🇨🇳 China
China · East Asia
A vast land of ancient dynasties, hyper-modern megacities, and diverse natural wonders.
Great Wall of China — Severin.stalder · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
🗓️ Best time to go
Spring (April–May) or Autumn (September–October) to avoid hot summers and freezing winters.
🚆 Getting around
The high-speed rail network is incredibly fast, clean, and punctual. Domestic flights cover longer distances.
About
From the historic Great Wall to the high-tech skylines of Shanghai and Shenzhen, China is a fascinating study in contrasts and ancient culture.
Interesting places to visit
The Great Wall of China
Hike the rugged, historic Mutianyu or Jinshanling sections near Beijing.
The Terracotta Army, Xi'an
Thousands of life-sized clay soldiers buried with the first Emperor of China.
Zhangjiajie National Forest
The towering sandstone pillar mountains that inspired the landscapes of Avatar.
What to eat
Peking Duck
Crisp-skinned roast duck carved tableside and wrapped in thin pancakes with hoisin sauce.
Dim Sum
Steamed and fried small plates, notably Cantonese dumplings and buns.
Sichuan Hotpot
Simmering spicy broth filled with Sichuan peppercorns, used to cook meats and vegetables.
Practical tips
Download a VPN first
Crucial for accessing Western sites/apps. Install and test it before arriving in China.
Set up WeChat Pay / Alipay
Essential for daily life; China is almost completely cashless and foreign credit cards are rarely accepted directly.