Last year at the same time, I was leaving for a 21-day trip to China including a stay of several days in Hong Kong. In this article, I will talk to you about my trip to China and give my opinion.
Key points to remember
China is discovered in stages: Beijing for history, Xi’an for the terracotta soldiers, Shanghai for modernity, Guilin for the landscapes. Plan at least 3 weeks for a first trip, and obtain a visa in advance.
Trip to China: Opinion and impression
I went to China two consecutive summers. The first time, I only stayed 5 days in Beijing because I had a long stopover in Beijing on my trip to Japan. For my second trip, I stayed longer: 16 days in China and 4 days in Hong Kong and Macau (the remaining day was for the flight).
What I did in China and what you can visit:
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Trip to China: Opinion on Beijing
It is a fairly traditional Chinese city although urban and the capital of China; it has changed a lot over the last 10 years with the 2008 Olympic Games. Its main tourist attractions are: the Great Wall of China (there are three different sections that can be visited), the Summer Palace, and the Forbidden City. Beijing also has many other beautiful places to visit such as the Lama Temple or the Temple of Heaven, Coal Hill next to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square before the Forbidden City, iconic (or traditional) streets, or markets.
Did you know?
The Great Wall measures 21,196 km in total according to the latest official measurements. Contrary to legend, it is not visible to the naked eye from the Moon. It is not even continuous: it consists of several sections built at different times.
My opinion on this place: it was my favorite during my first trip to China; that is actually why I went back another time. You feel so disoriented when you arrive in Beijing that you have the impression of being in another world (different manners, a different culture, rude people, etc.). There are enough activities to stay a week (visiting the city or neighborhoods, shopping, etc.). It’s a pity that it is a very polluted city. If I had to go to China to learn Chinese, I would probably go to Beijing; otherwise, for another place than China for Chinese, I would go to Taiwan.
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Trip to China: Opinion on Xi’an
My experience
In Beijing, I underestimated the language barrier. Without a translation app and without WeChat (Google is blocked), I would have been lost. Download Pleco, WeChat, and a VPN before leaving, otherwise it’s impossible to book a taxi or pay.
This place is where you can find the Terracotta Army and its mausoleum, which is the tomb of one of China’s ancient emperors. It is also the place where the famous “Silk Road” begins. You can also visit the Small and Big Wild Goose Pagodas, and there is the possibility to see a water jet show in the evening at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda every day (at least in summer). You will also find one of the rare Muslim quarters in China with its large mosque. You can also stroll along the city walls, or rent bikes.
There is also the possibility to go to the mountains (Hua Shan) a few hours from Xi’an for hiking, but I did not have the chance to do it.
My opinion on Xi’an: a traditional Chinese city full of history, prices are much lower than in Beijing for food, taxis, or accommodation. If you like history, you will be served. I recommend a maximum of 3 days in this city or 5 days if you go to the mountains. If you go to a nightclub, you will see very few or no Asians (our group was actually the only one).
Advantages
- Immense historical heritage
- Extremely varied cuisine depending on the regions
- Efficient and clean high-speed trains
- Almost total safety in cities
- Moderate cost of living outside first-tier cities
Weak points
- Mandatory and paid visa
- Google, Facebook, WhatsApp blocked (VPN essential)
- Very strong language barrier
- Pollution in large cities
- Huge distances between sites
| City | Duration | To see |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 4 days | Great Wall, Forbidden City |
| Xi’an | 2 days | Terracotta Army |
| Shanghai | 3 days | Bund, skyscrapers |
| Guilin / Yangshuo | 3 days | Karst landscapes |
| Chengdu | 2 days | Giant pandas |
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Travel in China: Opinion on Guilin or Yangshuo.
This is where you find the Li River and magnificent mountainous landscapes. There are many activities to do such as: taking a bike tour of the region, letting yourself be guided on a bamboo raft descent, experiencing the nightlife of Yangshuo, visiting the small villages along the Li River, and also seeing the Chinese rice terraces.
The classic trap to avoid
Avoid “tea salons” and “art galleries” where students approach you on the street in Beijing or Shanghai. It’s a classic scam: a hefty bill at the exit, often several hundred euros. Politely decline and keep walking.
My opinion on Guilin or Yangshuo: These are cities that double or even quintuple their populations during the summer because many Chinese travel at this time. If you go to Yangshuo, it is a Chinese tourist city with 99% Chinese tourists. If you like landscapes and cycling, immersion in Chinese villages, this is the ideal place for you. I recommend 2 days in Guilin and 3-4 days in Yangshuo. It is truly a place to visit.
These places will remain etched in my memory. You have to be careful because in Guilin/Yangshuo and Xi’an, few people speak English except in hostels or hotels, but you can always make yourself understood or find someone. Traveling can sometimes be very tiring and distances do not help. Here are: some things I liked and disliked in China.
If you are preparing your departure, take a look at our guide on China travel budget which complements the topic well. The feedback around China what also provides useful benchmarks to avoid unpleasant surprises. And to go further for inspiration, the article on 2013 Germany Bali is worth a detour.
To get around these places, we used the plane but it is also possible to take the train which is the least expensive option but the journeys are very long so you can probably stop in other places on your way if you have time.
What I would have liked to do more in China:-
Shanghai
It is a large very urban city and there are many expats. Most people go to Shanghai to party because Shanghai has less traditional Chinese appeal but some will prefer Shanghai because it is a place where many people speak English. For tourist visits, Shanghai is simply a big city and a financial center.
Do you need a visa for China?
Yes, a tourist visa is mandatory for French citizens. To be requested at the Chinese visa center, complete file and about 10 days processing time.
How long to visit China?
3 weeks for a first trip. China is so vast that you can come back several times without getting bored.
What is the best time to visit China?
April-May and September-October: mild temperatures. Avoid summer (hot and humid) and winter (very cold in the north).
- Guangzhou (being of Cantonese origin), the Yunnan region, Tibet and many others…
