China

From the traveltalk.dk family – started in Denmark in 2018

Read in: Dansk (original)

China, the world’s third-largest country.

And it is home to 1.3 billion people. That is the estimated population of the world’s most populous country. Although the country’s economic development has been a long time in the making, with many bleak periods over the second half of the 20th century, China became the world’s second-largest economy by GDP in 2010. Given such incredible development, it is hardly surprising that many Western eyes have increasingly turned towards the Red Dragon of Asia from the 2000s to the present day. Both as a business opportunity, but certainly also as a vast and fascinating new travel destination.

China and growth

Economically and politically, China has been a phenomenon without parallel over the past 20 years, but as the country has in many respects become more Western-oriented, it has also become more accessible to tourists. The Great Wall of China is a must on many people’s trip to China. Parts of what today makes up the Great Wall were already under construction around 700 BC. And since the majority of the wall was built during the Ming dynasty between 1368 and 1644, this is quite literally a gigantic construction project that has been under way for several thousand years.

Scenic China, a geography lesson

China covers an area of 9.6 million km2. Of this, 4.73 million km2 consists of rivers and lakes. It is the largest country in Asia and the third-largest in the world. If we look at the country’s topography (surface and differences in altitude), we find a very large contrast between the highest areas, such as Mount Everest in the Himalayan range, which rises 8,848 metres above sea level, and part of the Himalayas lies within China.

China’s great rivers

The Yangtze and Yellow rivers are 6,300 kilometres and 5,464 kilometres long respectively and are China’s most important rivers. In addition, there is the famous Jinghang Canal, which runs for 1,794 kilometres, making it one of the longest artificially created canals in the world.

Qinghai Lake has an area of 4,583 km2 and is the world’s largest saltwater lake. Poyang Lake, at 3,583 km2, is China’s largest freshwater lake.

China’s climate

China has a complex climate due to the country’s size and the altitude differences mentioned above.

Most of the country lies in a northern temperate or subtropical zone and forms part of the East Asian monsoon system.

In winter, temperature differences in northern China can reach as much as 40 degrees Celsius. So it is difficult to say anything precise about the climate of “China as such”. One has to be much more specific geographically. We therefore simply give examples of the enormous differences. In summer, temperatures are generally high, and rainfall varies considerably from 1,500 mm in the south-east to less than 50 mm in the north-west. The very high mountain regions naturally have constantly cold weather. There are several areas with a microclimate, including several mountain plateaus and areas by the sea.

China’s beautiful nature

Despite the continuing urbanisation of Chinese society, large parts of China’s population still make their living from farming, and beyond the densely populated cities there are still vast nature reserves.
The rivers of Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan Province in south-western China are nothing less than a scenic wonder, with forested mountains along turquoise rivers that can make descriptions of various fictional fairylands seem inferior by comparison. Travelling further east, you can also visit Zhangjiajie National Park, whose rock formations are said to have inspired the fantasy world in the film Avatar.

Food in China

Chinese food is not one thing. Food from Sichuan is known for being spicy and uses plenty of Sichuan pepper, which gives a tingling, numbing sensation on the tongue. Cantonese food in the south of China is milder and places emphasis on fresh ingredients and steaming. In the north, people eat more noodles, dumplings and wheat-flour bread.

Eating is a social affair. Many small dishes are shared at a round table, and it is common for everyone to take from the communal plates with their own chopsticks. It is not rude to leave a small amount behind, but nor should you throw away your own food during a busy lunch.

Vegetarian food is easier to find than many expect, especially in Buddhist temple restaurants, but many sauces and broths are made with meat or stock, even when the dish looks green. It is wise to state this clearly, and a small card with the words for vegetarian and for nuts in Chinese can be helpful. Allergies should be explained thoroughly, as many cooks do not expect the question.

Local food is available everywhere. At street kitchens and in small noodle restaurants, you often pay just a few yuan for a bowl. A restaurant meal for several people in an ordinary local restaurant typically costs somewhat more, but still well below Western prices. The large hotel restaurants are more expensive and less authentic.

Come to China

China’s development has been a long time in the making, and getting across this vast country takes some doing. But far from Western cultures and Christian traditions, China is a pearl of the East as a travel destination, inviting you to see the world from a different perspective, from the overwhelming megacities of China such as Shanghai and Beijing to the journey towards finding your inner Buddhist in its magical landscapes.

What it costs

It is difficult to give precise prices, as they vary considerably from city to city and from year to year. But with a general sense of things, you can work out what your trip will cost.

Transport within cities is cheap. A taxi in a big city normally costs a few dozen yuan for a shorter journey, and the metro is cheaper still. High-speed trains between cities are more expensive than buses, but still affordable compared with European prices, and they are the most practical way to travel long distances.

Food is one of the greatest advantages. A simple local dish from a street kitchen is among the cheapest meals you can find, while a meal in a smart restaurant can cost several times as much. Hotel restaurants are almost always pricier than the small local eateries.

Entrance fees for temples, museums and nature reserves can vary greatly. The Great Wall and the major cultural attractions often cost more than local parks, and in several places you are required to buy tickets online in advance. Always check current prices before your visit, as they can change.

Accommodation is the largest item in most budgets. A simple guesthouse is cheap, while an international hotel in a big city costs considerably more. Therefore compare price and location, and remember to factor in the payment methods you will actually use, as cash is limited.

Where to stay

In the big cities you will find everything from international chain hotels to small guesthouses in the old quarters. In Beijing, many of the best options for visitors are close to the central districts around Dongcheng and Xicheng, and the hutongs, the narrow lanes of the old neighbourhoods, are a popular choice for those who want to stay close to everyday local life. In Shanghai, the Huangpu district by the river is a natural base, while the areas further west are quieter and a little cheaper.

Hotel prices vary a great deal by season, location and standard. I am not giving specific amounts here, as prices change quickly, but a simple guesthouse is generally the cheapest option, and a large international hotel in the centre is the most expensive. Many travellers find it most convenient to choose a hotel close to a metro station, as the big cities are difficult to cross on foot.

It is a good idea to check whether the hotel is permitted to accept foreign guests. Not all small hotels are authorised to do so, and this can cause problems at check-in. Where possible, book through a platform known to work in China, and have the confirmation printed in both Chinese and English so you can show it at reception.

Book well in advance for the peak season in October, as the national holidays can make the cities very crowded. After you arrive, most hotels must register your address with the authorities, which normally happens automatically at check-in, so bring your passport.

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Suggested routes

One of the most popular routes is the classic journey through northern and eastern China. Start in Beijing, where you can visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, and allow at least three days for the city, as it is very large. From there, take a high-speed train south to Xi’an, a journey of a few hours that feels like arriving somewhere entirely different. In Xi’an you will find the famous Terracotta Army, and the city wall is well worth walking.

From Xi’an, continue by high-speed train to Shanghai. The journey is long, but it is comfortable, and the landscape slips quickly past. In Shanghai, you can spend two to three days exploring the old town, the Bund promenade and the modern skyscrapers of Pudong. High-speed trains are the most practical way to travel between these cities, and tickets should be bought well in advance.

If you only have a week, Beijing and Shanghai make a good choice, as there are direct flights between them. However, many people choose to take the train between the cities to see the countryside. Do not plan too many stops, as both distances and traffic in the big cities take longer than you might expect.

If you are interested in nature, you could instead combine Chengdu in Sichuan with the Jiuzhaigou area. This requires more time, as transport to the natural areas is longer, and you should check opening hours and access conditions in advance.

Practical travel information for China

🛂 Visas and entry

• Visa: Danish citizens can enter without a visa for up to 30 days (the arrangement has been extended to 31 December 2026) for tourism, business, family visits and transit.
• Passport: valid for at least 6 months with 2 blank pages; have a return or onward ticket.
• Transit: there is also a 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit option.

💰 Currency and money

• Currency: Chinese yuan/renminbi (CNY).
• Almost cashless: set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you leave — they can now be linked to a foreign card. Cash and physical foreign cards are only accepted to a limited extent.
• Tipping: not a fixed custom.

🚗 Transport, time and health

• Flight time from Denmark: approx. 9–11 hours (direct flights to Beijing and Shanghai).
• Getting around: the vast high-speed rail network is fast and reliable between cities.
• Best time to travel: spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October).
• Time zone: +7 hours compared with Danish winter time (all of China uses one time zone).
• Language: Mandarin; limited English — a translation app is essential. Note that Google, WhatsApp and many Western apps are blocked; consider a VPN before departure.
• Health: no compulsory vaccinations; tap water is not drinkable — drink bottled water.
• Safety: follow the travel advice from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Rules and practical matters

The police may ask to see your passport at any time, so it is wise to always carry it with you, or at the very least a copy and your visa documentation. Being checked on the metro or at stations is not unusual.

Photography is generally permitted in many places, but there are exceptions. Some military sites, certain stations and a few public buildings must not be photographed. Pay attention to signs, and ask staff if you are unsure. Respect for local people should also apply when you take pictures of them.

Internet access is one of the biggest practical headaches. Many Western websites and apps are blocked, so installing a VPN before you leave is a good idea. Be aware that VPN use is regulated and the quality can vary considerably. Save important information offline, such as maps, bookings and addresses written in Chinese.

Local rules are strict. Drugs are illegal and carry very harsh penalties, and it is wise to be careful with anything that could be perceived as criticism of the authorities, both in conversation and on social media. The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ travel advice gives the most up-to-date overview, and it is worth reading before you travel.

Asian wine and food – Winetalk.dk