China

China (also the People’s Republic of China) is a huge, developing, country in Eastern Asia and the next largest Asian country after Russia. It encompasses an area of more than 9.5 million square miles.  China has many rivers, the longest and major ones being the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers.

Travel Insurance for China :
Area: World Wide exc. USA / Canada *

Know Before You Go:
FCO Country Advice for China
 

China shares borders with many other countries, including Mongolia to the north, Russia to the NE and NW, North Korea to the east, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), India and Bhutan to the south, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgystan and Kazakhstan to the south and west. It shares regional borders with Macau and Hong Kong and also borders the East China Sea, Yellow Sea and South China Sea.

The country has spectacular mountain ranges to the south and west, including the Himalayas. Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world, sits at approx. 8,848m/29,000’ above sea level on the Nepal/Tibet border and is the most famous peak of the Himalayas. China’s diverse topography includes mountains, rivers, high plateaus, flatlands, basins, grassland, deserts (including the Gobi), forests, fertile plains, and a continental shelf to the east.  The high plateau in the southwest of the country includes Tibet, at 4,000m (approx. 13,000’) above sea level.

Several languages are spoken throughout China, and although there are many different dialects of the Chinese language, Mandarin (or standard Chinese) is the most widely spoken (approx. 70%). The ethnic population is mainly comprised of Han Chinese (over 90%) with others including Manchu, Mongol, Tibetan and Korean.  Religious groups include Taoist, Buddhist, Christian and Muslim.

Although it is becoming westernized - and struggling with the pollution that goes along with it - China is still a mysterious land and culture with mystical landscapes and mountains which westerners find exotic and fascinating.  It is a land of temples, emperors, dynasties, and monk warriors. Many aspects of Chinese life are familiar to us in the western world, such as Chinese food, martial arts, calligraphy, ink drawings, Chinese acrobats, Chinese Horoscope, feng shui and acupuncture,

China is one of the world’s most popular destinations for travellers with its ancient and fascinating history and more than 30 UNESCO World Heritage sites. 
Who doesn’t want to sample real Chinese cuisine, visit the Great Wall, the Forbidden Palace, the Silk Road (Silk Route), X’ian’s Terracotta Army and see cuddly bamboo-eating giant pandas up close! 

Beijing

... is the capital of China, located in the north-east of the country.  It was chosen as the site of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games.  Beijing is packed with ancient treasures such as the Tiananmen Tower (and also places of tragedy, such as Tiananmen Square).  The Forbidden City in the centre is a huge complex of palaces which was used during the Qing and Ming Dynasties. As it covers such a large area, the Forbidden City deserves several hours of exploration. The Summer Palace is a must see with its imperial gardens. Close to the centre of the city is the Grand View Garden, with its Bamboo Lodge and Red Court. 

Beijing is a good base for exploring surrounding areas, such as The Great Wall which is accessible at several locations near Beijing. The ‘Great Wall Express’ is a train service from Beijing, put into operation during the 2008 Olympics and designed to take visitors on a faster and more direct route to the nearest entry to the Great Wall. The tombs of the emperors of the Ming Dynasty are also not far away.  All visitors to China will want to visit the famous and amazing army of Terracotta Horses and Warriors at Xi’an. Visit the Beijing zoo for an up-close look at the adorable giant pandas. There are many ways to get about in Beijing including, bus, rail, taxi and subway. A version of the traditional rickshaw is available in touristy areas, but prices should be negotiated upfront!

Shanghai

... is a bustling, modern city of skyscrapers. It is less attractive to tourists, but nevertheless has plenty to see, with the Temple of the Jade Buddha and museum with thousands of exhibitions of art, the Jade Gallery and Chinese bronzes and furniture.  Shanghai is located on the coast of the East China Sea  and banks of the Yangtze River.  It is a shoppers paradise, packed with excellent restaurants and hotels and all you would expect to find in a modern city.

Hong Kong

The Chinese once again rule over Hong Kong - which was taken back from the British in1997.  With a population of more than seven million people it is a buzzing and multi-cultural society and picturesque city with lots to see and do.  Hong Kong Island is the main area, with Kowloon set on a peninsula of mainland China facing it. Victoria Peak is the best place to get a great view of Hong Kong Harbour and port.

Macau

Macau is the second Special Administrative Region of The People’s Republic of China (the other being Hong Kong).  It is comprised of islands and a peninsula which connect it to mainland China.  It is also accessible by boat or ferry from Hong Kong.  Being a former overseas province of Portugal until 1999 it retains a lot of European and colonial influence.  Macau is perhaps best known for its waterfront casinos and gambling, and similarity to Las Vegas, but has many other cultural and historic attractions too.  The Macau Tower is the place to take in spectacular views of the area.  Fisherman’s Wharf will provide entertainment, shopping and a theme-park.

Tibet

Lhasa is the capital city of the Tibet Autonomous Region, also known as ‘the Roof of the World’ due its elevation at more than 13,000’ above sea level.  Lhasa is also known as the Solar city because of the amount of sunshine it receives.  The spectacular landscape, palaces, monasteries and sights in Tibet should not be missed.  However, although it is possible to get there by train, plane or road, travel and methods of access should be planned in advance. 
 
China celebrates many annual festivals, including the Spring Festival (Chinese Lunar New Year) which ends with the Lantern Festival 15 days later.  Qingming Festival, Dragon Boat Festival and Moon Festival or mid-Autumn Festival (held on full moon in August).

Getting around in China is fairly easy and inexpensive. There is a good rail service which goes just about everywhere (except Tibet).  Buses are another option, but the roads will not always guarantee a comfortable ride.  Hiring cars is not always recommended as they may require that you leave your passport.  Getting around by boat is another option as there are so many rivers and ferry services.  Walking or cycling are always good ways to take in the flavour and atmosphere, and many of the bridges are bicycle-friendly.

Climate: 

Due to the size of the country, the climate varies considerably throughout from an equatorial, tropical monsoon climate in the south to cool-temperate in the north. 

Disclaimer: While we have tried to ensure this information is correct we do not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy.

* Inclusion on this guide does not guarantee travel insurance is available in this country at any given time. Travel Insurance is not available in countries for which the F.C.O. advise against travel to.

** At the time of writing, the F.C.O. advised against travel to countries, or areas thereof, marked thus at the time of writing. Travel Insurance is not available in areas where the F.C.O. advise against travel to.

You are strongly advised to visit the F.C.O. web site for up to date information and general travel advice before you travel.