China

The history of China or the Celestial Empire, as the Chinese call the country, reaches back to ancient times. According to the available written sources, this civilization has existed for at least 3.5 thousand years. Its history is divided into three periods - pre-imperial, imperial and new China. The country often had internecine wars for power. The state was headed by different dynasties, but they were all of one people. Only in the 13th century did the troops of Genghis Khan appear here and the Mongolian Yuan dynasty came to power. After its liquidation in 1368, the country was ruled by the Ming dynasty, which was replaced by the second non-Chinese dynasty - the Qing. It headed the state until 1911, when the first government appeared in China, headed by Sun Yatsenbych. And in 1949, the People's Republic of China was created.

The country attracts with its centuries-old history, many architectural attractions , a diverse excursion program, amazing and sometimes alien landscapes. You can also have a wonderful rest on a tropical beach, and the local cuisine and bright national color will definitely convince you to find and select a tour online to China, so that you can quickly arrange an exciting adventure.

Some official data

Capital: Beijing.

Official language: Chinese.

Currency: Yuan.

Religion: Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism.

Reasons to buy a tour or trip to China. Search and selection of tours online

The beginning of the development of the tourism sector in the country can be considered 1954, when the first travel agency was opened. Now China is one of the giants of world tourism and continues to develop in this direction. The state has great potential, as evidenced by the constant increase in the flow of travelers to this country. 

It is worth buying a tour to China because here:

• Very rich cultural heritage . Science, art, medicine, sports amaze with the level of development. Today they have a great influence on the whole world, many inventions were the engines of progress in other countries. This is paper, printing, gunpowder, compass and many others. Religion in China is of interest, because in it faith is intertwined with philosophy.
• Impressive architecture . Traditional red pagodas, imperial palaces, luxurious temples painted in national style, ancient cities, fortifications and, of course, the Great Wall of China. Modern "stone jungles" amaze no less than ancient buildings. The variety of shapes and colors of skyscrapers in Chinese cities is simply amazing.
• A good beach holiday . The cultural program can be diversified with a few days of relaxation on the tropical islands of Hainan and Wuzhizhou. In Hebei Province, you can also watch birds on the golden coast near the city of Qinhuangdao. On Gulangyu Island, you will be surprised by the passion of its residents for music, and the calm rhythm of life and colonial streets will create a peaceful atmosphere.
• Amazing nature . Zhangjiajie National Park will take you to a truly alien world. Sandstone pillars, sometimes covered with greenery, rise above the tropical forest, waterfalls thunder, rivers meander among the rocks, and a picturesque lake amazes with its beauty. Not far from Shanghai and Hangzhou are the Yellow Mountains, where people go to see an unforgettable sunrise and a fabulous sea of ​​clouds. The city of Guilin will give you romantic landscapes, the Tibetan Plateau will delight you with monumental and tranquil views.
• Unusual local cuisine . Chinese dishes are loved by the whole world. The vast territory of the country and various local features have allowed to create unique treats. There are many options for their preparation, everything depends on the region of origin of a particular dish. You can arrange a real gastronomic weekend tour of China, and each time be surprised by the unusualness of the treats. Some will seem incredibly tasty, others may be unusual and even strange. However, they will definitely surprise and leave an unforgettable impression.

The listed reasons and attractions are a drop in the ocean of everything that awaits you in China. Also, local color, interesting shopping, cultural entertainment will ideally complement your travel program. This adventure will be remembered for a long time, and you will want to return to the country more than once, since you cannot see everything and visit everywhere in one trip.

✔️ Types of entertainment by region

The Celestial Empire amazes with its diversity. You can relax at health resorts, ski in the mountains, sunbathe on heavenly beaches, enjoy the enchanting nature, visit modern cities with tall skyscrapers and find peace in an authentic province.

• In Beijing, you will be immersed in the history and culture of the country. Monuments, museums, palaces, temples are located here.
• Shanghai will delight you with quality shopping. The city has shopping malls, markets and shops for different budgets.
• In Chengdu you will find pristine Chinese exoticism. After relaxing in an open-air teahouse and having a healing massage or visiting a professional ear cleaner, you can go and try dishes of special Chinese cuisine. Also here are the famous Terracotta Horse and Warrior Statues Museum and a reserve where giant pandas are bred.
• Natural attractions await you in the Jiuzhaigou National Park , Zhangjiajie National Park , and the Primeval Crater Forest National Park . The Reed Flute Cave and Shilin Stone Forest are also worth a visit.
• For a beach holiday, head to the islands of Hainan and Wuzhizhou.

✔️ Climate and seasons

The country's vast territory also determines different climate zones. There are zones with moderate continental, subtropical and tropical climates. In summer, depending on the region, the temperature can fluctuate from +17 to +30 °C. In winter, there is a large temperature difference - from +6 to -27 °C. But on Hainan Island, you can relax all year round. The average temperature there is around +28 °C. 

✔️ Currency

The national currency of the Celestial Empire is the yuan . It is the only official currency in the country. To exchange, you can go to Chinese banks, railway stations. Hotels, international airports and some shopping centers are also suitable for this. Receipts for the completed monetary transaction must be kept. Then you can exchange unspent yuan back.

Master Card, Visa, American Express, Diners Club credit cards are accepted by hotels and restaurants of international level, as well as large state department stores. Cash can be obtained at branches of the national bank of the country.

✔️ Major holidays

Holidays and festivals in the Celestial Empire are held brightly with exciting theatrical performances, with traditions that go back deep into time. Just for the opportunity to visit one of these events, it is worth buying a tour to China.

Interesting national winter celebrations:

• Harbin Ice and Snow Festival . Every winter in the north of the country, a large-scale event takes place, where masters present their creations. Walking through this amazing snow and ice theme park, you will see many different sculptures. You can meet a huge Buddha, dragons, fish, next to which the Niagara Falls is frozen, a steam locomotive is racing, Pegasus is about to take off, etc. Every year, a new fairy-tale location appears here with thousands of sculptures that amaze with their beauty.
• Chinese New Year or Spring Festival . It is celebrated for 16 days, according to the lunar calendar. The holidays fall between January 21 and February 21. Before the celebration, residents hang lanterns on their houses and place two scrolls with wishes near the doors. The main color of the holiday is red, everyone dresses up in costumes of this color. And when the New Year has already arrived, carnival events begin. Bright, multi-colored lions and dragons dance in the streets, controlled by people hidden under huge figures.

Spring and summer holidays are also very exciting:

• Saga Dawa is an important celebration for Buddhists. It lasts for a whole month, and its 15th day is very significant: on this date, Buddha was born, gained enlightenment and entered parinirvana (physical death). When Saga Dawa takes place, believers devote themselves to good deeds, because during this period the merit of good deeds increases many times over and improves karma. Among the interesting traditions of the holiday is the Tsam dance, when monks dress up in religious robes symbolizing gods and patrons.
• Dragon Boat Festival . The origins of this festival go back to an ancient legend about a poet who wanted to commit suicide, and the people in boats tried to save him. Today, this story has turned into an intense competition. You can watch the races of boats with dragon heads, and then try zongzi, a traditional holiday treat made from sticky rice.

The main autumn event:

• Mid-Autumn Festival , which is the second most important festival after the New Year, as it used to be timed to coincide with the harvest. Today, the Chinese devote this time to family and give traditional round moon cakes. The full moon in China symbolizes fertility and femininity. Also, on this day, everything is lit with lanterns to make it easier for prosperity to come into homes.

✔️ Medicine

Taking out health insurance may not be a mandatory requirement. However, doctors' services and medicines are paid. Therefore, to avoid large health expenses in possible unexpected situations, it is better to take out an insurance policy.

✔️ Useful tips

Taking into account the peculiarities of the country, its traditions and nuances of the rules of conduct, you will make your trip much more enjoyable.

• You should always carry a hotel business card or a card with your details written in Chinese.
• The exchange rate at street money changers is more favorable, but you shouldn't mess with them: they may slip you counterfeits or you may be caught by the police, which can lead to imprisonment.
• Tipping is officially prohibited here.
• Beware of scammers. On the street, they may offer to take you to a restaurant for locals only, and then charge you an exorbitant bill. Temples also offer various services, which, as it turns out later, cost a lot of money. Remember: all donations in sacred places are voluntary. Also, do not buy ancient art from monks, as these are definitely not monks, and what they offer is 100% fake.
• Taxis have meters, the driver gives you all the change. At your request, he must issue a receipt. It is better to drive official companies, since private taxi drivers will have inflated prices.
• To rent a car you need to have a Chinese license. Without it, you can only use a rental car with a driver. 
• In China, it is forbidden to take pictures of military and strategic objects, government buildings, and people without their permission. It is also forbidden to take pictures inside temples.
• You may be fined for smoking, drinking alcohol in public places, or littering.
• It is better to point at something with an outstretched hand. We do not recommend calling someone with your finger: this gesture is only intended for animals.
• It is not customary to give up your seat or open doors for a woman.
• When going to visit someone, remember the half-empty cup rule: if you have already drunk tea, then you should leave half the drink in the cup, and they will stop refilling it for you.