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China (north)
China offers a vast array of experiences, from the iconic Great Wall and the Terracotta Army to the vibrant cities of Beijing and Shanghai. Visitors can explore ancient traditions in Xi’an, enjoy the stunning landscapes of Zhangjiajie, and experience the diverse cultures and cuisines across the country. Its blend of historical significance and modern development makes China a fascinating destination.
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Summary
Neighboring Countries
Overview
Months
04. April, 05. May, 06. June, 09. September, 10. October
Vacation type
Beach, Couple, Family, Mountains, Hiking, Nature, Party, Sightseeing, Skiing
Expenses
<100€, <150€, <200€, Over 200€
Temperature
0-10°C, 10-20°C, 20-25°C, 25-30°C
Rainfall
0-50mm, 50-100mm
Safety
Safe
Continent
Asia
Currency
Renminbi
Languages
Chinese
Currency Converter
When to visit
The best time to visit North China is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October).
- Spring (April to June): Offers mild temperatures and blossoming landscapes, making it ideal for exploring cities like Beijing and historic sites such as the Great Wall.
- Autumn (September to October): Provides clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and beautiful fall foliage, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- Summer (July to August) can be hot and humid, especially in cities like Beijing, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C.
- Winter (November to March) can be very cold, with temperatures dropping well below freezing, especially in northern regions, though it’s also a good time for experiencing winter activities and fewer crowds.
Weather, Crowds and Costs
Per one person
Tourist Season: April-October (Spring & Summer)
Budget Vacation ($40-80/day)
Accommodation: $20-50/night (budget hotels, hostels, simple guesthouses).
Food: $10-15/day (street food, local restaurants).
Activities: $10-20/day (museums, parks, historical sites like the Great Wall, Forbidden City).
Transportation: $5-10/day (public transportation, metro, buses).
Other Costs: $5-10/day (souvenirs, small activities).
Mid-Range Vacation ($80-200/day)
Accommodation: $50-120/night (mid-range hotels, boutique accommodations).
Food: $15-30/day (local restaurants, casual dining).
Activities: $20-50/day (tours, cultural experiences, local attractions like the Summer Palace).
Transportation: $10-20/day (taxis, local transport).
Other Costs: $10-15/day (souvenirs, special activities).
Luxury Vacation ($200+/day)
Accommodation: $120+/night (luxury hotels, high-end resorts).
Food: $30+/day (fine dining, international restaurants).
Activities: $40+/day (private tours, VIP experiences at historical sites).
Transportation: $20+/day (private drivers, luxury transport).
Other Costs: $15+/day (high-end souvenirs, exclusive experiences).
Off-Peak Season: November-March (Fall & Winter)
Budget Vacation ($30-70/day)
Accommodation: $15-40/night (budget accommodations, hostels).
Food: $10-15/day (simple meals, local eateries).
Activities: $5-15/day (museums, winter-specific activities).
Transportation: $5-10/day (public transport, metro).
Other Costs: $5/day (souvenirs).
Mid-Range Vacation ($70-150/day)
Accommodation: $40-80/night (mid-range hotels, cozy guesthouses).
Food: $10-20/day (casual restaurants, street food).
Activities: $10-25/day (indoor attractions, cultural sites, winter activities).
Transportation: $10-15/day (public transport, taxis).
Other Costs: $5-10/day (souvenirs, indoor activities).
Luxury Vacation ($150+/day)
Accommodation: $80+/night (luxury hotels, private stays).
Food: $20+/day (fine dining, upscale restaurants).
Activities: $30+/day (private guided tours, VIP cultural experiences).
Transportation: $15+/day (private transfers, taxis).
Other Costs: $10+/day (luxury souvenirs, experiences).
Best Regions to visit
Cities
1. Beijing
- The capital city, known for its historic landmarks such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Temple of Heaven.
2. Tianjin
- A major port city known for its mix of modern and colonial architecture, including attractions like the Tianjin Eye and the Ancient Culture Street.
3. Harbin
- Famous for its winter ice and snow festivals, as well as its unique blend of Russian and Chinese architecture.
4. Shenyang
- Known for its historical sites, including the Shenyang Imperial Palace and the Mukden Palace, as well as its vibrant local culture.
5. Hohhot
- The capital of Inner Mongolia, recognized for its Mongolian heritage and attractions such as the Dazhao Temple and the Inner Mongolia Museum.
Beijing
Islands
1. Hainan Island
- Known for its tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and resorts. While technically located in the south, it is one of the most popular island destinations in China.
2. Dalian's Bangchuidao Island
- A scenic island near Dalian, known for its parks, beaches, and recreational areas.
3. Taihu Lake Islands
- Located in Jiangsu Province, these include several smaller islands within Taihu Lake, offering picturesque views and traditional Chinese architecture.
4. Pingtan Island
- Situated off the coast of Fujian Province, Pingtan is known for its unique coastal landscape, beaches, and cultural sites.
Things to see
Beijing
1. The Great Wall of China: Stretching across northern China, with notable sections near Beijing like Badaling and Mutianyu.
2. The Forbidden City: The grand imperial palace complex in the heart of Beijing, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
3. Tiananmen Square: A historic and large public square, home to significant landmarks such as the Tiananmen Gate and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.
4. Temple of Heaven: An ancient temple complex known for its stunning architecture and historical significance in imperial ceremonies.
Shanxi Province
1. Pingyao Ancient City: A well-preserved historic town with ancient city walls, traditional architecture, and a glimpse into ancient Chinese life.
2. Yungang Grottoes: A series of impressive Buddhist cave temples featuring elaborate rock-cut sculptures near Datong.
3. Mount Wutai: One of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, with numerous temples and monasteries set amidst scenic landscapes.
Hebei Province
1. Chengde Mountain Resort: A vast imperial garden and palace complex designed for the Qing emperors, with beautiful gardens and a large area of natural scenery.
2. Shanhaiguan Pass: A famous section of the Great Wall where it meets the Bohai Sea, known for its historical fortifications and scenic views.
Inner Mongolia
1. Hohhot: The capital city known for its cultural sites like the Dazhao Temple and the Inner Mongolia Museum.
2. Hulunbuir Grassland: Expansive and picturesque grasslands offering opportunities for horseback riding and experiencing nomadic culture.
3. Kubuqi Desert: A desert area with impressive sand dunes and opportunities for desert activities and exploring natural landscapes.
Tianjin
1. Tianjin Ancient Culture Street: A lively area with traditional Chinese architecture, shops, and food stalls.
2. Tianjin Eye: A giant Ferris wheel located over the Haihe River, offering panoramic views of the city.
3. Italian Style Town: A district showcasing European-style buildings and architecture from the early 20th century.
Jilin Province
1. Changbai Mountains: A mountain range known for its stunning natural scenery, including the pristine Heaven Lake and diverse flora and fauna.
2. Jilin City: Known for its ice and snow festivals, particularly the ice sculptures along the Songhua River.
Liaoning Province
1. Shenyang: The city features the Shenyang Imperial Palace, a smaller but similar palace to the Forbidden City, and the Mukden Palace.
2. Dalian: A port city with beautiful coastal scenery, modern architecture, and beaches.
The Great Wall of China
How to get around
1. High-Speed Trains
- China has an extensive high-speed rail network connecting major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xi’an. The high-speed trains (like the G-series and D-series) are efficient, comfortable, and popular for long-distance travel.
2. Trains
- In addition to high-speed trains, China has regular trains, including overnight sleeper trains for longer journeys. The national rail service, operated by China Railway, provides various classes of service.
3. Domestic Flights
- For long-distance travel, flying is a quick option. Major airlines such as Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern offer flights between cities and regions.
4. Buses
- Buses are a common and economical option for both intercity and local travel. Long-distance buses connect cities and towns, while local buses operate within cities.
5. Subways and Light Rail
- Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu have extensive subway systems that are efficient and convenient for urban travel. Some cities also have light rail systems.
6. Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps
- Taxis are widely available in cities. Ride-hailing apps like Didi Chuxing (similar to Uber) are also popular and often more convenient than traditional taxis.
7. Car Rentals
- Renting a car is possible but less common for tourists due to traffic conditions and the need for a Chinese driver’s license. Driving is on the right side of the road.
8. Bicycles and E-Bikes
- Many cities have bike-sharing programs and dedicated bike lanes. Renting bicycles or e-bikes is a convenient way to explore urban areas.
9. Boats and Ferries
- In cities with rivers and canals, such as Shanghai and Guilin, boats and ferries are available for scenic travel and transportation.
For efficient travel between cities, high-speed trains and flights are ideal, while subways and buses are best for navigating urban areas.
What to eat
1. Peking Duck
- A famous dish known for its crispy skin and tender meat, traditionally served with pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions.
2. Dumplings
- Dough pockets filled with meat, vegetables, or seafood, either steamed, boiled, or fried, served with soy sauce or vinegar.
3. Mapo Tofu
- A spicy Sichuan dish made with soft tofu, minced meat, and a rich, flavorful sauce made with chili bean paste.
4. Kung Pao Chicken
- A stir-fry dish made with chicken, peanuts, and vegetables, flavored with a spicy and tangy sauce.
5. Chow Mein
- Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and protein, often topped with soy sauce and served as a popular takeout dish.
Flights
Flight prices are approximate and vary by departure city, airline, and booking time. Check airlines or travel platforms for the latest details.
Main Airports: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN)
Flight Prices and Seasons:
From Europe
- Average Round-Trip Cost: €300 to €700.
- Cheapest Months: January to March and September.
- Peak Prices: Summer (June to August) and December holidays.
From North America
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $500 to $1,000.
- Cheapest Months: February to March and September to November.
- Peak Prices: Summer and December holidays.
From Asia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $100 to $500 (regional flights).
- Cheapest Months: February to March and September to November.
- Peak Prices: Summer months and December holidays.
From Australia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $400 to $800.
- Cheapest Months: February to March and September.
- Peak Prices: December holidays and summer months.
From Africa
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $600 to $1,200.
- Cheapest Months: February and November.
- Peak Prices: Summer and December holidays.
Visa
1. Visa Requirement
- Most travelers need a visa to enter China, including citizens of the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia.
2. Visa-Free Entry
- Citizens of certain countries can enter visa-free for specific durations, such as Singapore and Brunei for up to 15 days and Japan for up to 15 days if arriving from specific regions.
3. Visa Application
- Travelers must apply for a Chinese visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate in their home country or through authorized visa services.
4. Types of Visa
- Commonly issued as tourist visas (L visa), business visas (M visa), or student visas (X visa), with varying durations and conditions.
5. Processing Time
- Visa processing typically takes 4 to 6 business days, but expedited services are available for an additional fee.
6. Duration of Stay
- Tourist visas usually allow stays of 30 days, but this can vary depending on the type of visa issued.
7. Health Requirements
- No specific vaccinations are required for entry, but having travel insurance is highly recommended.
8. COVID-19 Regulations
- Check for current COVID-19 entry requirements, including testing and quarantine regulations, as these may change frequently.
Important things to know
1. Payments
- The local currency is the Renminbi (CNY). Credit cards are accepted in major cities, but cash (especially in smaller denominations) is advisable.
2. Tap Water
- Tap water is generally not safe to drink. Bottled water is recommended.
3. Electricity
- The voltage is 220V, and plug types A, C, and I (two flat pins) are used. An adapter may be needed for devices from other regions.
4. Tipping in Restaurants
- Tipping is not customary and not expected, but rounding up the bill is appreciated in some tourist areas.
5. SIM Cards
- Local SIM cards are available from
providers like China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. They can be purchased at stores, offering various prepaid data plans.
6. Driving Side
- In China, people drive on the right side of the road.