China Destination Guide
The place
It is now perfectly possible to do your own thing in China just booking hotels in different cities and arranging sightseeing locally. However, if you want to cover the whole of this vast and diverse country in a short space of time, then an organised tour may be the best option as your guide takes the strain of the organisation and can bring you to the major sights with the minimum of fuss avoiding any language barriers.
The culture
Words cannot do justice to a country with the cultural heritage of China. Its dynasties are legendary and its struggles with communist rule have shaped a people who are a massive force in the twenty first century.
Events
Chinese New Year: 03-04 Feb 11 ( Year of the Rabbit); 23-24 Jan 12 (Year of the Dragon)
Shanghai Grand Prix: Apr 11
The shopping
If shopping is your thing then right across the country there are bargains of every kind to be had - from the Friendship Department Stores to exploring the old silk markets in Beijing and Shanghai to searching for antiques in Panjiayuan Market in Beijing which is unequalled in the whole of China! It truly is a shopper’s paradise, where bargaining is a way of life!
The nightlife
The major cities of Beijing and Shanghai have whole districts devoted to nightlife which have grown in the last few years – these areas are full of bars, nightclubs and excellent restaurants offering some of the finest culinary delights from the East. Don’t expect Chinese food to be like it is at home. The authentic version may contain a few surprises.
The facts
Geography: The third largest country in the world encompasses a land of mountains and plains, rivers and canals, deserts and hill country with a population of 1.2 billion (the highest in the world).
Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language. In the south Cantonese is more widely spoken along with a number of local dialects.
Passports: You need a full British passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond your date of return.
Visas: Visas are required and must be obtained prior to your departure from the UK. Visa applications cannot be processed until 60 days before travel. For further information please contact the Chinese Embassy on 0207 631 1430 or visit their website at www.chinese-embassy.org.uk.
We are able to assist with visa processing via our partner CIBT. To obtain visa forms, please click on the link below:
www.uk.cibt.com/premierholidays
Vaccinations: Vaccinations are strongly recommended. For further information, please consult your doctor.
Travelling time: Beijing is approximately 11 hours by non-stop flight from the UK, whilst Shanghai is approximately 10 hours flying time. Many visitors enter China via Hong Kong.
Local time: GMT +8 hours
Currency: Renminbi, although you can only purchase limited local currency outside China. Hong Kong dollar or sterling traveller’s cheques are advisable. Whilst credit cards are widely accepted in the cities, especially in hotels, they may be less so in off the beaten track locations. Cash is a requirement if you are bargaining in markets!
For more information and facts about China, select an option from the "Find out more" menu.
China - Map
