INTRO
THINGS TO DO
TOP FESTIVALS
TOP MUSEUMS
FOOD & DRINKS
A China travel adventure offers virtually limitless possibilities, from space-age metropolises like Shanghai and Beijing to the snowcapped mountains of Tibet. The world's second largest country and comfortably its most populous, it's a kaleidoscope of sights, colours and experiences that would take several lifetimes to explore fully. So where do you start? Allow us to offer up a few pointers…
FAST FACTS
Language: Standard Chinese
Currency: Renminbi (Yaun)
Electricity: 220V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter China.
Dialling Code: +86
Time Zone: (GMT+08:00)
ABOUT CONTIKI
From quick breaks to epic journeys, Contiki exists to connect young travellers with the time of their lives.
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This traditional festival commemorates the suicide of Qu Yuan, a well-loved Chinese poet who drowned himself in 278BC. It takes place on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, and see locals race traditional dragon boats and chow down on zòngzi, rice dumplings steamed in bamboo leaves.
For more information on Dragon Boat Festival, click here.
Guangzhou
The colossal tomb of King Zhao Mo Guangzhou was discovered in 1983. Amongst the many items discovered here was a unique burial gown (made of 2291 individual pieces of jade), along with the remains of 15 courtiers who were buried alive with the King in order to serve him in the afterlife. Tough gig.
For more information on the the Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King, click here.
This museum of ancient Chinese art is located in a distinctive building in the People's Square, and is one of the best known in the country. It's home to over 120,000 exhibits in varying media, including sculptures, bronzes, ceramics, jades, paintings and calligraphy.
For more information on the Shanghai Museum, click here.
Beijing
This gigantic museum of art and history is located on Tiananmen Square and is one of the big Beijing attractions. It's over 300m in length and home to over a million exhibits dating from prehistoric China through to the Quing Dynasty, with highlights including the Simuwu Ding, the heaviest piece of ancient bronzeware in existence.
For more information on the National Museum of China, click here.
The undisputed China food heavyweight champion. Slivers of succulent roast duck with thinly sliced cucumber and spring onions, wrapped up in small pancakes then dipped in hoisin sauce.
Best eaten at
Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant, Dongsi 10th Alley, Dongcheng, Beijing
Consisting of minced meat or shrimp with vegetables wrapped up in a thin skin of dough, these bite-sized mouthfuls of joy are served all over the country, but Xi'an is their spiritual home. There are more varieties than you could possibly sample in one sitting, but you'll have fun trying!
Best eaten at
Defachang, 3 West St, Lianhu, Xi'an
These wafer thin pancakes are a very popular Beijing street food. Also known as 'Tuckahoe Pie', they're made from flour, sugar and a powdered edible fungus said to have health-giving properties, with various fillings including nuts, honey and crushed pine kernels.
Best eaten at
Wangfujing Night Market, 186 Wangfujing St, Dongcheng, Beijing
Comfortable shoes - Especially if you have big feet! You’ll be doing a lot of walking here, and you'll struggle to find larger shoe sizes in China.
A transformer - Most wall sockets in China will accept European, North American and Australian plugs, but Americans beware! Voltage here is 220V, so you'll need a transformer if you want to avoid frying appliances that run on USA voltage.
Toiletries - Bring enough to last your trip, especially if you're precious about the kind you use. You may have a hard time finding familiar brands here.
A scan of your passport - Either stored on the Cloud or backed up on your phone or USB key. The same goes for other important details like credit card numbers.
Space - Make sure you leave enough room in your luggage for all those gifts, souvenirs and trinkets!
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