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China Travel Information
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To help you prepare for your exciting trip to China
& the Orient, we have provided you with some useful China travel
information about Asian cultures, cities, weather, and much more.
When you are ready to get started, call us at one of our toll free
numbers listed below and speak to one of our expert China travel
agents today.
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China Travel Guide: People and Culture
The Chinese way of life is distinctive in many subtle ways. Western
notions of the centrality of the self are alien to many Chinese, who
see themselves in relation to family, community and the past, rather
than as entirely free agents. Nowhere in the world is the past more
woven into the present than in China, and no other country can boast
the sense of continuity that has been bred into the Chinese people
over the last three thousand years.
Peek at the many faces of Asia, find out who introduced China
to the West, and dip your senses into the Chinese way of life. |
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China Travel Guide: The Basics
Weather in China is temperate and humid in the Southeast and
South, dry in the North and Northeast of China.
Follow this link for a detailed China Weather Chart |
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Tap water in China is not generally safe to drink, so please
use bottled water at all times. Boiled water is often available in
Chinese hotels and restaurants. Tea, beer and soft drinks in
reasonable quantities are served with lunch and dinner, and are
included in the tour cost for all China Tours. Potent Mao-tai (clear
rice wine) should be taken with caution.
Hygiene in China varies from place to place, so all visitors
must be aware of potential hazards and act cautiously. Although food
is prepared fresh and cooked or cleaned thoroughly, stomach upsets
are possible so it is advisable to take some medicine with you.
Dressing for travel in China should include casual,
comfortable clothing such as T-shirts and blouses. Good, comfortable
footwear is essential. There will be a fair amount of walking
involved when going through the sights. |
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Maps of China
Click here for a map of China
Click here for a map of
the Yangtze River |
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China Travel Guide: China Currency
Currency in China
is commonly referred to as RMB. This Chinese
legal tender is actually named renminbi, meaning "People's Money."
The basic denominations are Yuan (dollar), Jiao or Mao (dime), and
fen (penny). The symbol for the RMB is ₯.
The basic unit of RMB = Yuan
1 Yuan = 10 Jiao
1 Jiao = 10 fen |
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Chinese currency is not a hard currency - it is not freely traded in
the international market. Therefore, it is much easier for you to
exchange your US or Canadian dollars for Chinese currency when you
arrive in China. We would advise everyone to carry a significant
amount of your money in travelers cheques. These can be converted
into local currency at your hotel, banks, and Friendship Stores at
fixed and constant rates (the exchange rate is the same everywhere).
Credit cards like American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely
accepted in larger establishments. A supply of cash in larger bills
is also recommended along with a few one dollar bills for departure
taxes, tipping and so on. Please note that upon exiting China,
visitors may be required to show official exchange receipts in order
to change RMB back into dollars. This process of re-conversion is
only permitted upon departure. A maximum of 6,000 Yuan RMB is
allowed to be taken into and out of China. |
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China Travel Guide: China Travel Visas
Travel Visas for entering China include Group Tourist visas,
Student visas, and multiple entry/business visas.
Click here for a China Visa Application Form. We have
provided more information regarding each type of travel visa below:
For Single Entry Visas is the most popular visa for travelers
going on a Chinapac tour; send us the completed China Visa
application, your passport, and one passport size picture.
For Group Tourist Visas a group of at least 5 members; a
confirmation letter from a provincial tourist bureau or
government-authorized Chinese travel agency; a name list of the
whole group in triplicate and one photocopy of the information page
of each passport. Also required is one passport size picture and
occupation of the traveler.
For Student Visas please use either form JW202 or JW201
issued by the State Education Commission of China You will also be
required to submit a notice of admission from your receiving
university. An "X" visa is issued for those who study in China over
6 months and "F" visa for those who study in China less than 6
months.
For Multiple Entry Visitor / Business Visas (6 Months
or 1 Year) an invitation letter from a government authorized Chinese
organizations is required.
For Travel to Tibet
a permit can be arranged free of charge when purchasing a package
from Chinapac International. Contact our office for more
information
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China Travel Guide: Transportation
Major Airlines that travel to China include:
Air China
Air Canada
Cathay Pacific
Japan Airlines
Dragon Air
Oasis Hong Kong
China Eastern
Hainan Airlines |
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Travel within China is available through several modes of
transportation. Visitors can choose from bicycle, bus, taxi or train
for travel to and from distances near or far. Bicycles are available
for rental at many outlets throughout the cities. The bus is quite
an experience as one must literally squeeze onto a city bus. Taxis
flood the streets surrounding all major hotels and large format
stores, and can be conveniently hired for a whole day or a portion
thereof. For extended travel, the train is an enjoyable and relaxing
choice to view the magnificent countryside. Trains also operate out
of Shanghai to the nearby cities of Suzhou, Wuxi, Nanjing or
Hangzhou. Travelers will find the sleeping quarters in trains to be
clean, comfortable and air- conditioned.
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China Travel Guide: Planning your Trip
Deciding When To Travel to China should be based on your
personal preferences. Considering the size of China and its
wide-ranging climatic conditions, a decision on when to go should be
based on the regions your trip will cover and what type of weather
you are most comfortable with. The peak tourist months are mid-April
to early May, or September to early October when the weather is
agreeable. Fares are lower in the shoulder season from late March
and November, and from June through August. Crowds are minimal and
prices are more reasonable through the winter, beginning in late
November.
Organized Tours of China are highly recommended to enhance
your travel experience. Independent travelers may find it difficult
to experience and see what China has to offer, especially outside of
the major cities. Travelers can choose from numerous group tours in
China that are booked through a Western company working with a
Chinese host-organization in cities within China.
Guide Services in China are available in three levels for
foreigners. Call us and we will be happy to go over these options
with you and pre-arrange your selection prior to departing for
China.
First, independent travelers should set up an itinerary using
local guides from each city. The local guide will meet the traveler
upon arrival to the city and remain responsible for further
arrangements until departure for the next city. The process then
repeats itself over again until your voyage is over!
The second level of guide services are the Chinapac Package Tours
for groups of 10 or more in which the services of a Chinese national
guide, upon arrival up to departure, are provided. The guide travels
from city to city with the group and will provide travelers with an
increased sense of security.
The third level of guided services are seat in coach tours.
Seat in Coach tours are a great way to explore if you prefer not to
be part of an escorted group, but still want the security of
pre-booked accommodation and transport between places of interest.
You will join English speaking travelers from all over the world,
not just Chinapac customers.
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When you are ready to get started, call us at one of our toll free
numbers listed below and speak to one of our expert China travel
agents today. |
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CHINAPAC INTERNATIONAL |
| 107-511 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4R2 |
| Tel: (604) 731-1693 Fax: (604) 731-1694 |
| Toll Free: 1-800-661-8182 |
| Email:
questions@chinapac.com
Website:
www.chinapac.com |
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