Top tips for travelling in China
China is a beautiful and fascinating country with a culture all of its own. Sportsworld wants to make your journey and your time in China as enjoyable and easy as possible so we have recommended a range of things to do and tips to help you.
Top 5 things to do and see in and around Beijing
1) The Great Wall of China
One of the oldest manmade buildings on earth, the Great Wall is an absolute must-see when you are in China. It is only when you are close up that you will appreciate the craftsmanship and ingenuity that combined to create this awesome defensive structure.
2) The Forbidden City
Set in the heart of Beijing on the northern side of Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City dates back to the 14th century when it was created by the Ming Dynasty. Its name derives from imperial times when ‘common’ people were not allowed to enter.
3) Shopping
Beijing has some excellent markets and shopping malls where tourists can pick up some great bargains. Typical produce includes Chinese silk, rugs and pearls. Don’t forget to haggle on price – never accept the first price you are offered (see our bargaining tips below).
4) Panda Reserve, Chengdu
If you can travel a little further afield, then Chengdu is well worth a visit. You will see the pandas in their natural habitat along with the ongoing conservation work. Chengdu is in the Sichuan region which boasts some of China’s finest cuisine, providing you enjoy your food a little more spicy
5) Summer Palace
Situated on the outskirts of Beijing, this is an oasis of tranquillity. It is set in beautiful parkland with a vast manmade lake and was built for emperors as a retreat from the busy city and the rigours of imperial life. The Palace itself is set on top of a hill and the views are quite spectacular.
Bargaining
The Chinese will expect you to bargain with them at markets and clothes stalls. Don’t be afraid to suggest very low prices when you start bartering – the starting price is often hugely inflated. Always smile throughout the process – the vendor is more likely to keep going if you’re happy! Don’t let the vendor know your final price until the end or you may lose the opportunity for a bargain!
The Chinese will typically bargain using English phrases and a large calculator to avoid confusion. They’ll use terms such as ‘good quality’, ‘cheaper’, ‘how much you pay’, ‘sorry, no profit’. This is all good natured banter, so relax, join in and have fun!
Drinking water
Hotels often provide boiled water in thermos flasks, which is safe to drink. Bottled water is readily available and very reasonably priced.
Safety
Due to strict laws in China, it is one of the safest countries in the world. As with any city, there are risks of pick-pocketing or bag snatching, so exercise caution in busy public places.
Useful things to take to China
- Tissues
- Wet Wipes
- Hand Sanitizer (medicated gel that cleans your hands)
- Sunscreen
- Skincare products (to the Chinese, white skin is a sign of great beauty, so 90% of their skincare products have whitener in them)
- Pain relief tablets (such as paracetemol or Nurofen)
- English Breakfast tea!
Transport
Transport in Beijing is improving all the time, in the lead up to the Olympics. The Chinese authorities have invested billions of dollars in public transport which includes subways, light railways and buses. Sportsworld hotels are located close to public transport to allow for easier travelling around the city.
Taxis can be hailed on the street. You will need to check how to identify these. We will provide Sportsworld guests with helpful information to assist you. As there are still a large number of Beijing taxi drivers that do not speak English we will also provide Chinese address and direction cards to show to your driver.