CHINA TRAVEL TIPS
Visiting China with Goddard & Howse
A general guide for guests touring China with Goddard & Howse. Please note that the content of these reference notes, which are designed to aid your preparation for the trip, may change without notice.
Population
1.33 billion plus.
Area
9.6million square kms (about the same as that of the USA, smaller than Russia and Canada but larger than Brazil and Australia).
Capital City
Beijing.
People
56 different ethnic groups of which the Han comprise 92%.
Currency
Renminbi (the yuan is the principal unit of the currency).
Geography
China is the third largest country in the world, covering an area of 9.6 million square kms (about the same as that of the USA, but smaller than Russia and Canada and larger than Brazil and Australia). In altitude it shares with Nepal the world’s highest point of 8844m (at Qomolangma Feng or Mt Everest) and it has the second lowest point of -900m (in the Tarim Basin of Xinjiang in the north-west).
China is the third largest country in the world, covering an area of 9.6 million square kms (about the same as that of the USA, but smaller than Russia and Canada and larger than Brazil and Australia). In altitude it shares with Nepal the world’s highest point of 8844m (at Qomolangma Feng or Mt Everest) and it has the second lowest point of -900m (in the Tarim Basin of Xinjiang in the north-west).
In some respects there are similarities to Australia where both countries have large deserts in the centre and north-west and fertile areas mostly near the respective eastern seaboards. But there the similarities mostly end. To the west China is bounded by the vast Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, from which rise two enormous rivers, the Yellow (Huang He) and the Yangzi (Chang Jiang), and then to the south are enormous plains, delta regions and numerous high mountain ranges sprinkled throughout. The Han Chinese who built their civilisation around the Yellow River moved east and south to the sea but did not become a maritime power. They controlled a vast plain cut off from the rest of the world by deserts, mountains and sea.
China has 26 provinces and autonomous regions in addition to two SARs (Special Administration Regions), Hong Kong (Xiang Gang) and Macau (Aomen). The island of Taiwan is regarded by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as part of China, and the other large Chinese island, Hainan, is east of Vietnam. The Nansha (South) and Xisha (West) island groups in the South China Sea are claimed by China but some in the groups are disputed by other Asian countries. Melting snow from the towering mountains of the west and the Qinghai-Tibet plateau provides the headwaters for the Yellow and Yangzi Rivers and the Mekong (Lancang Jiang). Most of the rivers flow east. The 6300 km Yangzi is the longest in China and the third longest in the world after the Nile and the Amazon. The Yellow River is 5460 kms long, and the third great waterway of China, the man-made 1800 km Grand Canal stretches from Hangzhou near Shanghai to Beijing.
Climate
During our journey we will be experiencing differing weather patterns as we head to the north-east from near the Yangzi Delta around Shanghai, then to the central west and finally to the south. Around Shanghai it gets sticky in summer and the far north-east around Harbin has the same extreme patterns as Siberia. In the north, early spring and late autumn are the best times to travel with mild temperatures and cool, dry evenings, while at other times strong winds blow fine particles from the Gobi and deliver a haze to Beijing and to Shanxi Province to the west of the capital. Further west around Xian, searing summer temperatures are the norm. In the south around Guangxi Province (we go to Yangshuo down there) the sub-tropical climate is similar to that of northern Thailand and Indochina.
During our journey we will be experiencing differing weather patterns as we head to the north-east from near the Yangzi Delta around Shanghai, then to the central west and finally to the south. Around Shanghai it gets sticky in summer and the far north-east around Harbin has the same extreme patterns as Siberia. In the north, early spring and late autumn are the best times to travel with mild temperatures and cool, dry evenings, while at other times strong winds blow fine particles from the Gobi and deliver a haze to Beijing and to Shanxi Province to the west of the capital. Further west around Xian, searing summer temperatures are the norm. In the south around Guangxi Province (we go to Yangshuo down there) the sub-tropical climate is similar to that of northern Thailand and Indochina.
The three “furnaces” (Wuhan, Chongqing, Nanjing – all located along the Yangzi River) are not on our itinerary but if they were you would be advised to avoid them in mid-June, July and early August. April-May (spring) and September-October (autumn) provide the best compromise for pleasant travel conditions and our journey is scheduled for departure dates in those seasons.
Shanghai’s average is 28C in September and 23C in May with rainfall of 130mm in September and 100mm in May. Harbin’s temperatures are 20C for those months and rainfall figures are 60mm and 35mm, respectively. Beijing: 25C and 26C, 60mm and 30mm. Near Yangshuo temperatures in September and May average around 30C and rainfall is typically 160mm and 250mm. Please talk to us for more information on the likely weather for your particular journey.
Passport and Visa
You will need a passport valid for at least six months beyond the return date of travel. You should photocopy your passport and/or note the number in a place separate from where you keep your passport. Australian passport holders will need a valid China visa. You will need your valid passport, passport photo and completed visa application form. There is a fee of $A40 for the visa plus a $10 fee per set of lodged visa applications. Processing takes five working days. Goddard & Howse will arrange your visa for you. For more information please visit the Embassy Of The People's Republic of China
You will need a passport valid for at least six months beyond the return date of travel. You should photocopy your passport and/or note the number in a place separate from where you keep your passport. Australian passport holders will need a valid China visa. You will need your valid passport, passport photo and completed visa application form. There is a fee of $A40 for the visa plus a $10 fee per set of lodged visa applications. Processing takes five working days. Goddard & Howse will arrange your visa for you. For more information please visit the Embassy Of The People's Republic of China
Airline Tickets
Goddard & Howse will issue your ticket covering your international journey (unless you purchase the ‘land content’ option only). Tickets for domestic China air sectors will be provided at each departure point (as will tickets for other modes of transport).
Goddard & Howse will issue your ticket covering your international journey (unless you purchase the ‘land content’ option only). Tickets for domestic China air sectors will be provided at each departure point (as will tickets for other modes of transport).
Baggage Allowance
Baggage should be clearly labelled. Allow two pieces of checked luggage, with a total weight of 20 kg. In addition, you may carry one small piece of cabin luggage, however, you would be advised to carry only one main piece (or two small pieces) of luggage if possible.
Baggage should be clearly labelled. Allow two pieces of checked luggage, with a total weight of 20 kg. In addition, you may carry one small piece of cabin luggage, however, you would be advised to carry only one main piece (or two small pieces) of luggage if possible.
Travel Insurance
This is mandatory for all of our guests. Competent medical and dental treatment is available in China but emergency evacuation or delayed return can be expensive.The insurance policy should be lodged at the time of final payment. We will issue your policy here in the office. If you have purchased travel insurance elsewhere please advise Goddard & Howse of the insurance company and policy number. Medicare (apart from some reciprocal arrangements with a limited number of countries – not China) provides no cover outside Australia. Australian private health funds normally only provide cover outside Australia by special arrangement. You should photocopy the policy and/or note the policy details in a notebook.
This is mandatory for all of our guests. Competent medical and dental treatment is available in China but emergency evacuation or delayed return can be expensive.The insurance policy should be lodged at the time of final payment. We will issue your policy here in the office. If you have purchased travel insurance elsewhere please advise Goddard & Howse of the insurance company and policy number. Medicare (apart from some reciprocal arrangements with a limited number of countries – not China) provides no cover outside Australia. Australian private health funds normally only provide cover outside Australia by special arrangement. You should photocopy the policy and/or note the policy details in a notebook.
Vaccinations
Please contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre or your local GP for medical advice.
Please contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre or your local GP for medical advice.
Medications
If you use prescription items please make sure you bring sufficient with you for the entire tour. Toothpaste and other toiletries are readily available.
If you use prescription items please make sure you bring sufficient with you for the entire tour. Toothpaste and other toiletries are readily available.
Cash and Credit Cards
It is necessary to carry some cash. This is the first leg of your set of money. The currency in China is renminbi (literally: 'people’s money') and the unit of currency is the yuan, with a jiao (colloquially ‘mao’) being one-tenth of a yuan and a fen one-hundredth of a yuan. The second leg, we suggest, is the ‘cash passport’, purchased at travel outlets, at some retail travel agencies and at Australian airports. It is a flexible and secure means of accessing cash since it carries no numbers and, if lost or stolen, cannot be accessed. Charges of 1% commission and a flat fee of $3.75 per ATM transaction make it a better proposition than credit cards as a source of obtaining cash and as a secure means of carrying it. They can be charged up with more money via BPAY while overseas. Credit cards are the third leg and they are useful for making purchases and paying for some services (but not for accessing cash on the basis of the high bank fees) and, for loyalty programs, accruing points. For market shopping and smaller shops you need to have yuan in cash.
It is necessary to carry some cash. This is the first leg of your set of money. The currency in China is renminbi (literally: 'people’s money') and the unit of currency is the yuan, with a jiao (colloquially ‘mao’) being one-tenth of a yuan and a fen one-hundredth of a yuan. The second leg, we suggest, is the ‘cash passport’, purchased at travel outlets, at some retail travel agencies and at Australian airports. It is a flexible and secure means of accessing cash since it carries no numbers and, if lost or stolen, cannot be accessed. Charges of 1% commission and a flat fee of $3.75 per ATM transaction make it a better proposition than credit cards as a source of obtaining cash and as a secure means of carrying it. They can be charged up with more money via BPAY while overseas. Credit cards are the third leg and they are useful for making purchases and paying for some services (but not for accessing cash on the basis of the high bank fees) and, for loyalty programs, accruing points. For market shopping and smaller shops you need to have yuan in cash.
There is no sense in changing your $AU to a third currency such as $US, then, in China, changing that to renminbi. So we say: buy some yuan cash (here or when you arrive in China), take an $AU cash passport perhaps charged with your projected ‘Extra Costs’ budget (see below), and a credit card. ATMs are widely available in China.
Cost Inclusions
The tour price includes all normal items including entrance and sightseeing fees, except those stated under ‘Extra Costs’ below.
The tour price includes all normal items including entrance and sightseeing fees, except those stated under ‘Extra Costs’ below.
Extra Costs:
The tour price does not include certain items. These are listed hereunder. You could spend either significantly more (e.g. you could expect to pay as much as $AU45 for a full meal if you wish to eat at a top class restaurant or as little as $AU3, depending on your preferences).
$AU32 per day should be a reasonable average total for both lunches and dinners.
The tour price does not include certain items. These are listed hereunder. You could spend either significantly more (e.g. you could expect to pay as much as $AU45 for a full meal if you wish to eat at a top class restaurant or as little as $AU3, depending on your preferences).
$AU32 per day should be a reasonable average total for both lunches and dinners.
PLEASE NOTE THIS BUDGET IS IN $AU:
| Lunches and dinners throughout 19 days @ equiv of $33/day | $625 |
| Drinks (mainly good local beer or soft drinks pre dinner or with dinner) | |
| 19 days @ $10/day | $190 |
| Gratuities (see note below) | $125 |
| APPROXIMATE TOTAL | $940 |
| Add souvenirs, personal shopping, etc. |
Gratuities
Not required in hotels, however, you should allow about $US4 per day as a tip for the guide and $US1 per day for the various drivers. (Goddard & Howse will collect the tip on behalf of the guides and make a presentation at the end of their time with us).
Not required in hotels, however, you should allow about $US4 per day as a tip for the guide and $US1 per day for the various drivers. (Goddard & Howse will collect the tip on behalf of the guides and make a presentation at the end of their time with us).
Accommodation
Accommodation will be comfortable and clean with private facilities, mini bars and laundry service throughout. Each hotel will reflect more individuality than is found in most international (luxurious but anonymous) hotels. In that respect, we have selected mostly hotels or guesthouses of character to match the cultural-insight theme of our China trip rather than stylish but ‘same-ness’ hotels of western chains. Generally, they will equate to three to four star accommodation in Australia. All offer international phone connections and some have swimming pools and restaurants. Coffee and tea making facilities are generally not available.
Accommodation will be comfortable and clean with private facilities, mini bars and laundry service throughout. Each hotel will reflect more individuality than is found in most international (luxurious but anonymous) hotels. In that respect, we have selected mostly hotels or guesthouses of character to match the cultural-insight theme of our China trip rather than stylish but ‘same-ness’ hotels of western chains. Generally, they will equate to three to four star accommodation in Australia. All offer international phone connections and some have swimming pools and restaurants. Coffee and tea making facilities are generally not available.
Clothing
You will need a range of clothing to cover the journey. Although minivans and hotels will be air-conditioned, the bulk of your clothing will need to be light and suitable for travelling and walking in comfort - light jeans or long trousers/slacks, shorts, long and short sleeved casual shirts/blouses and comfortable walking shoes. A folding umbrella or rain poncho should be on your packing list, and a light sweater. A wide-brimmed hat to provide shade is essential. (If you are travelling in January, February and March bring a gore-tex jacket or parkha and thick jumper as it can get quite cold nearly everywhere and particularly in the north and west).
You will need a range of clothing to cover the journey. Although minivans and hotels will be air-conditioned, the bulk of your clothing will need to be light and suitable for travelling and walking in comfort - light jeans or long trousers/slacks, shorts, long and short sleeved casual shirts/blouses and comfortable walking shoes. A folding umbrella or rain poncho should be on your packing list, and a light sweater. A wide-brimmed hat to provide shade is essential. (If you are travelling in January, February and March bring a gore-tex jacket or parkha and thick jumper as it can get quite cold nearly everywhere and particularly in the north and west).
You should also have a small day-pack large enough to hold raingear, a one-litre water bottle, camera, binoculars, nibbles, medications, etc. Such a pack may double as your cabin baggage whilst flying or be folded flat in your suitcase. Remember that although the weather should be mainly fine, walking shoes must be capable of handling wet conditions.
Laundry
You will only need to carry sufficient clothing for three to four days without washing. Laundry services are very efficient either in the hotel or at one of the various laundry shops we will point out to you. You will also have ample opportunities to wash drip-dries and small items.
You will only need to carry sufficient clothing for three to four days without washing. Laundry services are very efficient either in the hotel or at one of the various laundry shops we will point out to you. You will also have ample opportunities to wash drip-dries and small items.
Electricity
Electricity is 220 volt, 50 cycles AC (240 volt appliances can operate at 220 volts). Two flat pins (like American plugs, but without the ground wire), three-pronged angled pins (Australian type), and two round pin plugs (European type) are widely available – some hotels have all three types. Hair dryers are available at most hotels.
Electricity is 220 volt, 50 cycles AC (240 volt appliances can operate at 220 volts). Two flat pins (like American plugs, but without the ground wire), three-pronged angled pins (Australian type), and two round pin plugs (European type) are widely available – some hotels have all three types. Hair dryers are available at most hotels.
Email
Email is offered in all cities. Most of the hotels have an email service or there are numerous internet cafes. It can be slow, but it is cheap. You may want to set up an email account with Hotmail or Yahoo before you leave Australia.
Email is offered in all cities. Most of the hotels have an email service or there are numerous internet cafes. It can be slow, but it is cheap. You may want to set up an email account with Hotmail or Yahoo before you leave Australia.
Miscellaneous Needs
Don’t forget such things as: sunblock, sunglasses, toiletries, some reading material, medications, a conveniently accessible wallet for travel documents, camera, film or memory stick, small binoculars, important addresses/phone numbers, a small notebook, pens, etc. If your camera or other gadgets rely on batteries, carry spares.
Don’t forget such things as: sunblock, sunglasses, toiletries, some reading material, medications, a conveniently accessible wallet for travel documents, camera, film or memory stick, small binoculars, important addresses/phone numbers, a small notebook, pens, etc. If your camera or other gadgets rely on batteries, carry spares.
Photography
Print film is widely available. Good processing facilities exist in the major centres as do facilities for printing and downloading digital photographs onto disks or memory sticks for very reasonable rates. When taking photos of locals and officials, it is probably best to indicate your wish beforehand. Many Chinese are happy to be photographed. Candid shots or people, however, are viewed with suspicion by some Chinese ‘why is that foreigner taking my picture?’ Even today, particularly in the hinterland, the idea of using photography as a creative exercise is alien. To most Chinese, photography is for snaps of friends and family and for fixed poses at historic sites. Photography in museums is mostly forbidden. Some historic sites charge if you wish to take videos.
Print film is widely available. Good processing facilities exist in the major centres as do facilities for printing and downloading digital photographs onto disks or memory sticks for very reasonable rates. When taking photos of locals and officials, it is probably best to indicate your wish beforehand. Many Chinese are happy to be photographed. Candid shots or people, however, are viewed with suspicion by some Chinese ‘why is that foreigner taking my picture?’ Even today, particularly in the hinterland, the idea of using photography as a creative exercise is alien. To most Chinese, photography is for snaps of friends and family and for fixed poses at historic sites. Photography in museums is mostly forbidden. Some historic sites charge if you wish to take videos.
Safety
Personal safety is not a significant issue in China, particularly as you will be travelling in a group (with bi-lingual guide) virtually at all times. There are some incidents of petty theft in big cities (no worse than any European city) and ladies should be watchful of handbags. You will be coached on handling the over-persistent salesperson.
Personal safety is not a significant issue in China, particularly as you will be travelling in a group (with bi-lingual guide) virtually at all times. There are some incidents of petty theft in big cities (no worse than any European city) and ladies should be watchful of handbags. You will be coached on handling the over-persistent salesperson.
Time
Time throughout China is set to Beijing time. So people in Kashi (Kashgar) and Urumqi, for example, follow a later work schedule so they are not commuting two-three hours before dawn (as would be the case for people in Perth if locked on Eastern Australian Time). When it is noon in China, it is 2pm in Canberra (3pm during daylight saving time).
Time throughout China is set to Beijing time. So people in Kashi (Kashgar) and Urumqi, for example, follow a later work schedule so they are not commuting two-three hours before dawn (as would be the case for people in Perth if locked on Eastern Australian Time). When it is noon in China, it is 2pm in Canberra (3pm during daylight saving time).
Background Reading and Viewing
The following references on China are suggested for those who may be interested:
The following references on China are suggested for those who may be interested:
BooksChina Cuckoo, How I lost a fortune and found a life in China, (2009), Mark Kitto, Pier 9Whispers from China’s Past, Sally Keenan, Times Online [link: Google]Foreign Devils on the Silk Road, Peter Hopkirk – OxfordTrespassers on the Roof of the World, Peter Hopkirk – OxfordRiver Town – two years on the Yangtze, Peter Hessler - PerennialAncestors – 900 years in the life of a Chinese family, Frank Ching – PanThe Private Life of Chairman Mao, Li Zhisui – Arrow BooksDeng Xiaoping & the making of modern China, Richard Evans - Hamish Hamilton. LondonLonely Planet China - a useful information guide (wait for a new edition, the current one is already out of date particularly in relation to details in the major citiesFrommers China 3rd Edition – an excellent information guide - Wiley
Films
Springtime in a Small Town, (2002), Wu Jun, Hu Jingfang, Xin Baiqing – can buy it at JB Hifi
Yellow Earth, (1984), Chen Kaige
Farewell my Concubine, (1993), Chen Kaige
Red Sorghum, (1987), Zhang Yimou
Ju Dou, (1990), Zhang Yimou
Raise the Red Lantern, (1991), Zhang Yimou
Springtime in a Small Town, (2002), Wu Jun, Hu Jingfang, Xin Baiqing – can buy it at JB Hifi
Yellow Earth, (1984), Chen Kaige
Farewell my Concubine, (1993), Chen Kaige
Red Sorghum, (1987), Zhang Yimou
Ju Dou, (1990), Zhang Yimou
Raise the Red Lantern, (1991), Zhang Yimou
To gain an appreciation of societal and cultural aspects and, indeed, for entertainment, you may like to sample a Chinese film or two, be they on SBS or at the ANU Film Society screenings. In particular, we recommend films by Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige.
Zhang Yimou, Time Person of the Year 2008, was the brilliant architect of:
..the epic that took place on the eighth day of the eighth month of 2008. That was when 2 billion TV viewers and thousands in attendance in the now famous Bird's Nest were treated to an unforgettable spectacle that was the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics.
Drawing from the depths of the cultural heritage and ingenuity of the Chinese people, showcasing ancient Chinese inventions — paper, printing, gunpowder, ceramics and the compass — that have shaped civilization and channeling the sensibility and spirit that unite his fellow 1.3 billion citizens, Zhang told China's story to a watching world. He created arguably the grandest spectacle of the new millennium. With this work, Zhang obtained a stature shared by very few peers. In telling China's story, Zhang explored the character he, or peaceful harmony — an ideal critical to Chinese culture (Time CNN - by Steven Spielberg, Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008).
..the epic that took place on the eighth day of the eighth month of 2008. That was when 2 billion TV viewers and thousands in attendance in the now famous Bird's Nest were treated to an unforgettable spectacle that was the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics.
Drawing from the depths of the cultural heritage and ingenuity of the Chinese people, showcasing ancient Chinese inventions — paper, printing, gunpowder, ceramics and the compass — that have shaped civilization and channeling the sensibility and spirit that unite his fellow 1.3 billion citizens, Zhang told China's story to a watching world. He created arguably the grandest spectacle of the new millennium. With this work, Zhang obtained a stature shared by very few peers. In telling China's story, Zhang explored the character he, or peaceful harmony — an ideal critical to Chinese culture (Time CNN - by Steven Spielberg, Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008).
Chen Kaige, a former red guard, is one of China’s 5th generation of film makers whose films are famed for their visual flair and epic storytelling.
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