China Vacations

China is an exciting blend of ancient and modern, with ancient structures surrounded by gleaming skyscrapers. The Chinese embrace modernity, but they honour their tradition too. Their tradition or custom includes a strong sense of family values, deep respect for hierarchy, and pride in their language. You will sense all these when you are in China.

In Chinese society, formalities and etiquette are important. When greeting, Chinese generally bow slightly or nod politely. Avoid hugs or kisses as they can discomfort people. And another important tip is to never point at people. This gesture is considered hostile and extremely rude.

There are seven major groups of dialects spoken in China. Mandarin dialect is widely spoken by Chinese people, which accounts for 71.5% of the population. The Chinese people do not favour the English language, so brush up on your Mandarin skills before you plan a trip to China. Learn a few basic words like Ni Hao and Xiexie, which are hello and thank you in English.

Religion in China is for a few. China is officially an atheist country, though it allows the practice of selected religions like Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism, and Protestantism. Practicing religions other than these are illegal. Therefore, when in China, make sure you respect their religious beliefs and traditions. Otherwise, you may land in big trouble.

Traditional dressing in China is diverse and reflects its rich cultural heritage. Depending on the specific areas of China, the dressing style varies. Some of the common traditional dressings include Hanfu and Tangzhuang. Get a taste of their local dressing style by trying these outfits.

China is a vast country with diverse weather conditions. Based on the weather, you should plan your China tours. Spring (March to May) is generally the best time to visit China because the weather is mild, and the flowers and trees start to bloom. This period is ideal for outdoor activities like trekking and visiting gardens, parks, cities, and rural areas.

Summer (June to August) in China is hot and dry. Cities like Beijing are perfect for city tours and other activities. On the other hand, cities like Shanghai and Hong Kong are hot and humid, making it difficult for outdoor activities.

Out of all the seasons, autumn (September to November) and winter (December to February) are the best times to visit China. In autumn, the weather is cool and pleasant, making it perfect for trekking and exploring various other outdoor activities. The southern parts of China have milder winters, ideal for sightseeing and other adventure sports.  

In short, China is a one-of-a-kind destination that can be visited all year round, be it the summers, winters, spring, or autumn. Having said that, the spring and autumn seasons are the best for comfortable travel due to their milder temperatures.

Here are a few things you need to keep in mind before your China Tours:

Learn the basics of the Mandarin language. Mandarin is the official language of China, so learning a few basic words and phrases will help you when travelling. Remember, English is spoken in specific areas, especially in tourist spots, but in rural, don't expect English to be spoken by Chinese locals.

Respect their local customs and traditions. Chinese give importance to respect and courtesy. Do a thorough research on their local customs and greetings. Once you are there, use proper greetings. This gesture goes a long way. Locals feel appreciated when you greet them according to their culture.

Carry local currency. China's local currency is Yuan. Before going to China, convert your currency into China's currency at the airport or at a currency exchange establishment. In China, the local markets, especially smaller markets, do business using cash; so, carry a lot of cash with you.

China restricts the use of certain websites and apps, like Google, YouTube, Facebook, and other social media apps. Try their local search engines to find information about a certain place or historical site. 

Chinese cuisine is unique and diverse, featuring a wide variety of dishes. If you are a meat lover, you are in for a treat. Peking Duck is a famous dish made from roasted duck and served with pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce. If you are into chicken, try Kung Pao Chicken, a Sichuan-style dish made from diced chicken, peanuts, and vegetables and topped with some chilli peppers.

For quick bites, try Jianbing and Roujiamo. Jianbing is a Chinese crêpe filled with eggs and savoury sauces. Roujiamo is a Chinese hamburger stuffed with meat, typically pork.

When it comes to beverages, China offers a variety of beverages like tea, Baijiu, and Soy Milk. Baijiu is an alcoholic beverage made from grains, consumed especially during important events. If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, tea and Soy Milk are prevalent in China. China has a diverse tea culture that includes various types of tea, like green and black tea. If tea is not your thing, try non-alcoholic beverages like Soy Milk. Soy Milk is a popular non-alcoholic beverage made from soaking and grinding soya beans.

Exploring the rich, diverse cuisine is an integral part of experiencing China's vibrant culture. So, make sure to take the opportunity to dig into some of these mouthwatering dishes when you are in China.