Many travelers hesitate to venture to the Far East because of the wide gap between eastern and western culture. But in reality, these differences are what make the journey to China so intoxicating. When you travel with the Globus family of brands, you have the advantage of the services of a Tour Director or Local Host. These experienced professionals are in tune with the local culture and can give you an insider's look at the real China. If you want a head start, however, browse these pages for some insights into this enchanting land.
History A history spanning more than 5,000 years is not easily summarized. It should be noted, however, that while we tend to separate western and eastern civilizations, much of what we enjoy in our modern world originated here in China-from noodles and ice cream to fireworks, opera and philosophy. China was a land ruled by dynasties from 211 B.C. until Nationalist Party leader Sun Yat-sen toppled the rule of the Manchu Dynasty in 1911. The 20th century was a period of chaos in China, rife with power struggles and cultural suppression. More recently, the handover of Hong Kong and Macau have ushered in a more forward-thinking China with an eye on unity and economic growth. Recent successes include China's involvement in the World Trade Organization and the successful bid for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
Recommended Books & Videos Transport yourself to China with these inspiring reads:
- The Republic of Wine: A Novel, by Mo Yan
- Riding the Iron Rooster, by Paul Theroux
- River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze, by Peter Hessler
- The Search for Modern China, by Jonathan Spence
- Waiting: A Novel, by Ha Jin
- Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China, by Jung Chang
View these videos for a window into the China's unique world:
- Empire of the Sun (1987)
- The Last Emperor (1987)
- Mulan (1998)
- Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
- Hero (2002)
2009 Holidays & Festivals
| January 26 |
Chinese New Year |
| February 9 |
Spring Lantern Festival |
| March |
Hong Kong Food Festival |
| March 8 |
Women's International Day |
| April |
Tomb Sweeping Day |
| April 13-15 |
Water-Splashing Festival |
| May 1 |
Labor Day/May Day |
| May 4 |
Youth Day |
| June 8 |
Dragon Boat Festival |
| July 1 |
Handover Day (Hong Kong) |
| September 21 |
Mid-Autumn Festival |
| September 28 |
Birthday of Confucius |
| October 1 |
National Day |
| December 25 |
Constitution Day (Taiwan) |
Mandarin Chinese for Travelers
| Hello |
Ni-hao |
Nee-how |
| Good-bye |
Zai-jian |
Zigh-jyan |
| Thank you |
Xie-xie |
Shyeh-shyeh |
| My name is _________ |
Wo shing _________ |
Wah sheeng |
| Do you speak English? |
Nee hway shuo ying-yee ma? |
Nee hway shwoh yeeng yee mah |
| I would like_________ |
Wo shiarng yao __________ |
Wah shyarng yow |
Cultural Highlights When you travel with the Globus family of brands, you are sure to experience China to the fullest. Here is just a glimpse at some of the unique cultural activities included in our China vacations:
- Hutongs rickshaw tour
- Tickets to the Peking Opera
- Chinese acrobatic show
- A visit to a silk-reeling factory
- A stroll through the Yu Yuan Gardens
- Visit to a local school
- Peking duck dinner in Beijing
China City Guide Beijing (Bay-jeeng), Population: 11 million
Also known as Peking, Beijing is the capital of China. Founded in 700 B.C., it is the political, educational, and cultural center of the country, as well as the host of the 2008 Summer Olympics. Other highlights include:
- Tiananmen Square
- The Forbidden City
- The Great Wall
- Temple of Heaven
- Summer Palace
- Beijing Zoo
Hangzhou (Hang-joe), Population: 6,400,000
A city of eastern China at the head of Hangzhou Bay, an inlet of the East China Sea. Founded in 606, Hangzhou was the capital of a powerful kingdom from 907 to 960. It was later described by Marco Polo as one of the finest and noblest cities in the world. Today it is a modern industrial center and the capital of Zhejiang (Ju-jyang) province. Other highlights include:
- West Lake
- Lin Ying Temple
Hong Kong (Hong Kong), Population: 7,041,000
Hong Kong Island was occupied by the British during the Opium War (1839-1842) and ceded to them by the Treaty of Nanking in 1842. Other portions of the colony were acquired in 1860 and in 1898 by a 99-year lease. A free port and an important center of international commerce and banking for most of the 20th century, Hong Kong came back under Chinese sovereignty in 1997. Other highlights include:
- Central District
- Victoria Peak
- Stanley Market
- Kowloon
Shanghai (Shang-high), Population: 17,420,000
The largest city in the country, Shanghai was opened to foreign trade by the Treaty of Nanking and quickly prospered. France, Great Britain, and the United States all held large concessions in the city until the early 20th century. Other highlights include:
- Yu Yuan Gardens
- The Children's Palace
- The Temple of the Jade Buddha
- The Bund
- Shanghai Museum
Suzhou (Sue-joe), Population: 5,780,000
The capital of an ancient feudal kingdom, Suzhou was almost destroyed in the Taiping Rebellion in 1853 but was rebuilt. The city is most famous for its beautiful bridges and pagodas and for its silk industry, which dates back to the Song dynasty. Other highlights include:
- Garden of the Master's Fishing Net
- Silk reeling factory
- Old Canal
Xi'an (Shee-yan), Population: 7,500,000
At one point, Xi'an was one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China dominated the silk trade. Now it stands as an archeological treasure trove in the heart of the country. Other highlights include:
- Terracotta Warriors and Horses
- Dayan Pagoda
- City Wall
- Tomb of the First Emperor
Weather China's north and central areas are rainy, with tropically hot summers and icy, cold winters. The southeast is rainy, with semi-tropical summers and cool winters. Be sure to pack plenty of lightweight clothing with breathable fabric for the summer and bring layers to get you through the unpredictable winter weather. Rain gear is always a good idea when traveling in China.
| AVERAGE TEMPERATURES |
| |
Jan. |
April |
July |
Oct |
| Beijing |
35 |
68 |
87 |
67 |
| Hong Kong |
67 |
79 |
90 |
84 |
| Shanghai |
45 |
65 |
88 |
72 |
| Xi'an |
39 |
68 |
89 |
66 |
| Temperatures in °F. For more specific weather information, visit www.accuweather.com. |
Regional Cuisine Specialties With an inexhaustible variety of dishes to pick from in China, here are some culinary specialties you just can't miss during your travels:
- Beijing-Peking duck
- Hong Kong-Dim sum
- Szechuan-A hot-pot meal (Chinese fondue)
- Shanghai-Shanghai river crabs
Dining Do's and Don'ts Here are some (un)common courtesies to consider when dining in China.
- In contrast to western rules, slurping is considered an acceptable way to cool down hot soup. Also, since rice is difficult to eat with chopsticks, it's perfectly normal to lift the bowl from the table and scoop it into your mouth.
- Before refilling your teacup, extend the courtesy of refilling the cups of fellow guests at the table, even if they are not empty.
- Many Americans were told as children to clean their plates when eating. But in China, eating the last piece of food on the table is an insult-signifying that he or she did not serve enough food for the guests.
- If placed incorrectly, chopsticks can be omens of bad luck. Standing them in your bowl after dinner replicates a sign of death-incense sticks standing in a bowl of ashes.
Tips for Tipping A mostly foreign concept, tipping is gradually becoming more common. In restaurants, tip about 3 percent of the bill. A 10 percent service charge is added in most restaurants in Hong Kong. Bring U.S. dollars along and tip bellboys and room-service waiters US$1 to US$2 as U.S. currency is always appreciated as tips.
Did You Know?
- Chinese cuisine has eight major schools, each named for their region of origin.
- Only 10 percent of China is suitable for agriculture.
- The circus is over 2,000 years old in China and still going strong.
- In China, color is very symbolic: red means good luck and happiness; gold means prosperity and money; and white means mourning.
- Flower motifs represent the four seasons: plum, winter; peony, spring; lotus, summer; chrysanthemum, fall.
- Nail polish was invented about 5,000 years ago by the Chinese.
- It takes about 5,500 silkworms to produce 1 kg (2.2 lb) of raw silk.
- No tooth fairy here. When a Chinese child loses an upper baby tooth, the child's parents plant the tooth in the ground so the new tooth will grow in straight and healthy. Parents toss a lost bottom tooth up to the rooftops, so the new tooth will grow upward.