you can almost hear screeching. Across the Atlantic in Aisgill, deep in England's beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park, a steam locomotive weaves its way through a snowy nighttime landscape barely visible through the sooty darkness. And in China, a local passenger train is
Images of riot police lobbing tear-gas canisters into angry crowds played on the news. Activists were blasted with water cannons and carted away. Thousands of protesters filled the streets, demanding greater autonomy from China. A proposed bill, since withdrawn, that would have allowed extradition of criminal suspects to mainland China ignited the dessert. What started as peaceful marches
When 29-year-old Wang Jianguang was growing up in a poor neighborhood in China's northern Shanxi province, his family would buy him chicken wings with soy sauce as a rare treat. Except they weren't actually made of chicken. The wings were an intricate combination of soybeans and peanuts. "They looked just like chicken wings, though," Wang said. It was his first encounter with
Once upon a time, air travel was glamorous. In the 1950s, air travel's so-called golden age, flying was an occasion. Passengers dressed up, flight attendants served meals on china, standard seats were roomier, and everything about the experience felt dignified. Today flying is associated with overbooking, cramped quarters, badly behaved passengers and inevitable delays. But for travelers
China is cracking down on bad subway etiquette. State-run newspaper China Daily reports that eating, drinking, standing on seats, playing music on speakers, lying down and other "uncivilized behaviors" will be banned on all of the country's subways from April 1, 2020. There will be an exception to the "no eating and drinking" rule for people who have medical conditions and for babies and
Beijing's much-hyped Daxing International Airport (PKX) has now lived up to its name with the first flights departing to foreign climes. The Zaha Hadid-designed airport opened just ahead of country-wide celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1. The airport's first outbound international flight, a China Airways route to Bangkok, took
“Mama loves you,” my plate reads. The seemingly standard blue-and-white patterned china dish, on closer inspection, includes this tiny message. Behind me is a lamp with rabbit feet and ears and, by the reception, beaded Darth Vader helmets top birdcage-style cabinets. Across the restaurant’s black ceiling, graffiti by graphic designer and artist Beniloys is a mix of bright patterns and ancient
Most people love a good jaunt to Asia, but for most, outside of a twirl around Japan or a budget-friendly trip to southeast Asian countries like Thailand, there really isn’t much else to see. But those people couldn’t be more wrong. China is filled with gems that are just waiting to be discovered. From ancient temples and world wonders to amazing food, a vibrant nightlife and more, you’d be doing yourself a disserve to not
Running behind a line of wild-eyed sled dogs, Blair Braverman skimmed over glaciers and Arctic plains. Cyclist Kate Harris ducked Tibetan army checkpoints as she pedaled between the Himalayas, while war reporter Martha Gellhorn wise-cracked across China by riverboat and rickety plane. In between, these authors struggled with self-doubt, found love, and pushed
More than 18,000 largely uninhabited islands lie adrift in the remote waters of the East China Sea. But one rises sharply from the rest: Hua’ao Island. This 66 million-year-old island is home to the region’s last remaining salt flats, and area farmers have been harvesting sea salt here for at least 1,300 years. These salt flats, or seawater evaporation pools, are not mere historical relics
The protests in Hong Kong, now in their 15th week, continue to impact the city’s tourism industry and in particular visitors from mainland China, who are usually its biggest group of tourists. The number of Chinese group tours to the city fell 90% compared to a year ago in the first ten days of September, according to data compiled by the Travel
The Canadian Consulate in Hong Kong said Friday it has suspended official travel for local staff, following the detention of a U.K. Consulate employee during a trip to mainland China. A spokesperson for the Canadian mission confirmed the new measure in an email to TIME, but did not elaborate on its reasons or the scope of travel restrictions. “At present, locally-engaged staff will not undertake
The new Guangzhou Nansha International Cruise Home Port Opening is set to open on November 17, coinciding with the14th China Cruise Shipping Conference & International Cruise Expo hosted by the China Cruise and Yacht Industry Association. At the same time, the Costa neoRomantica will become the first international cruise ship to sail from the new homeport, according to a statement.
Awkwafina is on a roll. In the last year, the Queens-hailing YouTube rapper, born Nora Lum, has become a breakout actress, picking up major roles in blockbusters like Ocean's 8 and Crazy Rich Asians. Her latest project strikes even more of a personal chord. She plays
Traveling between Russia and China is about to get a lot more scenic. The world's first cross-border cable car is coming, giving passengers a unique perspective of the two countries below. The cable car will run between Heihe in northeast China and Blagoveshchensk in Russia, carrying passengers over the Amur River to give them a birds eye view of the
North Korean flag carrier Air Koryo will begin flying direct to the Chinese gambling enclave of Macao next month, the city's aviation authority said. Macao will become the fourth international destination that Air Koryo flies to on a regular basis, according to the airline's website. The North Korean carrier currently flies to Beijing and Shenyang in China and Vladivostok in Russia. All
The Asia Pacific region accounted for close to one-fifth (18.5%) of total global travel spending in 2018, a new study by Mastercard reveals. Travelers from mainland China, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan are among the region’s biggest spenders. The findings point to the region’s potential as a yet largely untapped travel market, according to
A bird-filled estuary along China's Yalu River, ancient Bagan temples peering out above treetops in Myanmar and an Alpine road in Austria popular with thrill seekers are among this year's nominations for the UNESCO World Heritage List. This week the committee responsible for the list begins 11 days of deliberations in Baku, Azerbaijan, to decide
Diamond Bar, California, 17 June 2019 – Los Angeles County based tour operator China Travel CA, Inc. whose travel product brands include Chinatour.com unveils a new deluxe and luxury brand Elite Voyages to cater to increasing demands for global destinations
Beijing has stepped up its warnings against the U.S. by cautioning about working, studying and traveling in America. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a safety warning on Tuesday for Chinese citizens and companies in the U.S.. according to state broadcaster CCTV. “Recently, U.S. law enforcement agencies have on multiple occasions used methods
Prior to moving to China, the images I conjured of the country were of the standard postcard variety: the enormous Great Wall in Beijing, or a vibrant, modern city like Shanghai. I didn’t expect a tropical haven just a stone’s throw from the mainland -- Hainan Island, sometimes called “the Hawaii of China.” China’s neighbors -- Thailand, Malaysia, or the
When China's air industry hits the news, stories are typically centered on passengers going rogue, punching each other, trying to wrestle open emergency doors mid-takeoff or dangerously tossing coins into airplane engines for luck.
While alarming and fascinating in equal measure, these headlines conceal another tale -- one of a country undergoing a
A new floating bullet train capable of hitting speeds of 600 kilometers per hour (about 372 miles/hour) is one step closer to reality in China. On Thursday, the body prototype for the country's latest high-speed magnetic-levitation (maglev) train project rolled off the assembly line in the eastern Chinese city of Qingdao. Developed by the state-owned China Railway
Pawtucket, RI (May 20, 2019) – Collette, global tour operator, is pleased to announce that through 5/31/19, guests will save 15% on select exotics tours including Wonders of China, Mysteries of India, Kingdoms of Southeast Asia, Experience Colombia, Peru: Ancient Land of
It has taken Roger Tyers four days to reach Moscow by train from Kiev. His destination is Beijing: a trip that will take 14 days, with a couple of overnight stops along the way. Tyers, an environmental sociologist at the University of Southampton, is on his way to China to research attitudes to the environment, the climate emergency and personal
First established as a state capital in 229 CE, Nanjing, China, has long been one of the country’s most important (and largest) inland river ports and is recognised as one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China. Homo erectus fossils dating around 600,000 years have been found here; and the 600-year-old stone walls that surrounded the city during the Ming
Travel is a wonderful thing, but traveling solo can get lonely — and expensive. Sometimes all you want is a little company as you walk along the Great Wall of China or someone to split costs with when you splurge on a rental car to explore the French countryside. One travel site is working to fill that need by connecting travelers from all over the world who are
I left New York a year ago to travel around the world as Business Insider's international correspondent.While I've had some epic adventures, some bucket-list attractions were overpriced, uninspiring, overcrowded, or just plain boring.
The worst offender was the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge in China, the longest and highest glass bridge in the
When Liu Guoliang puts on his makeup and straps on his stilts, he's participating in a Chinese tradition that's been in existence for centuries, if not millennia. There are many different origin stories for stilt walking in China, and historical references dating as far back as 5 BCE. In northern Hebei province, the legend goes that hundreds of years ago a flash flood struck, threatening
A new generation of Chinese immigrants, entrepreneurs and tourists is creating what may eventually become Bangkok's next Chinatown, an area specializing in inexpensive Yunnan and Sichuan cuisine plus bird's nest masks, salmon "sperm extract" and other exotic cosmetics. This neighborhood, in the city's Huai Khwang district, has been evolving on narrow Pracha Rat
A 38-foot arch flanked by two bronze-cast lions greets you as you enter Old Town Chinatown, in downtown Portland. Venture beyond the pagoda-style gates to discover the city’s most buzzed-about borough, a rapidly-developing area that was once home to one of the country’s largest Chinese-American communities. The neighborhood has always been one of our favorite
The vast, wild landscapes of the Scottish Highlands have long lured tourists, but now a visit is becoming something of a status symbol among China’s growing number of middle-class or wealthy families. In 2017, of the 337,000 visitors from China who travelled to the UK, 62,000 went to Scotland, an almost sixfold increase since 2009, according to VisitScotland. Edinburgh is
A businessman from China hopped on a private jet last month, landed in Canada and went hiking on the Cascade Range in BC. And then he smoked a fat blunt. This experience cost $12,500 [$9,272]. It’s part of a ‘high-hiking’ tour hosted by Butiq Escapes, a luxury weed tourism company based out of Victoria, British Columbia, where a
The U.S. State Department on Thursday updated its travel warning about China, urging Americans to "exercise increased caution" in the country "due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws as well as special restrictions on dual U.S.-Chinese nationals." The State Department's "Level 2" warning, which was first issued last year, noted that Chinese authorities
The dazzling mosaic-bar of Bar Trigona at the Four Seasons Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, the Italian-chic, cinema-themed Paper Moon Giardino restaurant in Milan, the beach resort chic of the Rosewood Sanya in China. They're all the work of a Hong Kong duo, interior designer
The world's most exciting destinations for the year ahead. From Mexico City to China and up to Greenland, National Geographic's Best Place of 2019 is a list keep in mind with traveling in 2019.
Hyatt opened its first hotel in China in 1969 and today has grown to 58 hotels, seven brands and more than 19,000 rooms in Greater China. Over the next four years, Hyatt plans to double its presence in China with 60 hotels and 22,000 more rooms in the pipeline, representing nearly one-third of Hyatt's global development pipeline. China's
A luxury hotel opening outside Shanghai is offering guests with deep pockets the chance of a very deep sleep. The 18-story Intercontinental Shanghai Wonderland Hotel has been built into the side of a huge hole in the ground left by a former pit mine. Sixteen of its floors are below ground level, looking out onto the
The quest to build megaships in China will be met with a variety of challenges, according to industry experts, speaking at China Cruise Shipping 13 in Shenzhen. “By 2023, the first luxury cruise vessel will be delivered (from a Chinese yard), and before
Travelers are used to requesting the highest floor for the best views, but a new hotel in China offers the exact opposite. InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland, the world's first underground hotel, is set to open its doors on Dec. 1 after a decade of construction
Starry nights, sacred lakes, towering mountains and a distinct culture – all treasures that have defined Tibetan life for centuries, but are only now becoming vehicles to further open up the autonomous region to the outside world. Located in Southwest China and sometimes referred to as the “world’s third pole”
China on Tuesday opened the world’s longest sea-crossing bridge linking Hong Kong to the mainland, a feat of engineering carrying immense economic and political significance. Chinese President Xi Jinping presided over a ceremony in the city of Zhuhai to open the 55-kilometre (34-mile)-long bridge linking it to the semi-autonomous
When it comes to documenting our travel adventures, we live in a culture of oneupmanship. It’s not enough to climb to the top of a summit—you need a photo of yourself balancing in tree pose on its peak. You can’t just visit the Great Wall of China; you have to sleep in a one-of-a-kind Airbnb on top of it.
They don’t call it the ‘Eastern Hawaii’ for nothing. This tropical island at the southernmost point of China boasts long, beautiful beaches, luxury accommodation, festivals and carnivals galore and year-round warmth and sunshine. But more than that, as greater investment is made in its attractions and tourism infrastructure
Don Wong knew Bruce Lee. As young men, they worked at Ruby Chow’s restaurant together. When Wong, leading the Wing Luke Museum’s “Bruce Lee’s Chinatown Tour” describes his connection with the martial-arts star, it’s not the brag you might expect. He speaks with a touch of sadness as he reminisces about attending the judo classes Lee held at the restaurant after hours.
If you saw a photograph of any of these colorful places, you’d think it was heavily edited. Can anywhere really have colors so bright and vibrant? These seven places are naturally vivid — but you may have to visit to believe it. Rainbow Mountains, China. Formed millions of years ago by layers of sandstone and minerals, the mountains of Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park
Depending on which of these airlines you fly, you may get served a delectable meal on bone china or a snack box of junk food. Portugal’s national airline flies to numerous European and other international destinations, and meals are included on all flights for all classes, with the size depending on the length of the flight. What makes TAP’s food so yummy is a menu that focuses on
It’s easy to think that, with its Blade Runner-esque skyline, Shanghai is a city hyper-focused on the future. And in many ways, it is. Wandering the streets, it can feel like the city is in a constant state of construction, the embodiment of China’s rapid urbanization and economic growth. But Shanghai is a city of contrasts, where the colonial buildings dotting the Bund square off
Once a small fishing and farming village, Hong Kong is now among the world’s busiest ports and most important centres of trade. The city, an autonomous territory of China, has been both a part of Imperial China and the British Empire – giving it the East-meets-West vibe that locals love. “Hong Kong is a busy metropolis still steeped in Chinese tradition,” said seven-year
When we arrived in the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal, my family and I were excited to sample some local delicacies. So we immediately went in search of Chinese food. West Bengal is a borderland, abutting three countries on the northeastern edge of India — Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh — and close enough to China that Kolkata has its own Chinatown.
More than 1,800 years in the making, 21,000km in length and one of humanity’s most incredible feats of engineering, the Great Wall of China remains high on many people's bucket lists. Those seeking a more immersive experience are in luck, however, as Airbnb has launched a competition for four lucky winners and their guests to stay overnight on the historic wall in a custom-designed house. This once-in-a-lifetime
It’s no longer possible to book a ticket from the U.S. to Taiwan — depending on whom you ask. In order to avoid punitive sanctions from China, three major U.S. airlines (American, Delta and United) removed the word “Taiwan” from their websites on Wednesday. The airlines will continue to fly to the capital Taipei airport. Earlier this year, China’s Civil Aviation Administration sent a letter to more
American Airlines Group Inc., Delta Air Lines Inc. and United Continental Holdings Inc. joined other carriers in bowing to Chinese pressure to change the way they describe Taiwan—but stopped short of expressly referring to the self-governing island as part of China. Beijing ordered all airlines in April to start referring to Taiwan as “Taiwan, China” and to stop implying that Taiwan is an
Asia boasts of major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Tokyo that draw travelers to the heart of their countries. However, much can be said about the tucked-away landmarks, villages, and towns that behold various treasures. Invest yourself in the beauty of mud volcanoes in Borneo, the diversity of artisan villages in China, and the little-known, temple-studded island in Hong Kong.
Fanjingshan, an other-worldly peak in China’s Wuling Mountain Range, is one of the newest natural wonders to have been added to Unesco’s ever-expanding list of World Heritage Sites. The announcement was made last week at the 42nd session of the World Heritage Committee in Bahrain. Fanjingshan’s addition to the prestigious list means that China now has 13
Man and nature are often portrayed at odds with each other: As skyscrapers go up, trees come down. But sometimes the world has different plans. After a tiny fishing town in eastern China was abandoned, greenery took over. Now the hillside town has become a tourist attraction for what appears to be a garden of architectural topiary.
For those who have successfully overcome their fears and walked the world's highest glass-bottom bridge in China, it's time to take things up a notch -- and bungee off it. A new 260-meter-high (853 feet) bungee-jump platform will be added to the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge in August 2018. Once open, it will be the world's highest bungee jump.
From the deck of the Carnival Horizon, docked at New York City's Pier 88, Carnival Corp. CEO Arnold Donald told CNBC that, eventually, his cruise line's U.S. business would shy in comparison to China. "China, someday, will be the largest cruise market in the world," the CEO told "Mad Money" host Jim Cramer on Wednesday. "It's in their five-year plan, so if cruising is in their five-year plan, ... they're going to make it happen."
North Korea's Air Koryo plans to launch charter flights between Pyongyang and Chengdu in south-west China, two airline officials told Reuters, amid a major improvement in diplomatic relations between the neighbors. The flights to Chengdu, one of the biggest cities in China's vast western region, could start as early as late June if approved by China's aviation regulator, the officials told Reuters on condition of anonymity.
Get ready to travel to infinity and beyond -- or at least to Shanghai. Now you can channel Buzz Lightyear and ascend to the skies in this new "Toy Story"-themed airplane. The playful plane is the product of a partnership between Shanghai Disney Resort and China Eastern Airlines, designed to immerse guests in the world of the Disney-Pixar classic.
China is increasingly giving America a run for its money as the land of the biggest and the best.
As the world's most populous nation with the world's second-biggest economy, the self-styled Middle Kingdom is finding new and increasingly nerve-racking ways to attract and entertain tourists.
On the eastern coast of China—some 6,000 miles from the City of Light—a 354-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower dominates Tianducheng’s skyline. Known as the “Paris of the East”, the luxury real estate development in Zhejiang province was designed to evoke classical European charm.
The infamous Three Mile Island accident occurred near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, when main feedwater pumps in a secondary cooling system of a nuclear power plant failed at exactly 4:00 a.m. EST on March 28, 1979. Three weeks before, the movie "The China Syndrome", starring Michael Douglas and Jane Fonda, had depicted a fictional near-meltdown at a nuclear power plant. Now the country was watching reality imitate art.
Few people in the UK know much about Taiwan, except perhaps that it’s that long thin island off the south-east coast of China that is both Chinese and not Chinese.
A study from the University of China found that those who take cruise vacations experience positive mental and emotional health benefits up to six months after disembarking
Grant Avenue is a bustling street during the day, often filled with tourists in search of souvenirs or locals shopping for food. But at night the street is quiet, allowing for leisurely strolling and new discoveries
Japanese homeware company Muji plans to extend its minimal design concept into the hospitality sector with the launch of hotels in Beijing and Shenzhen
The discovery in China of an underground army of nearly 8,000 life-size terracotta soldiers is considered one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century
Shanghai’s appeal has long been its breathtaking skyline, glitzy nightlife and brash, anything-goes attitude. In recent years, though, China’s commercial capital has started to develop a more sophisticated side
Chongqing -- a major Yangtze River port in southwest China -- has become the world's fastest-growing tourism city, recording a whopping 14% growth in its tourism sector last year. Find out why travelers are flocking here and what you can do during your visit
From the Pacific Coast Highway in the U.S. — one of the most scenic drives in the world — to China’s over-water highway, there is a route for everyone. Just take your pick
Formed in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) before flourishing in the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911), Sanfang Qixiang -- which translates to "three lanes and seven alleys" in English -- was once the most affluent neighborhood in the city and home to more than 400 rich, famous and powerful residents. Today, it's Fuzhou's most popular tourist destination
On Oct. 24, a flight attendant from China Eastern Airlines fell out of a Boeing 737-800 and onto the tarmac at Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport in Guangdong, China, suffering several bone fractures and bruises. She was immediately rushed to the hospital, the airport confirmed in a statement
Off the coast of Xiamen, in southeast China's Fujian province, Kulangsu (also known as Gulangyu) is not exactly your average Chinese village. As of July, China's "Piano Island" -- so named for its piano music and musical prodigies -- is also a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, chosen in the committee's 41st session
Liu Shiquan, a deputy general manager at CASC, said their scientists would be looking to develop the super-fast trains of the future that could “fly on the ground"
The city of Zhengzhou, in central China, is the latest flight route to be added to the budget airline’s network. The city, the capital of Henan Province, is famous for its Shaolin Monaster
Red tape for travellers is getting ever more tangled, with one shining exception: China is actually loosening its draconian visa rules for tourists. Yet one of the world’s biggest cruise lines told British passengers they did not qualify
Mexico, China and Poland are the cheapest places in the world to visit - at least, if you want to eat out three times a day and buy a suitcase full of branded clothes, that is
At this park near Chongqing, China, a new skywalk gives nature lovers and tourists a dizzying and terrifying view. The new walkway measures about 120 meters (about 393 feet), making it the longest glass skywalk in the world, the Hindustan Times reported
On Tuesday, a China Southern Airlines flight was pushed back after an elderly woman was spotted throwing coins at the plane during the boarding process. One of the coins landed inside the engine, police said
Turbulence is the most common cause of injury to air passengers: in the US alone there are an estimated 58 injuries each year due to turbulence, and yesterday (June 18) 26 people were hurt, including four seriously, after turbulence struck a China Eastern flight from Paris to Kunming Changshui International Airport
A China-bound plane made an emergency landing back at Sydney after a gaping hole was ripped in an engine casing just after take-off. The China Eastern Airbus A330 twin-jet was flying to Shanghai as flight MU736
An Air China plane yesterday narrowly missed flying into a mountain in Hong Kong after the pilot allegedly made a wrong turn, according to Chinese media. It's reported that the pilot had failed to understand the instructions from an air traffic controller and veered towards the mountain minutes after the takeoff
In the high mountains of northwestern China, the village of Hemu is a place where time stopped long ago. Located on the western shores of Kanas Lake in the Alti Mountains of Xinjiang province, where maps show a collision between China, Kazakhstan, Russia and Mongolia, Hemu developed quite literally in a fish bowl
Two Chinese fighter jets have buzzed a U.S. spy plane that sniffs out nuclear radiation while flying over the East China Sea, underlining Beijing’s discomfort with American surveillance in its neighborhood. The incident, reported Friday, also comes amid disagreement between the two countries on how to confront the nuclear and missile programs of North Korea, which depends on China as its main economic lifeline
“Imperial Splendors: The Art of Jewelry Since the 18th Century,” organized by the French heritage brand Chaumet, is on view to July 2 at the Palace Museum in the heart of the Forbidden City, official residence of China’s emperors for almost 500 years. It is unusual for a Western brand to mount an exhibition in that space
Walt Disney Co.’s latest “Pirates of the Caribbean” picture could gross more in China than in the U.S. as the world’s largest entertainment company capitalizes on the success of its new Chinese resort with a world premiere in Shanghai on Thursday. The opening of Disney’s $5.5 billion Shanghai resort last year has earned the company goodwill in the world’s No. 2 movie market
Taishan, or Mount Tai, is China’s most sacred mountain. For centuries, emperors climbed it to pay homage to heaven and earth. Philosopher Confucius is said to have stood at the towering top, looked down and pronounced the world a small place indeed. While it isn’t one of China’s tallest mountains, the way to the top is still a challenge consisting of more than 6,000 stone steps, with the option of taking a cable car halfway. Walking the whole way can take anywhere from three to seven hours
The first large Chinese-made passenger jetliner is making its maiden test flight Friday from Shanghai in a symbolic milestone in China’s long-term goal to break into the Western-dominated aircraft market. China is touting the C919 as a rival to single-aisle jets the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. The plane was originally due to fly in 2014 before being delivered to buyers in 2016, but has been beset by delays blamed on manufacturing problems
The first Norwegian Cruise Line ship built exclusively for the Chinese market is now officially part of the company's fleet. Norwegian on Thursday took delivery of the 3,883-passenger Norwegian Joy in Bremenhaven, Germany from German shipbuilder Meyer Werft, which has been constructing the vessel for more than year
In less than a decade, China has laid out 20,000 km of high speed rail lines with an average speed of more than 300 kmph and government officials say the country is planning another 15,000 km by 2025. The extent of connectivity of its high-speed rail lines is more than rest of the world combined
Floors swimming in nastiness at a Chengdu hospital, open-to-your-neighbours squat toilets at a Beijing restaurant, and cubicles without doors at a theme park in Kunming: just three of the bathroom nightmares experienced by The Independent
he infamous Three Mile Island accident occurred near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, when main feedwater pumps in a secondary cooling system of a nuclear power plant failed at exactly 4:00 a.m. EST on March 28, 1979. Three weeks before, the movie "The China Syndrome"
Sun Huifeng liked the idea of tapping Airbnb or one of its rising local competitors to rent out his spare Beijing bedroom. The problem: He didn’t like the idea
On a trip to China, NPR's Aarti Shahani took a detour in search of a pedicure, with help from some of the latest voice translation apps. These tools could radically change how you travel abroad
Carnival signed an agreement for two new ships to be built at a shipyard in Shanghai, making them the first custom-built China cruise ships built in China. Carnival will also be introducing a new Asian cruise brand
We recently traveled, between us, to China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand, and didn’t limit ourselves to major cities where accessibility for people with varying levels of aches, pains, and disabilities is relatively easy
China is out to build a fleet of the most nature-incorporated architectural structures in the world. After a never-ending series of record-breaking glass bridges — and even a glass bathroom — construction has begun on Asia’s first vertical forest in Nanjing
Although Chinese tourists and old China hands have already discovered these sights, here are six great destinations still off the mainstream foreign tourist trail
There are so many things to experience on one’s first trip to China—the obvious sights like the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, the contemporary art galleries of Beijing and Shanghai, the street food, the street markets—that it almost feels overwhelming
Travelers often overlook Mongolia for its bustling neighbors, China and Russia. But in Mongolia—one of the world’s most sparsely populated countries—by venturing into the wild with epic horse rides through the valleys, climbing up to Buddhist villages and temples
Last month, after years of discussion and a £120 million loan from China, Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls International Airport was finally opened by President Robert Mugabe
Need a China tea set? A stuffed animal kangaroo? How about a few jars of left-behind Vegemite? The Sydney Airport has you covered: Its annual online auction is back in a big way, with 5,000 items for sale starting at just $1
Foreign tourists arriving in Shanghai on a cruise from October 1 will be allowed up to 15 days of visa-free stays in the country’s most populous city, the Shanghai General Station of Immigration Inspection announced this week
MSC Cruises has confirmed it will deploy a second ship in China -- MSC Splendida -- from May 2018. The 3,274-passenger "Fantasia" class ship will be based in Shanghai, offering itineraries to China, Japan and Korea. MSC Lirica has been deployed in China since May this year and has recently moved to Tianjin, a port in northern China
It’s official: Las Vegas is getting its long-desired airline route to China. Hainan Airlines will begin flying from Las Vegas on Dec. 2, launching three weekly flights to Beijing on Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The carrier announced its intention to operate the flights earlier this year, but received the needed regulatory approvals this week
Marco Polo was a merchant trader, not an explorer. However, the Venetian's family traveled far and wide during the later thirteenth century, earning them great acclaim as explorers. The Polos journeyed to China over the Silk Road and spent 17 years there as the favored guest of Kublai Khan
Carnival Cruise Line is planning a voyage from Sydney to Singapore, which will include the company's first calls to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and Ko Samui in Thailand, as well as several cruises from China. On sale now, the 19-night cruise aboard Carnival Spirit departs 3 May 2018 and also calls at Bali in Indonesia and Airlie Beach and Darwin in Australia
A tour bus carrying visitors from China burst into flames on a highway near Taiwan's capital on Tuesday, killing all 26 people on board, officials said, in the deadliest incident involving Chinese tourism to the island. The accident took place on the No. 2 national highway in Taoyuan county, south of Taipei, where Taiwan's international airport is located, the county's fire and rescue service said in a statement
As the saying goes: “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” New York City’s landmark Waldorf Astoria hotel will close for up to three years while most of its rooms are gutted and turned into luxury apartments, according to The Wall Street Journal. Once the renovation is completed, the remaining 300 to 500 rooms will remain available to travelers as hotel rooms. China’s Anbang Insurance Group, which acquired the hotel in 2015 for nearly $2 billion, plans to close the Waldorf for renovations in spring 2017
Last week, I boarded a 13-hour flight to China in order to witness Shanghai Disneyland officially open its gates, and boy, was it quite the experience. The park, which is massive and beautiful, contains new attractions and never-before-seen entertainment, but also some eccentricities that were surprising to an American parkgoer such as myself. Sure, the stateside parks have weird characteristics, too—if you’ve planned a meal 180 days in advance or if you've seen a kid eat ice cream for breakfast, you’re a Disney World vet—but discovering Shanghai’s peculiarities during the Grand Opening celebration was just as fun as the real-life journey through the movie Tron
Walt Disney Co. opened Shanghai Disneyland, its first theme park in mainland China, with a lavish celebration Thursday featuring Communist Party leaders, a children's choir, Sleeping Beauty and other Disney characters. A vice premier joined Disney CEO Bob Iger in cutting the grand opening's red ribbon, showing the ruling party's support for the $5.5 billion investment in promoting tourism at a time of slowing economic growth. They read letters of congratulations from the Chinese and American presidents, Xi Jinping and Barack Obama
Shanghai is easy to reach and to find your way around, yet reveals many glimpses of life in the People’s Republic. And from this summer, there are more flights than ever from the UK, with 24 departures a week from Heathrow - and countless connections from other airports. Shanghai is also an excellent stopover for anyone planning a trip to the Far East or Australia; you can now build in a visa-free stay of up to six days, thanks to the 144-hour transit option available for passengers travelling on to another country. This is an excellent way to avoid the high price of a regular tourist visa for China, currently over £150
A teenage boy sneaked into the cargo hold of an Emirates passenger plane in China and made it all the way to Dubai before being apprehended, the airline and Chinese media said Tuesday
In recent years China seems to have begun addressing its urgent pollution problem in earnest. Cities like Shanghai are repurposing land for urban forests and building magnificent eco-friendly (well, friendlier) skyscrapers
One of the world's most remote regions is in the midst of a multi-billion dollar overhaul. After decades of subduing unrest, China is betting that cold, hard cash will pacify restive Tibetans within its borders. Beijing aims to spend nearly $30 billion — or roughly $25,000 per person — over a five-year period in the majority Tibetan prefecture of Ganzi in western Sichuan province, according to Governor Yeshe Dawa.
In advance of Shanghai Disney opening the doors to its magic kingdom on June 16th, the Shanghai government has released an etiquette guide for visitors planning a trip to the park. The guide was a joint release by the city’s civilization office and the tourism bureau, the South China Morning Post reported. The organizations decided it was necessary after several problems that came up during the park’s soft opening, including vandalism and littering. Visitors trashed the park during the May Day holiday, according to Shanghaiist. As expected, the civic organizations hoped to avoid a repeat when the park finally opens
Every day, planeloads of visitors arrive in Honolulu, ready to make a beeline to Waikiki and other iconic spots around Hawaii’s capital: places like Diamond Head, Chinatown, Pearl Harbor and urban beach gems like Kapiolani and Ala Moana
When it comes to amazing tourist attractions, Asia's got a ton. But for every Angkor Wat or Great Wall of China, hundreds of incredible sites have slipped under the radar for travelers. Some are remote and obscure, others hidden in plain sight in some of Asia's biggest cities. Here are nine unheralded spots worth visiting
There are an estimated 48 million deaf and hard of hearing people in America. The number of deaf and hard of hearing individuals and people with other disabilities worldwide is equal to the population of China. This does NOT include the number of friends and family including children who travel with us
The city in southwest China known for its Sichuan cuisine and home to 80 per cent of the world's panda population is going through a transformation. Hip hi-tech start-ups are moving in and with that more restaurants, high-end accommodation, galleries and shopping centres are opening up
Carnival Spirit will not be based year-round in Sydney in 2018, after plans were announced today to send the ship to Shanghai for the Australian winter season of that year. The surprise move is also expected to open up new itineraries between Australia and Asia. The seasonal deployment will follow the ship’s scheduled dry dock in Singapore in autumn 2018, with the ship returning home to Australia in spring 2018
If you like active travel in exotic destinations, check out five new trips from G Adventures: Bhutan Trekking: the Druk Path; Cycle China: Hong Kong to Beijing; Japan Hike, Bike
India has flagged off its fastest-ever train as part of a big modernisation of the crumbling railway system, though its top speed is still only half of those in China and other countries. The railways minister, Suresh Prabhu, hailed the Gatimaan Express, running from New Delhi to Agra and boasting hostesses and bone china crockery, as “a new era of high-speed rail travel”
Spring wedding season is here. Why register for china when you can register for a trip to China? These days travel lovers can forgo table linens and steak knives and register instead for flights, hotels and far-flung experiences from brands including United Airlines, Hyatt and Carnival Cruise Lines
Wedged between China and Japan, South Korea may not have a Great Wall or a Golden Pavilion, but it has plenty of other attractions - from nightlife that continues until dawn to Buddhist hermitages perched in places where only eagles or intrepid hikers dare. While the country was left devastated by the Korean War and is still separated from North Korea by the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), it has rebounded and, the reputation of its northern neighbour notwithstanding, is a very safe place to visit
Carnival Cruise Line has decided to push back its entry into the Chinese cruise market by a year. Originally, Carnival Mircale was scheduled to relocate to China in spring 2017, followed by fleetmate Carnival Splendor in spring 2018
When images of China's "rainbow mountains” went viral, we—like so many others—were entranced by the incredible colors of nature. But then we noticed the disclaimer: “There could be some slight photo manipulation going on to make the colors pop.” After a little research, we realized this was definitely the case (compare the previous shots to these photos)
Is this China’s best-kept, and most beautiful, secret?
Lying in the southwest of China in the Northern Sichuan province, hidden in a national park is the Nine Villages Valley (or Jiuzhaigou) home to nine Tibetan villages scattered throughout a natural wonderland
Many black tourists have reported attracting significant attention when visiting China. Fellow Yahoo Traveler, Brittany Jones-Cooper, once wrote about her own experience in Shanghai, which she says was mostly pleasant
The Seven Gods of Good Luck play an important part in Japan's love of luck. These deities made their way from India and China along the Buddhist trail with one Japanese Shinto Kami (god/spirit) thrown in for good measure
When I visited Chengdu two years ago, the capital of China's south-western Sichuan province felt like a city hovering between the past and the present. The laid-back Sichuanese would while away the hours in teahouses, amble around the parks, and buy fresh fruit from hand-drawn carts
There’s more to China than temples and tourists. Venture off better-trodden paths to sample mare’s milk tea, party hearty with the locals and visit the unrenovated Great Wall – with nary a tourist in sight
As cruise lines continue to jump into the growing Chinese cruise market, Carnival Cruise Line and AIDA -- both owned by Carnival Corporation -- announced that they will have ships in the country by 2017
thrill-seeking tourists in China got more than they bargained for when cracks appeared in a glass-bottomed walkway suspended 1,080 meters (3,540 foot) over a canyon, reports said
United Airlines is looking to expand its footprint in China. The carrier said on Tuesday it is seeking regulatory approval to begin seasonal flights between its San Francisco hub and the interior Chinese city
Universal Studios has signed a deal with a Chinese state-owned consortium to build a Hollywood theme park in Beijing to open in 2019, state media reported Tuesday
Did you know that California is more than four times the size of Portugal? Or that you could fit China, the U.S. and India into the continent of Africa, with room to spare?
In a push to beef up its presence in China, Carnival Corp. is considering a joint venture with China Merchants Group and China State Shipbuilding Corporation that could result in a dedicated Chinese cruise brand, according to a statement issued by Carnival Corp
The company’s resort, its first in mainland China, represents a major bet on westernized leisure travel and an effort to stoke sales of Disney products
Despite being a center of high-tech industry, the old way of life persists in the city, with graceful teahouses, serene parks and a lively Tibetan quarter
As Tanzania's elephant population falls drastically, there are hopes that China stands by its "game changing" commitment to halt domestic production of ivory
River cruise lines that cater to international tourists are reassuring passengers that their vessels on China's busy Yangtze River are safe, in response to the tragic capsizing of a riverboat there
New wealth, newly unleashed creativity, new China. The ever-growing mega-rich strata of Chinese society has an increasing hunger for travel, leading to a swathe of luxurious hotel openings and upmarket experiences across this vast, diverse country
Beijing stands as one of the world’s most populated cities, with over 21 million people residing in the Chinese capital. Inevitably, this has put huge pressure on transport structures in the city
Australia and New Zealand are on track to be overtaken as the world’s fastest growing cruise markets, as staggering new statistics are released about Asia, particularly China
China is a massive undertaking for any traveler, but we offer you a dozen of the best China experiences that go beyond the Great Wall and into the homes of Tibetans and the arms of pandas
A new glass-bottomed bridge that lies 180 metres above the ground – and sways in the wind – opened in China this week. Here are a few more attractions around the world that vertigo sufferers should avoid
You’ve already hiked up to Machu Picchu and climbed up and down the thousands of stairs of the Great Wall of China. We bet you’ve also stood awestruck before the Hagia Sofia and the Taj Majal. What else is there to do?
