Travel to Hong Kong to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work,

or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

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 Hong Kong

Intro

Backpacking in Hong Kong?

  • A vibrant metropolis with a unique blend of old and hyper new combined with many beautiful islands makes Hong Kong a popular short stop for many backpackers. 
  • Features: lively nightlife, short travel distances, east meets west, more expensive than other countries in the region. 

Traveling in Hong Kong? 

  • Traveling through Hong Kong is a strange sensation of a city with a kind of split personality. East meets West, modern and ancient and city and nature. All close together on a small piece of land. 
  • City spotting: Hong Kong of course! Areas of interest are Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, Lantau Island, Cheung Chau, Lamma Island, Sai Kung. 
  • Activity spotting: visit viewpoints, night markets, take a ride on the iconic Star Ferry and admire the Hong Kong skyline, visit temples and theme parks, shop till you drop and take scenic walks.   
  • Nature spotting: Drangon's Back (beautiful hiking trail), Sai Kung East Country park (pristine beaches), Lantau Island (hiking trails and a famous monastery), Hong Kong Global Geopark, Tai Mo San (Hong Kong's highest mountain), Mai Po Nature Reserve (an important Wetland area). 
  • Animal spotting: Chinese white dolphin, tree frog, pangolin, black-faced Spoonbill, wild boar, python and langurs (monkeys). 

Studying in Hong Kong?

  • Education in Hong Kong: the quality of education is excellent, the cost is quite high though. 
  • Language: the main language of instruction is English. In everyday life, Cantonese and Mandarin are mainly spoken.  
  • Studies: many study opportunities and scholarship opportunities.
  • Study cities: Hong Kong.
  • Study culture: competitive and demanding, not easy! So with a strong focus on academic achievement and discipline, combined with motivated students, you can go a long way in developing your own skills. There is also a fun, open culture around studying with student groups, clubs and events.  
  • Language learning: English is the main language at universities. If you want to learn Cantonese or Mandarin, you can do so through language institutes and universities themselves. 

Internship in Hong Kong?

  • Internships: there are many internship opportunities for professional development in a variety of sectors. There are also many organizations that broker internships. For example, you can work in the start-up sector, business is popular, but you can also find internships in the arts. 
  • Internship cities: Hong Kong.
  • Characteristics: professional options, especially through large internship organizations, everything in English and a vibrant social and mixed life. 
  • Competencies: professional development in your field, cultural sensitivity, intercultural communication, English language, networking. 

Volunteering in Hong Kong?

  • Part-time volunteering opportunities are particularly available for Hong Kong residents, including expats. Consider community work, education, health care, animal welfare.  
  • Animal/nature projects: animal shelters, conservation organizations. 
  • Characteristics: especially options for part-time volunteering if you already live in Hong Kong, most are focused on community support. 

Working in Hong Kong?

  • Jobs: especially in international companies, you can find jobs in Hong Kong. Many local companies prefer at least basic knowledge of Cantonese. There are also certain professions where it is easier to get a visa, such as IT expert, data scientist, marine engineers and more. There are also jobs for English teachers, both through language schools and privately. 
  • Work culture: people in Hong Kong are generally hard workers who love making careers. So working overtime is common and even expected in some cases. Despite this, you also need a dose of patience because decisions are not made quickly or casually and impatience is something that is definitely not appreciated. Furthermore, body language, down to the smallest details, dressing professionally and punctuality are very important. 
  • Characteristics: hard working culture, English language, many opportunities for foreigners. If you like a career-oriented business environment and hard work, then this might be the country for you! 

Working as a digital nomad in Hong Kong?

  • Hong Kong is an attractive destination for digital nomads. There is much to experience within a short distance, from state-of-the-art cities and digital nomad meetups to beautiful forests and beaches. 
  • Features: expensive accommodation and living expenses, but relatively cheap transportation, all the facilities you need, good Internet and everyone speaks English. 

Living in Hong Kong?

  • Living in Hong Kong offers a dynamic and cosmopolitan experience, with a mix of Eastern and Western influences, high-quality infrastructure, and career opportunities that will make you smile. The city is busy and expensive, but offers an excellent quality of life with access to modern amenities and plenty of vibrancy.
  • Language: Cantonese is the main spoken language, but English is widespread and widely used in business and education. 
  • Quality of life: Hong Kong offers a high standard of living. You will find everything your heart desires, there is modern infrastructure and plenty of opportunities for activities. It is, however, one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in. 
  • Culture: a true melting pot of cultures. Two worlds come together here and this can be seen in everything such as the festivals, architecture and culinary offerings. Furthermore, especially traditional Chinese holidays and customs play an important role in daily life. 
  • Characteristics: a fast and dynamic life, competitive and with a lot of people and activities. Life is expensive, apartments are small, public transportation is efficient. 
  • Healthcare: Healthcare in Hong Kong is of high quality with good infrastructure and well-trained medical professionals. Do arrange your own (international) health insurance well.

Supporting content

Hong Kong Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Hong Kong Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

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Content about Hong Kong on WorldSupporter

Hongkong: Updates & Travel

Hongkong: Updates & Travel

Travel in Hongkong?

  • Visit Hong Kong: Be impressed by the gigantic skyline, go shopping, eat dim sum, or rest on the beaches and party at Hong Kong's various clubs. It is a strange sensation of a city with a kind of split personality. East meets West, modern and ancient and city and nature. All close together on a small piece of land. Areas of interest are Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, Lantau Island, Cheung Chau, Lamma Island, Sai Kung. 
  • You can visit viewpoints, night markets, take a ride on the iconic Star Ferry and admire the Hong Kong skyline, visit temples and theme parks, shop till you drop and take scenic walks. Highlights are Drangon's Back (beautiful hiking trail), Sai Kung East Country park (pristine beaches), Lantau Island (hiking trails and a famous monastery), Hong Kong Global Geopark, Tai Mo San (Hong Kong's highest mountain), Mai Po Nature Reserve (an important Wetland area). 

Updates Hongkong

  • More about Hongkong, updates and contributions, see the link below.
Hong Kong: selection of contributions by WorldSupporters - Bundle
Supporting content:
Travel, living and working in China and Hong Kong - Theme
China: selection of blogs and contributions of WorldSupporters - Bundle

China: selection of blogs and contributions of WorldSupporters - Bundle

Selection of blogs and contributions about China and Hong Kong

Chinese Moon Cake Festival

Chinese Moon Cake Festival

What are typical Asian remarkable holidays and holiday habits?

When is the Chinese Mooncake festival or the Mid-Autumn Festival? 

The Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated every year around september or october, the 15th day of the 8th lunar month to be specific. In 2025 it is celebrated on the 6th of october, 2026 it is celebrated on the 25th of september and in 2027 it is celebrated on the 15th of september. It is celebrated in all big cities all over the world, with a big Chinese community, like Amsterdam, New York and San Franciso. Also in China, Taiwan, HongKong, Bangkok, Macau, South Korea, Vietnam and Japan.

What is celebrated on the Chinese Mooncake festival?

After the Chinese new year one of the biggest festivities. It is on the day that the moon is on its brightest and fullest, the Chinese always worship the moon and appreciate the full moon on that day. The celebration dates from 3.000 years back from the Zhou dynasty. The gods and the moon are thanked for the last fruitfull harvest of rice and are already teased to give a good harvest the coming year. The day itself, is also considered the Moon Festival. The full moon is known as the symbol for reunion with family for celebrations.

What to eat on the Chinese Mooncake festival?

There is a specific cake, the mooncake to celebrate the reunion. The moon cake is only eaten in september and october. It has a specific shape and authentic form with chinese charaters on top. People love to eat all kind of moon cake (most of the time cut in pieces) with their tea: salted egg yolk moon cake, lotus seed moon cake, lava custard moon cake or red bean paste moon cake. In HongKong they designed a lighter version of the mooncake: the snowskin mooncake made from sticky rice. Nowadays people usually buy mooncakes in the store, instead of making the cakes themselves.

How to prepare for the Chinese Mooncake festival?

In mainland China everyone has a 3-day holiday and most people will go home to their families. They will have festive family dinners, and at night go on marches while holding up lit Chinese lanterns. When traveling, it is good to remember this day, it will be busy on the roads.

 

 

 

 

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year

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What is Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year is one of the all-important Chinese holidays! Most Chinese people go home to celebrate this day together with family. The Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival. The celebration starts well with paying off debts, a clean house and new clothes. The Chinese New Year is full of fireworks, dragon and lion dances.

The Chinese New Year begins every year between January 21 and February 20. If you are going to travel, during this period then it is helpful to make reservations because it can be crowded. All people in China have time off then.

What is the Chinese zodiac?

Instead of months, the Chinese zodiac is based on the year of birth. Each year is related to an animal sign according to a 12-year cycle. The 12 animals are in order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

Why are the animals in this order? According to a myth, the Jade Emperor said that the order is the order of arrival at the Jade Emperor's feast. The Ox had left the night before and would be first. The Tiger would arrive early the next morning and be second. The Rat had sneaked up on the Os and jumped off the Os when he caught sight of the Jade Emperor. This put the Ox and Tiger in second and third place. The fourth to arrive was the Rabbit, who is named as “proud - even a tad arrogant - of his speed. When the Rabbit arrived at the party, no one was there yet, so he decided to take a nap and came in fourth.

Chinese new year and the year of the Wooden Dragon?

In 2024-2025, it is the year of the Wooden Dragon! The Dragon is known as a powerful symbol in Chinese culture. It is the only mythical animal in the Chinese zodiac and is often associated with luck, power and charisma. Wood represents nature, growth, expansion and renewal. Combined with the Dragon, which stands for strength and vitality. This may start to be a year of development. Progress with new initiatives, start-ups, technological innovations and sustainability innovations. It is the year of action! This applies specifically to the Dragon. You are Dragon if you were born in 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 or you will be born next year.

Chinese new year and the year of the Wooden Serpent?

In 2025-2026, it is the year of the Wooden Serpent! The Serpent is known to be mysterious and subtle. The Serpent brings an elegant and sophisticated influence. The Serpent is known for wisdom, knowledge, intelligence, intuition and creativity. Snakes are also characterized by luck, abundance, fertility and long life. Snakes shed their skin and renew themselves, representing rebirth and transformation. Snakes are also known for their negatives such as deception, jealousy and temptation. Snakes are enemies of the Dragon and Tiger. Snakes can be poisonous and their bite can lead to death. You are Snake if you were born in: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 and 2025. The 2025 Wooden Snake is charming, intelligent and creative, as well as secretive and sometimes reckless. The year of the Wooden Serpent is going to be a year full of potential, innovation and possibilities. Use the positive sides of the Serpent, wisdom and intuition.

(Re)searching my own identity: The Peranakan Chinese people

(Re)searching my own identity: The Peranakan Chinese people

The history of Peranakan* Chinese (in the Netherlands)

My father came to the Netherlands when he was six years old. Around 1954 I believe. The first Peranakan Chinese came to the Netherlands to study in the early 20th century. I think my family history is the same as many others and at the same time a little different. My father came from a family of family doctors. He spoke Dutch, since they had to choose between the Dutch schools or Indonesian schools. Since there were riots against the Chinese, they focussed on the Dutch language, culture and habits etc etc. After the riots, or during the riots, my family fled to Germany and ended up in the Netherlands. They left everything behind. It wasn't easy, to start all over again. My father said he owed everything to the church, they gave him a bicycle and a schoolbag, so he could go to school. No servants anymore and it was cold and gloomy.

I am in blood (I think) a Totok Chinese (“thoroughbred”) but my family didn't retain the Chinese language and culture. That is why the integration went well in a way (When I may say so). What is left over, in me, as a Dutch Chinese woman (a little Filipino by heart since I lived in the Philippines for 15 years)?

The importance that you have to study and gain knowledge was a very important value. I understand that now. All your knowledge should be in your head, so when you have to flee, the only thing you can bring are your brains. My grandmother never asked me how I was or how I felt. She only asked about my results at school. I never understood that, and I thought it was kind of strange. Other grandmothers would ask about their grandchildrens well being? In retrospect I understand that too.

My grandmother loved and ate fries and was well adjusted. She also made Indonesian food. My grandfather went back in his memories to Indonesia, while smelling the herbs of the Indonesian dishes and sharing food together. That was the power of the food.

Why were the Chinese people in Indonesia anyways?

Since the 15th century, Chinese traders from the provinces of Fuijan and Guangdong came to the Indonesian archipelago. More and more Chinese came to the Dutch East Indies. Then sugar cane business grew and more Chinese arrived. Then the industry fell and many Chinese became unemployed. That led to deportation and violent riots and even massacres. In 1860-1930, however, the migration of Chinese to the Dutch East Indies increased substantially again. They came as contract workers and free migrants.

By 1930, over 60% of the Chinese were engaged in trade, forming an important link between the population of the then Dutch East Indies and European trade. The Chinese were divided into two camps: the Peranakans, who no longer spoke Chinese, and the Totok Chinese (“thoroughbred”) who retained the Chinese language and culture. By the 1930 census, the Chinese population in Indonesia had grown to more than one and a half million, about half of whom were Peranakan Chinese.

The designation of Peranakan* Chinese is derived from the Indonesian word “anak,” which means “child,” and stands for “descendant. The new Peranakan culture combined Chinese traditions with Indonesian elements. The Chinese shared their techniques and motifs within arts and crafts with the Indonesians and also used the Indonesian language and clothing. They also influenced dishes in Indonesia, including their preference for pork (babi). 

 

 

 

Should you use mobile payment in China?

Should you use mobile payment in China?

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Anyone who has visited China in the past years must have noticed, mobile payment is the way to go for Chinese. While mobile payment is slowly gaining ground in the West, in China this type of payment has progressed rapidly. The most used platforms are WeChat and Alipay. To pay you need to create an account and link it to your bank account. Payment is done by scanning a QR code which you can find everywhere, from small convenience shops to fancy restaurants and public transport. Chinese use it as a payment method or for transferring money.

Up until a few years ago this payment option was only possible if you had a Chinese bank account or credit card. To have either of these, you have to be a Chinese citizen or a resident. However, more recently both WeChat an Alipay have added the option to link a foreign creditcard to your account as well. This means that now, also foreigners in China can jump on the trend of mobile payment. Cards that are supported are for example VISA, MasterCard or American Express. Linking an international creditcard is not without hassles, as many users have commented that their cards are not recognized by the app. But as this is still a new feature things will probably run smoother over time.

You can find a step-by-step manual for linking your international creditcard for both Alipay and WeChat in this blog.

So should you use mobile payment when you visit China? I think that depends. When you're there for study, work or a longer stay it can certainly be beneficial to have this as a payment option. It can become inconvenient having to withdraw cash on a regular basis and foreign debit- or creditcards are not accepted everywhere. Also, platforms like WeChat are essential for communication in China, being the Chinese equivalent of WhatsApp and western social media (which are all banned in China). The question thereby is, do you really want to share your financial and personal information to WeChat, and thereby also to the Chinese government. That is something to consider for yourself. If you don't, you can simply use 'traditional' payment methods such as cash.

Travel, work and live in China: when to go, where to go, what to do?

Travel, work and live in China: when to go, where to go, what to do?

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Why to visit China?

China has a myriad of places of interest, a fascinating culture and a very diverse landscape ranging from tropical rainforests in the south to the breath taking peaks of the Himalayas in the west. A country with a turbulent past, from Confucius to Genghis Khan, which was cut off from the west for years. It has a history of prolonged, strict, communist rule and the government is probably the most controversial in the world. All of this makes China a very interesting destination.

Highlights

China is a huge country with countless sights and attractions. Be prepared to be pleasantly and unpleasantly surprised by the extraordinary nature of Chinese culture, people, cities and environment.

  • You can follow the historic Silk Road by train, via the Karakoram Highway towards Pakistan.
  • Admire the terracotta army found in the pleasant town of Xi’an. This archaeological find of 9099 terracotta figurines, was a burial gift to Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China
  • Visit the Great Wall of China. The 6259 kilometre long defence wall was built to protect the Chinese empire against enemies. It was named one of the seven new world wonders in 2007.
  • Explore the Tiger Leaping Gorge. This twenty kilometre long gorge is only thirty meters wide at its narrowest. A big rock in the river marks the narrowest point. According to legend, a tiger was seen leaping across the canyon using this rock, hence the name.
  • Enjoy seeing the giant panda in the wild, for example in Jiuzhaigou National Park in the north of Sichuan Province or the Wolong National Nature Reserve in Wenchuan County, in the centre of Sichuan Province. Or visit Sichuan’s capital Chengdu, home to Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base, a research facility open to visitors.
  • Chengdu is also a good base to visit Leshan, a little village where you can find one of the tallest, 71 meters, sitting Buddha’s in China.
  • Travel from Guilin to the beautifully vast and unspoiled Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces (also known as Longji Rice Terraces) in Longsheng. You can book a daytrip but also explore the area on a scooter on your own.
  • Peking Opera: a visit to a traditional Peking Opera is a very special experience. The costumes, make-up, music and combination of vocal, acrobatic and mime performance are a sensory delight.
  • Visit Tibet: Tibet’s sovereignty is disputed. Since the invasion in 1950-1951, China claims Tibet as part of its territory. Tibet challenges this claim and considers itself occupied by China. The much revered Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan people, is an outspoken advocate for independence which has kept the discussion very much alive and current. The conflicted status makes visiting Tibet relatively hard but the effort is worth it. The region is home to the world’s highest mountains (Mount Everest’s northern face most notably), many deep blue lakes and an abundance of beautiful monasteries. It has its own culture, language and people. Do make sure you organise your visit well. The political situation is changing rapidly so check for the latest travel restrictions (such as filing for a permit and signing up with an organised tour) before you go. The region has its own culture, language and people.

Hotspots

  • Beijng: there is plenty to explore in China’s capital. Visit the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace which, contrary to its name, is now open to visitors. Set foot on historic Tiananmen Square (Gate of Heavenly Peace), known for the student revolt in spring 1989 and home to the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. Escape the skyscrapers and the crowds in one of the many parks where the Chinese play Mah-Jong and card games and relax. Walk through the picturesque Hutongs, narrow streets and alleys connecting the traditional courtyards and full of restaurants and bars.
  • Stop by Hong Kong: let yourself be blown away by the impressive skyline, take a breather on one of the beached and party in one of the many clubs.
  • Pinyao: a walled in architectonical paradise where historical buildings, streets and houses from the Ming and Qing dynasty have been well preserved.
  • Xian: the original starting point of the Silk Road and the city connecting China with the Roman empire. The 14 kilometre long and 12 metre high city wall dates back to the seventh and ninth century and is mostly still intact.
  • Hangzhou: one of the biggest tourist attractions of China, this city is known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage.
  • Suzhou: known for its abundant and classical gardens. Visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden, the Lingering Garden and take a tour on one of the many canals.
  • Lijiang: one of the prettiest cities in China. Explore the historic centre and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside and Lijiang Valley. Built where the river Jade forks three ways, the city’s many waterways and bridges have earned it the moniker Venice of the East.

Coldspots

  • Travelling through China can be challenging because the Chinese either can’t or are afraid to speak English. Traffic signs, menus, street signs, are all in Chinese. However, Chinese are very willing to help but are traditionally unwilling to lose face, so may send you the wrong way rather than admit they don’t know the route. Be patient, allow for extra travel time and keep an open mind.
  • Pollution is a pretty serious problem in China. Be prepared if you suffer from allergies, skin problems or have problems with your airways or eyes.
  • If you don’t like crowds, it’s best to avoid travelling in China altogether or do your research well to find proper off the beaten track destinations. The economic growth has increased people’s mobility so the Chinese now also have the change to travel around and see their country. You will inevitably be faced with crowds and big groups of tourist, especially at popular tourist spots.
  • Don’t exchange money on the black market, you’re bound to be scammed.
  • Don’t bad-mouth the government. You never know who’s listening in and anti-government speech can result in severe prison sentences.

When to go to China?

Climate

  • The northeast around Beijing has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. July and August see a lot of rain. Best time to travel this region is in spring or autumn.
  • The area around Shangai has very changeable weather. Rain is always looming. Summers can last quite long and are hot and humid and winters are very cold.
  • Tropical storms can occur between July and October.
  • The weather in the Yangtze valley is mild. The south, around Guanzhou, has a tropical climate. The hot, humid summer lasts from April to September with a lot of rainfall between June and September and tropical storms in the coastal areas.
  • Northwest China has a desert climate with hot summers and cold winters.

Best time to go

  • The best time to go differs per area. In general you can adhere to the following rule: April, May, September and October are the best months to go.
  • Autumn is the best time to visit Beijing.

Alternative time to go

  • Winter months are a good time to visit the south as it will be quieter.
  • Winter is also the time to enjoy some traditional and interesting festivals such as Chinese New Year, confusingly also known as the Spring Festival even though it falls on the new moon between January 21 and February 20.

Restrictive time to go

  • Chinese winters (December to March) tend to be very cold. Some areas will be very hard or impossible to reach.
  • Trekking the Himalaya is out of bounds in winter.
  • July until September is typhoon season in China, the peak being August. They affect mainly the south but the can cause problems anywhere from the South China See, the Pacific Ocean and the southern and eastern coastal regions all the way inland.

Hours of sun

  • The average hours of sunshine are very different in every region, but in general the sunniest days are in August and September and the least sunny in January and February.

Sea temperature

  • Sea temperatures in China are generally warm. They vary from 13 degrees around Dalian to 28 degrees around Yongshun and Nansha. On average the sea temperature lies around 20 degrees.

Visa or permits for China

  • A tourist visa is mandatory and is valid for up to a maximum of 90 days.
  • Visa requirements change often so check before you travel.
  • Your passport needs to be valid for six months after your visa expires.
  • You need an entirely empty page in your passport.
  • You need a flight confirmation proving onward or return travel.
  • You need a booking confirmation from a hotel.
  • You need to provide an official invitation and general personal information when staying with friends or relatives.
  • Visa requirements are different to Hong Kong and Macau.
  • Obtaining a visa to travel to Tibet is relatively complicated and the requirements change often

How to stay safe in China?

General safety

  • In general, China is a safe country for travellers. The strict safety measures and tough punishments for small crimes are a strong deterrent for would be criminals. Be aware that the rules apply as strict – if not stricter – to visitors.

Criminality

  • On occasion, tourists do become victims of pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist spots, national holidays such as the Chinese New Year, or at bus and train stations. Keep your valuables safe or leave them in the hotel.

Sexuality

  • Homosexuality remains a sensitive topic in China. Despite the more tolerant attitude in recent years, it’s still frowned upon to show your sexuality publicly.
  • In big cities like Shanghai and Beijing, you’ll find some gay bars but that doesn’t mean you can express your sexuality freely. The locals may still take offence and reactions can be unpredictable.

Internet

  • The Chinese government monitors social media closely.
  • Online censorship is common in China. Sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube but also international news websites may be blocked.
  • Refrain from expressing anti-government opinions publicly.

Forces of nature

  • Typhoons and tropical storms can hit China anytime between May and November but are most prevalent between July and October.
  • Flooding and landslides can occur between May and November due to heavy rainfall.
  • The west of the country is prone to the occasional earthquake.

Traffic

  • Be vigilant in traffic, motorists can be inexperienced.

Legislation

  • All drugs, hard and soft, are illegal. Possessing or using drugs, any drugs including marihuana or prescription drugs for which you can’t provide the prescription, is punished severely. Bring a Medical Passport or an official prescription when using medication, especially any sedatives and strong painkillers containing codeine.
  • In China, criticising the government is strictly forbidden and punished severely.
  • Non-Chinese and international driver’s licenses are not recognised.

What are payment options in China?

  • The Yuan – the Chinese currency – is highly susceptible to inflation so the exchange rate can differ massively from one day to the next. Keep an eye on the official rates.

Cash

  • It’s always good to have some cash on you.
  • Euros can be exchanged at the bigger (chain) hotels, at airports and in the bigger branches of the Bank of China.

Cashpoint / ATM

  • Cashpoints are easy to find in the bigger cities and more are being installed outside the urban areas.
  • Instances of cashpoints being out of service are relatively high though so be prepared and always have some cash on you, especially if you venture off the beaten track.

Credit card

  • Credit cards are increasingly accepted. However, not all types are accepted and not all restaurants and hotels accept them so do check beforehand.
  • Be mindful that although stickers may advertise differently, they still may only accept Chinese cards. Again, do check.
  • You can use your credit card for cash withdrawals but only at the larger branches of the Bank of China.

How to get around in China?

Domestic flights

  • Because of its huge size, domestic flights with local carriers are a good option to cover large distances.

By train

  • Trains are one of the most commonly used means of transport for tourists and are generally reliable and safe.
  • Do keep in mind that because of the vastness of the country, train journeys can be extremely long. If you’re in a hurry, domestic flights are a good alternative at almost the same cost.
  • Please noteBooking confirmations are generally sent via text message and not via email, a Chinese mobile could therefore come in handy. The message will commonly be in Chinese.

By bus

  • Travelling by bus is another good means of travel in China. Journeys can be long and buses crowded, however the prices are low and journeys frequent.

By boat

  • The boat is a fun way to travel but more for the experience than to cover long distances. A popular boat trip on the Yangtze is the journey from Chongqing to Yichang.

By taxi

  • Taxis are relatively cheap when travelling short distances.
  • Chinese taxis work with a meter so make sure yours is turned on.
  • Write down your destination on a bit of paper if you don’t speak Chinese.
  • Cash is the preferred payment method.

By car

  • Chinese driver’s licenses are the only ones accepted in China.
  • Visitors can rent a car but with restrictions: only with a special license plate specifically for foreign motorists, only at the bigger airports such as Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong and you can’t leave the city. If you want to take a car outside of the city, you’ll have to hire a chauffeured car.

By rickshaw

  • Rickshaws are a good option for short distances in cities – they come motorised and non-motorised.

Where to sleep in China?

  • There’s a plethora of accommodation options in China, from cheap and cheerful homesteads including a hot meal and dorm rooms in youth hostels to luxury boutique hotels, and anything in between.
  • Camping is quite popular in China so there are lot of places you can pitch your tent. Don’t expect campsites with lots of amenities though, camping in China is truly back to basics. Wild camping is common but the laws around this are sketchy and enforcement can differ from place to place.
  • For that out of the ordinary experience, you can also stay in a monastery or temple.

What to eat and drink in China

Food

  • Chinese cuisine is second to none and much more than the standard Chinatown fare known in the West so do step away from your trusty takeaway staple and explore the unknown corners of the menu.
  • Given the size of the country, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the cuisine on offer is tremendously diverse. Every region has its own specialities and it’s impossible to speak of Chinese cuisine as a whole. It simply varies too much. A common theme however are rice based, wok prepared and spicy dishes and a nothing goes to waste mentality. So be prepared to savour pig’s trotters, chicken feet and every bit of offal under the sun.

Specialities

  • Peking Duck, a dish local to Beijing. The honey and sherry marinated duck is traditionally air cured for days and then slow roasted ‘till the skin is crisp and golden brown. Usually served whole and sliced at the table.
  • Dumplings: small meat parcels with varied fillings of meat, fish and vegetables. Served steamed or fried.
  • Baozi: small steamed (sometimes fried or bakes) rolls with many types of fillings. Only eaten for breakfast or lunch.
  • Douhua or doufuhua: a traditional Chinese pudding made of very soft tofu. Also referred to as tofu or soybean pudding.

Remarkable dishes

  • Drunken shrimps: a cruel dish perhaps, drunken shrimps are served alive. The alcohol in the rice wine they are served in does however numb them before you put them in your mouth.
  • The Chinese nothing goes to waste philosophy is perfectly exemplified in the traditional pig’s head dish. It’s an acquired taste so you won’t find it on all menu’s. Do ask for it if you feel adventurous as it’s considered a delicacy. Traditionally you give the eyes to someone you respect, an older person or your partner. Pig’s ears are another treat commonly enjoyed in China.
  • Jelly fish is another remarkable dish. It is served warm with sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar and sugar.

Drinks

  • Beer brands are too many to mention but the most popular are Qingdao and Liquan. Beer is called pijiu in Chinese.
  • The Chinese prefer spirits (jiu). Try a Maotai, a liquor made from sorghum and wheat.
  • Baiju is one of the most consumed beverages in the world, even though it’s hard to find outside of China. It’s a spirit with 60% alcohol, a pungent aftertaste and a faint whiff of petrol in its bouquet.
  • Those who do not particularly like the hard stuff can try Nuomijiu, a glutinous, fermented rice wine (16% vol). It’s usually consumed lukewarm.
  • Tea is a very popular choice in China and the Chinese were the first to grow it. Green tea is the most common option.

What to do in China?

Entertainment and activities in China

  • Even though the Gregorian Calendar is now officially used, the traditional Chinese calendar – which is a lunisolar calendar built around astronomy – still informs many celebrations and festivals to this day.
  • Please note that official public holidays change regularly and are announced annually. Improving the national standard of living and expanding tourism can motivate an increase in public holidays yet the detrimental effect on the economy of these unproductive periods results in reducing the number of official holidays.
  • The Chinese government has been known to suddenly announce a national holiday (sometimes lasting up to a week), for example when an international congress is upcoming. To ease the crowds and smog, schools and tourist attractions are closed and people asked to stay at home.

Public holidays, traditional celebrations and festivals in China

  • Chinese New Year is celebrated in the first month of the traditional Chinese calendar and marks the beginning of the Spring Festival. It falls between January 21 and February 20 of the western calendar.
  • Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping, Ancestor’s and Memorial Day, honours ancestors by literally sweeping clean and looking after tombs and gravesites. It is also a day to remember those who perished during the war. It’s held in early April.
  • Duanwu Festival, also known as Dragon Boat Festival, takes place in June near the summer solstice. The festival has many different origin stories. It is celebrated with dragon boat races and by dropping little sticky rice figurines in the river.
  • The Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated during full moon in late September or early October and celebrates the annual harvest.
  • One of the only set dates, National Day of the People’s Republic of China celebrates the ceremonial forming of the Central People’s Government on Tiananmen Square on 1 October 1949.

Activities in China

  • As big as the country, as diverse the activities to choose from. Ice skating inside Peking University, horse riding the remote mountains around Tibet, hiking the endless walking tracks. It’s all possible. Just ask around if your favourite activity is on offer.
  • Do try your hand at cooking, every region offers their own traditional cooking classes.
  • A special activity is kite making classes where you learn the traditional skill from local experts.
  • Join a Tea Making Ceremony workshop and get to know this Chinese tradition based around showing respect to elders, family gatherings and celebrating special occasions such as weddings.

How to communicate in China?

What about communication?

  • As can be expected from a country the size of China, there are many different languages spoken by its people. Besides Mandarin, the official national language, there are around ten regional groups of main languages which are all called Chinese. However, they are very dissimilar languages. Many differ so much that its users do not understand each other.
  • Chinese characters are also not all the same. The Simplified Chinese Characters and the Traditional Chinese Characters are the standardised characters for official use in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and overseas Chinese communities. The Romanised version of these characters are called Pinyin.
  • Around Hong Kong, Cantonese is the most commonly used language.

Words in Mandarin (in Pinyin)

  • Hello: Nihăo
  • Good morning: Zaoshàng hăo
  • Good evening: Wănshàng hăo
  • Bye: Zàijiàn
  • Yes: Shì
  • No: Bùshì
  • Please: Qĭng
  • Thank you: Xièxie
  • You’re welcome: Búkèqi
  • Excuse me: Duìbùqĭ

Communicating with home

  • China’s mobile phone network is good and almost everyone has a mobile phone. Landlines are still in use and can be quite cheap. Common practise is to pay after you make a call so check the tariffs beforehand.
  • Make sure your mobile phone is unlocked if you’re planning to use it in China. Sim cards for temporary use are widely available. Be sure to cancel the card before leaving the country.
  • Fast Wi-Fi is widely provided by hotels, bars, restaurant, cafes and also in public places. You may however sometimes need a Chinese email address or phone number to access it.
  • Censorship is commonplace in China. Be prepared to go without websites and apps such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and many news outlets during your stay and change to locally used apps. Keep in mind that your email account could also be inaccessible, especially the larger ones such as Gmail. Using a VPN is a good, if sometimes slow, option to circumnavigate the censorship; download and install before you travel.
  • Internet cafes are common but are often hidden away from public view and frequently require a Chinese ID to enter. Cafes in big cities and around train stations and big tourist hubs can be less strict.
Travelling around China by train

Travelling around China by train

China high speed trains

China has an extensive train network connecting over 500 cities. Trains are one of the most commonly used means of transport for tourists and are generally reliable and safe. If you want to travel China by train, keep these things in mind.

  • Chinese train stations can feel like airports, especially in the big cities. Prepare for big crowds and save time to navigate around the station.
  • Try to book a ticket online beforehand. At the stations, information will generally be in Chinese and payment options might be limited. You can ask at your accommodation how to book tickets or check information on sites like seat61.
  • Check if your trip doesn't correspond with a Chinese public holiday, like Chinese new year. Many Chinese will use public transport to travel to their home town. Expect full trains and massive crowds.
  • Because of the vastness of the country, train journeys can be extremely long. If you have less time, domestic flights are a good (though less green) alternative.
When do you need an invitation letter for your Chinese visum and how do you obtain one?

When do you need an invitation letter for your Chinese visum and how do you obtain one?

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  • For most types of Chinese visa one of the requirements for application is to submit an invitation letter.
  • There are a few exceptions, for example the Chinese transit visa (with proof of a connecting flight) and the Chinese tourism visa.
  • When you travel to China as a tourist you need an invitation letter if you travel with a travel agency of when you are visiting family or friends. However, if you are an independent traveller you can choose to submit only ticket- and hotel bookings.
  • To obtain an invitation letter, have the party or institution you're visiting set one up for you. There is no standard format for the invitation letter, but check the visum requirements for what the letter should contain. For the tourism visa the letter should contain at least information about the applicant, the inviting party and the travel itinary.

For more information about the invitation letter, see: https://www.chinadiscovery.com/chinese-visa/invitation-letter.html

What to visit in China - From hutongs to skyscrapers and rice terraces

What to visit in China - From hutongs to skyscrapers and rice terraces

Beijing

China is a huge country with countless sights and attractions. Be prepared to be pleasantly and unpleasantly surprised by the extraordinary nature of Chinese culture, people, cities and environment. Are you planning a visit to China, have a look at some of the higlights below to determine what to visit in China.

  • Xi'an: the original starting point of the Silk Road and the city connecting China with the Roman empire. You can still travel this historic route which leads east towards Kashgar. Xi'an itself is a pleasant town to stay a few days. Cycle along the 14 kilometre long and 12 metre high city wall which dates back to the seventh and ninth century and is mostly still intact. Admire the terracotta army. This archaeological find of 9099 terracotta figurines, was a burial gift to Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China.
  • Beijng: there is plenty to explore in China’s capital. Visit the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace which, contrary to its name, is now open to visitors. Set foot on historic Tiananmen Square (Gate of Heavenly Peace), home to the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. Escape the skyscrapers and the crowds in one of the many parks where the Chinese play Mah-Jong and card games and relax. For example in Beihai park or the summer palace. Walk through the picturesque Hutongs around the Lama temple to see narrow streets and alleys connecting the traditional courtyards and visit one of the many restaurants and bars. Or visit a Peking Opera and gaze at the special costumes, make-up, music and combination of vocal, acrobatic and mime performance.
  • Visit the Great Wall of China. The 6259 kilometre long defence wall was built to protect the Chinese empire against enemies. It was named one of the seven new world wonders in 2007. If you visit from Beijing you'll arrive at the most crowded spots while if you go more east you might have the wall all for yourself.
  • Lijiang and the Tiger Leaping Gorge: Lijiang is one of the prettiest cities in China. Explore the historic centre and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside and Lijiang Valley. Built where the river Jade forks three ways, the city’s many waterways and bridges have earned it the moniker Venice of the East. North of Lijiang is the Tiger Leaping Gorge. This twenty kilometre long gorge is only thirty meters wide at its narrowest. A big rock in the river marks the narrowest point. According to legend, a tiger was seen leaping across the canyon using this rock, hence the name.
  • Enjoy seeing the giant panda in the wild, for example in Jiuzhaigou National Park in the north of Sichuan Province or the Wolong National Nature Reserve in Wenchuan County, in the centre of Sichuan Province. Or visit Sichuan’s capital Chengdu, home to Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base, a research facility open to visitors.
  • Chengdu is also a good base to visit Leshan, a little village where you can find one of the tallest, 71 meters, sitting Buddha’s in China.
  • Travel from Guilin to the beautifully vast and unspoiled Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces (also known as Longji Rice Terraces) in Longsheng. You can book a daytrip but also explore the area on a scooter on your own.
  • Explore modern China in the metropolises of Shanghai or Hong Kong. Take a boat tour in Hong Kong to see the impressive skyline from the water, take a breather on one of the beaches and party in one of the many clubs. In Shanghai, explore the city by bike. Or visit the observation deck at the Shanghai tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world, to see the city from above.
  • Visit Hangzhou and Suzhou. both towns are one of the biggest tourist attractions of China. Known for their natural beauty and cultural heritage. Both can be visited from Shanghai.

Of course there are plenty more sights that are worth visiting. Do you have any tips to this list? Feel free to leave a comment below.

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    What social activities can you do abroad?

    • Opportunities are found in the areas of helping, learning or studying. You can get involved to volunteer in a social project at a school in Africa, Asia or Latin America. You can get involved in nature, in a project with animals or cleaning the sea or beaches. Those who want to learn more can choose for example a language course in Latin America, Spain or South Africa.

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    What sports activities to do abroad?

    • Have you ever thought of mountain biking, rafting (going down a wild river on a raft or rubber dinghy, climbing or canoeing), survival (which involves building rafts, climbing or canoeing), abseiling (descending a rock face while secured to ropes), zip-lining (whizzing down a cable), canyoning (starting at the top of a river and then climbing, swimming, diving down the bed) or caving (scrambling, wriggling and crawling through caves and crevices)?
    • Maybe you feel more comfortable on a bodyboard (on a half-wave surfboard, you surf the high waves lying down-with flippers), on a hang glider or while paragliding (with a parachute you float down a mountain or dune), hydrospeeding (on a bodyboard with flippers and a wetsuit on you go down a wild river via rapids) or Tiefschneeskiing (racing down through powder snow)?

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