How to plan your first trip in China

For foreigners setting foot in China for the first time, it is crucial to plan a travel experience that is both fulfilling and memorable. China, a country with a long history, rich culture and diverse natural beauty, offers travelers endless possibilities for exploration. Below is a customized proposal for foreigners to plan their first trip (6 days) to China:

1. Preliminary Preparation
a. Visa application: First, apply for a Tourist Visa for China in advance, according to the requirements of your country.
b. Research destinations: China is a vast country, choose one or two cities or regions of interest as a starting point, such as Beijing (History and Culture), Shanghai (modern city), Xi'an (ruins of the ancient capital), Guilin (beauty of the mountains and water) or Chengdu (food and pandas).
c. Learn basic Chinese: Learning simple Chinese greetings and common vocabulary such as “hello”-"Ni Hao", “thank you"-"Xie Xie", “how much”-"Duo Shao Qian", etc. will greatly enhance the travel experience.
d. Learn about cultural practices: Read books, watch documentaries or consult with experienced travelers to gain an understanding of basic Chinese cultural practices, such as table manners and respect for local beliefs.
e. Book accommodation and Transportation: Book hotels or B&Bs online in advance, and plan for the main means of transportation, such as flights, high-speed trains or long-distance buses.

Recommended itinerary:

Most popular for first-time visitors to China: 8-day Beijing-Xi'an-Shanghai tour

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2. Itinerary Planning
Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization
a. Arrival city: Arrange for pick-up or transportation to the hotel according to the chosen starting city.
b. Rest and Adjustment: Jet lag and long-distance traveling may be tiring, and it is recommended to rest and adjust mainly on the first day.
c. Initial exploration of the neighborhood: In the evening, you may choose to explore the nearby neighborhoods on foot or by bike to get a feel of local life.
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Day 2 to 5: Explore in depth
a. History and culture: Visit famous local monuments, such as the forbidden city and The Great Wall in Beijing, and The Terracotta Warriors and Horses in Xi'an, to experience China's long history and culture.
b. Modern city experience: enjoy the architectural style of both sides of the Huangpu River and experience the viewing platforms of high-rise buildings at the Bund in Shanghai; savor the local snacks and experience the slow life at Kuan Narrow Alley in Chengdu.
c. Natural scenery: If time permits, you can arrange one or two days to travel to the surrounding natural scenic spots, such as the Li River cruise in Guilin and the strange mountains and waters in Zhangjiajie.
d. Local Cuisine: Try a variety of local specialties, such as Beijing's roast duck, Sichuan's hot pot, and Guangdong's morning tea, and experience China's food culture through your taste buds.

Recommended itinerary: Experience the essence of China

Beijing-Xi'an-Zhangjiajie-Shanghai 10-day tour

Day 6: Shopping & Souvenirs
a. Traditional Market: Stroll through a local traditional market or shopping center and buy handicrafts, tea, silk, etc. as souvenirs.
b. Special experience: Participate in a tea experience, calligraphy class or Tai Chi class to experience Chinese traditional culture more deeply.

Recommended itinerary:

1. 6-day tour of Shanghai-Suzhou-Hangzhou (including tea experience)

2. 2-day tour of Chengdu Qingcheng Mountain，Panda and Gaiwan tea experience

3. Safety and Health
a. Vigilance: Pay attention to the safety of personal belongings and avoid traveling to areas with poor security.
b. Health Preparation: Carry common medicines with you, and understand and follow local health and safety recommendations, such as wearing a mask and washing your hands frequently.
c. Emergency Contacts: Keep the contact information of your hotel, travel agency and local emergency services (e.g. police, hospitals).

4. Summarize and Reflect
a. Record your trip: Use a camera or diary to record the moments of your trip, which will become valuable memories.
b. Share your experience: Share your experience and feelings about your Trip to China through social media or face-to-face communication with friends.
c. Plan for the future: If this trip made you fall in love with China, plan your next in-depth trip to explore more unknown beauties.

In short, your first trip to China should be a journey full of surprises and discoveries. With careful planning and thorough preparation, you will be able to fully experience the unique charm of this ancient yet vibrant country.

If you have any questions about traveling to China, please feel free to contact us.