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Looking for Flights to China?
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Flights to China: Between Yesterday and the Day After Tomorrow
China has experienced rapid development in recent decades and has opened up to international tourism. Domestic flights to China are no longer an issue, thanks to the well-developed railway network and new domestic China flights. However, you should not underestimate the size of the country and plan plenty of time for your vacation in China.
The Middle Kingdom is a fascinating travel destination that will captivate you with its diversity and contrasts. Plan as much time as possible, and look forward to an unforgettable vacation in Asia!
The Most Important Highlights of a Trip to China
The Middle Kingdom is difficult to fully explore in a single city China trip due to its vast geographical expanse. Either focus on a specific region or plan to include just a few highlights for your first trip to China. With modern high-speed trains and domestic China flights, the country is easy to explore. The key places you shouldn’t miss on your vacation packages to China are:
Beijing with the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China
The modern megacity of Shanghai
The historic Xi’an with the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shihuangdi
Chengdu and the giant pandas
Guilin and the Karst mountains along the Li River
The former British colony Hong Kong on the South China Sea
You can either join an organized tour or plan your China trip independently. The latter requires a bit of adventurous spirit, but in return, you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable, personal experiences.
Vacation in China: So Many Amazing Sights!
If you have limited time for your vacation in China, you can focus on the most important highlights, such as a family trip to Beijing and Shanghai. If you have more time, try to include as many of these destinations as possible:
The Historic Xi’an in China
Xi’an, formerly known as Chang’an, has repeatedly served as the seat of the imperial court. The famous Terracotta Warriors, which now attract millions of tourists, were a burial offering for Emperor Shihuangdi, who unified China in the 2nd century BC and founded the Qin Dynasty. Other highlights of the city include the perfectly preserved city wall, the History Museum, and various temples and pagodas.
Chengdu and Its Pandas
Chengdu, in the Sichuan province, is considered the capital of pandas. Over 100 of these adorable animals live in the breeding center, where you can observe them up close. Also worth seeing are the magnificent Wenshu Monastery and the Palace of Green Goats.
Guilin and the Li River in China
Guilin is the picture-book China of illustrations, with steep Karst mountains, rice terraces, and caves. From Guilin, you can take a boat trip to Yangshuo to enjoy the landscape at a leisurely pace. The “Peak of Unique Beauty” in Guilin lives up to its name, offering a fantastic view. At Shanhu Lake, you’ll find the two frequently photographed pagodas of Guilin.
Hong Kong (and Macau)
The former British colony Hong Kong, located on the South China Sea, should not be missed during your vacation in China. Enjoy the view from Victoria Peak over the sea of buildings and the vibrant cultural life of this still very Western-influenced city.
On the southern side of Hong Kong Island, you’ll also find some beautiful places for beach vacations. Take the ferry or train for a quick trip to Macau, China’s version of Las Vegas, with its massive casinos and hotels in China.
Important Note on the Autonomous Region of Tibet
If you plan to travel to Tibet during your vacation in China, you’ll need to apply for an additional visa, the Tibet Entry Permit, through a tour operator. With this permit, you can visit the capital of Lhasa and the famous Potala Palace. The journey by Tibet Railway is incredibly scenic, but you should come prepared with plenty of time and patience. The trip from Beijing takes 43 hours!
The City of Emperors: Beijing
Beijing is the ideal starting point for your trip to China. Here, you’ll find some of the country’s most important cultural sites, such as the Forbidden City: the vast palace complex of the Chinese emperors, with living quarters, temples, museums, and ceremonial halls, is simply overwhelming.
Plan at least half a day for the visit! From here, head through Tiananmen Square to the beautifully restored old town of Qianmen and then on to the city’s most important temple, the Temple of Heaven. Other attractions include the enchanting Summer Palace, Beihai Park with the White Pagoda, and the National Museum.
Pirate tip: Numerous day trips to the Great Wall are offered from Beijing. Choose a tour to Mutianyu or Simatai – these sections of the wall are much less crowded than the nearby Badaling, where all the tour groups go.
China’s Economic Heart: Shanghai
The history of modern Shanghai began in 1842 when the victorious British in the Opium War forced the opening of the port for trade with Europe. Although Shanghai was already a large port city at this time, it was only with the settlement of the British and later the French that it rose to become the first true Chinese world city.
In the 1980s, the first steps toward China’s modernization took place in Shanghai, during which the district of Pudong, with its skyscrapers on the other side of the Huangpu River, was built from scratch. Today, Shanghai feels more cosmopolitan than other Chinese cities and delights visitors with its blend of modern shopping along East Nanjing Road and historical spots like the restored Yuyuan Garden, an oasis of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle.
Speaking of Gardens: If you love Asian gardens, you can take a one-hour train ride from Shanghai to Suzhou. The magnificent gardens in the “Venice of China” are a UNESCO World Heritage site and are definitely worth a visit!
China Tours: Discovery Trips Through the Middle Kingdom
China is truly a land of contrasts. Here, you can embark on a unique journey into the history and traditions of the country or experience the complete opposite – the modern world with all its technological achievements. To truly do justice to this vast country and its impressive sights on a single trip, a China tour is the best option.
Popular tours include city combinations, where you visit metropolises like Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, with domestic China flights typically included. There are also trips that take you specifically to the top attractions of the country or include Yangtze River cruises, such as those offered by the China travel expert, Bavaria Fernreisen.
Of course, you can also create your own tour and have more flexibility. The major advantage of booking with a specialist, however, is that you don’t have to worry about anything yourself. From cheap flights and hotels to excursions, all bookings are handled by a professional. And, of course, the tours are arranged so you’re guaranteed not to miss any highlights!
Important Tips for Your Vacation in China
For your trip to China, you will need a visa, which you must apply for in advance at the Chinese Embassy. It’s best to get help from a visa center or your local consulate.
Knowledge of foreign languages is not necessarily expected in China. Important: If you plan to take a taxi, you should be able to show the destination address, such as your China hotel, in Chinese writing. Ask the hotels in China for business cards to take with you.
Public transportation is a cheap and quick way to get around in China. For example, the ticket machines in the Beijing and Shanghai subways can also be operated in English. Now that you’re inspired to go, browse affordable hotels and cheap flights for your China vacation.
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