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Travelling to China

There’s no place quite like it when it comes to exotic cuisine, adventure, and extraordinary sights.

Uncovering the mystique of China

Travelling to China for the first time can be daunting. We’ve made your holiday to the most populated part of the world easier for you with our travel guide.

Uncovering the mystique of China
Travel back in time

Travel back in time

Learn about China’s 5000-year-old civilisation, from the Beijing’s Forbidden City, discovering the ancient temples and historic districts, to the famous Tiananmen Square. Of course no trip to China would be complete without a visit to the ancient world wonder that is the Great Wall of China and the first emperor’s Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an.

Tantalise your taste buds

Tantalise your taste buds

Try as much of the amazing cuisine that China has to offer as you can. Cuisine varies tremendously from region to region but Peking Duck has got to be the king of all China’s dishes. One valuable tip is to avoid restaurants with lots of foreigners (non-Chinese people). The menus here typically are altered to conform to Western tastes. Look for a restaurant with large Chinese families dining to be sure to enjoy an authentic food experience.

Shop up a storm

Shop up a storm

If shopping is your main interest for visiting China you’ll be happy to know everything from high end shopping to markets is available. Bargaining is an art in China – a shopkeeper may start at ten times the price for what you should counteroffer. Always start low, wear your poker face and don’t be afraid to shop around! Each region in China has its own specialty. Some of the best buys are fresh water pearls in Beijing, silk carpets in Shanghai, replicas of Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an. Be wary when it comes to buying electronic items – check for voltage differences to Australia to make sure they work when you get home.

Money

The currency of China is the Renminbi.

One dollar is currently worth Chinese yuan.

Here’s a roundup of what you can expect to spend in China, with prices in Australian dollars:

Inexpensive meal for one – $3.90Bottle of water – $0.390.5 litre beer – $2.00
Mid-range restaurant meal for one – $8.00-14.00Cappuccino – $2.00Local bus ticket – $0.20-1

Travelling around China

By Bus

See China how the locals do by travelling by bus. China's public transport system is extensive and just gets bigger and better every year. Bus tickets are cheap and are cover wide operating hours.

By Train

Experience China's high-speed train networks that crisscross the entire country. Overnight trains are usually equipped with Western and Asian toilet facilities and the ‘soft sleepers’ are the most comfortable. seat61.com can give you more advice on what to expect.

By plane

China’s air network is extensive. Travel from city to city by plane on Air China. Keep in mind that on domestic flights passengers are allowed 20kg of luggage and excess baggage charges can be steep.

By taxi

IT’s very easy to hail a cab however few drivers speak English so be sure to take your hotels business card or as your concierge to write in Chinese characters the name of your accommodation.

  • Remember that the internet is censored in china and even Google is blocked so be sure to have paper maps on you and don’t rely on Google Maps.
  • Be sure to visit smartraveller.gov.au for recent updates on the safety of travelling to China

Travelex in China

Before you leave for your holiday in China, order your yuan online with us at Travelex. Have a look and see which airport you’re flying out of, because you may be able to pick up your order right from us at the airport before you jet off. Otherwise, you can check our store locator to find your nearest Travelex store - there are over 3,000 to choose from across Australia.

Order your Chinese yuan