The first step when planning your trip to China might not be as obvious as you think and requires careful planning and research. It’s easy to get overwhelmed; China is huge, where would you even begin to explore a country that is 9,596,960 square kilometers in size? The problem most people make it that they try to see Shanghai, Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, and Hong Kong all in the same 10 day period. While you certainly can do this and get an idea of what the country is like, it’s advisable to stay put a bit and try to see what you can in the area where you are. There are many hidden treasures in China and if you only see the major cities and sites jaunting around the third largest country in the world, you will miss out. Pacing yourself is key. The terracotta warriors are not in Beijing, and Hong Kong is nowhere near the pandas. Rushing around jumping on and off planes and trains will only make you tired and frustrated. If you absolutely have to see all of China in one 10-day stint then you will get a whirlwind blur of a country with 5000 years of culture and history coming out through a time-warp blender feeling utterly culture shocked and confused; know what is the most important for you to see and stick with that. Do you want to see the coast? Do you want to see the China you always imagined or the big modern skyscrapers with futuristic shapes resembling something out of the Jetson’s cartoon? Do you want to see Pandas or go kayaking in the river rapids? Do you want a beach or would you rather enjoy an ice festival or a day on the slopes?

Photo: Andrea Hunt

Seasonal:
Obviously an impending factor, planning your trip according to season is crucial. If you plan on traveling to China during the summer months, be aware that it is extremely hot almost everywhere in China. It might be better, therefore, to spend more time doing outdoor activities like bike riding, swimming or floating down the river in a place like Yangshuo, instead of shopping around in a big city market in Wuhan in the sweltering heat.

If you are lucky enough to go to China in the springtime, you may be interested in seeing the amazing spectacle of flower blossoms at Mt Huang (Huang Shan) or taking a Yang-ze river cruise to see the Three Gorges in their lushest state.

On the other hand, if you do come to China during the winter, it would make no sense to check out Guangzhou in the south if the world renowned and spectacular Harbin Ice Festival is taking place in the north of China where you can literally “chill” inside an igloo-bar sipping drinks.

Regionally:
Because of China’s diverse terrain and climate, where you go is as important as when you go. For example, if you plan on doing a lot of hiking and want to see China’s amazing western frontier, consider Sichuan and Yunnan province. It is home to one of the world’s deepest gorges, Tiger Leaping Gorge, which was only opened to the public in 1993. Nearby, backpackers flock and lose themselves in Dali’s tranquil and harmonious charm or Kunming’s storybook-like Stone Forest.

Photo: Andrea Hunt

If you are partial to coasts and beaches, China’s southernmost Island, Hainan, might be the perfect place to spend some time after roaming around shopping for a few days in Guangzhou. Sanya is the perfect place to eat the freshest seafood while gazing out at crystal waters and white sandy beaches. There are smaller islands where you can scuba dive and snorkel or go watch live monkeys run wild.

By Activity:
If you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, you probably would like to check out the Shangri La or the Dragon Backbone route around Lijiang. Don’t forget to leave a few days to see Sichuan’s prized Emeishan Mountain where you can sit in front of a temple lined with clouds while monks light incense in cauldrons.

If caves and spelunking are more your choice, Anshun’s famed Dragon Palace Cave shouldn’t be missed, its exquisite ceiling formations and flowing waterfall enchant, while the breathtaking Furong Cave to the south, deemed magnificent enough to be listed under the World Famous Heritage Top Caves, will awe and inspire.

China’s terrain is diverse, its history long, and its people many. You need to make sure to get the best out of your vacation and journey. Whatever your interest, this section will guide you in making the best decisions for the time that you have, the budget you are working with, and the season of your travels.

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