FAQs
What to Know Before Visiting Beijing
Plan your Beijing trip with tips on visas, seasons, transport, food, culture, and safety. Here’s what every visitor should know before arriving.
Plan your Beijing trip with tips on visas, seasons, transport, food, culture, and safety. Here’s what every visitor should know before arriving.
According to China’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the total population at the end of 2024 was 1.40828 billion, a decrease of 1.39 million from the previous year.
The most used payment apps in China are Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay’s Cloud QuickPass. They cover shopping, transport, dining, bills, and more.
Macau ranks among the world’s top cities by GDP per capita (PPP), but whether it’s the “richest” depends on the metric and comparison set.
Many common apps don’t work in China without a VPN. Learn which apps are blocked and what travelers should prepare before arrival.
Hong Kong and Shenzhen are neighboring cities separated by the Shenzhen River. The closest point is only about 300 m apart, while travel distance ranges from 20 km by ferry to around 60 km by road.
A typical Terracotta Warrior weighs about 180 kg (396 lbs). Lighter kneeling figures are around 100 kg, while heavier generals and horses can exceed 300 kg.
The Chinese dragon is considered good — a symbol of rain, wisdom, power, and protection, unlike Western dragons which are often evil and destructive.
Hong Kong officially returned to China on July 1, 1997, after over 150 years of British colonial rule. The handover was based on the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration.
Discover 12 fascinating facts about China’s Terracotta Warriors, from their accidental discovery to advanced craftsmanship, unique designs, and enduring global legacy.
The Great Wall stretches over 21,000 km across China, built across centuries by different dynasties. Learn the history and facts behind its full length.
No, the Great Wall is not visible to the naked eye from space due to its narrow width and natural coloring that blends into the landscape.
To cook dumplings, boil them in water, add cold water twice after boiling, and cook until they float with elastic skin. Serve with dipping sauce.
Rice and noodles are the most eaten staples in China, forming the base of nearly every meal, alongside vegetables and pork dishes.
Shanghai and Hong Kong are 1,227 km apart. Learn the distance, travel options, and tips for flying, taking the train, or driving between the cities.
The last resident of the Forbidden City was Emperor Puyi, who lived there until his expulsion in 1924 after the fall of the Qing Dynasty.
China is not fully cashless, but mobile payments dominate daily life. Apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay cover most transactions, while cash remains a backup for seniors, rural areas, and emergencies.
In ancient China, yellow roofs in the Forbidden City signified imperial authority, cultural symbolism, and strict architectural hierarchy reserved for the emperor.
Macau has no official religion. Religions peacefully coexist—Buddhism, Chinese folk beliefs, Taoism, Christianity and Islam all play roles, reflecting Macau’s Chinese‑Portuguese heritage. Per the Basic Law, religions freely operate within legal bounds.
The Forbidden City was commissioned by Ming Emperor Yongle in 1406, designed by master architect Kuai Xiang, and built by over a million craftsmen in 14 years.
Mooncakes taste sweet or savory, depending on the filling. Traditional types use lotus seed paste, egg yolk, nuts, or red bean. New versions include lava custard or chocolate.
In China, “Nǐ hǎo” means hello—but there’s more. Learn how to greet people in formal, casual, and cultural ways across different Chinese regions.
Climbing Mount Tai typically takes between 3 to 8 hours, depending on the route, pace, and whether you hike, take a cable car, or combine both.
A cup of coffee in Beijing typically costs between ¥10 and ¥100 (US$1.40–$14), depending on where you buy it, the type of coffee, and the overall experience.
Taoism discourages killing, stealing, lying, sexual misconduct, and actions that disturb nature or inner peace. It values balance over strict bans.
The Forbidden City in China was named for its imperial exclusivity, celestial symbolism, and walled structure. Learn the history and meaning here.
Tea is China’s national drink due to its deep history, cultural symbolism, and daily use—unlike baijiu, which is limited to specific occasions.
Archaeologists estimate about 8,000 Terracotta Warriors in three main pits near Xi’an, with thousands still buried and ongoing excavations adding more.
China is the world’s factory due to its labor force, supply chains, infrastructure, and global market role. Explore the reasons behind Made in China.
Yes. Peking University is extremely hard to get into. For Chinese students, admission requires top national exam scores (0.03% acceptance rate). International applicants face selective entry with strong academic, language, and exam credentials.
China is almost cashless thanks to mobile payments. Learn when you still need cash and how foreigners can pay easily in China.
Yu Garden blends classical Ming-style beauty, symbolic rockscapes, and vibrant folk traditions in the heart of modern Shanghai—a living time capsule of Chinese culture.
English is common in Shenzhen’s transport, hotels, malls, and expat areas. Basic English works well, though fluency varies by district and profession.
Beijing’s population in 2024 is 21.83 million, with a steady decline since 2017 as the city shifts from expansion to high-quality development.
Compare Peking University and Tsinghua in history, academics, campus life, and global reputation to find which top Chinese university suits you best.
The average Terracotta Warrior is about 1.8 meters (5.9 ft) tall, with heights varying by military rank—from 1.7 to over 2 meters.
Xi Jinping has been China’s President since 2013, also serving as the CCP General Secretary and leader of the military–he is China’s paramount leader.
Yes, most Terracotta Soldiers are hollow in the torso for firing and handling, while heads and limbs are solid for detail carving and strength.
A few staff, such as resident firefighters and occasional duty workers, still live inside the Forbidden City, but there are no permanent ordinary residents.
No one lives in the Potala Palace permanently today. It is a museum, religious site, and UNESCO World Heritage site managed by staff.
China is not yet a developed country—it remains the world’s largest developing nation due to its uneven growth and moderate per capita income.
Guangzhou (formerly known as Canton) is a major city in southern China, located in the heart of the Pearl River Delta in Guangdong Province. It is one of China’s most important commercial, cultural, and transportation hubs — often called the “Southern Gateway to China.”
Take Metro Line 10 or 14 to Yu Garden Station, exit 1 or 7, then walk 5 minutes. Direct routes available from airports and major transport hubs.
The main courtyards of the Forbidden City have no trees to ensure safety, prevent fires, and project imperial authority, while living areas have lush gardens.
Hong Kong competes separately in the Olympics due to its unique “one country, two systems” status and IOC recognition. Learn how it works.
In Shanghai, Mandarin is the official language, Shanghainese is the local dialect, and English is widely spoken in international areas.
Hangzhou is best known for West Lake, Dragon Well tea, silk heritage, Lingyin Temple, digital economy, and elegant Hangzhou cuisine.
Beijing is the capital of China. Discover why it’s the political, cultural, and historical center of the country with over 3,000 years of legacy.
Zongzi is traditionally eaten hot to enhance the sticky rice’s soft texture and release its aroma. Cold zongzi exists but is less common.
Peking University is often compared to Harvard for its prestige and academic leadership in China, but differences in funding, system, and focus remain.
Discover why Shanghai stands out in China—its unique history, global culture, modern vibe, and how it became China’s most international city.
Taoism does not believe in a single God like Christianity or Islam. It focuses on the Dao and honors many gods without a supreme creator figure.
Mount Everest sits on the border between China and Nepal, in the Himalayas. It’s not only the world’s highest mountain but also a shared natural icon.
The primary language spoken in Hong Kong is Cantonese, a Chinese dialect.
Chinese people eat zongzi to commemorate Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet from the Warring States period. Eating zongzi on the Dragon Boat Festival symbolizes remembrance, family unity, and cultural heritage.
From fishing village to tech giant, Shenzhen is famous for China’s reform miracle, thriving innovation, vibrant culture, and global economic influence.
The Terracotta Army took about 39 years to build, from 246 BCE to 207 BCE, spanning Qin Shi Huang’s reign and ending just before the dynasty collapsed.
Yu Garden blends classical Ming-style beauty, symbolic rockscapes, and vibrant folk traditions in the heart of modern Shanghai—a living time capsule of Chinese culture.
Beijing covers about 16,410 square kilometers (6,335 sq mi) and is home to over 21.83 million people. Its massive scale reflects not only size, but also its national and global importance.
The Forbidden City is mostly open, but entry can be denied for inappropriate attire, prohibited items, unsafe behavior, lack of booking, or temporary closure.
Yellow symbolized imperial power in ancient China. Learn why it became the emperor’s exclusive color in Chinese history and philosophy.
The Great Wall was built to protect China’s farming civilization from northern invasions and became a symbol of defense, unity, and empire.
The Qing dynasty ruled China from 1644 to 1912, lasting 268 years. It was the last imperial dynasty before China became a republic.
Daily spending in Beijing ranges from around ¥300 to over ¥1,500 (US$40–$210), depending on your travel style.
Dumplings are healthy if filled with vegetables and lean meat, boiled instead of fried, and eaten with light dipping sauces in moderation.
China is slightly larger than the US by land area (9.6M vs 9.37M km²), but total area varies depending on whether water bodies are included.
Peking is the old name for China’s capital. Today, Beijing is the official name used worldwide in maps, media, and government documents.
Shenzhen Stock Exchange is at 2012 Shennan Blvd, Futian District, Shenzhen—an iconic landmark in China’s financial hub with direct metro access.
Christmas is not a public holiday in China, but it’s popular in cities and among young people. Learn how it’s observed and where to expect festivities.
Shenzhen, in Guangdong Province, China, borders Hong Kong to the south, faces the South China Sea, and is a global tech and trade hub with vibrant growth.
The Forbidden City’s “9999 rooms” is a legend symbolizing imperial power and respect for Heaven, not the actual count—modern surveys found about 8,700 rooms.
Most travelers need 3 to 7 days in Guilin to explore the city, cruise the Li River, visit Yangshuo, and hike the Longji Rice Terraces. 5 days offers the best mix of scenery and culture.
Chengdu’s history spans 4,500 years from ancient Shu civilization to today’s modern hub, marked by irrigation marvels, silk trade, Three Kingdoms legacy, and cultural resilience.
Yes, it snows in many parts of China, especially in the north and mountains. Learn where and when to expect snow across the country.
No, the Terracotta Warriors are not buried people. They are life-sized clay statues made to replace human sacrifices in Emperor Qin’s tomb.
Shanghai covers over 6,340 km² with 24 million people. Discover its vast size, population, districts, and role as China’s global megacity.
China has 34 province-level regions: 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, 4 municipalities, and 2 special administrative regions. Learn the structure here.
Zongzi is a traditional Chinese sticky rice dumpling eaten during Dragon Boat Festival, while onigiri is a Japanese rice ball for everyday meals.
Yes. Hangzhou is about 200 km from Shanghai and takes only 45 minutes by high-speed train, making it perfect for a two-city trip.
HSR isn’t faster than planes in raw speed, but on many routes in China, it’s quicker overall due to city-center stations, shorter check-in times, and higher punctuality.
China has 691 cities across 3 levels: 4 municipalities, 293 prefecture-level cities, and 394 county-level cities. Learn how China defines a “city.”
The Great Wall of China stretches from Hushan in the east to Jiayuguan in the west. Learn how its route changes across dynasties and geography.
The Mooncake Festival, or Mid-Autumn Festival, is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, usually in September or October.
The first emperor of China was Qin Shi Huang (Ying Zheng), who unified the six warring states in 221 BCE and created the title “Huangdi” (Emperor), establishing the Qin Dynasty and China’s first centralized imperial regime.
Chinese has no alphabet like English. But its phonetic system, Pinyin, uses 26 Latin letters to represent sounds—not for writing characters.
Apple Cash is not available in China. Only Apple Pay works, but it requires a UnionPay card issued in China. For daily spending, Alipay or WeChat Pay are more reliable.
You’ll need 1 to 4 hours at Yu Garden, depending on how deeply you want to explore the gardens, exhibitions, and nearby cultural attractions.
China is politically a communist, single‑party state led by the CCP, but runs a socialist market economy—blending centralized control with market reforms.
The average monthly salary in China is around ¥5,790 (private) to ¥10,342 (public), varying widely by city, industry, and job role.
Beijing beef refers to a group of savory beef dishes prepared with rich sauces and traditional Beijing-style seasonings like sweet bean paste.
Mooncakes are Chinese pastries made of sweet syrup crust filled with lotus paste, nuts, red bean, or meat, traditionally eaten during Mid-Autumn Festival.
China’s national drink is tea. With 5,000 years of history, tea is a cultural symbol rooted in everyday life, tradition, and hospitality.
Tap water in mainland China isn’t recommended for drinking. Use bottled or boiled water, watch ice, and choose simple safe options.
Yes. Most baijiu is stronger than vodka in alcohol content and taste, with richer aromas and more intense drinking sensations.
Mandarin is the main language in Beijing, but locals also speak the Beijing dialect. Learn how language reflects the city’s culture and history.
China officially uses only one time zone—UTC+8 Beijing Time—even though its territory spans five geographical time zones across the country.
Shanghai is rich due to its location, global trade, financial strength, policy support, tech innovation, and decades of open economic reforms.
Beijing is famous for Peking duck, zhajiangmian, and a variety of traditional street snacks that blend imperial refinement with local flavors.
Different dynasties led in different areas: Yuan for territory, Tang for culture and global power, Qin for unification, Song for economy, Qing for stability.
Baijiu tastes strong and aromatic, with profiles ranging from sweet, fruity, and floral to earthy, smoky, and spicy—depending on aroma type.
Hong Kong covers a land area of 1,114.57 square kilometers (430.61 square miles). It comprises Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories, and 262 outlying islands.
Guilin’s most traditional food includes Guilin rice noodles, beer fish, taro pork, and oil tea—each dish rooted in local culture and landscape.
Shanghai is about 1,068 km from Beijing by air and over 1,300 km by train. Learn travel times, distances, and best ways to get between the cities.
The dragon is China’s national symbol because it represents 5,000 years of culture, unity, power, and harmony with nature and the cosmos.
Chinese dumplings are made from wheat flour wrappers filled with minced meat, vegetables, or seafood. Fillings vary by region and style.
Yu Garden blends classical Ming-style beauty, symbolic rockscapes, and vibrant folk traditions in the heart of modern Shanghai—a living time capsule of Chinese culture.
Shanghai Tower offers the highest views and modern design, while the Oriental Pearl Tower delivers iconic skyline charm and cultural exhibitions — both are worth visiting.
The Forbidden City spans 720,000 m² with 9,371 rooms. Discover how its size reflects imperial power, design, and cultural symbolism.
The Terracotta Army was originally painted in vibrant colors like red, blue, green, and pink—most of which faded after excavation.
The best things to eat with dumplings include vinegar-garlic dipping sauce, cucumber salad, hot soups like egg drop or hot-and-sour. These combinations enhance flavor, balance oiliness, and reflect regional traditions.
Beijing hosted the Summer Olympics in 2008 and the Winter Olympics in 2022, becoming the world’s first city to hold both events.
The official language of Shenzhen is Mandarin Chinese, used in government, education, and most public settings. Cantonese, Hakka, and other dialects remain in local communities, and English is common in business and international areas.
China uses the Renminbi, or yuan. Learn RMB, CNY, cash, cards, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and money tips for travelers in China.
China sent 405 athletes to the 2024 Paris Olympics, competing in 232 events across 30 sports. Discover the team breakdown and historic highlights.
China offers visa-free entry to over 100 countries via mutual, unilateral, regional, and transit policies. See full country list and travel conditions.
Terracotta Warriors include infantry, archers, officers, generals, cavalry, chariot crews, acrobats, and officials—each reflecting Qin military hierarchy.
Peking University expects strong academic performance—international undergraduate applicants are ideally above a 3.7 GPA, while graduate programs require 3.0+, with top-tier fields often above 3.5.
“Demon City” is a nickname for Shanghai. Discover its real meaning, historical origin, and why it reflects the city’s magic, not evil.
The Terracotta Army was destroyed by rebel forces during Qin’s fall and further damaged by fire, looting, and natural decay over 2,000 years.
The most popular food in Shanghai is Shengjian Bao—crispy-bottomed, juicy pork buns that represent the city’s flavor, culture, and daily life.
Yes, Macau is part of China. It is a Special Administrative Region under the “one country, two systems” framework, with sovereignty belonging to China since 1999.
Chinese emperors didn’t worship a Western-style god. Their power came from “Heaven” (Tian), a cosmic moral order guiding rule and legitimacy.
Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), a separate currency from China’s RMB, under its own monetary system and dollar peg.
Share your travel ideas, and we’ll help you plan a smooth, personalized trip across China.
Share your travel ideas, and we’ll help you plan a smooth, personalized trip across China.
We’re looking for experienced, part-time local guides to serve international travelers.
Requirements:
• Fluent in at least one foreign language
• 3–5 years guiding international visitors
• Able to operate in multiple regions in China
• Competitive and reasonable pricing
• Proven customer reviews or testimonials
• Professional, reliable, and responsive
• Flexible availability for custom trips
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