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China has rapidly emerged on top in recent years, shattering the preconceived notion that many people had about it as being behind the rest of the world. Tourism to China has continued to grow strong over the last decade with no signs of slowing down. If you’ve wanted to see China, there really is no better time to go than right now.
There are a few things you should know though before you get your visa in hand so that you can truly have a marvelous trip exploring this beautiful country.
It’s Safe
China is a fairly safe country. As with any place, you should always watch your surroundings and your belongings. Even in big cities, expats and travelers report feeling safer there than anywhere else in the world. The people are very friendly and welcoming. It’s a warm culture; there’s just a huge population. Don’t let that intimidate you. Even if you don’t know any Mandarin, a smile is universal and will always be well-received.
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Don’t just Go to One City
If you’re going to make the journey to China, add multiple cities to your itinerary. There really is so much to see in China that it would be impossible to do so in one trip. Still, not visiting other cities will be a waste. Stop in Shanghai and Beijing so you can see some of the most famous landmarks in the country, particularly the Great Wall of China. Then add a smaller city to your itinerary like Chengdu where you can get up close and personal with pandas, or explore the seaside city of Qingdao for a totally different feel of China.
You’ll be a Master with Chopsticks
Unless you find yourself dining out at one of the international restaurants, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a fork. If it’s a problem for you, not to worry. Savvy travelers bring chopsticks from home, masterfully strapped together with a rubber band and the paper wrap from the chopsticks to make training chopsticks. If you think you might not be able to eat with chopsticks, this is a great idea, though those wooden chopsticks aren’t designed for multiple uses. Practice eating with chopsticks before you go and if you still can’t get it, take along your own fork.
Apps Make China Easier
Make sure your phone is ready to go international. Then make sure you download free apps like Google Translate to help you out. With this particular app, you can translate a photograph of a menu instantly so you can feel confident venturing anywhere and ordering what you’d like.
China is a wonderful place to visit that will have you wishing you’d only gone sooner. Don’t make the mistake of missing out. It really is easy to discover so much to love, from the ancient landmarks to the special foods.
