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Traveling thousands of miles is better than reading thousands of books
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China's history is full of great works of philosophy, science, politics, and art. The earliest of the great world civilizations call it home.
Throughout much of its history, different dynasties ruled over China. The Xia dynasty, which rose to power sometime about 2250 BC, is thought to have been the first dynasty. Around the 14th century BC, the Shang or Yin dynasty rose to power. One of the most significant dynasties in Chinese history was the Han, who reigned from 206 BC until 220 AD. The Han Dynasty was responsible for much of modern culture. Later well-known dynasties, such as the Song and the Tang, carried on with the refinement of the culture and introduced new technologies to the globe, such as printing money, a permanent navy, and a sophisticated government that ruled over 100 million people.
Four thousand years ago, China began recording its history, which is a lengthy and intricate tapestry. The nation has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous empires, as well as horrible conflicts and periods of tranquility. China has produced some of the greatest conquerors and intellectuals. It comes as no surprise that the history of this country has been so lengthy and famous. Many people think that China could be the next major superpower due to its escalating political and economic dominance. As a result, when you travel to China, be prepared to experience a diverse nation where the past, present, and future coexist together.
Let's get around
From international cities to China and most Chinese destinations, flights or airplanes are the quickest and most practical mode of transportation. Not only does flying save time, but it also saves energy. Travelers can choose their perfect entry point into China from various international airports in China, including those in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Chengdu, etc. Currently, 18 Chinese cities offer 72-hour visa-free transit, allowing visitors to spend a short time in most of the country's major cities. China Discovery is prepared to arrange domestic flights to complement your trip plans in each location perfectly. We can also assist you in reserving foreign flights for your arrival and departure. Please let your travel advisor know if you are a member of a specific airline business so they can help you with membership points. If you make your reservations, be sure to note the departure time, the airports, and the terminal and conduct some research on the transfer.
China Trains: High-Speed Train Travel
Travelers can board several trains to practically any city or region. By the end of 2014, China had the most extended HSR network globally, covering over 16,000 km and 28 of the country's 34 provinces and regions. Traveling throughout China on a high-speed rail (G, D, or C trains) that averages at least 250 km/h is highly advised. High-speed trains are currently on par with air travel in terms of effectiveness as a long-distance mode of transportation thanks to their speed, safety, dependability, comfort, and environmental friendliness. The majority of popular tourist destinations, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Luoyang, Guilin, Chengdu, Huangshan, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Guiyang, and more, offer high-speed train service, and many visitors pick high-speed train travel as an integral element of their vacation to China. High-speed train travel between Beijing and Xian, Beijing and Shanghai, Xian and Luoyang, Guilin and Guiyang, Lanzhou and Urumqi, Chengdu, and Chongqing, Yichang and Wuhan, and Pingyao and Xian is quite common.
If you're planning to visit remote areas in China with breathtaking landscapes like Yuanyang Rice Terrace, Dongchuan Red Land, Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan, Siguniang Mountain, Hailuogou in Sichuan, Mount Everest, Namtso Lake in Tibet, Huitengxile Grassland, and Gegentala Grassland in Inner Mongolia, you may need to use the highway or road. While it's not as comfortable as flying or taking a high-speed rail, it's still a cost-effective option to reach your destination. However, long-distance buses only have a few departures, so it's best to book your tickets in advance and choose a daylong, 6- to 8-hour trip between two locations.
Alternatively, you can opt for an exclusive service with China Discovery that offers private drivers and knowledgeable guides for you, your family, and your group. With their extensive experience, our tour guides will provide you with in-depth explanations of every location you'll visit, while our drivers are qualified, knowledgeable, and friendly. This private vehicle service enhances your comfort, flexibility, and enjoyment of your tour.
Discover the beauty of China's waterways with over 5800 rivers spanning 400,000 kilometers. China boasts the most navigable rivers, streams, lakes, and canals of any nation, totaling 110,000 kilometers. The Yangtze River, Yellow River, Pearl River, Xijiang River, Huangpu River, and Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal are the main rivers for cruising. Enjoy a convenient and relaxing mode of transportation while observing the stunning sights of China. Cruise options include a 4-day, 3-night trip from Chongqing to Yichang or a 5-day, 4-night upstream journey from Yichang to Chongqing on the Yangtze River. Alternatively, take a 4-hour Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, a 45-minute Huangpu River cruise passing by The Bund, or a Grand Canal journey from Suzhou, ranging from 40 minutes to an hour.
Discovering a city in an affordable and eco-friendly way is possible by taking the subway. In China, more than 25 cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Guangzhou, offer subway transportation for tourists. Shanghai's subway system is the longest, covering 567 kilometers and consisting of 14 lines (metro lines 1 through 13 and 16), providing convenient access to popular destinations like Pudong International Airport, Hongqiao International Airport, and Yu Garden. Meanwhile, Beijing's metro system has 18 lines and covers 527 kilometers, making it the second-longest. This means that visitors can quickly travel to top attractions, such as Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Beijing Capital International Airport.
Explore the true essence of Chinese cuisine with our expert travel tips and savor only the finest flavors. Chinese food is much more than just noodles, fried rice, and kung pao chicken. With its rich history, intricate preparation techniques, and unique blends of flavors and textures, it's no wonder that Chinese cuisine is enjoyed by people all over the world. It's an essential aspect of the nation's cultural identity.
When visiting this place, you'll have the chance to savor authentic Chinese cuisine. From savory noodle dishes to flavorful soups, the traditional food here is a must-try. However, it's important to keep in mind that the food you'll find here may differ significantly from what you're used to finding in Chinese restaurants, delivery services, or Chinatowns in your own country. This is because the flavors, aromas, and ingredients used can vary depending on where you are, as is the case in many other countries. It's worth noting that almost all Chinese cuisine is based on one of the ten primary schools of cooking.
Few things to know
1. What is the currency and conversion in China?
The Yuan serves as the fundamental unit of the local currency in China, known as the Renminbi (RMB or CNY). You can buy cash in your home nation or exchange it at Chinese airports, some banks, or bureaus de changers located inside significant hotels.
1 USD = 6.89 RMB2. What is the language in China?
Mandarin Chinese is the most commonly spoken language in mainland China, which uses characters and tones that vary depending on location. Cantonese and other dialects are also widely spoken, particularly in regions near Hong Kong and Macau.
If you need help, younger residents and business professionals in major Chinese cities should be able to assist you, as English is commonly taught in schools. However, they may not have much experience communicating with native English speakers, so it's best to speak slowly and clearly or write down your questions.
In rural China, only a few people are fluent in English. To communicate with locals, it's recommended that you bring a small translation aid with Chinese characters that a native speaker can read. This will assist you in essential communication.3. Are there many ATMs and Money Exchange?
It's advisable to always carry cash with you in China, especially in the countryside. In big cities and towns, ATMs usually operate around the clock. When visiting a city, you may discover that some hotels and department shops accept international credit cards like Visa, AMEX, and Mastercard. Before leaving, be careful to let your bank know so they don't presume your card has been lost or stolen.
4. What is the time zone in China?
The sole recognized time zone in China is China Standard Time (CST), which is eight hours earlier than UTC. Beijing Time is the name of the time zone in China.
The Uyghur people live in Xinjiang, which is the westernmost area of China, and unofficially observe Ürümqi Time, which is 2 hours behind CST.
All year long, China follows China Standard Time. There are no time modifications during Daylight Saving Time.5. What is the climate in China?
The greatest seasons to travel to China are, without a doubt, autumn and spring because of the mild temperatures, fewer tourists, and pleasant weather. However, summer and winter are fantastic possibilities if you don't mind the sweltering and arctic conditions and provide various landscapes and activities.
6. What is the telephone code in China?
(+86) is the dialing code for China. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology is responsible for allocating and organizing Chinese phone numbers. Their proposal calls for distinct formats for landlines, mobile phones, and toll-free numbers.
7. What is the emergency service in China?
In China, you can request an ambulance by dialing "120".
8. What is the driving mode in China?
Driving is done on the right side of the road in mainland China. Several of Hong Kong's neighbors, including Macau, India, Nepal, and Pakistan, drive on the left. All vehicles in China, with the exception of military vehicles, are subject to the People's Republic of China's Road Traffic Safety Law (中华人民共和国道路交通安全法).
9. What is the electricity voltage in China?
220V
The supply voltage in China is 220V. If the appliance has a single voltage rating, it must run at 220V, which is the same voltage as the country's supply voltage.
Some highlights in China
Airlines that fly to China
These are some of the airlines flying to China from around the world. Major airlines offer direct flights to China from all over the world. There are also several connecting flights to China depending on what countries you depart to and which airline you are flying with. In some airlines, you may consider having layovers too.
How long do flights to China take?
14 hours and 56 minutes is the total flying time from the United States to China. This implies that a commercial airliner flies at an average speed of 500 mph, 805 km/h, or 434 knots. A further 30 minutes are added for takeoff and landing. The precise time may change based on the wind.
Don't forget to factor in extra time for the plane to taxi between the gate and the airport runway when making travel plans. This time calculation solely accounts for real flight time. Airport wait periods as well as potential equipment or weather delays should also be taken into account.
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