Destination: China
Destination: China
What can I expect from China?
China has 22 unique provinces. With so much to see and do in this vast country, it can often get overwhelming to plan a trip – especially for first-time travelers. The following China travel guide will help you plan your trip and have the time of your life.
COVID-19 Travel Information for China
- In March 2020, China suspended entry into the country for all foreigners.
- Most visitors are not yet allowed entry to China.
- Optimistically, China may open its borders in mid-2022.
- Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games: domestic travel within China is open - but not international travel.
- On March 15, 2021, China lifted various restrictions for certain travelers from these 23 countries.
- Visitors coming for work/business or humanitarian reasons, like visiting family, can apply for visas, as can holders of the APEC Business Travel Card.
- Permanent Residents of China may also return.
- Everyone, however, must have been vaccinated with Chinese-made vaccines at least 15 days prior to entry.
- China established has a Fast Lane agreement with Singapore, allowing business travelers.
- Business travelers from South Korea are also allowed in.
Right now, there are three ways to go to China:
- Holding valid Chinese residence permit for work, personal matters, and family reunion
- Holding a diplomatic, service, courtesy, or C visa
- Applying for a new China visa (the previous visa will not be canceled) only for work or emergency humanitarian needs, such as visiting a seriously ill family member
China Quarantine Rules
Vaccinated and unvaccinated persons have to quarantine for 14 days a hotel assigned by the government upon arrival in China.
The quarantine expenses lie between about CN¥400–600 (around US$60 - $95) per day paid at your own cost.
Things to See and Do in China
Suggested daily budget
30-50 EUR / 33-56 USD
(Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation.
Using the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)
Money Saving Tips
Recommended Travel Guides for China
If you want to learn more about China and have a handy travel guide in your pocket, check out these three options below:
Lonely Planet China
You really can't go wrong with a lonely planet guide in your hand luggage! I'm a huge fan of Lonely Planet and own this guide myself. What I love is the brand-new pull-out, passport-size 'Just Landed' card with wi-fi, ATM and transport info - all you need for a smooth journey from airport to hotel! Plus, all businesses were rechecked before publication to ensure they are still open after 2020’s COVID-19 outbreak. Buy this book.
Fodor’s Essential China
This beautiful guide is packed with customizable itineraries with top recommendations, detailed maps of China, and exclusive tips from locals! The itineraries laid out in this guide are perfect for various trip lengths and help you maximize your time. Overall a great guide with amazing photos! Buy this book.
Insight Guides City Guide Beijing
If you're looking for a comprehensive guide just about Beijing, this is a great option! Get the best history and culture insight with this guide, detailing insider information on top attractions like The Forbidden City, Beihai Park and the Great Wall, and cultural gems like Wangfujing Night Market, 798 Art District and the Back Lakes area. It also comes with a free ebook! Buy this book.
TEACHING ENGLISH IN CHINA
Are you looking to stay in China a bit longer? Do you have a passion for teaching and exploring new cultures? Then teaching English in China might just be the perfect opportunity for you!
With a booming economy and a growing demand for English language skills, China is an exciting destination for those looking to teach abroad. Not only will you have the chance to immerse yourself in a rich and diverse culture, but you'll also gain valuable teaching experience and make a positive impact on the lives of your students.
The first step in finding a teaching job in China is getting TEFL/TESOL certified. There are many course options available, allowing you to either get certified online or in-class.
Teaching English in Asia allowed me to experience these fascinating cultures from a local perspective - and it's pretty good money, too!
I recommend getting a TEFL/TESOL certificate from ITTT, for the following reasons:
- Established Provider: ITTT has been offering high-quality TEFL training courses since 1998, making it a well-established provider.
- No Requirements: ITTT courses are open to all fluent English speakers, regardless of nationality or previous teaching experience.
- Transparent Pricing: There are no hidden costs with ITTT courses, as the course fee covers all necessary materials and certification.
- Support and Assistance: ITTT provides round-the-clock customer care and lifetime job assistance to course graduates, as well as access to teaching materials and lesson plans.
- Additional Resources: ITTT offers a range of additional resources to support its graduates, including teaching videos, a popular online blog, and partnerships with leading recruitment companies in the EFL industry.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CHINA
I’m always surprised how many people travel without travel insurance. For me, it’s as essential to travel as buying a plane ticket, backpack or accommodation, and I never go without it.
Although China is relatively safe, unexpected natural disasters can always happen and I’ve witnessed people getting laptops and phones pickpocketed first hand.
Adequate insurance not only provides you with medical coverage (if you get sick or break your leg), but also covers things like your camera full of epic shots getting damaged or stolen, your flights getting cancelled, or you getting caught up in a natural disaster.
In short, it’s an insurance against potential issues that arise when you’re traveling and can save your life (or at the very least, a lifetime of debt).
BOOK | I recommend booking World Nomads travel insurance
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
GET READY TO DISCOVER CHINA!
China is one of my favorite travel destinations and I’d recommend anyone interested in Asia and history to visit. The Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City are among some of the most impressive historic attractions around the world and should be on anyone’s bucket list.
The following blog posts will help you plan your trip to China. Whether you are looking to travel around China independently or want to join a guided tour, you’ll find what you need in these related articles:
