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China Snapshot
Due to China's large size, there are great variations in the climate - depending on what area you're travelling in, expect different temperatures and conditions. Autumn and spring are generally the better seasons to visit as temperatures are less extreme than in summer and winter. Be aware that travelling through China during Chinese New Year presents some challenges, with many businesses closing and public transport (especially rail) much busier due to locals moving around the country to visit their families.
Eating and Drinking in China
- Sichuan Hot Pot: Taste a bit of Chinese history by dipping into a fiery Sichuan hot pot filled with meat, vegetables, noodles and chilli. While each region in China has different varieties, the hot pots in Sichuan are among the fieriest.
- Dim Sum (Yum Cha): Sitting down to a dim sum banquet is one of Hong Kong's great culinary experiences. Bamboo baskets of salty dumplings and pots of cleansing tea change hands in this traditional feast that will leave you feeling very full.
- Green Tea: China is home to one of the world's largest tea drinking cultures, with most locals sipping a few cups of tea daily. In western societies, green tea has risen in popularity of late, but has been used as a medicine in China for thousands of years.
- Peking Duck: This famous roast duck dish from Beijing dates back to Imperial China. Succulent slices of duck served between delicate pancakes with green onions and hoisin sauce is simply one of the best flavour combinations in the world.
Intrepid believes that one of the best ways of experiencing a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savouring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world. China can lay claim to rich culinary traditions and some of the world's most celebrated cuisine.
Shopping in China
- Silk: As the home of silk, Chinese silk is legendary. Greatly admired by the world for centuries, don’t leave China without picking up some silk fabric, clothing or scarves.
- Chinese Calligraphy Art: This beautiful art form has been practised in China for centuries. Buy an antique art work or get a customised piece featuring your name made on the spot.
- Paper Cut Art: This traditional art is a painstaking process that ultimately creates an intricately beautiful result. Associated with Chinese New Year, you will be able to find paper art souvenirs all year round, with flowers, animals and people being the most common.
- Chinese Knots: These traditional, decorative handicrafts are seen as a symbol of health and prosperity, and make brilliant gifts for friends back home.
China is a shopper's wonderland with a multitude of different shopping experiences: from the massive malls of Beijing to the fashion boutiques of Shanghai and the small village markets that are dotted around the country.
It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.
Accommodation
Travelling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavour to provide travellers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.
When travelling with us in China you may find yourself staying in a:
When travelling with us in China you may find yourself staying in a:
Homestay
- For an authentic experience, enjoy staying with local families in the hilltribe villages of the Sapa region where hospitality, fun and traditional food await.
Overnight Train
- Sleeping on an overnight train may not be the most comfortable experience but you'll get the chance to mingle with locals, play cards with other travellers or simply sit back and watch the scenery whiz by.
Monastery
- Experience a sense of serenity while staying at a monastery near Emei Shan. Waking to the sounds of monks chanting is far better than a hotel alarm clock.
Transport
Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.
Depending on which trip you're on while in China, you may find yourself travelling by:
Depending on which trip you're on while in China, you may find yourself travelling by:
Bicycle
- Cycling through China is a great way to see the country from ground level. Whether you're pedalling through the hutongs or the countryside, you'll see the sights and get to meet locals along the way.
Bullet Train
- Speed across China in a super fast bullet train. It's one of the most effective ways to cover long distances in a short time.
Boat
- Cruising down the Yangzi River is a quintessential China travel moment. Take in the scenery and bask in the epic glory of the dramatic Three Gorges.
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China at a glance
- 67
- Beijing (population 13 million)
- 1.3 billion
- Mandarin, Cantonese and many dialects
- CNY
- (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
- Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin), Type C (European 2-pin), Type I (Australian/New Zealand & Chinese/Argentine 2/3-pin)
- +86
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