Things you should know about China before travel

1. What are the most popular destinations I must see for first trip to China?

Besides the popular cities like Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin and Shanghai, some tour routes around more destinations such as Yangtze River cruises, Silk Road adventures, Mystical Tibet, old town Lijiang, water town Zhouzhuang and Zhujiajiao are also worth recommendation. See more at our city guide.

2. What is the best time to visit China?

In general, April, May, early June, September, October and early November are the best time to visit China. For detailed information, please visit our city guide pages.

3. Are all foreigners' rights, interests and obligations lawfully protected in China?

The General Principles of the Constitution of PRC indicate definitely that "the People's Republic of China protects the lawful rights and interests of foreigners within Chinese territory, and while on Chinese territory foreigners must abide by the law of the People's Republic of China."

Within Chinese territory, the legitimate rights and interests of the foreign visitors are protected by the People's Republic of China. And the freedom of foreign visitors is as inviolable as that of the Chinese nationals. Similar to nationals, all foreign visitors must abide by the law of the People's Republic of China. Any activities that disrupt public order, threaten public security, or infringe upon the interests of the state, the society or the collective would be punished according to the laws of China.

Within the period of their visas, foreign visitors can freely travel the areas open to foreigners. They should, however, respect the traditions and customs of local areas. Those who want to visit areas that are not open to foreigners should apply for a Foreigners Travel Permit from the local public security organ. Only after the approval is granted, can they enter the area legally.

If your legal rights and interests are infringed or something unpleasant happens to you, you may complain to related organs. Complain to the National Tourism Administrative Bureau directly or to the Institutions of Supervision over Quality in each province, in a case that: Your travel agents, hotels or other travel operators offer you poor service or do not follow the agreement.

The guides or other travel staffs extort money from you.You are injured or your baggage is damaged/ lost due to the fault of the travel operators. Also, all large tourist cities have hot lines for tourists to voice their complaints. Most of the complainants were satisfied with the verdicts, which were determined after thorough investigations and verification of facts.

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4. Do I need a visa to visit China? How to get a Chinese visa?

Citizens of foreign countries are required to obtain Chinese visas to enter China.
China tourist visa is L visa issued for a stay of short duration, usually 30 days, but not more than 90 days, and can not be extended upon expiration.
China group tourist visa is issued to foreigners traveling in tour groups of at least 10 participants. This visa is not issued on individual passports, but on a separate form, which requires the group members to enter and exit the Chinese border together.

To successfully apply for a Chinese Visa, you need to provide a valid passport, filled application form, and photos in person or through a third person. The process usually takes 5-7 working days. Please contact local Embassy or Consultants for detailed information. If you need assistance, we can only state something when you are traveling with our tour company. In some cases, our statement is not a necessity but if required, we will be delightful to provide you an official invitation letter, which shows we are the agent arranging your Chinese tours for you.

You're supposed to apply for your visa in advance. Our suggestion is not to apply for your tourist visa too early. The earliest time you should consider is 3 months before your trip starts, as 3 month is the duration of a tourist visa. If you apply too early, your visa will be invalid before you enter China. For example, if your trip starts on Oct 10 and your visa is granted on Jun 2, then by Sep 02 your visa will have expired.

5. Do I need a visa/entry permit for visiting Hong Kong / Macao?

Nationals of more than 170 countries and territories DO NOT need a visa during the specified visa-free period ranging from 7 days to 180 days. Travelers who are not from those countries or those who want to stay longer need to apply for the appropriate visa or entry permit from the nearest Chinese Embassy. As an alternative, you may submit your visa or entry permit application to the HKSAR Immigration Department either directly by post or through a local sponsor. For more information on visa/entry permit requirements for visitors to the HKSAR, you may refer to the webpage "Visit Visa / Entry Permit Requirements for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region".

Since November 15, 2000, foreigners traveling to Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions (SAR) in tour groups organized by travel agencies registered in those SARs are exempted from the visa requirements for a period of not exceeding 6 days when entering into the following Chinese mainland cities: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jinangmen, Zhaoqing, and Huizhou. All travelers must be citizens of countries having diplomatic relations with the People Republic of China and carrying an ordinary passport.

6. Is it safe to travel in China?

China is still one of the safer travel destinations in the world. Although petty crime, such as pick pocketing and purse snatching is on the increase, especially in major cities, serious crime against foreigners is rare. Also, the Chinese government guarantees the safety of the foreign travelers, even if relations between the visitor's home country and China are poor.

Considering all this, it doesn't mean that you shouldn't be as cautious in China as you would be anywhere else. You may learn some common sense advice on how to avoid any potential problems.

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7. What is the best way to visit China - join a pre-packaged tour or travel independently?

Most visitors to China prefer to take a tour arranged by travel agents, since it is the simplest, most efficient and the most comfortable way of traveling. Independent traveling, though more flexible and easier to customize, is difficult. Problems may arise due to cultural and language barriers for travelers who attempt to arrange accommodations, meals, sightseeing, and transportations for themselves.

8. What is the healthy attention during China travel?

Only yellow fever vaccination certificates are required from travelers from infected area. We do suggest travelers follow the suggestions of the World Health Organization and their doctors. We also suggest travelers bring along the international certificate of vaccination, which is often required at the customs.

Generally speaking, there are no special health requirements for travel to China. But for those pregnant, elderly, disabled and child travelers as well as travelers with poor health, special care should be taken. Elderly travelers, or those with medical problems, are advised to make a thorough physical examination before visiting China. Travel to high-altitude areas such as Tibet is not suitable for those with pulmonary or heart problems and hypertension.

All travelers are encouraged to bring along their medical records, which will be of great help should an emergency occur. A complete medical record should include your blood type, vaccination record, allergies, medications you are currently taking (both prescription and non-prescription), your doctor's name, address, phone number, emergency contact name and phone number, and your insurance company's name, address and phone number.

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9. What should I pack or bring on with China tour?

Here is some advices for your packing list:
1) Print out the confirmation letter and itinerary you get from us and bring one copy with you
2) The passport with all necessary visas
3) Airline tickets/train tickets
4) Wallet & Credit cards & Traveler’s checks
5) Your medical record & First-aid kit & Medicines & Vitamins
6) Clothes suitable for the season (please check the weather of your destination before you come) & Comfortable shoes
7) The Dress standard for most places in China would best be described as “smart casual”, if your tour involve some formal occasions, then a set of formal suits would be recommended.
8) Raincoat and/or umbrella
9) Hat, Sunglasses& Suncream , depending on the season and your destination
10) Insect repellent. Especially for summer months and for travelers who is going to visit rural areas.
11) If you wear glasses, we suggest you bring two pairs with you in case that you lose one pair.
12) Bottled water: if you don’t think you can agree with the drinks in China so fast, especially when you bring your children with you, we suggest you bring some homemade bottles of water for the previous several-day consumption.
13) Address and telephone number list on a sheet.
14) Converter if you have one or it is necessary for you to have one

We suggest you pack lightly, as most of the daily articles are available in China. In accordance with regulations of the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China, free checked baggage allowance within China is 20 kg for economy class, 30 kg for business class, and 40 kg for first class, plus limited carry-on luggage(weighing less than 5 kilograms with a volume not exceeding 20cmx30cmx40cm). An additional fee for overweight baggage is calculated as 1.5% of the economy class ticket fare per kilogram. Regulations within China specify that all suitcases must have a locking device attached. Failure to follow this regulation may result in refusal by airport staff to load suitcases onto the aircraft.

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10. What is the China custom entry procedure?

Entry: Tourists must complete two copies of the baggage declaration form. One copy is given to the customs officer and the other is retained to show upon exiting the country.
Personal belongings, including food, two bottles of liquor and two cartons of cigarettes, will be admitted duty free. Wristwatches, radios, tape recorders, cameras, movie cameras, and similar items may be brought in for personal use but cannot be sold or transferred to others and must be taken out of China when the traveler leaves.
Gifts for relatives or friends in China, or articles carried on behalf of others, must be declared.
Visitors can bring in an unlimited amount of foreign currency, traveler's checks, and the unspent portion can be taken out.

The following articles may not be brought into China:
1. Arms, ammunition, and explosives of any kind
2. Radio transmitters-receivers and principal parts
3. Manuscripts, printed matter, films, photographs, cinematographic films, loaded recording tapes and videotapes which are detrimental to China's politics, economy, culture and ethics
4. Illegal, habit-forming drugs, opium, morphine, heroin, etc.
5. Animals, plants and products infected with or carrying germs and insect pests
6. Unsanitary and germ-carrying foodstuffs from infected areas
7. Other articles which are prohibited by state regulations

Exit: On leaving China, tourists must submit the second copy of the baggage declaration form for customs inspection. Travelers by ship are exempt.

Items purchased in China with RMB converted from foreign currencies may be taken out or mailed out of the country after receipts are presented for customs inspection. In cities where a customs office does not exist, this can be arranged through the local Friendship Store.

The following articles may not be taken out of China:
1. Arms, ammunition, or explosives of any kind
2. Radio transmitters-receivers and principal parts
3. Un-ratified foreign currency, foreign notes or drafts
4. Manuscripts, printed matter, films, photographs, cinematographic films, loaded recording tapes and videotapes, etc. which are detrimental to China's national security
5. Rare and precious copies of books about China’s revolution, history, culture and art that are not for sale
6. Valuable animals, plants, and seeds
7. Precious metals, pearls, and jewels. (Items declared at customs are exempt.)
8. Other articles prohibited to be exported by state regulations

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11. What kinds of clothes do I need to bring to travel to China?

The following dressing (clothing) suggestions for China tours help you to dress properly in different seasonality and occasions.
Unless you have a need for formal or dressy clothes, jeans, slacks, shorts, shirts, blouses and T-shirts will do fine.
A comfortable pair of walking shoes is a must. You will be doing a great deal of walking both in the rural and urban areas of China.
Bring a swimming suit if you wish to swim. Many hotels have a swimming pool. Sun block, sunglasses and a light hat are also suggested items.
In spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) you will need a lined jacket, woolen sweater or light coat. In summer (June to August) cool cotton garments are recommended. In winter (December to February) a fleece jacket, sweatshirt, or heavy sweater will probably keep you warm enough in the south, but in the north a heavy woolen coat or down parka is a must.
It is often rainy in late spring and late summer, especially in the southern part of China, so bring some rainwear with you, or you can buy it at your destination.

12. May I take Chinese currency to China for my convenience?

You can take CNY to China, but you are limited in the value you can bring in accordance with the regulations of the General Administration of China Customs published on Jul 1st, 2005. According to the regulation, passengers who carry over CNY20, 000 in cash or foreign currencies in cash with a value exceeding US$ 5,000 shall be dealt with by the Customs according to relevant regulations currently in force. In the case that passengers carry foreign currencies exceeding US$ 5,000 in cash, and the intension is to take this money out of the country at the end of their stay, the passengers must complete Customs Declaration Forms in duplicate, one copy of which shall, after being endorsed by the Customs, be returned to the passengers for relevant procedures at the time of their exit.

It is quite easy to exchange your currency into CNY at your arrival airports, as well as hotels and banks in China, so it is not really necessary to bring Chinese currency to China.

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13. Is credit card accepted in China? If so, what major cards are accepted?

All major cards such as Visa, Master Card, American Express, JCB and Diners Club are readily accepted in major tourist cities. They can be used in most mid-range to top-end hotels (three-star and up), Friendship Stores and some department stores. Unfortunately, it is still impossible to use credit cards to finance transportation costs; even flights have to be paid for in cash. Credit card cash advances are readily available at banks and ATM machines, even in places as remote as Lhasa. A 4% commission is generally deducted.

Remember to bring phone numbers to report lost or stolen credit cards should the need arise.

Traveler's Checks
Besides the advantage of safety, traveler checks are useful to carry in China because the exchange rate is more favorable than what you get for exchanging cash. Checks from most of the world's leading banks and issuing agencies, such as Thomas Cook, American Express and Citibank, are accepted in China. You can also purchase traveler’s checks from the Bank of China. Traveler’s checks can be cashed at banks, major hotels and department stores. Traveler’s checks in denominations of $100 or less are suggested. Your passport is always required when you are cashing traveler’s checks. Be sure to keep a copy of the serial numbers of the traveler checks, and the issuing agent’s phone number in case you need to report a loss.

14. Is ATMs easy to find in major cities in china?

Using your ATM card is an excellent way to get cash in China. Drawing out small amounts of cash as needed from ATMs helps you avoid the risk of traveling with large amounts of cash. ATMs are available in most cities and airports in China. Money is issued in the local currency.
Except in Hong Kong and Macao, having money sent to you, via an international money transfer, in China is a time-consuming and frustrating task that is best avoided.