If you’re thinking about taking a trip to China, it’s ideal to know a few tips first. China is a big and complex country, so it’s important to know what to expect.
Here are some of the best expert tips to make sure you have a great experience.
Don’t Overbook Yourself
Since there are so many wonderful things to see in China, from the bustling streets of Beijing to the Great Wall, it’s easy to sign up for tours left and right. However, it’s important to choose selectively.
Spreading yourself too thin may detract from your overall experience. Try to focus on quality over quantity. Stay a few days in one place to have the most authentic experience possible. There’s so much to do in China that you could never fit everything in during on trip anyway. You’re better off savoring every minute.
Consider The Season
Like most tourist destinations, you’ll find that the periods when the weather is nice is when there are the most people. In order to limit crowding and frustration, consider coming when it’s not the peak-season.
Instead of planning your trip to China around when experts claim the best time to go is, its best to come at the time that’s best for you. For example, your work only gave you time off during a specific timeframe, or you may need to schedule the trip during your children’s school vacation. You’ll still have a wonderful experience regardless of what time of year it is.
Get To Know The Locals
Why spend your whole trip in one of the most historically rich destinations in the world in the comfort of your hotel? Why not soak in Chinese culture by getting to know the locals.
There are all sorts of ways to get to know local Chinese people. Perhaps you can take a cooking class, or even tour a farm. Sometimes it can be as simple as eating at a local restaurant and getting to know the owners.
In some cases, things may happen organically without you having to push it. Just remain open and don’t close yourself off during your travels. You’d be doing yourself a great disservice to shut yourself off to meeting people along the way.
Pack Intelligently
Even though there is plenty of high fashion in China, you should dress for comfort rather than style. As a tourist you’ll likely be walking and moving around for a considerable amount of time every day, so wearing comfortable clothing is a must.
Going off the beaten path is a must, particularly in big cities. Worrying about getting sore feet, or staining your shirt in the process os the last thing you want to have to deal with. When packing your bag think about function over fashion, and you’ll be happy you did!