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 ... read more »
Getting to China
For most of the world’s population, China is a long-distance destination. Although a cruise ship is a possible mode of transport, getting to China by air is the most logical (and probably least expensive) choice. The sites below can help you find and book your flight to China quickly and easily.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Many cities in China have airports, but the flights to and from certain cities are limited. It is most common to fly into Beijing or Shanghai.
- Many airlines let you check your flight’s status online. Be sure to check the flight before you leave for the airport, so that if your flight is delayed you can spend the extra time at home instead of in the terminal.
- It is possible to arrive in China from Europe or other parts of Asia without taking flight; popular train routes include Laos to China and the Trans-Siberian Railway. However, China does not typically allow foreigners to drive cars into the country.
- Slow boats travel between China, Japan, and South Korea. Although travel blogs and articles reference the boats, there is no way to book one online. If you want to try one of the arduous journeys (up to 48 hours long), try asking in a China forum (see the “What do others think of China?” section of this guide), or waiting until you arrive to ask around.
- Essential advice and additional Web sites to help you find and book a flight can be found in the findingDulcinea Travel Web Guide; and for the scoop on what to expect from travel to China’s neighbors, see the findingDulcinea Asia Web guide.
Dulcinea's Picks
For advice on getting to China …
Lonely Planet
has a brief but informative synopsis of how to get to China from overseas or from other Asian countries. Learn possible routes via rail or boat.
Expedia.com
has this simple, one-page layout that provides travelers with a listing of Chinese airports as well as recommendations based on the most popular flights. Clicking on any of the cities listed at this URL will redirect you to more details on prices and schedules. Use the search tool in the left-hand sidebar to find and book a flight.
For flight search tools...
Fly China
is an online travel agency focused solely on flights between the U.S. and China. The search tool finds cheap fares by purchasing tickets sold by airlines at unpublished rates; more well-known travel sites typically search for published fares. Aside from the booking deals, Fly China has excellent subsections on those pesky administrative details travelers must take care of before boarding a plane. Take note of the “China Visa” and “Travel Insurance” sections.
CITS USA
has a wonderful main page with plenty of tour packages and customizable trips. Even if you don’t purchase a package, visit this site for advice on possible destinations. In the “Related Services” box, click on “Air Tickets.”
For airlines …
China Airlines
presents all the tools for an easy online booking, but it goes the extra mile by offering passengers the chance to choose their meals ahead of time. Click on the “Seat Select / e-Menu / e-Check-in” tab at the top of the page.
Cathay Pacific
services more than 40 Asian cities, including 20 destinations in China. Search and book online, and check the “offers and promotions” section for deals.
Asiana Airlines
is a Korea-based carrier that offers flights and packages to and from a number of Chinese cities. This English version of the Web site has a helpful route map and a handy section on flight terminology. Check back often, as the company’s China packages change frequently.
To get to China by train …
The Man in Seat Sixty-One
explains the main Trans-Siberian rail routes, including how to get tickets and timetables. Trains arrive or depart from Beijing. Information for routes from Hanoi to Beijing and Hong Kong are provided, as well.
For cruises to China …
Frommer’s
had a feature article in January 2007 about cruises in the Far East, including several options originating from or stopping in China. Link to cruise line Web sites to book, or just get an idea of the options available.
Travel Pod
featured this diary with photos of a trip on a “slow boat” from South Korea to China. Get an idea of what these vessels are like, and of whether a trip on one might fit into your travel plans.
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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