Are you searching “China itinerary 2 weeks” in anticipation of a return to open borders and travel adventures?
My goodness, so are we! Take heart and know you’re not alone because the entire ChinaTours.com team is so ready to throw on travel gear and get moving again.
We figured that if the hopeful among us are whittling down travel revenge lists to a top ten of destinations, we’re pretty certain the highlights of China will appear somewhere. And if that’s the case then chances are, you’ll want some good old-fashioned guidance on what to see and do, and importantly, how to see and do it.
In a country that is literally a trove of culture, history, and an incredible 56 UNESCO World Heritage sites, it’s a feat just choosing where and when, but take heart; we’re here for you. This blog, written especially for the avid travel researcher (yes, you who searched China itinerary 2 weeks, we see you!), will answer just about every question you’ve thought of, and then some, so let’s dive right in.
Do I need a Chinese visa and how do I get it?
Getting clear on your Chinese visa requirements is a very good place to start your adventure because let’s face it, visas are one of those tedious administrative hurdles that are part of international travel, and they are best dealt with right up front.
If you are planning a two-week holiday in China, you will definitely need a visa, and it will need to be arranged prior to departure. There are some exceptions to requirements for a Chinese visa, but these apply only to certain destinations and for specific periods of time. You can read more about transit visas and how they work here.
If your plans include a multi-city tour around the country or even a short tour to several destinations, you will need a China tourist visa, and it’s wise to get help to ensure your application is right the first time around. That’s where a knowledgeable travel consultant can help, saving you time as you navigate the ins and outs of the application process. Even choosing the correct visa can be a challenge, simply because there are so many, so we strongly advise doing your research.
This is why getting help is a good idea. You definitely don’t want to be left dazed and confused at your local China embassy or China Visa Application Service Centre when you realize you haven’t quite ticked all the necessary boxes. As you’d expect, getting the details right is essential, so enlist the help of someone who knows.
Our tip? Contact your local embassy for information.
| China Embassy in the USA | http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/ |
| China Embassy in the United Kingdom | http://www.chinese-embassy.org.uk/eng/ |
| China Embassy in Australia | http://au.china-embassy.org/eng/ |
| China Visa Application Center | https://www.visaforchina.org/ |
In the meantime, visit our China Tourist Visa page. You’ll find a mountain of information about all things Chinese visa-related.
Uncover more Chinese visa details here: https://www.chinatours.com/china-tourist-visa/
What’s the best way (or ways) to travel to China?
Now of course this is going to depend on where you’re traveling from, however, you might be very surprised to learn that it’s possible to make your way by land and sea.
It’s no secret that major airports in China are serious travel hubs, not just for domestic travelers, but for international visitors too, including those just in transit. Let’s just say that when it comes to traveling to China there are options – and lots of them.
As you’d expect, jumping on a direct flight to Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou from most countries is straightforward. There are even direct flights to other cities like Xi’an, Chengdu, and Kunming from the US, Europe, and Australia. This means you won’t be left languishing, waiting on that one weekly flight to start your two-week China holiday.
You’ve probably heard about China’s expanding rail network that is connecting all corners of the country. Not only is this a fabulous way to get around while you’re in China, it also makes it easy to connect up with rail networks beyond the border.
Fancy something a little exotic? Who doesn’t when they’re visiting somewhere new? Travelers from Europe can reach China by taking the Trans-Siberian train from Moscow. Likened to a steel ribbon across Russia, who wouldn’t want to start their China holiday soaking up a little luxury.
Proving train travel is definitely not a thing of the past, the Pan-Asia Railway Network, linking China (Kunming) to Laos (Vientiane), is anticipated to be operational by the end of 2021. Travelers can also travel by train between Beijing and Hanoi; a fantastic route that showcases the very best of expanse that separates these two countries. Plans are already afoot to join China and Bangkok, Thailand in the near future, so if train travel is your thing, there’s no shortage of options.
As for travel between cities, well, the sky’s the limit. There are over 50 flights daily between Beijing and Xi’an, more than a hundred between Beijing and Shanghai, and 40 between Shanghai and Xi’an. Keep in mind, however, that China’s airports are busy, making travel by train an appealing option. Travel times are not hugely different, you have the chance to