China

“ A modern powerhouse with stupendous ancient treasures”

Located in East Asia bound by the world’s longest combined land border, China, officially known as the People’s Republic of China (PRC), is one of the planet’s largest countries and boasts unparalleled immensity and contrasts. With its wildly diverse topography, climate, micro-cultures, dialects and ethnicities sprawled across vast territories, China is akin to several different countries rolled into one with almost limitless scope for exploration.

This ‘Middle Kingdom’ ranks as the world’s oldest continuous civilisations – one of the official “Four Ancient Civilisations” – boasting over 5,000 years of momentous history and culture. Everywhere you travel in this epic land, there’s a chance to relive fascinating history lessons that conjures-up majestic emperors and ancient dynasties, exotic trading routes and iconic architectural masterpieces that have stood the test of time – in some cases, thousands of years.

Even after decades of unprecedented economic growth and 21st century dynamism, this modern powerhouse has lost none of its mystique and allure. With some of the world’s most jaw-dropping landscapes, richest breadth of culture and impressive ancient heritage, China has emerged as a leading tourist destination. From remote Himalayan villages and fishing islands to heritage towns and megacities that wow with glittering skyscrapers, the Middle Kingdom promises a unique travel experience like no other, packed with endless new sights and experiences.

WHY WE THINK YOU’LL LOVE IT

  • The Middle Kingdom’s landscapes and natural wonders are as diverse as they are stupendous, from desert plains and grasslands to bamboo-forested mountains
  • China’s monumental ancient treasures and historic relics exceed all other countries for size and number, including an unprecedented 55 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Few nations on earth boast a culture as distinct and impactful as China, the birthplace of Confucianism, Tai Chi, Feng Shui, Kung Fu, silk production, tea culture and more!
  • The Chinese live to eat, and with such a vast country, expect distinctive regional differences in cuisines and tastes, making for a sensational culinary odyssey
  • Although there are huge distances to travel, China boasts an excellent and modern infrastructure with super-sophisticated airports and extensive high-speed train networks
Country Facts
Capital City Beijing
Time Zone UTC+8
International Dial Code +86
Currency Yuan or RMB
Population 1.43bn (Dec 2019 estimate)
Religion Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity and Islam

When To Go

Weather Summary
As China the country spans many degrees of latitude, with highly complex topography and diverse geographical zones, expect huge variations in weather conditions. China's climate features dry seasons and wet monsoons, creating distinct winter and summer differences. Winters are generally cold and dry, and summers are hot and rainy, though this varies by region. For example, the north has long winters, while the far south (Hainan) enjoys extended summers.

The ideal travel periods and best weather conditions for the major travel areas are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), while June and August (shoulder season) are also pleasant. It’s advisable however to avoid the Chinese Lunar New Year (Spring Festival) period, which falls late January or early February, as services can be severely disrupted.
Weather Summary
As China the country spans many degrees of latitude, with highly complex topography and diverse geographical zones, expect huge variations in weather conditions. China's climate features dry seasons and wet monsoons, creating distinct winter and summer differences. Winters are generally cold and dry, and summers are hot and rainy, though this varies by region. For example, the north has long winters, while the far south (Hainan) enjoys extended summers.

The ideal travel periods and best weather conditions for the major travel areas are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), while June and August (shoulder season) are also pleasant. It’s advisable however to avoid the Chinese Lunar New Year (Spring Festival) period, which falls late January or early February, as services can be severely disrupted.
Weather Summary
As China the country spans many degrees of latitude, with highly complex topography and diverse geographical zones, expect huge variations in weather conditions. China's climate features dry seasons and wet monsoons, creating distinct winter and summer differences. Winters are generally cold and dry, and summers are hot and rainy, though this varies by region. For example, the north has long winters, while the far south (Hainan) enjoys extended summers.

The ideal travel periods and best weather conditions for the major travel areas are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), while June and August (shoulder season) are also pleasant. It’s advisable however to avoid the Chinese Lunar New Year (Spring Festival) period, which falls late January or early February, as services can be severely disrupted.
Weather Summary
As China the country spans many degrees of latitude, with highly complex topography and diverse geographical zones, expect huge variations in weather conditions. China's climate features dry seasons and wet monsoons, creating distinct winter and summer differences. Winters are generally cold and dry, and summers are hot and rainy, though this varies by region. For example, the north has long winters, while the far south (Hainan) enjoys extended summers.

The ideal travel periods and best weather conditions for the major travel areas are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), while June and August (shoulder season) are also pleasant. It’s advisable however to avoid the Chinese Lunar New Year (Spring Festival) period, which falls late January or early February, as services can be severely disrupted.
Weather Summary
As China the country spans many degrees of latitude, with highly complex topography and diverse geographical zones, expect huge variations in weather conditions. China's climate features dry seasons and wet monsoons, creating distinct winter and summer differences. Winters are generally cold and dry, and summers are hot and rainy, though this varies by region. For example, the north has long winters, while the far south (Hainan) enjoys extended summers.

The ideal travel periods and best weather conditions for the major travel areas are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), while June and August (shoulder season) are also pleasant. It’s advisable however to avoid the Chinese Lunar New Year (Spring Festival) period, which falls late January or early February, as services can be severely disrupted.
Weather Summary
As China the country spans many degrees of latitude, with highly complex topography and diverse geographical zones, expect huge variations in weather conditions. China's climate features dry seasons and wet monsoons, creating distinct winter and summer differences. Winters are generally cold and dry, and summers are hot and rainy, though this varies by region. For example, the north has long winters, while the far south (Hainan) enjoys extended summers.

The ideal travel periods and best weather conditions for the major travel areas are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), while June and August (shoulder season) are also pleasant. It’s advisable however to avoid the Chinese Lunar New Year (Spring Festival) period, which falls late January or early February, as services can be severely disrupted.
Weather Summary
As China the country spans many degrees of latitude, with highly complex topography and diverse geographical zones, expect huge variations in weather conditions. China's climate features dry seasons and wet monsoons, creating distinct winter and summer differences. Winters are generally cold and dry, and summers are hot and rainy, though this varies by region. For example, the north has long winters, while the far south (Hainan) enjoys extended summers.

The ideal travel periods and best weather conditions for the major travel areas are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), while June and August (shoulder season) are also pleasant. It’s advisable however to avoid the Chinese Lunar New Year (Spring Festival) period, which falls late January or early February, as services can be severely disrupted.
Weather Summary
As China the country spans many degrees of latitude, with highly complex topography and diverse geographical zones, expect huge variations in weather conditions. China's climate features dry seasons and wet monsoons, creating distinct winter and summer differences. Winters are generally cold and dry, and summers are hot and rainy, though this varies by region. For example, the north has long winters, while the far south (Hainan) enjoys extended summers.

The ideal travel periods and best weather conditions for the major travel areas are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), while June and August (shoulder season) are also pleasant. It’s advisable however to avoid the Chinese Lunar New Year (Spring Festival) period, which falls late January or early February, as services can be severely disrupted.
Weather Summary
As China the country spans many degrees of latitude, with highly complex topography and diverse geographical zones, expect huge variations in weather conditions. China's climate features dry seasons and wet monsoons, creating distinct winter and summer differences. Winters are generally cold and dry, and summers are hot and rainy, though this varies by region. For example, the north has long winters, while the far south (Hainan) enjoys extended summers.

The ideal travel periods and best weather conditions for the major travel areas are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), while June and August (shoulder season) are also pleasant. It’s advisable however to avoid the Chinese Lunar New Year (Spring Festival) period, which falls late January or early February, as services can be severely disrupted.
Weather Summary
As China the country spans many degrees of latitude, with highly complex topography and diverse geographical zones, expect huge variations in weather conditions. China's climate features dry seasons and wet monsoons, creating distinct winter and summer differences. Winters are generally cold and dry, and summers are hot and rainy, though this varies by region. For example, the north has long winters, while the far south (Hainan) enjoys extended summers.

The ideal travel periods and best weather conditions for the major travel areas are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), while June and August (shoulder season) are also pleasant. It’s advisable however to avoid the Chinese Lunar New Year (Spring Festival) period, which falls late January or early February, as services can be severely disrupted.
Weather Summary
As China the country spans many degrees of latitude, with highly complex topography and diverse geographical zones, expect huge variations in weather conditions. China's climate features dry seasons and wet monsoons, creating distinct winter and summer differences. Winters are generally cold and dry, and summers are hot and rainy, though this varies by region. For example, the north has long winters, while the far south (Hainan) enjoys extended summers.

The ideal travel periods and best weather conditions for the major travel areas are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), while June and August (shoulder season) are also pleasant. It’s advisable however to avoid the Chinese Lunar New Year (Spring Festival) period, which falls late January or early February, as services can be severely disrupted.

Suggested China Itineraries

A Journey of Heritage & Flavours in Hong Kong, Macau & Guangzhou

Hong Kong – Macau – Guangzhou

The “Lingnan Heritage Circle” takes you through Hong Kong, Macau and Guangzhou, three of southern China’s most captivating cities. They share a Cantonese heart, yet each has been shaped by a different chapter of history: British, Portuguese and imperial Chinese. Ride the Peak Tram, meet the Big Buddha, taste egg tarts in Macau, and feast on dim sum in Guangzhou.

VIEW JOURNEY

A Rail Journey from Southern China to Southern Vietnam

Guilin - Yangshuo - Namning - Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Phong Nha - Hue - Hoi An - Phu Yen - Phan Thiet - Ho Chi Minh city

An unhurried journey from Southern China to Southern Vietnam, by train. Begin in Guilin, where hidden gems have been immortalised for centuries in Chinese ink paintings, then experience the Vietnam–China international train, crossing the border overland into Vietnam, for an enriching journey through nature, culture and heritage along Vietnam's long and beautiful coastline aboard the SJourney luxury train.

VIEW JOURNEY

China Tailored Experiences

  • Practicing Kung Fu on Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall

    Practicing Kung Fu on Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall

    Xian, China

     

    China is famous for Kung Fu — a living discipline rooted in thousands of years of history that weaves together strength, balance, mindfulness, and philosophy, reflecting the deep cultural soul of the nation. As dawn breaks over Xi’an, join an early morning Kung Fu session with a local master on the Ancient City Wall. Under expert guidance, move through fundamental techniques while absorbing the principles of harmony, focus, and inner energy that have defined this revered practice for generations. Take home the basic movements to carry the practice into your everyday life. This experience is a profound connection to the enduring spirit of ancient China.

    Duration: 1 hr

    ENQUIRE

Hotels We Recommend

The Peninsula Beijing

Beijing, China

Suitable for:
Couples, Families, MICE
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Yangshuo Sugar House

Guilin, China

Suitable for:
Couples, Families, MICE
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Sheraton Guilin Hotel

Guilin, China

Suitable for:
Couples, Families, MICE
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The Peninsula Shanghai

Shanghai, China

Suitable for:
Couples, Families, MICE
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Hilton Xi’an

Xi’an, China

Suitable for:
Couples, Families, MICE
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Four Seasons Hotel Beijing

Beijing, China

Suitable for:
Couples, Families, MICE
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Banyan Tree Yangshuo Resort

Yangshuo, Guilin

Suitable for:
Couples, Families, MICE
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Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin

Guilin, China

Suitable for:
Business, Couples, Families, MICE
VIEW HOTEL

Fairmont Peace Hotel

Shanghai, China

Suitable for:
Couples, Families, MICE
VIEW HOTEL

Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel Xian

Xian, China

Suitable for:
Couples, Families, MICE
VIEW HOTEL

Inspired to start planning your customised journey to Southeast Asia? Share your ideas with us at hello@trailsofindochina.com or submit a request below.

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