China travel guide

Check out our China travel guide which is jam-packed full of all the info you could hope for before you travel to China, including fast facts; best time to go; sample prices; events and attractions. You can even check out what other travelers had to say about China. Read on…

China’s tourist paths are well worn and for good reason. Over 5,000 years of history has produced some of the world’s greatest treasures; The Great Wall of China, Xian’s Terracotta Army, the Forbidden Palace, Tiananmen Square and some 33 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Take a trip down the Yangtze River, join in some early morning tai chi or celebrate with the locals during Chinese New Year when you can enjoy parades, lantern shows and lion dances.

Fast Facts

Population
Just over 1.3 billion people

Languages Spoken
The official language is Mandarin (Putonghua) but there are also regional languages including Cantonese, Shanghaiese, Fuzhou, Hokkien-Taiwanese, Xiang, Gan and Hakka.

Currency
The official currency in China is the Renminbi and the basic unit is the more widely recognised Yuan (also known as the kuai).
Name: Yuan Renminbi
Code: RMB or CHY
Symbol: 元

Electricity
The electrical current in China is 220V and the cycle is 50Hz. You will need a converter if you have appliances that don’t accept this voltage.

Time zones
GMT +8

Country dialling code
+86

Weights & measures
Metric

*The Small Print
We’ve tried to make this destination guide as accurate as possible but please double check the essentials like visas, health and safety, airport information etc with the relevant authorities before you travel. STA Travel takes no responsibility for loss, injury or inconvenience caused as a result of this guide. All prices listed are in the currency of the destination, unless otherwise stated.