China - Travel Guide - Tourist Info for Chinese Provinces

Geographical Position and Climate of China

China, known officially as the People’s Republic of China (PRC), is located in East Asia. It is the world’s most populous country, with a vast and diverse landscape. China shares borders with 14 countries: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Myanmar (Burma), India, Kazakhstan, North Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Vietnam. Covering approximately 9.6 million square kilometers, it ranks as the fourth largest country in the world by total area.

The country’s terrain varies significantly across its vast expanse. In the east, along the shores of the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea, there are extensive and densely populated alluvial plains. It is also home to some of the world’s most rugged mountain terrains, with the Himalayas bordering Nepal and Bhutan, and the Tian Shan range stretching along the border with Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. The Tibetan Plateau, known as “the Roof of the World,” sits at a high altitude in the southwest of the country.

China’s climate is as varied as its geography, ranging from tropical in the south to subarctic in the northeast. The climate types can be broadly categorized into six regions:

East China (subtropical): Humid summers with typhoons and relatively mild winters.
South China (tropical): Hot and humid weather, experiencing monsoons and abundant rainfall.
Central China (temperate): Hot summers with high humidity and cold winters with less precipitation.
North China (continental): Characterized by hot, dry summers and bitterly cold, harsh winters.
Northeast China (severe continental): Known for its long, severe winters and short, warm summers.
Northwest China (arid): This region is mainly desert and semi-desert, with very low precipitation and extreme temperature variations between day and night.

China’s complex topography leads to pronounced differences in climate and environment from region to region. This diversity significantly influences the country’s ecological systems, agricultural practices, and way of life.

Brief History of China

China, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, has a recorded history that dates back over 3,000 years. Throughout its long history, China experienced periods of unity and division, prosperity and decline.

Ancient Dynasties: The Xia Dynasty (c. 2070–1600 BCE) is traditionally considered the first Chinese dynasty, although it remains shrouded in legend. The Shang Dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE) followed, leaving behind the earliest examples of Chinese writing. The Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BCE) introduced the influential Confucian and Taoist philosophies.

Imperial Era: The Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE) unified China for the first time under Emperor Qin Shi Huang, who began construction of the Great Wall and standardized weights, measures, and the writing system. The subsequent Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE) saw cultural and technological advances, including the Silk Road trade. Over the next centuries, dynasties like the Tang (618–907) and Song (960–1279) brought about golden ages of culture, science, and art.

Mongol and Ming Rule: The Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), established by Kublai Khan, was the first foreign-led dynasty in China. It was succeeded by the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), known for its naval expeditions and the construction of the Forbidden City.

Qing Dynasty to Republic: The Qing Dynasty (1644–1912), the last imperial dynasty of China, was founded by the Manchus. It eventually fell due to internal strife and external pressures, leading to the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912.

Modern China: After a period of civil war and Japanese invasion, the Communist Party of China, led by Mao Zedong, proclaimed the People’s Republic of China in 1949. China underwent dramatic changes with the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution. In recent decades, under policies of economic reform and opening-up, China has transformed into a global economic power.

Religion of China

Religion in China is characterized by a diversity of beliefs and practices. Historically, China has been home to various religious traditions that have shaped its culture and philosophy.

Confucianism: Not a religion in the traditional sense but rather a set of ethical and philosophical teachings based on the ideas of the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius. It emphasizes moral integrity, social harmony, and respect for hierarchy and has deeply influenced Chinese society and government.

Taoism (Daoism): A religious and philosophical tradition that emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao (the Way), the underlying principle of the universe. It values naturalness, simplicity, and spontaneity, and it has had a significant impact on Chinese culture, including alchemy, astrology, and medicine.

Buddhism: Introduced from India during the Han Dynasty, Buddhism took root in China and evolved into distinctive Chinese forms. It has had a profound influence on Chinese art, literature, philosophy, and everyday life.

Folk Religions: These are diverse local practices and beliefs, often centered around the worship of ancestors, spirits, and local deities. They can include rituals, festivals, and the veneration of historical figures.

Islam: Islam has been present in China since the 7th century, brought by traders and missionaries along the Silk Road. The Hui and Uighur ethnic groups are among the most prominent Muslim communities in China.

Christianity: Christianity arrived in China at different times through history, with both Catholic and Protestant missions. Today, it is practiced by a minority of the population, with an increasing number of followers in recent years.

Atheism: Since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, the state has officially promoted atheism. Religious activities were heavily restricted or banned during the Cultural Revolution, although policies have relaxed in recent decades, allowing for greater religious freedom, albeit under strict government control.

The Chinese constitution guarantees freedom of religion, but in practice, religious organizations must register with the government and are subject to regulations and restrictions. The interplay between these religions and philosophies, along with secular beliefs, continues to shape the spiritual landscape of modern China.

Language of China

The primary language of China is Mandarin, also known as Standard Chinese or Putonghua. It is the official language of the People’s Republic of China and is used by the government and in education throughout the country. Mandarin is based on the Beijing dialect and is part of the larger Chinese language family, which consists of several regional languages and dialects often referred to as “dialects” despite being mutually unintelligible.

Chinese Provinces you can find on this page:

Major Cities

Autonomous Regions

Before you visit China

Travel to China

Traveling to China can be an exciting adventure, and there are several ways to get there depending on your location and preferences:

By Air:

The most common and fastest way to reach China is by air. China has numerous international airports with direct flights from all over the world. Major international airports include:

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)

Airlines offer various classes of service, and prices can vary widely, so it’s advisable to book in advance and look for deals.

With car or bus:

China shares land borders with 14 countries, making overland travel possible from several neighboring nations. Key border crossings include:

Russia to China via the Trans-Siberian Railway
Vietnam to China through the border at Hekou/Lao Cai
Laos to China via the Boten/Mohan border crossing
Nepal to China through the Friendship Bridge connecting to Tibet

Crossing by land often requires careful planning and adherence to visa regulations.

By Sea:

Some travelers opt to arrive in China by sea, mainly through cruise ships that dock at major coastal cities like Shanghai, Tianjin (near Beijing), and Hong Kong. There are also ferry services from South Korea and Japan to various Chinese ports.

Travel Restrictions:

Due to changing global health situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, there may be additional travel restrictions, quarantine requirements, or entry rules. Always check the current conditions and official guidance from both your home country and Chinese authorities before traveling.

Visas for China

To visit China, most foreign nationals require a visa. The type of visa needed depends on the purpose and duration of your stay. Here are some common types of Chinese visas:

Tourist Visa (L Visa):

For travelers visiting China for tourism, sightseeing, or visiting friends.
Usually allows for a stay of 30 to 60 days per entry.

Business Visa (M Visa):

For individuals coming to China for business-related activities such as meetings, trade fairs, or short-term projects.
Duration of stay is typically 30 to 60 days per entry, but can be longer depending on the invitation details.

Work Visa (Z Visa):

Required for taking up employment in China.
Applicants must have a job offer from a Chinese employer and will need to convert the Z Visa into a residence permit within 30 days of arrival.

Student Visa (X Visa):

X1 Visa: Issued to those who intend to study in China for more than 180 days.
X2 Visa: Issued to those who intend to study in China for a period of no more than 180 days.

Family Reunion Visa (Q Visa):

Q1 Visa: For family reunification with Chinese citizens or permanent residents, intended for stays longer than 180 days.
Q2 Visa: For shorter visits to relatives, usually allowing multiple entries and a total stay of 120 days within its validity period.

Private Visit Visa (S Visa):

S1 Visa: For those intending to visit family members working or studying in China for an extended period.
S2 Visa: For shorter visits to family members working or studying in China.

Transit Visa (G Visa):

For travelers transiting through China en route to a third country or region.

Cultural Exchange Visa (F Visa):

Issued to those invited to China for non-commercial exchanges, research, lectures, and similar cultural activities.

To apply for a Chinese visa, applicants typically need to provide:

A passport valid for at least six months with at least one blank visa page.
A completed visa application form with a recent passport-sized photo.
Supporting documents relevant to the visa type, such as invitation letters, admission notices, or employment contracts.
Proof of sufficient funds and return/onward travel arrangements may also be required.

Visa policies can change, and additional documentation may be necessary depending on your specific circumstances and the current geopolitical context. It’s essential to check the latest requirements with the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate before applying. Some countries may also be eligible for visa-free entry to certain regions of China or under specific conditions, such as transit or group tours.

Best time to visit China

The best time to visit China largely depends on the regions you plan to explore and your personal preferences regarding weather, cultural events, and tourist crowds. Here’s a general guide:

Spring (April to June):

The weather is generally mild and pleasant across most of the country.
A great time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Avoid the first week of May due to the national holiday (Labor Day), when tourist sites are crowded.

Summer (July to August):

Hot and humid in many parts, especially in the south and east.
Ideal for visiting the grasslands of Inner Mongolia or the less crowded regions in the northwest.
Be prepared for the possibility of heavy rains and typhoons in coastal areas.

Autumn (September to November):

Considered by many as the best time to visit due to comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall.
Scenic beauty is at its peak, particularly with autumn foliage in the northern and central regions.
National Day holiday in the first week of October can be very busy.

Winter (December to February):

Cold and dry, especially in the north, but it’s the off-season, so there are fewer tourists.
Good time to visit if you’re interested in winter sports or want to see the Harbin Ice Festival.
Chinese New Year (dates vary each year) provides an opportunity to experience traditional festivities, though many businesses may be closed, and travel can be hectic.

When planning your trip, consider regional climates and events:

For warm weather and blooming flowers, spring is ideal.
To avoid the summer heat, head to mountainous areas or the far north.
Autumn offers great weather and colorful landscapes, making it perfect for hiking and photography.
Winter can be magical with snow-covered scenes, but pack warm clothes.

Always check the local weather and event schedules before booking your trip to ensure the best possible experience.

Important Information

Capital – Beijing

Territory – 9,596,961 km²

Currency – Renminbi (CNY)

Time Zone – UTC+8 (CST)

Population – 1,409,670,000

Demonym – Chinese