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China

China, officially the People\'s Republic of China, is a vast country in East Asia. It is the world\'s most populous country, with a population of over 1.4 billion people. China is a land of ancient history, rich culture,…

#Asia#East Asia#Beijing#Great Wall of China#Forbidden City

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into China.

Top Hotels in Beijing

Top Flights to Beijing

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in China.

Tours

The Great Wall of China

Walk along the ancient walls built to protect China from invasions.

Terracotta Army

Explore the terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China.

Giant Panda Breeding Research Base

Learn about and see giant pandas in their natural habitat.

Forbidden City

Visit the sprawling imperial palace that was home to emperors for nearly 500 years.

West Lake

A picturesque freshwater lake surrounded by temples and gardens, embodying traditional Chinese aesthetics.

The Bund

Stroll along the famous waterfront area in central Shanghai, known for its historical buildings.

Shopping

Shanghai Shopping

Experience the bustling shopping streets in Shanghai, ranging from traditional markets to modern malls.

Outdoor

Li River Cruise

Enjoy a scenic cruise down the Li River, famous for its karst mountain landscape.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Explore the stunning quartz-sandstone formations, said to have been an inspiration for the landscapes in the movie Avatar.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in China.

Currency

¥ | CNY | Chinese Yuan

Population

1.4 billion

Languages

Mandarin, Mandarin, Cantonese, Wu, Min, Hakka

Average weather

China

Jan

5°-5°

Feb

8°-2°

Mar

13°2°

Apr

20°9°

May

25°14°

Jun

30°20°

Jul

32°23°

Aug

31°22°

Sep

26°17°

Oct

20°10°

Nov

13°3°

Dec

7°-3°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on China.

What people love

Traveling to China presents numerous pros for visitors, such as:

Rich cultural experience: China boasts a long history and diverse culture, offering visitors a chance to explore ancient traditions, art, architecture, and cuisine.
Iconic landmarks: China is home to iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Army, and the Yangtze River, providing travelers with unique sightseeing opportunities.
Scenic beauty: From the picturesque landscapes of Guilin and Zhangjiajie to the modern skyline of Shanghai, China offers a diverse range of natural and urban scenery for visitors to enjoy.
Culinary delights: Chinese cuisine is renowned worldwide for its variety of flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques, making it a food lover's paradise.
Affordable travel: Compared to many Western countries, traveling in China can be relatively affordable, with options for budget accommodations, transportation, and dining.
Convenient transportation: China has a well-developed transportation network, including high-speed trains, domestic flights, and extensive bus services, making it easy for travelers to navigate the country.
Unique shopping opportunities: China is known for its markets, shopping streets, and specialty stores where visitors can find a wide range of souvenirs, handicrafts, and local products.

Overall, traveling to China offers a blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, natural beauty, and culinary delights, making it a popular destination for tourists from around the world.

What to know

Traveling to China can have some cons, including:

Language barrier: Mandarin is the official language in China, and not everyone speaks English. This can make communication challenging, especially in rural areas or smaller cities where English proficiency may be limited.
Pollution: Air pollution is a significant issue in many parts of China, especially in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Poor air quality can affect your health and limit your enjoyment of outdoor activities.
Internet restrictions: China has strict internet censorship laws, including blocking access to popular websites and social media platforms such as Google, Facebook, and Twitter. This can be frustrating for travelers who rely on these services for communication and information.
Cultural differences: China has a unique culture and customs that may be unfamiliar to Western travelers. It's essential to be respectful and aware of local customs to avoid unintentionally causing offense.
Crowds and congestion: China is a populous country, and popular tourist destinations can be crowded, especially during peak travel seasons. Long lines, crowded public transportation, and busy tourist sites can detract from the overall travel experience.
Food safety concerns: While Chinese cuisine is delicious and diverse, there have been instances of food safety issues in China. Travelers may need to exercise caution when dining out to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Overall, while China has much to offer in terms of history, culture, and natural beauty, travelers should be prepared for these potential challenges when visiting the country.

China, officially known as the People's Republic of China, is a vast country located in East Asia. It has a long and rich history that dates back thousands of years. Here is a detailed overview of the history of China:

Ancient China (c. 2100 BCE - 221 BCE):

The Xia Dynasty (c. 2100-1600 BCE) is considered the first dynasty in Chinese history, though its existence is debated among historians.
The Shang Dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BCE) was the first historically confirmed dynasty in China, known for its advanced bronze metallurgy and oracle bone inscriptions.
The Zhou Dynasty (c. 1046-221 BCE) was a period of significant cultural and philosophical development in China, with the establishment of Confucianism and Daoism.

Imperial China (221 BCE - 1912 CE):

The Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE) unified China under the rule of the first Emperor Qin Shi Huang, known for the construction of the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army.
The Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE) is considered a golden age in Chinese history, with advancements in technology, arts, and governance.
The Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) was another prosperous period known for its cultural achievements, trade along the Silk Road, and the development of the imperial examination system.

Modern China (1912 CE - present):

The fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1912 led to the establishment of the Republic of China, followed by a period of warlordism and civil unrest.
The Chinese Communist Party, led by figures like Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai, emerged victorious in the Chinese Civil War and established the People's Republic of China in 1949.
The Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution under Mao Zedong had profound social and economic consequences in China.
Economic reforms initiated by Deng Xiaoping in the late 20th century led to China's rapid economic growth and emergence as a global power.
Tiananmen Square protests in 1989 were a significant event where the Chinese government cracked down on pro-democracy demonstrators.
China's entry into the World Trade Organization in 2001 further integrated the country into the global economy.

Key landmarks in China include:

The Great Wall of China, a series of fortifications built to protect against invasions from nomadic tribes.
The Forbidden City in Beijing, a vast imperial palace complex that served as the residence of Chinese emperors for centuries.
The Terracotta Army in Xi'an, a collection of life-sized clay statues buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang to protect him in the afterlife.
The Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River, one of the largest hydroelectric power stations in the world.

This overview provides a glimpse into the long and complex history of China, a country with a rich cultural heritage and a prominent role in global affairs.