Visit China - an overview

The sheer geographical size of China is so large that it would be impossible to visit all of it in one vacation, but no problem – you can get a great feel for the country on your first visit and then keep returning. There is also an enormous range of cultural diversity, scenery, and other attractions, so in any case it is perhaps a better idea to visit each area on a separate trip and just enjoy each section for its own unique culture.

Ironically given its struggle to be independent from China, a visit to Tibet is a highlight of a journey through China. This ancient culture holds many mysteries that have kept travellers spellbound. There is a great deal of history to discover in Tibet, from Tibetan Buddhism to the Potala Palace, and you will be continually fascinated by this endlessly interesting land.

The Silk Road is another of China’s famous historic spots. This particular area is home to ancient civilizations of Islam and Buddhism. The Silk Road has an interesting history for those that are interested in learning of the heritage of the country, as it travels through areas that full of archaeological finds and passes through the cities of Dunhuang and Xian.

If you plan a hike along the Great Wall of China make sure you pack some warm clothing. This mighty wall was built high atop mountain ridges as a military fortification. See separate feature about the Great Wall of China.)

The population of China is as diverse as its geography. The country is the most highly populated in the world, and there are no less than 55 ethnic groups in China making it an extremely diverse group of people. There are almost as many languages as there are people in China!

As tourism to China has increased over the past few years the use of English as a language has increased as well. You will find that hotel workers and store workers are quite capable of speaking English to tourists. It is still a good idea to have a translator nearby because English is still not a completely universally spoken language.

You should make sure before you travel to China that you find out the temperature of the area you plan to visit. With its wide geographical area you can expect an equally wide array of temperatures. Some areas of China experience tropical weather while other areas can experience frigid cold. Pack your clothes accordingly.

Not all areas of China will accept your credit cards so you would be wise to travel with travellers checks. Your travel agent can fill you in on the exchange rates before you leave.

With the wide variety of areas and the even wider variety of cultures and ethnic groups you could conceivably travel around China for many years and still not see everything there is to see. There are market places and many colourful customs for you to enjoy on your trip, and constant spectacles to keep you fascinated and entertained.

It is certainly a trip of a lifetime for many people and will not disappoint in its beauty and culture – don’t hesitate to visit this unique and exotic location.