China: The Great Wall of Links
Few destinations can match China's mix of history, modernism, and excitement. If your only exposure to Chinese culture has been American Chinese food, it’s time to get on the plane and take in China's unmatched natural beauty and enthralling cities like Beijing, site of the 2008 Olympic Games, Shanghai, and Chengdu. This China travel guide is stocked with Web resources to help you prepare for your trip and enjoy your stay.
Expand All Guide SectionsChina Travel Basics
This ancient land is the most populated country in the world, smaller geographically than the ... read more »
Travel Requirements for China
Many Chinese cultural traditions have been in practice for centuries and every area of the country has distinctive qualities. Although the people are quite diverse, the common denominator is a reverence for tradition. Before you book that river tour or multi-city package, get to know China’s history and language, and learn how to ensure a safe and healthy trip.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Rules, regulations, and safety advisories regarding foreign travel tend to change frequently. Visit the sites in this section more than once in the weeks and months leading up to your trip; you never know when a serious change may affect your plans.
- The Chinese government strictly monitors Internet usage, and has banned many sites originating in democratic nations, as well as sites having to do with Tiananmen Square, or anything generally antigovernment. For this reason, you’re best off doing most or all of your online research for your trip before you leave home. Additionally, though many Chinese Web sites are quite useful, they may not be the most unbiased of sources.
- China’s handling of human rights issues has been a subject of much debate in the international community and among Chinese citizens. A notable example is the Tiananmen Square massacre of 1989, during which hundreds of peaceful demonstrators and others were killed by the Chinese military. To learn more about this important point in China’s history, consult this thorough outline of events leading up to it, provided by George Washington University.
- Many organizations and individual activists (notably actress Mia Farrow) have used the international spotlight of the 2008 Olympics, to be held in Beijing, to pressure the Chinese government to change its human rights policies. China’s government, in turn, is hoping to use the Games to show its best face to the world. If you’re planning to visit China either for or during the Olympics, expect stricter regulations than normal throughout Beijing and the surrounding region.
- China is in the midst of a period of huge economic and industrial growth, but it hasn’t come without cost: Pollution-related diseases are now the country’s second leading cause of death after smoking, and 16 of the world’s 25 most polluted cities are in China. Travelers should expect lower air quality, especially in big in cities. The New York Times has created a series called “Choking on Growth,” with video features, photographs, articles, and insight from field experts regarding the situation.
- The Chinese New Year (also known as the Spring Festival) is a hugely important and lavishly celebrated holiday both in China and in cities around the world (San Francisco has a significant Chinese population and a big celebration, for example). The New Year occurs on the first moon of the lunar calendar, which falls sometime between January 21 and February 19. The celebration officially lasts for three days, but many businesses in China shut down for the entire week. If you plan to travel to China during the festivities, be prepared for high hotel prices, large crowds, and fireworks!
Dulcinea's Picks
For history and religion …
MSN Encarta
online encyclopedia has a thorough but readable section covering China’s history. Dynasties and major events are detailed in a well-organized, clean, ad-free format.
History of China
is admittedly daunting at first glance, but offers a comprehensive outline of historical periods and events. Bulleted links to every period of Chinese history from the ancient dynasties to modern day are included.
Windows on Asia
presents complete background on China’s major religions. There are detailed sections on Buddhism, Confucianism, and Daoism, with embedded links to official religious sites and images related to each form.
For Chinese culture …
Kwintessential Cross Cultural Solutions
is a UK organization that helps individuals and businesses improve intercultural communications. Scroll down for detailed entries covering society and culture, as well as etiquette and customs. Pay particular attention to “Meeting Etiquette” and “Dining Etiquette,” as you’ll need to know about handshakes, lucky numbers, and chopsticks.
The CIA World Factbook
for China is updated yearly. Skim the main page for political and cultural statistics, or scroll down to get an “Economic Overview” of China.
The History Channel
has a multimedia feature on the Chinese New Year, including an explanation of traditions and symbols associated with the holiday and a video presentation.
The Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco
includes additional information about traditions, terminology, and symbols involved in the New Year’s celebration. Worldwide versions of the event are also discussed.
To learn Chinese …
Speak Chinese Online Confucius Institute
gives visitors a crash course in Chinese phrases and commonly used words. Learn how to order from a Chinese menu or read ancient poetry before you arrive.
For currency conversion …
Oanda
has a currency converter that is fast and easy to use. Enter an amount in dollars or any other currency to find out its equivalent in Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY).
For embassies, official documents, and health and safety advice …
Travel.state.gov Consular Information Sheets
provide essential international travel practicalities. In accordance with the U.S. Department of State, CIS offer information on exit and entry requirements, safety and security, traffic, and contact info for embassies and consulates.
The World Health Organization
has a China page that is a must-read for travelers headed there. It offers crucial health updates, such as news on disease outbreaks, and instructions for how to handle health emergencies. Click on the “Country official web site” link to be redirected to a page run by the WHO’s representative office in China.
For information on China’s Internet ban …
CNN.com
presents a photo slide show about China’s Internet censorship, including basic background of who is involved, how the ban works, and what strategies Chinese Internet users are using to get around the rules.
WebSitePulse
allows you to test whether any particular Web site is accessible in China.
Getting to China
For most of the world’s population, China is a long-distance destination. Although a cruise ... read more »
China Hotels
Booking a hotel room or hostel stay in China is made much easier by the Web’s online ... read more »
Getting Around China
Although airplanes traverse China’s skies with great frequency, the country’s public ... read more »
China Travel Blogs and Forums
In the 1200s, Europeans waited more than two decades for Marco Polo to return from his China ... read more »
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