Planning a trip to China is an exciting adventure in itself. There are a lot of different things to think about before you go, and some things that you have to do before you even set foot in the airport. For many countries, American citizens don't need a visa, but you will need to get one in advance before taking off for China. Visas are just one of the many things for which you'll want to prepare. Read on to uncover more helpful preparation tips.
Passports and Visas
You probably already know you need to have a valid passport for visiting China. But you also need an appropriate visa. Visas are issued by the Chinese embassy or consulate general serving your area. You can deal in person with the embassy or consulate, or you can ask your travel agent to manage the process for you. Special visa agents can also arrange your visa for you (for agents, google search "get china visa") but these services will cost extra on top of the $50 visa itself.
Health Concerns
You've heard about SARS and Avian Flu. You're concerned, but there's no reason to cancel your trip to China! Taking precautions while visiting any new place is a good idea and finding out the latest on what's happening in the area is the smart thing to do. The US Center for Disease Control doesn't require any vaccinations before you go to China, but they do make some recommendations. There are also some basic items you'll want to take with you just in case you have a run-in with a bad dumpling!
Health & Medical Reading
First Aid Packing List
Water & Food Safety
Money Matters
When I first started traveling, the travelers' check was THE way to carry money around. Now with the prevalence of ATMs and credit cards, there are more convenient ways to make your purchases. Having a little advance notice of the denomination of the Chinese currency can also help you prepare for your trip. These links will help you understand what you'll need to prepare with regard to your wallet.
Traveling with Small Children
The anticipation is probably worse than the reality of the trip. Traveling with children is stressful. But you can alleviate some of that stress by bringing what you need and buying the rest. Being prepared is most of the battle when you've got kids in tow, so make it easy on yourself. Knowing what kinds of activities are available for the little ones when they get bored with temples and monuments is also helpful. Check out kids' activities in Shanghai for examples.
Planning Your Itinerary
Now that you've got the mundane bits out of the way, it's time to focus on planning your itinerary. Is it bright lights and big cities you're into? Then you may want to start out in Shanghai. Perhaps it's China's long history, best exemplified by the Great Wall you're after exploring. Whatever you decide, you'll exhaust your time for planning before you exhaust the possibilities. Enjoy!
Packing
The best advice I give my friends who come to China is this: pack light! There is so much shopping to do, most travelers have no problem filling up their suitcases on the way home. So don't bring too much with you - you really don't need that much.
That said, there are a few essentials you should have along with you. As the saying goes, if you don't want it to rain, bring an umbrella. My theory is be prepared on the health front and bring along a first aid kit so you don't have to worry about minor illnesses should they pop up. If you have it with you, hopefully you won't need it.
Ruining Your Trip to China: How to Avoid It!
There's so much to see and do in China, you'll want to focus on the good. But with any new country and culture, there might be some annoyances or irritations. Don't let these get you down! Follow this simple primer to ensure you don't ruin your trip.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
May in China - Weather and Event Guide
May Overview:
May is my favorite month in China. You can pretty much depend on it being warm and balmy but the heat and humidity of the summer have not yet set in. The country has greened up and the flowers are in full bloom. You often get some clear blue skies in the major cities and there's just an overall good feeling in the air.
Northern China, such as Beijing, is beautiful. You'll be relatively dry and the temps are lovely. Across central and southern China it will still be damp, but the temps have warmed to such a degree that it won't feel uncomfortable. You'll still need your rain gear, but you'll see a lot of nice days.
May Weather:
Beijing: the average daytime temp is 80F (26C), the average number of rainy days is 6.
Harbin: the average daytime temp is 70F (21C), the average number of rainy days is 10.
Xi'An: the average daytime temp is 67F (20C), the average number of rainy days is 10.
Shanghai: the average daytime temp is 74F (23C), the average number of rainy days is 15.
Guangzhou: the average daytime temp is 85F (30C), the average number of rainy days is 19.
Guilin: the average daytime temp is 72F (22C), the average number of rainy days is 20.
See charts for Ave Temperatures in Major Cities
See charts for Ave # of Rainy Days/Month
May Packing Suggestions:
Finally, the layers can be lightened a bit.
North: very comfortable during the day. You still might need a longer layer for cooler eveings.
Central: it'll be damp but warm. Bring layers if you get cold in air-conditioning but you won't need anything too warm or heavy.
South: as with April, it'll be warm during the day, even hot, and humid. Bring light clothes that will feel comfortable under rain gear. You may want a heavier layer at night, but light pants will probably be the warmest you'll need.
Visiting China in May - Pros:
Like I said above, May is a great time to visit China for really comfortable temperatures.
May is also good as you'll avoid the big summer travel season.
Visiting China in May - Cons:
Labor Day (or May Day) used to be a week-long holiday, but with just one day off now, it shouldn't be a big problem to travel during that time. You may find larger crowds as tourist sights and worse traffic.
Rain across most of China except the North and far West. But that's just how it goes. You can't avoid rain if you're going to see the country so pack an umbrella. You'll be fine!
May is my favorite month in China. You can pretty much depend on it being warm and balmy but the heat and humidity of the summer have not yet set in. The country has greened up and the flowers are in full bloom. You often get some clear blue skies in the major cities and there's just an overall good feeling in the air.
Northern China, such as Beijing, is beautiful. You'll be relatively dry and the temps are lovely. Across central and southern China it will still be damp, but the temps have warmed to such a degree that it won't feel uncomfortable. You'll still need your rain gear, but you'll see a lot of nice days.
May Weather:
Beijing: the average daytime temp is 80F (26C), the average number of rainy days is 6.
Harbin: the average daytime temp is 70F (21C), the average number of rainy days is 10.
Xi'An: the average daytime temp is 67F (20C), the average number of rainy days is 10.
Shanghai: the average daytime temp is 74F (23C), the average number of rainy days is 15.
Guangzhou: the average daytime temp is 85F (30C), the average number of rainy days is 19.
Guilin: the average daytime temp is 72F (22C), the average number of rainy days is 20.
See charts for Ave Temperatures in Major Cities
See charts for Ave # of Rainy Days/Month
May Packing Suggestions:
Finally, the layers can be lightened a bit.
North: very comfortable during the day. You still might need a longer layer for cooler eveings.
Central: it'll be damp but warm. Bring layers if you get cold in air-conditioning but you won't need anything too warm or heavy.
South: as with April, it'll be warm during the day, even hot, and humid. Bring light clothes that will feel comfortable under rain gear. You may want a heavier layer at night, but light pants will probably be the warmest you'll need.
Visiting China in May - Pros:
Like I said above, May is a great time to visit China for really comfortable temperatures.
May is also good as you'll avoid the big summer travel season.
Visiting China in May - Cons:
Labor Day (or May Day) used to be a week-long holiday, but with just one day off now, it shouldn't be a big problem to travel during that time. You may find larger crowds as tourist sights and worse traffic.
Rain across most of China except the North and far West. But that's just how it goes. You can't avoid rain if you're going to see the country so pack an umbrella. You'll be fine!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Tourist Trail - Tiananmen Square
Tourist Trail - Tiananmen Square
For us, there is no better place to get the true modern feel of Beijing. Tiananmen Square is huge open space surrounded on all sides by imposing official buildings. Apart from being a popular gathering place for tourists and kite flyers, it is still often used for any big celebration and for the government leaders to address the people.
Every lamp post is equipped with an array of speakers which can convey the speakers message to a crowd in the tens of thousands. You can visit the square freely until 10.30pm at night. If you go during the day you can often buy a ticket to go up to the balcony from which the leaders address the people. This gives a very impressive view of the square and you can pretend to be the government figure of your choice
If at all possible, you must go check out the square at night as well as during the day. The atmosphere at night is different again and the square is beautifully lit. On a cold winter night with fog is really something. But don't arrive too late, at 10.30pm the soldiers come and evacuate the whole thing in minutes and its sealed off for the night.
At sunrise and sunset the flag to the front of the square is raised or lowered by a squad of army personnel. This in itself is an interesting thing to watch. All the traffic on the busy Chang An Avenue is halted, around 30 soldiers march very ceremoniously across the road and the flag is hoisted up, or down the poll. Many people come to watch this, so get there an hour or so before if you want a good view.
Getting to Tiananmen Square is best done by subway or walking as taxis are not really allowed to stop anywhere near it. The are two subway stations on line 1, Tiananmen East (116) and Tiananmen West (117). They are both inconveniently situated a 5 to 7 minute walk away from the center of the square so there is no best station. Walking from the south entrance to Wangfujing Street takes about 20 minutes and is very pleasant. Just find the Beijing Hotel on Changan Avenue, walk past it and keep going west on Changan Avenue.
The Chinese name of Tiananmen Square is written below. You can use it to ask people directions or follow signs.
For us, there is no better place to get the true modern feel of Beijing. Tiananmen Square is huge open space surrounded on all sides by imposing official buildings. Apart from being a popular gathering place for tourists and kite flyers, it is still often used for any big celebration and for the government leaders to address the people.
Every lamp post is equipped with an array of speakers which can convey the speakers message to a crowd in the tens of thousands. You can visit the square freely until 10.30pm at night. If you go during the day you can often buy a ticket to go up to the balcony from which the leaders address the people. This gives a very impressive view of the square and you can pretend to be the government figure of your choice
If at all possible, you must go check out the square at night as well as during the day. The atmosphere at night is different again and the square is beautifully lit. On a cold winter night with fog is really something. But don't arrive too late, at 10.30pm the soldiers come and evacuate the whole thing in minutes and its sealed off for the night.
At sunrise and sunset the flag to the front of the square is raised or lowered by a squad of army personnel. This in itself is an interesting thing to watch. All the traffic on the busy Chang An Avenue is halted, around 30 soldiers march very ceremoniously across the road and the flag is hoisted up, or down the poll. Many people come to watch this, so get there an hour or so before if you want a good view.
Getting to Tiananmen Square is best done by subway or walking as taxis are not really allowed to stop anywhere near it. The are two subway stations on line 1, Tiananmen East (116) and Tiananmen West (117). They are both inconveniently situated a 5 to 7 minute walk away from the center of the square so there is no best station. Walking from the south entrance to Wangfujing Street takes about 20 minutes and is very pleasant. Just find the Beijing Hotel on Changan Avenue, walk past it and keep going west on Changan Avenue.
The Chinese name of Tiananmen Square is written below. You can use it to ask people directions or follow signs.
One Year Since the Sichuan Earthquake of 2008
On May 12, 2008, Sichuan Province’s mountainous villages suffered an 8-magnitude earthquake. The quake claimed the lives of nearly 70,000 people, injured 375,000 and left millions homeless. At the epicenter, Beichuan County lost 21,000 residents, or two-thirds of its population. The county, closed since the quake, was re-opened on Sunday, May 10, for former residents and families to pay tribute to their lost loved-ones.
While the people of the affected area try to get back on their feet, disaster tourism has begun in response to (apparently) enormous demand. I read recently in the Shanghai Daily about the Wenchuan Earthquake Museum in Dayi County that opened in advance of the anniversary. The museum cost US$4.39 million and includes all kinds of tokens from the disaster including a loudspeaker that Premier Wen Jiabao used when he visited the site and the Coca-Cola can from which a little boy, whose first request after being pulled from the rubble was a drink of Coke, sipped. There is an earthquake simulation room that includes smell-effects from a “harmless gas with the same odor as air emanating from earthquake ruins,”.
The Wenchuan Earthquake Museum should not be confused with the National Earthquake Ruins Museum that will present Beichuan County’s destruction. This US$336 million dollar museum and park’s plans have just been unveiled and won’t be open for another four years.
I have to question disaster tourism and all this money being spent on museums and monuments when people are still suffering, still living in temporary housing, still searching for missing people. Of course, if these museums bring people who care, who donate and spend needed tourist money, then I suppose there is some good. In any case, take a moment on May 12, 2009, to remember the victims of the Sichuan Earthquake.
Photo: A Beichuan quake survivor pauses as he tries to find family members in the rubble in the quake ravaged town, May 15, 2008 in Beichuan, Sichuan province, China. (Photo Paula Bronstein/Getty Images)
From Sara's China Travel Blog
By Sara Naumann
While the people of the affected area try to get back on their feet, disaster tourism has begun in response to (apparently) enormous demand. I read recently in the Shanghai Daily about the Wenchuan Earthquake Museum in Dayi County that opened in advance of the anniversary. The museum cost US$4.39 million and includes all kinds of tokens from the disaster including a loudspeaker that Premier Wen Jiabao used when he visited the site and the Coca-Cola can from which a little boy, whose first request after being pulled from the rubble was a drink of Coke, sipped. There is an earthquake simulation room that includes smell-effects from a “harmless gas with the same odor as air emanating from earthquake ruins,”.
The Wenchuan Earthquake Museum should not be confused with the National Earthquake Ruins Museum that will present Beichuan County’s destruction. This US$336 million dollar museum and park’s plans have just been unveiled and won’t be open for another four years.
I have to question disaster tourism and all this money being spent on museums and monuments when people are still suffering, still living in temporary housing, still searching for missing people. Of course, if these museums bring people who care, who donate and spend needed tourist money, then I suppose there is some good. In any case, take a moment on May 12, 2009, to remember the victims of the Sichuan Earthquake.
Photo: A Beichuan quake survivor pauses as he tries to find family members in the rubble in the quake ravaged town, May 15, 2008 in Beichuan, Sichuan province, China. (Photo Paula Bronstein/Getty Images)
From Sara's China Travel Blog
By Sara Naumann
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Mother's Day in China, May 10, 2009
After living here for so long, Western traditions get past me quite often since I don’t have American consumerism to remind me what I’m supposed to do. Without TV commercials and Hallmark ads screaming at me to make sure to wish my mother a Happy Mother’s Day, it nearly escapes me completely (as did Halloween and Thanksgiving last fall…). Mao Zedong supposedly said “women hold up half the sky” but Mother’s Day isn’t really done here in China.
How does a child, young or old, please his mother on May 10th here in China if it isn’t traditional to take her to brunch or bring her flowers? In my years here I’ve gathered the best way to please a Chinese mother is to eat well, do well in school or your job, make lots of money and produce offspring. She’ll feel like she’s done her job well to see you progressing in life. That’s pretty universal isn’t it?
So, say Happy Mother’s Day in China by eating everything on your plate, studying hard, getting a promotion, oh! and producing some grandchildren if you’re at the right stage in life.
How does a child, young or old, please his mother on May 10th here in China if it isn’t traditional to take her to brunch or bring her flowers? In my years here I’ve gathered the best way to please a Chinese mother is to eat well, do well in school or your job, make lots of money and produce offspring. She’ll feel like she’s done her job well to see you progressing in life. That’s pretty universal isn’t it?
So, say Happy Mother’s Day in China by eating everything on your plate, studying hard, getting a promotion, oh! and producing some grandchildren if you’re at the right stage in life.
Traveling to China or Hong Kong? Expect Long Lines in Quarantine.
When we first arrived in Shanghai in 2004, we had to fill in a quarantine form and hand it in before immigration. SARS was over but the authorities were still taking precautions. A bored looking woman sat in a white coat behind the quarantine desk with a temperature monitor behind her and she collected the forms that people nearly threw at her. No one had to wait in line, the woman barely glanced at the forms; it was a formality.
With the current swine flu issue and the extreme precaution that China is taking, things are very different. Both in mainland airports and in Hong Kong, the quarantine station is in full action mode. You will be required to fill in a quarantine form that includes questions about your recent destinations and your recent health. The health professional behind the desk is checking every single document to ensure they have your name and address in China and this check is causing a delay in getting through to your luggage.
While this delay is annoying, especially when you’ve just gotten off a twelve-hour flight, it is for your own safety and the health safety of millions, that the authorities are being so careful. Grin and bare it, and book yourself a nice massage when you get to your hotel. Elderly, pregnant and traveling with children passengers, remember to look for the VIP lane once you get to the immigration lines. This will, at least, speed things up for you.
With the current swine flu issue and the extreme precaution that China is taking, things are very different. Both in mainland airports and in Hong Kong, the quarantine station is in full action mode. You will be required to fill in a quarantine form that includes questions about your recent destinations and your recent health. The health professional behind the desk is checking every single document to ensure they have your name and address in China and this check is causing a delay in getting through to your luggage.
While this delay is annoying, especially when you’ve just gotten off a twelve-hour flight, it is for your own safety and the health safety of millions, that the authorities are being so careful. Grin and bare it, and book yourself a nice massage when you get to your hotel. Elderly, pregnant and traveling with children passengers, remember to look for the VIP lane once you get to the immigration lines. This will, at least, speed things up for you.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Tips for having one Safe, Memorable Trip to China
Tourism is a burgeoning industry in China making it not only the zenith dealings destination but a must see voyage sojourn. To guarantee that you have your slip, Chinese Translation Pro has compiled these effective journey tips as well as useful bits of information to take with you.
When to Go: If you looking for the lowest outlay on journey, chart your fall during the Low Season; December, January and February. The Peak Traveled Season concerns May, September and October. March, April, June, July, August and November are perhaps the best journey months with respect to penalty, climate and entertainment.
Getting There: The subject airline Air China. As is authentic of any getaway, travelers should confirm their arrival departure reservations; airline overbooking has led to people being trapped in China. Also, be primed for a lengthy flight. A nonstop from New York to Beijing lasts 14 hours while a charter to Shanghai lasts upwards of 18 hours.
There are four airport hubs within China; Beijing/Peking (BJS/PEK), Guangzhou Baiyun International, Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) and Shanghai Pudong (PVG). Each airport includes taxis, released and transport buses, task free shops, banks/currency conversions, send offices, venture and internet facilities and bars and restaurants. Important to hint is the departure tax, which is salaried in Chinese currency only. Children under 12 and transit passengers, proceeding within 24 hours of move, exempt.
Once There: Once in China, there are numerous transportation options via rail, sea and automobile. Railways grant the principal means of transportation throughout China. The trains are affordable, cautious and well maintained operating between foremost cities; military involve Beijing to Guangzhou, Shanghai, Harbin, Chengdu and Urumqi. There are three types of trains, the Express selection being the best of the three. There are four varieties of fare: hard seat, diffused seat (only on small-space trains such as the Hong Kong to Guangzhou (Canton) line), hard sleeper and bendable sleeper. Children under 3 ft tall voyage free and those under 4ft pay a lodge of the fare. Train move is often a comfortable experience albeit, a time-consuming one, due to the coldness between destinations. Domestic smoothed tour is a time reduction alternative. Flights from Shanghei to Beijing, Hong Kong to Shanghei and Guangzhou to Shanghei are about 2 hours; however, the roundtrip travel overheads ordinary $350 USD. Though specific tutor travel between these cities ranges from 12 to 18 hours, the prices are decidedly more affordable, between $15 to $30 USD.
Visa- Don?? Leave Home Without It: Visas for leisure travel to China are simple to acquire, conceding a one month?? Stopover. The Chinese legation or consulate, your travel agent or the independent papers ritual will gladly help you. In the United States, commerce the Chinese Embassy in Washington DC or the Consulates in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston or New York. US citizens can sojourn in Hong Kong without a visa for up to 30 days.
Tips on Tipping: Tipping is generally accepted and encouraged by tour guides, lodge body and car services. In restaurants, if the tip has not already been figured into the price, a 10 to 15 percent tip is advisable.
Good Eats: A meal in China need not contain won ton or dim sum to be considered delicious and authentic. China offers an enormous array of dining options counting Muslim, Korean, American and traditional Chinese. Americans should bequeath their preconceptions of Chinese food at the customs gate!
Making Notes Makes All the Difference: Getting around in any exotic country can be intimidating, especially if there is the fixed words barrier to complicate communication. To alleviate impending frustration we have come up with some regular questions and phrases for you to font out and take with you. You can download it for Free from our Chinese translation website: www.chinesetranslationpro.com.
When to Go: If you looking for the lowest outlay on journey, chart your fall during the Low Season; December, January and February. The Peak Traveled Season concerns May, September and October. March, April, June, July, August and November are perhaps the best journey months with respect to penalty, climate and entertainment.
Getting There: The subject airline Air China. As is authentic of any getaway, travelers should confirm their arrival departure reservations; airline overbooking has led to people being trapped in China. Also, be primed for a lengthy flight. A nonstop from New York to Beijing lasts 14 hours while a charter to Shanghai lasts upwards of 18 hours.
There are four airport hubs within China; Beijing/Peking (BJS/PEK), Guangzhou Baiyun International, Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) and Shanghai Pudong (PVG). Each airport includes taxis, released and transport buses, task free shops, banks/currency conversions, send offices, venture and internet facilities and bars and restaurants. Important to hint is the departure tax, which is salaried in Chinese currency only. Children under 12 and transit passengers, proceeding within 24 hours of move, exempt.
Once There: Once in China, there are numerous transportation options via rail, sea and automobile. Railways grant the principal means of transportation throughout China. The trains are affordable, cautious and well maintained operating between foremost cities; military involve Beijing to Guangzhou, Shanghai, Harbin, Chengdu and Urumqi. There are three types of trains, the Express selection being the best of the three. There are four varieties of fare: hard seat, diffused seat (only on small-space trains such as the Hong Kong to Guangzhou (Canton) line), hard sleeper and bendable sleeper. Children under 3 ft tall voyage free and those under 4ft pay a lodge of the fare. Train move is often a comfortable experience albeit, a time-consuming one, due to the coldness between destinations. Domestic smoothed tour is a time reduction alternative. Flights from Shanghei to Beijing, Hong Kong to Shanghei and Guangzhou to Shanghei are about 2 hours; however, the roundtrip travel overheads ordinary $350 USD. Though specific tutor travel between these cities ranges from 12 to 18 hours, the prices are decidedly more affordable, between $15 to $30 USD.
Visa- Don?? Leave Home Without It: Visas for leisure travel to China are simple to acquire, conceding a one month?? Stopover. The Chinese legation or consulate, your travel agent or the independent papers ritual will gladly help you. In the United States, commerce the Chinese Embassy in Washington DC or the Consulates in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston or New York. US citizens can sojourn in Hong Kong without a visa for up to 30 days.
Tips on Tipping: Tipping is generally accepted and encouraged by tour guides, lodge body and car services. In restaurants, if the tip has not already been figured into the price, a 10 to 15 percent tip is advisable.
Good Eats: A meal in China need not contain won ton or dim sum to be considered delicious and authentic. China offers an enormous array of dining options counting Muslim, Korean, American and traditional Chinese. Americans should bequeath their preconceptions of Chinese food at the customs gate!
Making Notes Makes All the Difference: Getting around in any exotic country can be intimidating, especially if there is the fixed words barrier to complicate communication. To alleviate impending frustration we have come up with some regular questions and phrases for you to font out and take with you. You can download it for Free from our Chinese translation website: www.chinesetranslationpro.com.
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