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China Travel Guide

Capital:

Beijing.

Geography:

China is bordered to the north by Russia and Mongolia; to the east by Korea (Dem Rep), the Yellow Sea and the South China Sea; to the south by Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, India, Bhutan and Nepal; and to the west by India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. China has a varied terrain ranging from high plateaux in the west to flatlands in the east; mountains take up almost one-third of the land.

The most notable high mountain ranges are the Himalayas, the Altai Mountains, the Tian Shan Mountains and the Kunlun Mountains. On the border with Nepal is the 8,848m (29,198ft) Mount Qomolangma (Mount Everest). In the west is the Qinghai/Tibet Plateau, with an average elevation of 4,000m (13,200ft), known as 'the Roof of the World'. At the base of the Tian Shan Mountains is the Turpan Depression or Basin, China's lowest area, 154m (508ft) below sea level at the lowest point. China has many great river systems, notably the Yellow (Huang He) and Yangtze River (Chang Jiang, also Yangtze Kiang). Only 10% of all China is suitable for agriculture.

Government:

People's Republic. China comprises 23 provinces (China considers Taiwan its 23rd province), five autonomous regions, two special administrative regions and four municipalities directly under central government.

Head Of State:

President Xi Jinping since 2013.

Head Of Government:

Premier Li Qiang since 2023.

Electricity:

220 volts AC, 50Hz. However, most 4- to 5-star hotels are also wired for 110-volt appliances. American-style plugs with two flat pins and Australian-style plugs with three flat, angled pins are most commonly used.

Overview

Capital:

Beijing.

Geography:

China is bordered to the north by Russia and Mongolia; to the east by Korea (Dem Rep), the Yellow Sea and the South China Sea; to the south by Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, India, Bhutan and Nepal; and to the west by India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. China has a varied terrain ranging from high plateaux in the west to flatlands in the east; mountains take up almost one-third of the land.

The most notable high mountain ranges are the Himalayas, the Altai Mountains, the Tian Shan Mountains and the Kunlun Mountains. On the border with Nepal is the 8,848m (29,198ft) Mount Qomolangma (Mount Everest). In the west is the Qinghai/Tibet Plateau, with an average elevation of 4,000m (13,200ft), known as 'the Roof of the World'. At the base of the Tian Shan Mountains is the Turpan Depression or Basin, China's lowest area, 154m (508ft) below sea level at the lowest point. China has many great river systems, notably the Yellow (Huang He) and Yangtze River (Chang Jiang, also Yangtze Kiang). Only 10% of all China is suitable for agriculture.

Getting There

Getting There By Air

Flights to China are served by Air China (www.air-china.co.uk). British Airways (www.ba.com) and Virgin Atlantic (www.virgin-atlantic.com) also run direct flights to China from the UK. Autumn, when tourist numbers are down but the weather in many regions remains pleasant, is a good time to find flights. Fares can be higher in and around peak holiday seasons such as Chinese New Year.

Major airports are: Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Beijing Capital International Airport, Hong Kong International Airport, Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.

Departure Tax

Included in air fare.

Flight Times

To Beijing: from London - 10 hours; New York - 14 hours.

Flights are often overbooked, so you're strongly advised to re-confirm your return flight reservations.

Getting There By Road

Travelling to China overland is possible, if arduous. China borders multiple countries including Nepal, Mongolia, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Laos, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan and India. Border posts are subject to unexpected closures however; the rules change all the time and these should be checked thoroughly before making a journey by road.

Crossings for foreign nationals coming from Russia into China are limited to the Zabaykalsk/Manzhouli border in Siberia. It's advisable to take the advice of a local travel agent and have them organise the necessary paperwork and visas. Within China, tourists are not permitted to self-drive and must use a driver booked through a travel agent.

Getting There By Water

China has a huge number of ports. More than 120 of them are open to foreign ships, but these are almost exclusively used for the import and export of goods and containers. International cruise ships do make use of the most prominent ports, though, with Shanghai, Qingdao and Tianjin among the most popular stop-off points.

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

China's airlines operate about 1,000 domestic routes, serving over 150 cities. Routes are served by the three major state-owned groups of Air China (www.air-china.co.uk), China Southern Airlines (www.csair.com/en) and China Eastern Airlines (http://uk.ceair.com).

International airports in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou have undergone massive upgrades with stylish new terminals added. Tickets are normally purchased by guides and the price will be included in any tour costs.

Independent travellers can also book through the local Chinese International Travel Service (CITS), which charges a small commission, popular online agent Ctrip.com (http://english.ctrip.com) or buy tickets in booking offices or at some hotel travel desks. It's advisable to buy internal air tickets well in advance if travelling during April, May, September or October.

There are multiple daily connections to Hong Kong from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, as well as other cities. You can also fly directly to Taiwan from numerous cities on the mainland. Flights are always overbooked so you must confirm seats before travel.

Note: Safety records have improved greatly in recent years, and Chinese airlines now almost exclusively operate aircraft from Western companies such as Boeing and Airbus with average fleet ages of six to eight years.

Bike

Within the major urban centres, motorised forms of transport dominate, and cycling is tantamount to taking your life into your own hands. Motorbikes and e-bikes are more common although still require caution. However, cycling in more rural areas is certainly doable, although it may be more difficult to hire bicycles outside the cities.

Car Hire

Available, but a three-month residency permit and examination are required to gain a local licence which makes self-drive car hire all but impossible in practice for short-term visitors. Cars with a driver can be hired on a daily or weekly basis.

Coach

There is an extensive intercity network of long-distance buses which tourists can use as an alternative to air or train travel. These are much cheaper than trains and most have air-conditioning, toilets, and depending on the length of the journey, may have sleeping berths. Seats can generally be booked in advance at the coach station.

Departure Tax

Included in the air fare.

Documentation

A Chinese driving licence is required to drive in China; International Driving Permits aren't recognised.

Getting Around By Rail

Railways provide the principal means of transport for goods and people throughout China, with the network standing as one of the busiest and most comprehensive worldwide. The routes are generally cheap, safe and well maintained. Routes operate between major cities; services include Beijing to Guangzhou, Shanghai, Harbin, Chengdu and Urumqi.

There are three types of train, of which Express is the best. There are four types of fare: hard seat, soft seat (only on short-distance trains such as the Hong Kong to Guangzhou line), hard sleeper and soft sleeper (the priciest option). Children under 1m (3ft) tall travel free and those under 1.3m (4ft) pay a quarter of the fare. Rail travel is usually comfortable but time-consuming due to the vast distances between destinations. High-speed intercity trains travelling up to 350kph (218mph) link Beijing with Tianjin, and Shanghai with Suzhou and Hangzhou.

The Qinghai to Tibet railway which is a 1,142km (710mile) route from Golmud in Qinghai to Lhasa in Tibet is the most elevated rail route in the world, reaching an altitude of 5,072m (16,640 ft). Services operate to Lhasa from Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou and Shanghai.

Regulations

The maximum speed limit in China is 120kph (75mph) on expressways. This drops to 100kph (62mph) on city roads and 80kph (50mph) on national highways.

Getting Around By Road

Be aware that it's not possible to drive in China without a Chinese driving licence. Obtaining this can be a complicated process and in most cases it's preferable and relatively inexpensive to hire a car with a driver. China’s road infrastructure itself is generally of a high standard, particularly between major centres. Police road blocks are not uncommon, and standards of driving can be erratic.

Distances should not be underestimated and vehicles should be in prime mechanical condition as away from the cities, China is still very much an agricultural nation without the mechanical expertise or services found in the West. From Beijing to Shanghai is 1,461km (908 miles), and from Beijing to Nanjing is 1,139km (718 miles).

Road Quality

As part of its economic drive, China has undergone rapid expansion of its road network and it is now possible to reach 80% of settlements by road, although a high percentage of roads are simple gravel tracks rather than tarmacked surfaces. A superhighway links Beijing and Tianjin, and a 138km (86-mile) four-lane toll highway links Hangzhou and the port of Ningbo in the Zhejiang province.

Side Of Road

r

Taxi

Taxis are available in large cities from most hotels and shopping districts, and are generally permitted to stop at the passenger's signal. It's best to check if the taxi is metered. If not, then it's important to agree a fare beforehand (especially at railway stations), before getting into the taxi. Drivers are not normally tipped.

You should have your destination written down in Chinese characters before starting any journey as most drivers do not speak English. Hotels often provide cards with the hotel address and that of several key attractions or points in the city. Taxis can be hired by the day.

Urban Travel

There are metro systems in Beijing, Shanghai and several other cities including Tianjin, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Nanjing, Xi'an, Harbin and Qingdao. Hong Kong has its Mass Transit System, and tramways and trolleybuses operate in a number of other cities. Most cities have public transit systems, usually bus.

Getting Around By Water

All major rivers are served by river ferries, especially the Yangtze. Coastal ferries operate between Dalian, Tianjin (Tientsin), Qingdao (Tsingtao) and Shanghai. There are regular ferry services between mainland China and Hong Kong, conditions on which vary.

Travel Advice

This travel advice covers mainland China. See travel advice for the Special Administrative Regions, Hong Kong and Macao.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in China set and enforce entry rules. If you're not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Chinese Embassy in the UK.

Immigration authorities may collect biometric data, including scanned fingerprints and photos, to register your entry into China.

Medical screening on arrival or during your time in China

You may need to pass through medical screening on entry into China. This may be body temperature scanning, or more rarely testing such as throat or nasal swabs or medical examinations. Recent changes to China's 'Frontier Health and Quarantine Laws' means you may be refused entry into China if you do not comply with the screening measures.

Passport validity requirements

To enter China, your passport must have an 'expiry date' at least 6 months after the date you arrive and 2 blank pages for visas and stamping.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

If you renew your passport while you are in China, contact your local exit and entry office or call the national immigration service hotline on 12367, before or immediately upon receipt.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit mainland China.

You can visit Hainan without a visa if you fly directly from an approved country or transit point. Check the Hainan Authorities website for more information.

Visa-free transit through China is permitted depending on location. See China Visa Application Centre or National Immigration Administration website for more information.  

Visa requirements for Hong Kong and Macao are different.

Applying for a visa

If you're 14 to 70 years old, you must apply for a visa online and then go in person to a visa for China application centre. Officials will take a scan of your fingerprints as part of your application. There are visa application centres in London, Manchester, Belfast and Edinburgh. If you're aged 13 or under, or 71 or over, you do not have to attend in person.

The Chinese Embassy has further information on visa categories and how to apply.

If you visit Hong Kong from mainland China and want to return to the mainland, you need a visa that allows you to make a second entry into China.

Check your visa details carefully and do not overstay your visa. The authorities carry out regular checks and may fine, detain and deport you.

If you want to stay in China longer than 6 months, you may need to get a residence permit.

Teaching visas

Teachers have been detained and deported for working on the wrong visa. It is your responsibility to check you're working on the correct visa.

Dual Chinese-British nationality

China does not recognise dual nationality. If you were born in China to a Chinese national parent, you will be:

  • considered by the Chinese authorities to have Chinese nationality
  • treated as a Chinese citizen, even if you used a British passport to enter China

If you enter China on a Chinese passport or identity card, the British Embassy will not be able to offer you help. If you have formally renounced Chinese citizenship, you should carry clear evidence that you have done so. See guidance on nationality in China.

Working in China

You can only work in China if you have a work visa (Z visa). Tourist and business visas do not allow you to work. You must also hold a valid work permit. The local police regularly carry out checks on companies and schools. If you do not follow Chinese immigration laws, there can be serious penalties, including:

  • imprisonment
  • fines
  • deportation
  • an exit ban, which stops you from leaving China
  • an exclusion order, which stops you from returning

Before you leave the UK, contact the Chinese Embassy in the UK to check Z visa requirements. When submitting your application, and when you receive your work permit, check the details are correct, including the location you'll be working in. If the details are incorrect – even if your employer or others submitted the application on your behalf – the authorities can detain you, fine you or deport you.       

If you are going to change employer once you're in China, or change location in China with an existing employer, check with the Chinese authorities whether you need a new visa and work permit before doing so.

Vaccine requirements 

To enter China, you must have a certificate to prove you've had a yellow fever vaccination if you're coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro's China guide.

Registering with the authorities

You must register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival. Chinese authorities enforce this rule with regular spot-checks of foreign nationals' documentation. If you're staying in a hotel, they will register you when you check in.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of China. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of China.

Terrorism 

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times. 

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in China

Terrorist attacks in China cannot be ruled out.

Although foreigners have not been specifically targeted, attacks may happen in places visited by foreigners. Take particular care during national holidays and at public transport hubs, and always follow the advice of the local authorities.

Risks under Chinese national security laws

Chinese national security laws have broad scope, and you can be arrested without having intended to break the law. See advice in the Laws and cultural differences section below for more information.

Political situation 

China is ruled by a single political party. Though China is open to foreign visitors, be aware of political and cultural sensitivities.

Avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings. The Chinese authorities enforce public order strictly, and you may face arrest, detention and deportation. Foreign journalists have been intimidated, assaulted or detained for trying to report on demonstrations.

You may risk becoming a target when there is an anti-foreign feeling or attitude in China. Keep informed of developments and follow the advice of the local authorities. During periods of tension, the authorities may block:

  • news reporting
  • access to text-messaging
  • the internet
  • international telephone lines

Posting, publishing or supporting political statements critical of China or the Chinese authorities could be viewed as illegal.

Crime

Serious crime against foreign nationals is relatively rare, but incidents can happen. Take care of your belongings at major tourist sites and other busy places, particularly where foreign nationals gather.

Indiscriminate attacks using vehicles as a weapon, and knife attacks, have occurred in public places including at schools, supermarkets and hospitals. Although rare, there have been isolated violent attacks that have impacted foreign nationals.

Drink spiking and sexual assault

Do not leave drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers. Personal attacks and sexual assaults are rare, but they can happen, including through drinks being spiked. Women, travelling alone or with female friends, could be at higher risk.

Scams

Beware of scams in popular tourist areas. A common example is the 'tea tasting' or 'massage' scam. Friendly strangers may invite you to visit a bar, to drink tea or have a massage, and the establishment then demands a large fee. This can be followed by threats, violence or credit card fraud.

Inspect the QR code stickers on rental bicycles carefully before using them. The legitimate barcode can be replaced with a false code, which redirects money to a different account.

Commercial disputes

Before entering a commercial contract in China, take legal advice, both in the UK and in China. Contracts agreed in the UK are not always recognised by Chinese courts.

If you're involved in or connected to a business or civil dispute, the Chinese authorities may impose an exit ban, which means you cannot leave China until the matter is resolved. British nationals have been detained against their will, intimidated and forced to pay money.

Violence is rare, but it can be threatened. Report any threats of violence to the Chinese police.

Laws and cultural differences 

Personal ID

Always carry your passport with you. Police carry out random checks, especially during periods of heightened security and major sporting or political events. They do not accept printed copies. Failure to produce your ID can lead to a fine or detention. 

National security laws

There is a risk of detention for alleged breaking of national security laws

China's authorities have detained foreign nationals who break national security laws. Both 'national security' and 'national interest' appear regularly in Chinese legislation and have broad scope. You may be detained without having intended to break the law. Activity that happened outside of mainland China – including online activity – could fall under the scope of mainland legislation. There is a risk of arbitrary detention, including of British nationals. 

If you're detained on grounds of national security, you may be held for up to 6 months before formal arrest and denied legal representation before charges are brought.  

Travelling to sensitive areas

All foreign nationals travelling to or around 'sensitive' areas might attract more attention from the authorities, including when:

  • taking photographs
  • engaging with political groups or charities
  • engaging with ethnic minority populations

Sensitivities can change over time and may heighten around particular dates or events.

You may attract additional scrutiny while travelling around mainland China if you're a current or former employee of:

  • foreign governments
  • media outlets
  • NGOs

This list is not exhaustive and may change over time. This is particularly relevant when travelling to areas with large ethnic minority populations, including but not limited to Xinjiang. See Regional risks for more information.

Religious activities and materials

The Chinese authorities formally recognise 5 religions: Buddhism, Catholicism, Islam, Protestantism and Taoism. Only officially registered religious organisations are permitted to carry out religious activities. Even officially registered organisations must observe restrictions on some religious activities, including preaching and distributing religious materials. The Falun Gong movement and others the authorities consider as 'cults' are banned in China.

Criminal proceedings      

Chinese laws and procedures relating to the arrest, detention and trial of criminal suspects are different from in the UK. For example:

  • if you're detained, only your legal representatives and consular staff from the British Embassy are allowed to visit you until your sentence is passed
  • there is no trial by jury, the presiding judge or judges will reach a verdict and then pass sentence if they find the accused guilty
  • if a case goes to trial, the conviction rate is 99%
  • if an offence does not meet the threshold for criminal proceedings, the police still have the right to sentence someone for up to 15 days administrative detention without trial

The granting of bail is rare, and the criminal process can often last at least a year before a verdict is passed. If bail is granted the accused will not be permitted to leave China.

If you're suspected of a crime, the Chinese authorities can stop you from leaving China by:

  • withholding your passport
  • applying an exit ban
  • detaining you for up to 37 days without charge

The thresholds for detention and prosecution in China differ from those in Hong Kong.

Exit bans

Foreign nationals can be subject to exit bans. Exit bans can:

  • be put on people involved in commercial or private disputes to stop them from leaving mainland China
  • relate to investigations into an individual, their family or an employer
  • be used in criminal and civil matters, including business disputes

An exit ban can last for months or years or until a legal process is complete. You may not be aware you are subject to an exit ban until you try to leave mainland China.

Money

Cashless payments through smartphone apps such as WeChat Pay or Alipay are extremely common, especially in major cities.

Outside major cities, credit cards are not always accepted and ATMs are limited. It is not possible to exchange Scottish or Northern Irish banknotes.

Counterfeit banknotes (especially 100 renminbi notes) are common, including from ATMs. Banks will not replace them. Check notes carefully before accepting them.

Illegal drugs penalties and prison sentences

There are severe penalties for drugs offences in China, including the death penalty. The Chinese authorities randomly test foreign nationals for drugs, including on entry to the country. If you test positive, the Chinese authorities can prosecute you regardless of where or when you took drugs. Police also raid homes. If drugs are found in your property, penalties can be extremely harsh.

The police can raid nightclubs and bars. If you're in a bar that's raided, you will be subject to on-the-spot testing and immigration checks. This may involve:

  • being kept at the location, or another location, for several hours
  • giving hair and urine samples
  • passport and visa checks

Testing positive for drugs, or being found in breach of your visa conditions, can lead to heavy fines, detention and deportation.

Internet access

The Chinese authorities control internet access. Internet access can be limited around key political events and dates. Some services are permanently blocked, including:

  • Google
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • X

Other websites may sometimes be blocked. 

China's cybersecurity laws state that online products and services (for example, VPNs) need to be licensed by the Chinese government. See the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (in Mandarin). Make sure you stay informed and follow Chinese law.

Building safety

Fire protection standards in Chinese accommodation are not always the same as in the UK. You should:

  • check fire precautions, including access to fire exits
  • make sure your accommodation has a working fire alarm
  • regularly check fire exits are not blocked

Make sure your accommodation has a working carbon monoxide alarm. People have died of carbon monoxide poisoning due to incorrectly installed gas equipment. 

Energy UK has advice on how to stay safe and the symptoms to look out for.

Teaching in China       

Thoroughly research the school or university that is hiring you in China and make sure you're confident they are following the law.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships are legal in China, but public attitudes are less tolerant than in the UK. Showing affection in public may receive negative attention. There's no Chinese law guaranteeing freedom from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism  

Hiking

Do not hike alone in isolated areas, including on the Great Wall, due to unpredictable weather conditions and the chance of injuries. Even when hiking in a group, leave your itinerary, mobile number and expected time of return at your hotel or with a third party.      

Transport risks

Road travel 

You must have a Chinese driving licence and valid insurance to drive in China. There are harsh penalties for driving without these, including fines and detention.

Drive with caution in China. Accidents are common due to: 

  • the poor quality of roads
  • high volumes of traffic
  • low driving standards

If you're involved in a serious traffic accident, call the police. Do not move your vehicle until they arrive but make sure you and your passengers are in a safe place. If there are injuries, you may be held legally responsible for medical costs. You will also be held responsible if you hit a pedestrian. 

There are harsh penalties including fines, detention and imprisonment for driving under the influence of alcohol, even at very low levels. 

Rail travel

You must show your passport to buy a ticket and to board a train in China.

Trans-Mongolian Express trains (Beijing-Moscow via Ulaanbaatar) are known for smuggling. Petty theft on overnight trains is common. Search your compartment and lock the cabin door before the train leaves.

Sea travel

Mariners should avoid the disputed territory between China and other countries in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. There have been incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in the area. ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre has further information about piracy and armed robbery.

Taxis

Avoid travelling in unmarked or unmetered taxis, as there have been incidents of sexual assault and robbery against foreign nationals. In marked taxis, make sure someone knows where you are and try to take a note of the taxi's number.

Disputes over taxi fares can quickly escalate. Any physical altercation could lead to detention regardless of who is to blame. Insist on paying the metered fare and ask for a receipt. The receipt should have the taxi number on it.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Earthquakes

China is in an active seismic zone and can experience major earthquakes. Learn what to do before, during and after an earthquake from the US Federal Emergency Management Agency. 

Typhoons

The typhoon season in China normally runs from May to November, affecting southern and eastern coastal regions. Air travel and other forms of transport can be affected. You should monitor the progress of approaching storms on the Japan Meteorological Agency and the China Meteorological Administration websites.

See guidance on tropical cyclones for advice about what to do if you are caught in a typhoon.

Flooding 

Flooding and storms are common between May and November. You should monitor local weather reports and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities, including any evacuation orders.

This section has safety advice for regions of China. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.  

You should also read FCDO's overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Tibet and the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR

You must get a permit to travel to Tibet and the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) through a specialist travel agent in China. You must also travel on an organised tour. The Chinese authorities sometimes stop issuing permits without notice or restrict travel to Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures (TAPs) in neighbouring provinces, even if you have a permit. Check with tour operators or travel agents and other media for information. 

Once in Tibet, avoid large public gatherings. Political and ethnic tensions have historically generated violent protests. Security measures will be tight. Unauthorised gatherings may be dispersed by force. Do not film or take photographs of public security forces or any altercations.

Local authorities will react negatively if you're found carrying letters or packages from Tibetan nationals to be posted in other countries. 

You must ask before you take photographs in Buddhist monasteries. 

The ability of the British Embassy to help British nationals in the TAR is limited. 

Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region 

Violent unrest in Xinjiang has resulted in deaths. There are allegations that police use lethal force to disperse protests. 

The Chinese authorities have a significant security presence throughout Xinjiang, both as a visible demonstration of state control and to respond quickly and harshly to any unexpected demonstrations or outbreaks of violence. 

There have been widespread arbitrary arrests and extra-judicial detentions in Xinjiang, mainly affecting the local population, particularly Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities. You may be at increased risk if: 

  • you're of Turkic descent
  • you have lived previously in Xinjiang
  • your appearance or practices are perceived to be Muslim
  • you publicly participate in Islamic religious practices
  • you're a foreign national

Expect airport-style security measures, including passport and security checks, at shopping centres, markets and parks. You may need to give the security forces your phone number, have your photograph taken and explain why you are travelling. Organisations monitoring facilities in Xinjiang are at risk of harassment and detention.     

Always carry your passport and avoid all protests and large crowds. Do not photograph or film protests, large crowds, security officials or installations, or anything of a military nature. Mosques and other religious sites are also considered 'sensitive' by the authorities. 

The ability of the British Embassy to help British nationals in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region is limited. 

China-Myanmar border

There is increased armed conflict in north Myanmar. Stray artillery shells have caused injury in Zhenkang county, Yunnan province.

Before you travel check that: 

  • your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
  • you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. 

Emergency medical number

Call 120 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you're referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of China. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro

See what health risks you'll face in China, including:

  • avian influenza
  • dengue – present in Guangdong Province and some parts of China, mainly during the rainy season from May to November

Tap water is generally not safe to drink. Only drink bottled water 

The Chinese authorities react quickly to outbreaks of any infectious disease. They might enforce quarantine if you show symptoms. 

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. 

If you're take prescription medication, make sure you bring enough with you or have access to a supply in China. Certain medicines may not be available and you may be not allowed to bring others into the country. For more information, check with your GP and the Chinese Embassy before travelling. 

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro

Healthcare in China

Healthcare is not free in China and can be very expensive. Make sure you have appropriate travel and medical insurance covering healthcare and medical evacuation and repatriation. For more information, see medical treatment in China

FCDO has a list of doctors and medical facilities in China where some staff will speak English.

Travel and mental health 

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel. 

Emergency services in China  

Ambulance: 120 

Fire: 119 

Police: 110 

Traffic Police: 122 

Maritime Search and Rescue Centre: 12395 

Contact your travel provider and insurer 

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do. 

Refunds and changes to travel 

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first. 

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including: 

  • where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
  • how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO 

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including: 

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.

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The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in China on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Vaccinations

Title Special Precautions
Typhoid Yes
Tetanus Yes
Rabies Yes
Malaria Sometimes
Hepatitis A Yes
Yellow Fever No*
Diphtheria Yes

Overview:

Medical services tend to be offered through local hospitals rather than private clinics, but tourists are advised to have travel insurance which covers medical costs as many hospitals will expect payment in cash before giving treatment. Costs at local hospitals are low and standards vary. Travellers are advised to take a friend who can translate if going to a local hospital, as many of the medical staff will not understand English. Medical facilities in international hospitals (these are located in the bigger cities) are much better and many common drugs are available over the counter. Traditional Chinese medicine treatments are also used widely in China, such as acupuncture, meridian massage, cupping and herbal medications.

Vaccinations Note:

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers arriving from infected areas.

Food Drink:

All water used for drinking, brushing teeth or freezing should first be boiled or otherwise sterilised. Bottled water, widely and cheaply available, is the most advisable way of getting around this. Be especially careful when eating at small street-side stalls or restaurants where standards of hygiene may not be high. Pork, salad, scallops, snails and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other Risks:

Vaccinations against tuberculosis and Japanese encephalitis are sometimes advised. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is endemic in the central Yangtze river basin. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Hepatitis E is prevalent in northeastern and northwestern China and hepatitis B is highly endemic. Sporadic outbreaks of avian influenza (bird flu) have resulted in a small number of human deaths. Rabies is present. If bitten, medical advice should be sought immediately. There are occasional outbreaks of dengue fever. In 2010 China lifted its restrictions preventing HIV-infected visitors from travelling there.

Currency Information:

1 Renminbi Yuan (CNY; symbol ¥) = 10 jiao/mao or 100 fen. Notes are in denominations of ¥100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 1, 5 jiao and 1 jiao. Coins are in denominations of ¥1, 5 jiao and 1 jiao. Counterfeit ¥50 and ¥100 notes are commonplace. The Yuan is often referred to as the ‘guai’ in street slang.

Credit Cards:

American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted in major provincial cities in designated establishments. Credit cards are often unlikely to be accepted away from the major cities.

ATMs:

ATMs can generally be found in airports, hotels, shopping centres and banks, as well as in many major cities and towns.

Travellers Cheques:

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

Banking Hours:

Mon-Fri 0900-1600/1700. Some banks close for lunch from 1200-1300. Select branches in major cities offer extended hours in the evenings and on weekends.

Currency Restrictions:

Imports and exports of local currency are limited to ¥20,000. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited, but amounts exceeding the equivalent of US$5,000 must be declared.

Currency Exchange:

It is possible to exchange CNY outside China, albeit mainly in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. Foreign banknotes and traveller's cheques can be exchanged at branches of The Bank of China. In hotels for tourists, imported luxury items such as spirits may be bought with Western currency. Scottish and Northern Irish banknotes cannot be exchanged.

Currencies

Code Symbol
CNY ¥

Exchange Rates

6.05
7.28
8.61
6.95

Language

The official language is Mandarin Chinese. Among the enormous number of local dialects, large groups speak Cantonese, Shanghaiese (also known as Shanghainese), Fuzhou, Hokkien-Taiwanese, Xiang, Gan and Hakka dialects in the south. Inner Mongolia, Tibet and Xinjiang, which are autonomous regions, have their own languages. Translation and interpreter services are good. English is spoken by many guides and in hotels. Many taxi drivers do not speak English, even in big cities.

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

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List Of Public Holidays

Title Start Date To Be Confirmed
New Year's Day 2024-01-01 00:00:00 0
Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) 2024-02-10 00:00:00 0
Labour Day 2024-04-29 00:00:00 0
Dragon Boat Festival 2024-06-10 00:00:00 0
Mid-Autumn Festival 2024-09-15 00:00:00 0
National Day 2024-10-01 00:00:00 0

Note:

In addition to the Public Holidays listed, other holidays may be observed locally and certain groups have official Public Holidays on the following dates:

8 Mar
International Women's Day.
4 May National Youth Day.
23 May Tibet Liberation Day.
1 Jun International Children's Day.
1 Aug Army Day.

Overview:

The following items may be imported into China without incurring customs duty by foreigners:

• Less than 400 cigarettes and 100 cigars and 500g of tobacco.
• Less than 1,500ml of alcoholic beverages with 12% or more alcoholic content.
• Personal articles under the value of ¥5,000.
• Personal articles which will be left in China under the value of ¥2,000.

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Banned Imports:

Banned import items include:
• Arms, imitation arms, ammunition and explosives of all kinds.
• Counterfeit currencies and counterfeit negotiable securities.
• Printed matter, films, photographs, gramophone records, cinematographic films, loaded recording tapes and video tapes, compact discs (video and audio), storage media for computers and other articles which are detrimental to the political, economic, cultural and moral interests of China.
• Deadly poison of all kinds.
• Opium, morphine, heroin, marihuana and other addictive drugs and psychotropic substances.
• Fruits, solanaceae vegetables, live animals (except dogs and cats as pet), animal products, pathogenic micro-organisms of animals and plants, pests and other harmful organisms, animal carcasses, soil, genetically modified organisms, relevant animals and plants, their products and other objects subject to quarantine from countries or regions with prevalent epidemic animal or plant diseases.
• Foodstuff, medicine and other articles coming from epidemic stricken area or harmful to man and livestock or those which might spread disease.

Telephone:

Public telephones are becoming harder to locate - your best bets are in post offices and at roadside kiosks. There is a three-minute minimum charge for international calls. The cheapest way to call internationally is to buy a pre-paid calling card, available from most convenience stores and in hotels in units of ¥20, 50, 100 and 200. Skype is a further option.

Mobile Telephone:

China has the most mobile phone users in the world, backed by a very sophisticated mobile communications system that now covers the entire country. Roaming agreements exist with most major international mobile phone companies. Alternatively, you can buy a prepaid GSM SIM card (from China Mobile Ltd stores) that allows you to use your mobile like a local phone with a new number. You'll need your passport to register.

Internet:

Internet cafés can be found in most towns and cities, and Wi-Fi is increasingly available at hotels and cafés in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Hangzhou and other major cities. Access is cheap and usually reliable. The state routinely blocks access to sites run by the banned spiritual movement Falun Gong, rights groups, Western social networking sites and some foreign news organisations. Postings by bloggers are closely monitored.

Post

Service to Europe takes from between two days and one week. Tourist hotels usually have their own post offices. All postal communications to China should be addressed 'People's Republic of China'.

Post Office Hours:

Mon-Fri 0800-1900.

Media:

China's media is tightly controlled by the country's leadership. The industry has been opened up in the areas of distribution and advertising but not in editorial content. Access to foreign news providers is limited and re-broadcasting and the use of satellite receivers is restricted; shortwave radio broadcasts are jammed and websites are blocked. In general, the press report on corruption and inefficiency among officials, but the media avoids criticism of the Communist Party's monopoly on power. Hong Kong so far has largely retained an editorially free media. Each city has its own newspaper, usually published by the local government, as well as a local Communist Party daily. All foreign-made TV programmes are subject to approval before broadcast. The People’s Daily is the official newspaper of the Communist Party, whilst Reference News is the paper with the largest circulation. The largest English-language newspapers is China Daily.

Seek out Buddhist monuments

Travel out to the monumental carved Buddhist effigies of Yungang Grottoes, near the city of Datong, or arrange a trip to see the tens of thousands of statues at Luoyang's 5th-century Longmen Buddhist Caves. Elsewhere, at Bingling Lamasery near Lanzhou you'll find 34 early Buddhist caves, while the Mogao Caves in Gansu province still play home to some of China's oldest shrines.

Try out tai chi

Try the ancient 'shadow art' of tai chi, a series of linked, slow movements based on the principle of using the entire body to focus the mind. Traditionally practiced early in the morning in parks and public squares throughout China, it can be seen in places including Beijing's Beihai Park and People's Square in Shanghai.

Take a trip to Hainan

It may come as a surprise, but China has some impressive tropical beaches. Sanya, on the southern coast of China's most southerly province, Hainan Island, is one of China's most popular holiday areas and has international resort hotels, fine sand beaches, golf courses, coconut palms and watersports. Hawaii eat your heart out.

Explore Beijing’s hutongs

The Chinese capital isn't just about grand monumental buildings. Its traditional hutongs (alleyways), many of which still stand, retain a neighbourhood feel and give a glimpse into daily life not seen on the large avenues. You might stumble across anything from microbreweries to cafes.

Marvel at Zhangjiajie

In a country brimming with preposterously dramatic landscapes, the Zhangjiajie area in Hunan province boasts arguably the most incredible of the lot. Its jagged sandstone pinnacles look like something from a CGI movie – indeed, belief holds that James Cameron took inspiration here for the unearthly landscapes in his movie Avatar.

Climb Tai Shan

The UNESCO-listed Tai Shan has been of sacred importance to the Chinese since as long ago as the 11th century BC. Today, heading to Shandong province to climb to its summit has become a rite of passage for many. Don't expect earth paths and rock scrambling, however – the main route is paved, with 7,000 steps lying between bottom and top.

Be here for New Year

Falling sometime between late January and late February each year, Chinese New Year sees a week-long national holiday and generous helpings of fireworks, traditional food and lion dances. It's a family affair across much of the country, but the larger cities allow you to get a good sense of how important the event is to the country as a whole.

Lake-gaze in Hangzhou

Shop for silk and tea in the ancient Chinese capital Hangzhou, once described by celebrated traveller Marco Polo as 'the most beautiful and magnificent city in the world'. Popular with Chinese and foreign tourists, its main attraction remains the highly photogenic West Lake scenic area.

Circle Mount Kailash

Tibet's Mount Kailash is the holiest mountain on Earth, sacred to one fifth of the planet's population. It's some undertaking to even reach it, given its beautifully remote location, but once you're here, a clockwise circuit of the peak (pilgrims walk around, rather than up, the mountain) is one you'll never forget. Allow three days for the circular walk.

See the Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army, close to the city of Xi'an, is an enormous collection of Chinese warriors made out of hardened clay. Created in the 2nd century BC for Shih Huang-Ti, the first emperor of a unified China, the figures were entombed with him upon his death. The interred army was discovered by chance in 1974, and remains a phenomenal attraction.

Follow the Silk Road

Trace the ancient Silk Road trading route, which once ran from Xi'an through deserts and mountains to the Caspian and Mediterranean seas, bringing Buddhism and Islam into China – and a thousand other things besides. Key sights include Dunhuang's Buddhist grottoes, the ruins of Jiaohe city near Turpan and Kashgar's lively Sunday market.

Cruise the Yangzi River

China's longest waterway is also its most aesthetically powerful, the Yangzi's famous Three Gorges serving up heart-soaring panorama after heart-soaring panorama. Joining a river cruise is the best way to experience the scenery at length – the insatiable appetite for the activity among the Chinese themselves tells its own story.

Hike Tiger Leaping Gorge

China has some incredible scenery, much of which is best seen on foot. A prime example is the plunging scenery of Tiger Leaping Gorge in northwest Yunnan, where the towering snow-capped mountains are threaded with hiking trails. It stands as one of the deepest gorges on the planet – spectacular doesn't come close.

Rent a bike

Some 300 million Chinese use bicycles to get around. Hire shops are everywhere and cycling is one of the best ways to see China's countryside. Popular cycling routes include the area around Yangshuo in the south – renowned for its stunning karst scenery – and the dramatic high-altitude plateaus in the west of the country.

Get a feel for Tibet in Lhasa

Whether Tibet should be seen as a part of China is a matter of opinion. Less up for debate is the fact that the regional capital, Lhasa, contains some astonishing cultural sights. Top billing goes to Jokhang Temple in the heart of the Old Town, and the majestic Potala Palace.

Take a garden walk in Suzhou

2,500-year-old Suzhou is China's own Venice, its Grand Canal and famous water gardens once helping it to draw artists, painters and scholars in droves. There's still plenty to make a visit worthwhile – away from the gardens themselves, make sure you set aside time to visit the IM Pei-designed museum.

Immerse yourself in Shanghai

In the cutting-edge atmosphere of economic powerhouse Shanghai, soaring skyscrapers contrast with the European-style Bund waterfront while the art deco laneways of the former French Concession sit alongside on-trend boutiques and galleries. Home to some 24 million, this is a city going places.

Encounter pandas in Chengdu

Panda sightings in the wild are elusively rare, even in the creature's home patch of western Sichuan, but the province gives good opportunity to see the animals up close. The large Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, close to Chengdu, is no two-bit zoo – its bamboo forests do a good job of simulating the pandas' natural environment.

Set foot on the Great Wall of China

Work on the Great Wall started more than 2,000 years ago and the end result stretches some 5,400km (3,375 miles) across the hills to the west of Beijing (although contrary to legend, it can't be seen from space). The heavily restored Badaling section is the most visited stretch, but many alternatives exist, including remote 'wild wall' stretches that can still be walked.

Explore the Forbidden City

Beijing's inimitable Forbidden City is one of the world's great historical treasures, a vast palace complex with a superbly preserved collection of ancient buildings. It takes its name from the fact that – as home to the Emperor – it was off-bounds to mere mortals for 500 years. Directly adjacent to the complex spreads Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square in the world.

Overview

While uncommon in larger stores, haggling is a big part of the buying process in markets (of which there are many) for items such as jade, antique ceramics, local handicrafts, silk garments and other bric-a-brac. All antiques over 100 years old are marked with a red wax seal by the authorities and require an export customs certificate. Beijing's fascinating Panjiayuan market opens every day, although it is best at weekends. Dongtai Lu in Shanghai hosts a popular street market for antiques and repro curios. When haggling, a smile and a certain amount of respect both go an awfully long way.

In Beijing, Shanghai and many other large cities, massive department stores sell everything from luxury fashion to high-tech electronics. In big cities and tourist towns, English is often spoken by shop assistants. You can usually make yourself understood by pointing, otherwise someone nearby will generally speak a little English. Good shops are found in major centres like Shanghai's Nanjing Road or Beijing's Wanfujing. Other enclaves well worth a visit for local designer boutiques are Taikang Lu in Shanghai and Nanluoguxiang in Beijing. Hong Kong is also widely renowned for its retail options, whether you’re after electronic goods or catwalk labels.

You can also get handicrafts direct from shops at local factories, from shops specialising in the sale of handicrafts, and at art-and-craft department stores. Special purchases include jade jewellery, embroidery, calligraphy, paintings and carvings in wood, stone and bamboo. Shop personnel often pack and arrange shipping for bulky items. Keep receipts, as visitors may be asked to produce them at customs prior to departure. Hotel shops are more expensive than local shops.

Opening Hours

Mon-Sun 1000-2130, although times vary across the country.

Overview

First things first: if you’re expecting the kind of food served in your average European or American Chinese takeaway, think again. The national cuisine is extraordinarily broad, complex and flavourful, with eight major schools (or regional styles) of cooking all apparent, namely Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong (Cantonese), Hunan, Jiangsu, Shandong, Sichuan and Zhejiang.

These styles are named after their areas of origin – some are highly spiced, while others are subtler. Many dishes have long histories, dating back to imperial times, and it’s common for large numbers of ingredients to be used. Rice and noodles are both common staples, while dairy products are very rare. In the better restaurants, real importance is given to how dishes look when presented.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

Still not officially approved of, tipping is becoming more commonplace in China. It is usual in tourist hotels and restaurants, and with tour guides and drivers. A service charge is often added by restaurants in large hotels.

Drinking Age

Although China has no minimum legal drinking age, a ban on the sale of alcohol to under-18s was introduced in January 2006.

Hotels

Hotels have sprung up all over urban China, with the big-name international chains all having a presence in Beijing, Shanghai and increasingly Guangzhou and Shenzhen. The alarming pace of openings means there is no shortage of accommodation, even in peak season, with the range spanning everything from the lowest of budgets to blinged out luxury.

The expansion of high-end Far East groups such as the Shangri-La and Mandarin Oriental brands, has helped raise standards to the point where top hotels more than match the quality of other Asian destinations.. The most impressive choice of accommodation is in cities like Shanghai and Beijing – unsurprisingly, costs are usually more expensive too. Star ratings for domestically-run hotels can be somewhat generous Facilities generally include restaurants, coffee shops, bars, swimming pools and massage rooms. Some include executive floors and lounges, spas, shopping and business malls, banks and post offices.

Camping Caravaning

Camping is seen as something of an alien concept in China, and there are precious few places where you could pitch up a tent without attracting adverse attention, from the authorities or otherwise. It becomes more feasible in remote regions, and there are certain wilderness areas where it is possible to secure a permit.

Other

History

The planet’s most populous nation also stands as one of its most influential – certainly on the political stage – but the concept of collective dominance is by no means a new one to the country. In broad summary, its history has alternated between periods of disunity and periods of strong national togetherness.

The first time the Chinese were truly united into a single empire was under the Qin Dynasty – builders of the initial stretches of the Great Wall – in the 3rd century BC. Power then passed into the hands of the less controlling Han Dynasty for four centuries, after which there was a long period of bitter internal conflict. The last dynasty, the Qing, survived until 1911, when Sun Yat-sen founded the Republic of China.

The Japanese invaded in 1937, resulting in eight years of brutal occupation. When the invaders were eventually repelled, civil war ensued between nationalists and Mao Zedong’s communists. In 1949, the victorious communists founded the People's Republic of China, giving rise to the notorious Cultural Revolution and, among other things, the still ongoing occupation of Tibet.

Even Chinese historians remain divided on the legacy of Mao, who may have helped assimilate China into a single-minded nation but was also responsible for horrific injustices on a monumental scale. He died in 1976, and only a few years later his successor, Deng Xioaping, felt bold enough to announce that Mao’s leadership had been ‘70% good, 30% bad’.

By the end of the 1980s, there was widespread agitation in favour of political reform, and action against the corruption that had become widespread. The situation came to a head in May 1989, when several thousand students and workers occupied Tiananmen Square. The army was sent in and the square cleared, with great loss of life.

As the 1990s progressed, those at the top of Chinese politics were gradually replaced. Jiang Zemin, who was appointed president in 1993, typified the new generation of leaders. Vice-President Hu Jintao took over the presidency from Jiang in 2003, and saw the country’s role as a forward-looking, although still tightly controlled, economic powerhouse become more defined.

Hu was followed by current incumbent Xi Jinping, who came to power in 2013 promising to quash corruption. He has since had to deal with a deeply uncertain Chinese economic climate.

Did you know?
• There are more Christians in China (some 54 million) than there are in Italy.
• It was reported in 2013 that Chinese police in Xinjiang were working with geese, the birds apparently being ‘better than dogs’ at tackling crime.
Ke-tsiap, a spicy Chinese fish sauce, gave its name to ‘ketchup’.

Religion

China is officially atheist, but the stated religions and philosophies are Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism. There are 100 million Buddhists and approximately 60 million Muslims, 5 million Protestants (including large numbers of Evangelicals) and 4 million Roman Catholics, largely independent of Vatican control.

Social Conventions

Cultural differences may create misunderstandings between local people and visitors. The Chinese do not usually volunteer information and the visitor is advised to ask questions. Hotels, train dining cars and restaurants often ask for criticisms and suggestions, which are considered seriously. Do not be offended if you are followed by a crowd; this is merely an open interest in visitors who are rare in the remoter provinces. The Chinese are generally reserved in manner, courtesy rather than familiarity being preferred.

The full title of the country is 'The People's Republic of China', and this should be used in all formal communications. 'China' can be used informally, but there should never be any implication that another China exists. Although handshaking may be sufficient, a visitor will frequently be greeted by applause as a sign of welcome. The customary response is to applaud back. Anger, if felt, is expected to be concealed and arguments in public may attract hostile attention.

In China, the family name is always mentioned first. It is customary to arrive a little early if invited out socially. When dining, guests should wait until their seat is allocated and not begin eating until indicated to do so. If using chopsticks, do not position them upright in your rice bowl as the gesture symbolises death. Toasting at a meal is very common, as is the custom of taking a treat when visiting someone's home, such as fruit, confectionery or a souvenir from a home country. If it is the home of friends or relatives, money may be left for the children.

If visiting a school or a factory, a gift from the visitor's home country, particularly something which would be unavailable in China (a text book if visiting a school, for example), would be much appreciated. Stamps are also very popular as gifts, as stamp-collecting is a popular hobby in China. A good gift for an official guide is a Western reference book on China.

Conservative casual wear is generally acceptable everywhere and revealing clothes should be avoided since they may cause offence. Visitors should avoid expressing political or religious opinions.

Photography: Places of historic and scenic interest may be photographed, but permission should be sought before photographing military installations, government buildings or other possibly sensitive subjects.

Best Time To Visit:

China’s extreme size means it has a great diversity of climates, but being located entirely in the northern hemisphere means its seasonal timings are broadly comparable to those in Europe and the US.

The northeast experiences hot and dry summers and bitterly cold harsh winters, with temperatures known to reach as low as -20°C (-4°F). The north and central region has almost continual rainfall, temperate summers reaching 26°C (79°F) and cool winters when temperatures reach 0C (32°F). The southeast region has substantial rainfall, and can be humid, with semi-tropical summer. Temperatures have been known to reach over 40°C (104°F) although this is highly unusual, but during summer temperatures over 30°C (86°F) are the norm. Winters are mild, with lows of around 10°C (50°F) in January and February.

Central, southern and western China are also susceptible to flooding, and the country is also periodically subject to seismic activity.

Early autumn around September and October, when temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is low, is generally seen as an optimum time to visit. Spring is also popular, for similar reasons, and the many tourists visit in March or April.

Be aware that if visiting during Chinese New Year a large number of businesses will be closed and public transport, in particular rail routes, can be enormously busy.

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Required Clothing

If arriving in winter, heavyweight clothing and boots are recommended to cope with what can be extreme cold. Likewise, lightweight clothing should be packed for a visit at the height of summer.

Dialing Code:

+86

Area(sq km):

9596960

Population:

1.439.323.776

Population Density(per sq km):

142

Population Year:

2020

EU Member:

No

Main emergency number

120
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