China

Overview
China, the world’s most populous country and fourth largest by area, offers an unparalleled array of travel experiences, combining ancient history with modern dynamism. Beijing, the capital, is home to iconic landmarks like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. The city’s historic sites are complemented by modern attractions such as the 798 Art Zone and the sprawling Summer Palace.
Shanghai, China’s largest city, is known for its futuristic skyline dominated by the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower. The Bund, a historic waterfront area, contrasts with the city’s ultra-modern architecture, offering a glimpse into Shanghai’s colonial past.
Xi’an, the starting point of the Silk Road, is famous for the Terracotta Army and ancient city walls. The city offers a deep dive into China’s imperial history and archaeological wonders.
Guilin, located in Guangxi Province, features stunning Karst landscapes and picturesque river cruises on the Li River. The region’s natural beauty is complemented by traditional rural life, including the unique Yao and Zhuang ethnic cultures.
Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is known for its spicy cuisine and giant pandas. Visitors can explore the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and savor Sichuan’s renowned hot pot.
China’s diverse landscapes include deserts, mountains, and river valleys, offering a range of outdoor activities and cultural experiences, from hiking in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park to exploring the Yunnan Province’s ethnic villages.

China's location, climate & geography
China is located in East Asia, bordered by 14 countries including Russia to the north, Mongolia to the northwest, India and Nepal to the southwest, and Vietnam to the south. The country spans five geographical time zones and a vast area of approximately 9.6 million square kilometers, making it the fourth largest country in the world.
China’s diverse geography includes mountain ranges, plateaus, deserts, and river basins. The Himalayas form the southwestern border, with Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, lying on the China-Nepal border. The Tibetan Plateau, known as the “Roof of the World,” extends across western China.
The eastern part of China features fertile plains and river valleys, including the Yangtze River Basin and the Yellow River Basin. The Yangtze River, Asia’s longest river, flows from the Tibetan Plateau to the East China Sea, while the Yellow River, known as the “Mother River,” flows from the Loess Plateau to the Bohai Sea.
China’s climate varies significantly across the country. The northern regions, including Beijing, experience harsh winters and hot summers, while the southern regions, such as Guangzhou and Hong Kong, have a subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. The northwest, including areas like Xinjiang, experiences an arid climate with large temperature variations between day and night. The eastern coastal regions are more temperate with a mix of seasonal changes.

10 things to know when travelling to China
1. Great Wall: The Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stretches over 13,000 miles and is a monumental feat of ancient engineering.
2. Forbidden City: Located in Beijing, the Forbidden City is a massive palace complex that served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors.
3. Terracotta Army: Xi’an’s Terracotta Army is an archaeological wonder featuring thousands of life-sized clay soldiers buried with the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang.
4. Yangtze River Cruise: Experience scenic beauty and cultural landmarks on a cruise along the Yangtze River, China’s longest river.
5. Giant Pandas: Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see China’s iconic giant pandas up close.
6. Shanghai’s Skyline: The Pudong area in Shanghai features futuristic skyscrapers like the Shanghai Tower, offering stunning views of the city.
7. Silk Road History: Xi’an, the ancient capital, was the starting point of the Silk Road, a major trade route connecting China with Europe.
8. Chinese Cuisine: Enjoy diverse regional cuisines, from Peking duck in Beijing to spicy Sichuan dishes and dim sum in Cantonese regions.
9. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Known for its towering sandstone pillars, this park inspired the floating mountains in the film “Avatar.”
10. Hutongs: Explore Beijing’s historic hutongs, traditional alleyways that offer a glimpse into old Beijing’s way of life.

Last update July 2024