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WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT CHINA

The US travel advisory has issued a Level 3 alert, advising citizens to “reconsider travel to China.” The truth is, there has never been a better time to visit. 

China is one of the safest and most advanced countries in the world. With its history of deep mutual respect and cooperation with one another, China’s crime rate is over five times lower than the United States. 

As the US continues to push hateful and racist narratives that China is to be feared, it is up to us, as peace-seeking citizens, to learn the truth that China is not our enemy. One of the best ways to do this is to visit China and craft a deeper understanding and connection with the country and its people. 

China is composed of vast provinces, each encapsulating a microcosm of China’s history, cuisine, and culture– a place where staggering skyscrapers meet unparalleled natural wonders. There is no place in the world quite like it, and truly, you need to see it to believe it. 

Index

  1. Traveling to China
  2. Traveling around China
  3. Chinese Visa
  4. Photo Gallery
  5. Resources and Information: Money
  6. Resources and Information: Communication
  7. Common words and phrases
  8. Resources and Information: Food
  9. Resources and Information: VPN
  10. Other helpful information
  11. Book a Tour
  12. Personal Testimonies
  13. Destination Spotlight
  14. What to read next
  15. China Highlight Reel
  16. A Culture of Peace and Harmony
  17. Take Action

TRAVELING TO CHINA

Direct flights from the US to China

TRAVELING AROUND CHINA

Useful Links:

FOOD 

When seeking out nearby popular restaurants, use the Dianping app. If you wish to order food directly to your door, Ele.me is the way to go. 

VPN

Some internet platforms and social media networks are not available for use in China. To prevent this, use a VPN to disguise your IP address and set your devices to another location.

Recommended VPNS:

OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION:

Time difference: China has one time zone for the entire country (China Standard Time). It is 12 hours ahead of Eastern Time during daylight savings, and 13 hours ahead during standard time. 

Outlets: Chinese outlets operate on plug A (two flat parallel pins), plug C (two round pins), and plug I (three flat pins in a triangular pattern). The supply voltage is 220V and 50Hz. 

Tipping: It is not customary to tip in China. 

Insurance: It is always recommended to purchase travel insurance while traveling abroad. 

Vaccinations: Refer to the CDC website for a list of recommended vaccinations. 

Weather: Temperature and precipitation levels vary greatly across China’s expansive territory. Check here for real-time information, as well as average temperatures each month.

BOOK A TOUR

Tours are often a great way to get a more immersive experience, especially if you are traveling by group. Here are some of our recommended tour companies:

PERSONAL TESTIMONIES 

A CULTURE OF PEACE OF HARMONY

A profound sense of respect for peace and harmony has been embedded in Chinese culture for thousands of years. The Chinese character for peace (和, hé) has been found carved into ancient bronze inscriptions. Confucius, a deeply influential Chinese scholar and philosopher, spoke of the significance of peace in The Analects of Confucius. Even Sun Tzu, who famously authored The Art of War (475-221 B.C.E.), spoke of war only in terms of peace, saying, “It is best to win without fighting.” 

Ideas of peace and cooperation have been passed through generations, lasting across the rise and fall of great dynasties. Stories and narratives are woven through the ancient tapestries of time, coloring philosophy, religion, and political ideologies. Even now, prominent political figures speak of the necessity for peace in China, citing conflict and war as a failure of the state. 

Only visiting China can expose you to the deep well of peace and serenity that permeates the air, and the warmth and kindness of the Chinese people. 

Click here to read more about China’s history of peace and harmony. 

WHAT TO READ NEXT:

TAKE ACTION:

Tell Biden: WE WANT COOPERATION NOT CONFLICT

Tell Congress China Is Not Our Enemy!

Tell Congress to Stand for Peace and Cooperation With China!

Host a Screening of Documentary China’s War on Poverty

 

CHINESE VISA

  • Most foreign citizens need a visa to visit China. There are different types of visas, depending on if you are going to China for tourism, business, or other purposes. Check the Travel China Guide website for a complete list of visa options. 

    Steps to apply for a visa:
  1. Fill out a Chinese Online Visa Application Form (COVA). Choose the consulate or embassy in charge of your district. You can find that information here.
  2. Collect other required documents according to the Requirements and Procedures for Chinese Visa Application.
  3. Submit your physical documents either in person or by mail. Expedited processing is available. Otherwise, visa processing can take around 4-5 days. 
  4. Pay for visa processing. You can find the visa service fee information here. 
  5. Collect your passport and visa on your given date or receive it in the mail. 

PHOTO GALLERY

Source: Megan Russell

RESOURCES AND INFORMATION

  • MONEY

The currency used in China is the Renminbi (RMB), also known as the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Colloquially, the word ‘kuai’ is used interchangeably with yuan. Money is easily exchangeable at Chinese airports and banks (they will always ask to see your passport). Check here for the latest exchange rates. Most places in larger cities accept Visa and Mastercard. However, it is always good to carry cash on you when traveling in smaller towns and villages. Locals commonly use either the WeChat or Alipay app to pay with their phones as most vendors accept these platforms. While WeChat is often troublesome to connect international cards, Alipay is known to work well. 

  • COMMUNICATION 

The Waygo app offers convenient and quick visual translation from Chinese to English. All you need to do is hold your phone up and it will automatically translate menus and signs. The most accurate Chinese-English dictionary app is Pleco, a universal favorite of all Chinese language learners. 

Common words and phrases: Though English is common in major cities, it is always helpful to have a few common words in your tool belt. Here are phrases that will take you a long way:

DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT

CHINA HIGHLIGHT REEL