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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most frequently asked questions geared toward international tourists. In a format of questions and answers, presented are some aspects regarding China, from its ancient civilization to its unique folk customs, popular attractions, geographical features, and etc..

1.   What tourist resources does China have.

2.   What is the world view of the Chinese culture.

3.   What is the lifestyle of the Chinese peoples.

4.   What characteristics does Chinese architecture exhibit.

5.   Could you brief me on Chinese food.

6.   Which Chinese natural conservation areas have been listed by the United Nations in its Man and Biosphere Program.

7.   What sites in China are listed in UNESCO's World Heritage Program.

8.   What's the best buy in China.

9.   What's special about Chines folklore.

10.  What are the major festivals for Chinese.

11.  How do I get China visa.

12.  Can I travel to Tibet independently.

13.  Do I need  immunizations to enter China.

14.  Do I need visa for Hongkong.

15.  What is the airport tax in China.

16.  What about airport tax in China.

17.  When is the best time to visit China.

18   What about temperature in major cities.

19.  What to pack.

20.  What is the voltage.

21.  What about currency.

22.  What about baggage allowance on the flight.

23.  Is the tap water there drinkable.

24.  Do I have to tip if join a organized tour.

1.  What tourist resources does China have?

Few countries in the world have such rich tourist resources as China. This is because China boasts magnificent historical sites and breathtaking natural scenery, and the two blend into each other harmoniously.

China's ancient history offers a wealth of sites of interest to tourists. Blessed by its uninterrupted record, China has well-preserved ancient sites, which include the Banpo Ruins, a Neolithic Age village about 6,000 years old in Xi'an; the Mausoleum of Emperor Huangdi, one of China's legendary ancestors, which is over 5,000 years old; and, of course, the Great Wall and the terra-cotta Warriors of the Qin Dynasty over 2,000 years old. There are innumerable other relics and sites over the dynasties.

The vast size of the country also provides abundant tourist resources.

Its diversified landscape consists of great numbers of rivers and lakes, the expansive Gobi deserts, snow-capped mountains and picturesque grasslands, all of which are attractive to nature explorers.

the Chinese culture not only manifests itself in historical sites and relics, but also in the various fields of everyday life, which many foreigners find fascinating.

For example, China has 56 nationalities, each of which has its unique customs and culture. Their ethnic food, clothing, decorations, festivals, music and dance are of great interest to tourists.

2.  What is the world view of the Chinese culture?

Ancient Chinese philosophers concerned themselves with the relationship between heaven and humans. They defined "heaven" as natural phenomena and laws beyond man's will and "humans' as products of nature. Humans are part of nature. "In the beginning, there were the heaven and the earth; then came everything in nature; then humans; and couples therefrom," as an ancient sage remarked.

Humans, being a product of nature, should follow the laws and orders in nature. Any statement, action or principle that runs counter to natural laws is mistaken. Therefore, "conforming to heaven's will" or "the unity of heaven and man" became the center-piece of the Chinese world view.

The ancient Chinese also believed that heaven and man mutually complimentary. Humans, through understanding their own strength, can create a human society friendly to nature by promoting the merits and do away with the demerits of nature.

These views, while being environmentally friendly, are at the same time mystifying and intriguing, attracting scholars from many parts of the world for centuries.

3.  What is the lifestyle of the Chinese people?

Generally speaking, the Chinese people live a life distinct from other peoples in that they pursue such qualities as conformity to nature, harmony, and plain living as opposed to conquest of nature, individuality and material luxury. A pretty flower or a full moon can mean a lot of things for Chinese people, depending on the circumstances.

In connection with their ethics, the Chinese people's lifestyle is characterized by two considerations: Harmony between humans and nature, and harmony among humans.

Culture is omnipresent. For example, Qin (a Chinese stringed instrument somewhat like zither), Qi (Chinese chess or go), Shu (calligraphy) and Hua (painting) are the four most popular traditional forms of entertainment. The point is not how good you can get; rather, it is the mood and atmosphere these activities build up for the player. It is the tempering of the character. there is Dao (literally, way or path; norm, principle) for everything. Playing Chinese chess or go, for example, is not just for winning. In the processing of playing, one can learn the art of self-composure and the spirit of detachment to fame and gain.

Another major element in the ordinary life of the Chinese is staying in good health. Qigong is the most popular form of exercise. By coordinating breathing and other physical as well as mental conditions, Qigong reflects the traditional thinking of integrating humans into the universe. In connection with Qigong, most people can play some Taijiquan or some other "Kung-fu". Chinese martial arts aim primarily at strengthening the body and cultivating the mind. It is a mean of making friends, not enemies.

4.  What characteristics does Chinese architecture exhibit?

Western tourists often find Chinese architecture fascinating. Chinese architectural aesthetics are acclaimed as some of the world's most magnificent.

Unlike Gothic cathedrals in the West, ancient Chinese architecture does not feature single  lofty buildings. It focuses instead on coordinating the relationships between groups of buildings and the natural environment, as well as between buildings and the horizon. Often, unexpected results are achieved through rhythmic arrangements of buildings, punctuated by spaces in between.

Another universal concept applying to ancient Chinese architecture is Yijing, which means a certain mood or atmosphere. In architecture, Yijing is expressed in a variety of forms, such as solemn, mysterious, grand, or spiritual. Take temples and monasteries, for example. While highlighting religious features and teachings, Chinese architects also   lay stress on creating a sacred and mysterious atmosphere in order to achieve maximum craftsmanship. The Great Wall, of course, is and architectural masterpiece of humankind. The Summer Palace represents yet another wonder in human construction.

5.  Could you brief me on Chinese food?

Chinese cuisine is known for its taste and philosophical and aesthetic qualities. It is closely related to the development of 5,000-year-old Chinese civilization. It is also related to the development of tourism in China.

Chinese cuisine devotes meticulous attention to the color, smell, taste, shape, sound and vessel of food.

Chinese food can be classified into six categories:

1) Local dishes. This refers to a class of dishes with very strong local favors that came into existence in line with local produce, climate and customs.

2) Royal dishes. These used to be prepared by the Imperial Kitchen for emperors and empresses. Usually, they are fancifully made and exquisitely prepared with the best ingredients.

3) Family dishes. These used to be reserved for high-ranking bureaucrats and celebrities, but they were subsequently adopted by ordinary people.

4) Ethnic food. These originated in minority-inhabited areas, and became popular nationwide.

5) Vegetarian food. Because most monks eat vegetarian food, it is also known as "monastery dishes." There are a wide variety of flavors. These dishes are often cooked in such a way as to look and taste exactly like meat and fish.

6) Medicinal dishes, or food therapy. the Chinese believe that mixing tonics with food adds flavor to the food and is food for health.

Gourmets agree that although every ancient civilization had its own cuisine, Chinese cuisine is the only one that has it all. some say French food is good for the flavor, Greek food for the smell, and Japanese for the ritual. But Chinese food has all these qualities and more.

According to recent calculations, there are 5,000 famous dishes on the Chinese menu.

7) Which Chinese natural conservation areas have been listed by the United Nation's in its Man and the Biosphere program?

China has five natural conservation areas listed in the United Nation's Man and Biosphere Program.

--The Changbai Mountains

Located in the juncture of Antu, Fusong and Changbai counties of Jilin Province, the Changbai Mountains cove an area of 190,000 hectares, and constitute a natural botanic garden.

--Dinghu Mountains

Located to the northeast of Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province, a place close to the Tropic of Cancer, the Dinghu Mountains are characteristic of tropical rain forests.

--Fanning Mountains

Located in the juncture of Jiangkou, Yingjiang and Songtao counties of Guizhou Province, the Fanjing Mountains cover an area of 38,000 hectares with an elevation of 2,500 meters.

--Wuolong Mountains

Located in Wenchuan County, northwest of Chengdu, Sichuan Province, the Wuolong Mountains cover an area of 200,000 hectares with an elevation of over 4,000 meters. More than half of China's rare animals under protection are to be found here, including golden monkeys, white-lipped deers, pandas, white-buttocked deers and musk deers.

--Wuyi Mountains

The last area listed in the UN's Man and Biosphere Program is the Wuyi Mountains, which are located in Wuyishan City, Fujian Province. Famed as the "first mountain in Southeast China," this area boasts such attractions as Great King, Jade Girl, and Heavenly Tour peaks. Other scenic spots located in the Wuyi Mountains include Jiesun Peak, Taoyuan Cave, Waterfall Cave, Yixiantian Canyon and Nine-Bend Stream. There is the Wuyi Temple where Emperor Hanwu more than 1,000 years ago set up an altar to offer sacrifice to the God of Wuyi.

Besides, the Wuyi Mountains are also famous as " the window of world's biology", "the paradise of birds" and "the world of insects".

8.  What's the best buy in China?

China's markets are very prosperous. Shoppers will find that they can get many of the dame items in Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Wuhan as they do in Hongkong, New York, Tokyo and Paris. However, some of the more Chinese-flavored items may not be as readily available in other parts of the world as in Chinese cities. This is what you should consider for shopping.

Following  items are suggested on your shopping list:

1) Antiques, paintings and calligraphy

These can offer a glimpse of age-old Chinese civilization. They are both artistic works for appreciation and wise investments.

2) Silk

China is home to silk where you can get genuine pure silk, which makes for perfect gifts. A trip to a silk factory usually ends up as a shopping spree.

3) Handicrafts

4) Chinese medicines

5) Souvenirs

9.  What's special about Chinese folklore?

Because of the vast territory and the diverse composition of the Chinese nation, folklore varies from region to region. As early as in the Han Dynasty over 2,000 years ago, it was recorded that "customs varied within a distance of 50 kilometers. Over the long course of history, the 56 ethnic groups living in China have each developed their own customs in residence, food, clothing and decorations, marriage, family, festivals, religions, morals, rites and ceremonies and taboos.

10.  What are the major festivals of the Chinese?

The most important festival during a year for the Han and many of the minority nationalities is the Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year. The first day of the first lunar month is the Spring Festival.

Lantern Festival  This falls on the 15th of the first lunar month, an occasion for eating Yuanxiao, or sweet dumplings made of glutinous rice flour, hanging lanterns, visiting lantern shows, performing the Dragon Lantern and Drum Dances.

Pure Brightness Festival  This day falls around April 5 of the Western calendar, and it is named after the fifth solar term of the Chinese calendar. Activities include excursions and tomb-sweeping.

Dragon Boat Festival  Falling on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, this festival was set aside in memory of the great poet Qu Yuan, who drowned himself over 2,000 years ago after the emperor refused to heed his remonstration. The main activity is Dragon Boat racing. People carry incense pouches, get roped up, drink realgar wine and eat Zongzi, a pyramid-shaped dumpling made of glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves.

Mid-Autumn Festival  This day falls on the 15th of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, right in the middle of deep autumn. It is an occasion for family reunions. Wherever they are, Chinese people miss their loved ones on this day. Eating "mooncakes" is the main feature for the occasion. The round cakes symbolize both the bright moon and family reunions.

Double-Nine Festival  This festival is named because it falls on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. The main feature is chrysanthemum--admiring the flower and drinking chrysanthemum wine. A special cake is also served. In addition, many people go on excursions to lose themselves in nature.

The minority nationalities celebrate their own festivals, such as the Lasser Bairam of the Muslims, the Corban Festival of the Uygurs and the Torch Festival of the Yis.

11. How Do I get a China Visa?

Visa is required for Americans and most other nationalities. Wuyishan Travel Service will
help you procure your visa after you have confirmed the booking with us. Detailed
instruction and visa application form will be sent to you upon receipt of your tour deposit.

12. Can I Travel to Tibet independently?

According to Chinese official regulation,you can not travel to Tibet independently .You have to book a tour package to Tibet through a tour company. You need a special travel permit to enter Tibet in addition to a valid China visa.  China Voyages has designed several flexible and affordable packages. Please contact us for further details.

13. Do I need immunizations?

No, immunizations are required for entry into China,unless the traveler is coming from a yellow fever infected area. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)in Atlanta recommends the all travelers have current polio and tetanus immunizations . For travelling into countryside,immune globulin is also recommended to combat hepatitis A,as is typhoid immunization. It is very important to bring along a supply of wide spectrum Antibiotics, an anti-diarrhea agent,and any other prescription drugs required. For most update information, please contact CDC in Atlanta or visit their web site at http://www.cdc.gov. 

14. Do I need visa for visit to Hong Kong?

For US passport Holders, visa is not required within 90 days there as a tourist. For other passport holders, please inquire with your nearest PRC embassies or Consulates.

15. What is the airport tax in China?

Departure tax when exiting China is 90 yuan(about $ 11). In addition, airport
construction fee of 50 yuan RMB  (about $6) per flight has been levied on all domestic flights. These fees must be paid in cash on the spot.

16. What about airport tax in Hong Kong?

Currently,It is HK $50.(US1 $=7.73HK$)

17. When is the best time to visit China?

Deciding when to visit China depends on which places you wish to visit,what type of weather you enjoy,and how much a bargain you want. Remember that China is a huge country with many different climates and types of terrain. Think of it in terms of United States,which China resembles in size and shape. Traveling along the Golden Route
(Beijing Xi'an,Shanghai,Guilin) is like visiting Philadelphia,Knoxville ,and Southern Florida all in one trip. May,September,and October are the peak tourist months at China’s most popular destinations,when the weather is most comfortable. Prices drop a bit in the shoulder season, which runs from late March through April and from June through August. The off-season arrives in late November, and continues through the winter when crowds are few and prices unbelievably low.

18. What about the temperature in major cities?

               Average Temperatures Fahrenheit in Major Cities

19. What To Pack?

Pack lightly,and bring casual clothes.A sturdy ,comfortable pair of walking shoes is an absolute. A sports coat and tie for man,and one or two dresses or pantsuits for women,will suit the most formal occasions to be encountered in China. Travelers should bring shirts,sweaters,and jackets that can be worn in layers to suit a range of climates. Remember,dress for Comfort, not for Style.

Checklist:

• Electrical converter and adapter plugs. China’s electrical system operates at 220 volts.
• Hair dryer,razor,alarm clock.
• Common toiletries,cold and digestive medications,lip balm,sanitary napkins and any over-the-counter medicines you generally use.
• Chewing gum,mints,or throat lozenges to keep your mouth moist.
• Reading materials,including a guide book on the places you will see.
• Sun-tan lotion and sun glasses. Raincoat if you go in July and August.
• Camera & film.Be aware that while print film is available in most places, negative film may be difficult to find. And be sure to pack extra batteries.
• A note book to keep track of all the exciting things happening on the trip.

20. What is the Voltage there?

220 Volts.

　
21. What Currency should I bring?

The local currency in Chinese Yuan. Currently One US dollars equals about 8.30 Yuan. We recommend  that you bring your credit card,American Express traveler’s Check and small amounts of cash. Most major hotels and shops in major cities accept major credit cards . You may also cash your traveler's check.You can get a  bit higher exchange rate if you cash the Traveler's check. Personal checks are not accepted there. In Hong Kong,the local currency is HK Dollar.One US dollar equals to 7.70 HK dollars.Please be noted the exchange rate fluctuates and information provided here is for your reference only.

22. What about luggage allowance for domestic flights?

For domestic China and Intra-Asia flights, you are allowed to checked in one piece of luggage. The limitation is 20 Kilograms (44 pounds) total.

23. Is the Tap water drinkable?

We recommend that you buy the bottled spring water there, it is very cheap and available everywhere.

24. Do I have to tip when join a organized tour?

The Chinese government does not encourage tipping. However, it has become
a very popular norm to tip the tour guide and driver in recognition of their good service. Also,hotel bellboy expects your tips as well. It is not customary to leave tips at local restaurant. Normally, you do not need to tip at hotel restaurants,as the bill includes 15% service charge.

If You have any questions and concerns ,which can not be addressed by our FAQ, Please feel free to contact us by e-mail at [email protected]

We thank you for your visit to our site,and hope to have the opportunity to take you on a journey of discovery.

Copyright © 1999  Wuyishan Travel Service. All rights reserved.

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