Plan Your Trip to China
By Sara Naumann, About.com Guide to China Travel
Planning a trip to China can be intimidating. There are a few things to do before you travel that are required, like ensuring your passport is current and getting a visa for China. Then you'll need to do some itinerary planning to make sure you see everything you want to and have time for. And of course, you will want to do a little reading on etiquette and how to get around China. A little pre-trip planning will help you have a fantastic trip during your travel to China.
- Destinations & Maps
- How to Pay for Stuff: Money & Bargaining
- China Weather
- Traveling with Kids
- Itineraries
Know Before You Go
Information you should know before you head off on your trip to the Middle Kingdom.
- Listings for US Embassy American Citizen Services in China
- Health Concerns & Medical Needs
- Five Ways to Ruin Your Trip to China
What to Pack
Packing for a trip like China can be daunting. It's good to know what you need to take, what you can leave behind and what you can find once you're there - leaving you plenty of room for the treasure you'll want to bring home with you.
Health & Medical Info
One of the top concerns of travelers to China is what shots they need and how to avoid getting sick.
After You Arrive - Practical Info
Information on everyday concerns such as nuisances, getting around, drinking water safety, etc.
Getting Around
Here's some ammunition for getting around China on your own. Navigating airports, trains, buses and taxis can be a daunting task for even the most traveled, Add a language you don't know on top and you might just have a little trouble.
- Using Chinese Taxis
- Carry-on Requirements for Chinese Domestic Airlines
- Using the Subway
- Shanghai's Hong Qiao Airport Profile
Destinations & Maps
Quick-look indexes to China's provinces, municipalities and administrative zones.
- Profiles of China's Provinces
- Maps of China's Provinces
- Profiles of China's Autonomous Regions
- Maps of China's Autonomous Regions
- Profiles of China's 4 Municipalities
- Maps of China's Municipalities
- Profiles of China's 2 Special Administrative Regions
How to Pay for Stuff: Money & Bargaining
The old standby used to be traveler's checks but times have changed. While ATMs are everywhere, the credit card is not nearly as ubiquitously used as in the West. Find out the best way to manage your cash in China, as well as how to spend it...don't forget prices are negotiable!
- Chinese Currency - Getting to Know the Renminbi
- Getting Cash and Making Purchases
- Banking Hours and Holidays
- Tipping
- Bargaining 101: Eight Rules and Two Myths about Shopping
China Weather
China is a big country so the weather in one place in October won't be the same in another place. You'll have different weather inland than on the coast. The north will be different from the south. Find out all about the different climates to help you plan when to go and what to take with you.
- Weather by Area
- Average Temperatures in Major Cities
- Average Days of Rain in Major Cities
- January in China
- February in China
- Spring in China
- March in China
- April in China
- May in China
- Summer in China
- June in China
- July in China
- August in China
- September in China
- October in China
- November in China
- December in China
Traveling with Kids
A little information to prepare you for travel to China with your kids goes a long way. That said, China is one of the most kid-friendly places on the planet so bring your kids and enjoy.
- Answers to Big Questions About Traveling with Kids
- Kids' Travel Packing List
- Beijing for Kids
- Shanghai for Kids
Itineraries
Here are some sample itineraries to help you decide where to go and for how long.
