China's geographic area is slightly larger than that of the USA and lies roughly at similar latitudes, with the majority situated in temperate zones.
This offers visitors diverse opportunities throughout the year, from ice festivals in the north to tropical beach resorts in the south.
When planning your trip, keep in mind the vast distances between different destinations. Weather-wise, China is similar to Germany, with shorter springs and autumns. Although China is a year-round destination, the best months to travel are May, September, and October, regardless of the region you choose to visit.
In the north, winters are cold and summers are warm. The period from June to August is ideal for traveling to central and northern China, while spring and autumn are better for visiting the south. March and April are considered off-peak seasons. During the winter months from November to February, many travel agencies offer particularly affordable deals. This is also the ideal time for photography enthusiasts to visit.
China stretches over 4,800 km from the western Pacific coast to Central Asia, offering a wide variety of travel destinations due to its vast size. The sheer size of the country makes trip planning both exciting and challenging. When planning a trip to China, resist the temptation to see everything at once. While you may return with amazing pictures, truly experiencing the country requires taking enough time for the journey.
China is certainly a destination you'll want to visit more than once. For your first trip, consider leisurely visiting major cities and key attractions. Subsequent trips are ideal for exploring region by region, delving into different ethnic cultures and scenic wonders.
Keep in mind that China experiences extreme climatic variations. For example, in February, you can sunbathe on the southern coast and enjoy tropical fruits, while at the same time, the famous Ice Sculpture Festival takes place in Harbin in the north. Similarly, Beijing hosts the "Snow and Ice Festival" at the Longqing Gorge with spectacular fireworks, illuminated ice lanterns, and ice fishing. Witnessing the Forbidden City draped in snow is another extraordinary highlight.
While travel costs have risen globally in recent years, China still offers very affordable hotel accommodations, meals, and entertainment options, especially compared to other top travel destinations. Costs for train and air travel within the country are particularly reasonable.
For the price of a deluxe room in a comparable hotel (in New York, Paris, or Berlin), you can get in Beijing or Shanghai:
Most visitors rave about the great shopping deals in China. Jewelry, silk, carpets, Chinese paintings and calligraphy, and other popular gifts are offered at much lower prices than elsewhere in the world. So, plan your trip with light luggage and an extra bag for gifts and souvenirs that you'll surely want to buy.
Pack lightly and bring comfortable clothing for your trip. Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are a must. A suit with a tie for men and one or two dresses or pantsuits for women should suffice for most formal occasions. Pack a few shirts, sweaters, and a jacket (depending on the season).
If you can layer these clothing items, you'll be well-prepared for the different climate zones. All hotels offer reliable laundry and dry-cleaning services.
There are no required vaccinations for entry. However, if you are coming from an area with infectious diseases, you must provide proof of appropriate vaccinations on the "Health Declaration Form."
Please inquire at your hotel whether tap water is safe to drink. Tourists are advised to consume only bottled drinking water.
China does not have a system of general practitioners. Medical care is therefore focused on hospitals. Major cities have international hospitals with modern facilities at Western standards.
Since August 30, 2023, no COVID-19 tests are required for entry into China. The requirement to provide proof of a negative PCR or antigen test result has been waived. There are also no other travel restrictions related to COVID-19.
Electrical appliances require an adapter for the plug type used in China. The standard voltage in China is 220 volts. Some 4-5 star hotels have 110-volt outlets in their bathrooms.
Most hotel rooms provide a hairdryer for your convenience.
China is considered one of the safest travel destinations in the world. Crime rates are low, and virtually no crimes against tourists are committed. Even late at night, there is little to fear. Chinese people are polite and hospitable, and Chinese laws are quite strict. Please note that all hotels either have a safe in the room or at the reception. Store your valuables in the hotel safe. If a problem arises, please report it to the hotel security or the police.
110 --- Police
119 --- Fire department
120 --- Emergency medical services
114 --- Directory and Information
Tipping is uncommon in China, although this has changed in some places recently and may be expected depending on the circumstances. Many tourists bring small gifts to thank guides, drivers, or other service providers. Simply ask your tour operator or guide in China if you want to know exactly what might be appropriate.
China's currency is the Renminbi (RMB), commonly referred to as Yuan. Ten JIAO make up one Yuan. Currently, 7.79 Yuan equals approximately 1 Euro (as of June 2024), with the exact exchange rate set daily. The Bank of China offers exchange offices for foreign currencies in all hotels, airports, and other centers.
International credit cards are accepted in almost all hotels and shops in major cities. There are now countless ATMs in China where you can withdraw money with your debit card. Travelers are encouraged to pay in Yuan at smaller shops, restaurants, and hotels.
Since the end of July 2023, foreign travelers can also pay easily, conveniently, and contactlessly with their smartphone in China. Visitors can link their Visa and Mastercard accounts for payments with China's popular mobile payment platforms Alipay and WeChat Pay.
1. – 3. Januar --- New Year's Day
Late Jan. – Early Feb. --- Chinese New Year
1. – 3. May --- Labor Day
1. – 3. Oktober --- National Day
The English-language China Daily and Beijing Weekend are available in all major hotels and newsstands. Others such as Beijing Review, China Pictorial, China Today, and Women of China are mostly found in bookstores.
Foreign printed materials are now also available in major cities.
There is an increasing number of internet cafes in major cities where you can receive and send emails. You can practically make phone calls from anywhere. Public telephones (including long-distance calls) are available almost everywhere with telephone cards.
Nützliche Telefonnummern:
113 --- Operator for long distance calls
114 --- Directory assistance
115 --- International directory/assistance
116 --- Long-distance directory assistance
117 --- Time announcement
121 --- Weather forecast
Beijing hosts embassies from all European countries and the EU. Consulates are located in various major cities such as Shanghai, Guangdong, Chongqing, and Hong Kong.
.
Hotels in China are categorized by stars, similar to many other countries. Guests have a choice of over 12,000 star-rated hotels, and new ones are rapidly being built across the country. These include well-known Western hotel chains as well as Chinese ones that offer very good value for money. In larger cities, you'll also find hostels and budget hotels catering to budget travelers.
Here are some common services offered by hotels: Laundry service, Beauty and hair salons, Concierge desk, Car rentals, Business centers, PCs and internet access, Tourist information.
Air China, China Eastern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, and Lufthansa are the main airlines offering flights between China and Germany.
They provide daily direct flights from Munich, Berlin, and Frankfurt to Beijing, Shanghai, Qingdao, and Guangzhou. From there, travelers can connect to over 120 cities within China. For more information and flight schedules:
If you wish to book a domestic flight during your trip, you can do so through your hotel, one of the many travel agencies in China, or online. However, it is advisable to book your onward flight from Germany as well. Many airlines offer special fares for domestic connecting flights.
Since some routes are heavily traveled, early reservation is recommended. Flights are available to all provinces, and the entire country is covered by an extensive network. It takes less than two hours to fly from Shanghai to Beijing or Shanghai to Hong Kong. These cities offer the best connections to other provinces and cities in China.
Links to major airports:
Traveling by train is a relaxing and cost-effective way to explore China's landscapes. New or modernized trains and carriages are now available throughout most of the country. Travelers who don't have time to cross all of China should not miss the wonderful experience of a train journey. For example, there are short trips from Shanghai to Beijing (15 hours), from Shanghai to Hangzhou (2 hours), or from Shanghai to Suzhou (45 minutes). A journey from Beijing to Hong Kong takes about 28 hours, and from Xi'an to Beijing takes 14 hours. Hotel staff will be happy to assist with booking.
Ticketkauf http://www.12306.cn
Buses offer another excellent way to travel. With the development of the national highway network over the past decade, luxury buses have become a popular mode of transportation for tourists as well.
Taxis are available in all Chinese cities. Always carry your hotel's card with you and have the destination of your trip written in Chinese characters. Many taxi drivers in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou speak English. However, having the destination written in Chinese characters ensures you are always on the safe side. Many cities also offer a free taxi hotline with English-speaking staff.
In the east of mainland China lie the Bohai Sea, the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea, and in the south, the South China Sea. Along the long coastline, there are many ports where cruise passengers can enter China.
Important tourist inland shipping routes include the Grand Canal, the Li River near Guilin, and of course, the Yangtze River, with a journey through the Three Gorges.
ECC-Studieneisen – Kirchliches und Kulturelles Reisen
Deutschherrnufer 31, 60594 Frankfurt
