China
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General Travel Guide: The Millennium Dragon and its New Face
Traveling to China is immersing yourself in a world of epic dimensions, where the imperial past and the boldest future collide and intertwine. It is a country that defies all expectations, a place where you can walk along a wall with more than 2,000 years of history in the morning and climb a skyscraper that touches the clouds in the afternoon. From the grandeur of Beijing, to the silent army of Xi'an, to the vibrant neon of Shanghai and the dreamy landscapes of Guilin, China is a mosaic of experiences. Prepare for an adventure that will stimulate all your senses: marvel at its heritage, be surprised by its culinary diversity and witness the energy and transformation of one of the most fascinating civilizations on the planet.
Capital
Beijing
Population
1.439.323.776
Langue
Chino
Sites du patrimoine de l'UNESCO
0
Indices de voyage
📊Indices de voyage
Le meilleur de China
Expériences uniques
Walk a Section of the Great Wall
Feeling history under your feet as you tour one of humanity's most formidable buildings is an essential experience. Choose an area like Mutianyu, well preserved and with a cable car, or wilder sections like Jinshanling or Jiankou for a more demanding hike with fewer crowds. The views of the wall winding through the mountains are simply unforgettable.
Getting lost in the 'Hutongs' of Beijing
Explore the traditional alleys of Beijing by rickshaw or on foot to discover the local life that still persists in the heart of the capital. These neighborhoods of low houses with interior courtyards offer a vision of the China of yesteryear, with its small shops, markets and the sound of daily life far from the main avenues.
Try the Sichuan 'Hot Pot'
Live one of the most social and fun gastronomic experiences in China. Sit around a pot of boiling broth, often divided into half mild and half spicy, and cook yourself a wide variety of meats, vegetables, tofu and noodles. It is an interactive, noisy and delicious meal, especially popular in Chengdu.
Sail on a Bamboo Raft on the Li River
Glide gently down the waters of the Li River near Yangshuo on a bamboo raft. The landscape is spectacular, with whimsically shaped karst hills, water buffalo grazing on the banks and fishermen with cormorants. It is one of the most iconic and beautiful postcards of rural China.
Attend a Chinese Opera Show
Even if you don't understand the language, the visual and sound experience of Chinese opera is fascinating. With its elaborate costumes, exaggerated makeup, acrobatics and high-pitched singing, it is a unique art form. Beijing and Chengdu are good places to enjoy a show that encapsulates centuries of tradition.
Learn Calligraphy or Tai Chi in a Park
Get up early and head to any public park in a Chinese city to see hundreds of people practicing Tai Chi with slow, graceful movements. Join an impromptu class or take a calligraphy lesson to fully immerse yourself in two of the most iconic and relaxing arts in Chinese culture.
A Universe of Regional Flavors
Talking about 'Chinese cuisine' is an extreme simplification. Chinese cuisine is actually a set of very diverse regional cuisines, each with its own ingredients, techniques and flavor profiles. Based on the philosophy of balance between yin and yang, it seeks to harmonize colors, aromas and flavors. Rice is the fundamental pillar, especially in the south.
Talking about 'Chinese cuisine' is an extreme simplification. Chinese cuisine is actually a set of very diverse regional cuisines, each with its own ingredients, techniques and flavor profiles. Based on the philosophy of balance between yin and yang, it seeks to harmonize colors, aromas and flavors. Rice is the fundamental pillar, especially in the south.
The Eight Great Kitchens
China is traditionally divided into eight major culinary traditions (Sichuan, Cantonese, Jiangsu, etc.). The Sichuan one is famous for its spicy and numbing (málà); the Cantonesa for its soft flavors and techniques such as steam; and Shandong for its seafood and soups.
The Art of Stir-Frying (Wok Hei)
The wok is essential. The technique of sautéing over very high heat (stir-frying) is essential. Look for 'wok hei', which translates to 'breath of the wok', a smoky, complex flavor and aroma achieved by quickly cooking ingredients in a very hot wok.
Plats Iconiques
Peking Duck
An imperial dish and a ceremonial feast. The duck is roasted until the skin is incredibly crispy and the meat is tender. It is served in thin slices so that the diner can wrap them in small crepes with hoisin sauce, cucumber and chives.
Dumplings (Jiaozi)
Thin dough dumplings filled with meat (usually pork) and vegetables, which can be boiled, fried or steamed. They are a symbol of family unity and are especially eaten during Chinese New Year. They are dipped in a mixture of rice vinegar and soy sauce.
Gong Bao Chicken (Kung Pao Chicken)
A classic dish of Sichuan cuisine. They are diced chicken sautéed with peanuts, vegetables and chillies. The sauce is a perfect balance of salty, sweet, sour and spicy, with the characteristic numbing touch of Sichuan pepper.
Sweet and Sour Pork
A dish of Cantonese origin that has become popular throughout the world. Battered and fried pieces of pork, served with a bright red sweet and sour sauce made from vinegar, sugar and often pineapple, pepper and onion.
Mapo Tofu
Another iconic Sichuan dish, not suitable for sensitive palates. It is a stew of soft tofu in a spicy, oily sauce made from fermented beans, chillies and minced pork or beef. Its flavor is complex and very powerful.
Xiaolongbao
Originally from Shanghai, they are delicate steamed dumplings filled with meat and, most importantly, a hot and tasty broth. They are eaten carefully: you bite into the dough a little to sip the broth before eating the rest. They are served in bamboo baskets.
Boissons typiques
Tea (Cha)
The national drink par excellence and an integral part of culture. There are countless varieties: green tea (the most consumed), oolong tea, black tea, puerh tea (fermented) and flower tea such as chrysanthemum. The tea ceremony is a refined art.
Baijiu
The most consumed liquor in the world, although little known outside of China. It is a powerful and transparent spirit distilled from sorghum or other grains, with a very high alcohol content (between 40% and 60%). It is the drink for toasts and banquets.
Tsingtao Beer
The most internationally famous Chinese beer brand. Founded by German settlers in the city of Qingdao, it is a light and refreshing lager beer, ideal to accompany food.
Soy Milk (Doujiang)
A very popular breakfast drink, often served hot. It can be sweet or salty and is usually accompanied by 'youtiao' (fried churros) for dipping.
Desserts traditionnels
Mooncake
The emblematic sweet of the Mid-Autumn Festival. They are dense, round cakes, often filled with lotus seed or red bean paste, with a salted egg yolk in the center that symbolizes the full moon.
Glutinous Rice Balls (Tangyuan)
Small balls of glutinous rice flour, which can be solid or filled with black sesame or peanut paste. They are served in a sweet or salty broth and are typical of the Lantern Festival, symbolizing family unity.
Tanghulu
A very popular street skewer, especially in winter. It consists of fruits, such as hawthorn or strawberries, covered with a crunchy, shiny caramel coating. It is visually appealing and deliciously sweet and tart.
Egg Tartlet (Dan Ta)
With a crispy puff pastry base and a creamy egg custard filling, this tart has its origins in Macau through Portuguese pastries de nata. It has become a very popular dessert throughout China, especially in Cantonese-style bakeries.
Que voir par thème
The immensity of China allows us to design trips tailored to any interest. From imperial history to the most breathtaking nature, passing through the urban avant-garde, the country offers endless possibilities.
Imperial and Modern Cities
It combines the history of Beijing (Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven) and Xi'an (Terracotta Warriors) with the dazzling modernity of Shanghai (the Bund, Pudong) and the dynamism of Hong Kong. It is a journey of contrasts between the dynastic past and the dizzying future.
Dream Landscapes
For nature lovers, China is a paradise. Discover the floating mountains of Zhangjiajie, the terraced rice fields of Longsheng (near Guilin), sacred peaks such as Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or the karst landscapes of the Li River.
The Silk Road
Follow in the footsteps of ancient caravans through northwest China. Explore oasis cities like Dunhuang, with its spectacular Mogao Caves (a treasure of Buddhist art), and admire the desert landscapes of Gansu province.
Rural and Minority China
Travel to southwestern provinces like Yunnan and Guizhou to discover a slower pace of life and incredible ethnic diversity. Visit ancient towns such as Lijiang and Dali, and learn about the traditions of the Naxi, Bai and Miao minorities.
Tibet, the Roof of the World
A spiritually and visually stunning experience (requires special permits). Visit the Potala Palace in Lhasa, the Buddhist monasteries and admire the high mountain landscapes of the Himalayas. It is a journey to a unique culture and land.
Water Cities
Near Shanghai, escape to the 'Venices of the East'. Towns like Suzhou, with its World Heritage Classical Gardens, or Zhouzhuang, with its canals, stone bridges and traditional houses, offer a romantic vision of ancient China.
Conseils de voyage
Internet and VPN (The Great Firewall)
Many Western websites and apps (Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X) are blocked. To access them, it is essential to install a VPN (Virtual Private Network) on your phone and computer *before* arriving in China.
Payments and Money
The currency is the Yuan (CNY or RMB). Although credit cards are accepted in large hotels and restaurants, China is an increasingly mobile payment-oriented society (WeChat Pay, Alipay). Cash is useful for small businesses and rural areas, but mobile payments dominate daily life.
Visa
Most travelers require a visa to enter China, which must be obtained in advance from a Chinese embassy or consulate. However, there are short-stay visa waiver policies for certain nationalities, so it's crucial to check the specific requirements for your passport before you travel.
Public Toilets
Public toilets are plentiful, but they are often 'squat toilets' and do not usually have toilet paper. It is highly recommended to always carry a roll of paper or tissues with you.
This guide is just a prologue to the immense book that is China. Each province is a world in itself, with its own cuisine, dialect and customs. We encourage you to be curious, to try everything, to use the high-speed train to cover its vast distances and to interact with its people. Delve into the guides for each city or region to plan your route and prepare for a trip that will undoubtedly transform you. Zhù nǐ lǚtú yúkuài (祝你旅途愉快)! - I wish you a safe trip!
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