ABOUT CHINA

China, officially known as the People's Republic of China, is the world's most populous country with over 1.4 billion people. It is located in East Asia and has a vast landscape that includes mountains, high plateaus, deserts, and rivers.

China has a rich history that spans over 5,000 years, marked by significant contributions to civilization such as the invention of paper, gunpowder, and the compass. Beijing, the capital city, is home to historic sites like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China. Shanghai, the largest city, is a global financial hub known for its modern skyline and bustling economy.

Mandarin Chinese is the official language, and the country is governed by the Communist Party of China. China has the second-largest economy in the world, driven by manufacturing, technology, and trade. It is also known for its diverse culture, which includes traditional festivals like the Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival. The country's rapid modernization and urbanisation have led to significant advancements in infrastructure, including high-speed rail networks.

Geographic Data and Statistics for China

Total Area
9,596,961 square kilometres (3,705,407 square miles).

Population
Over 1.4 billion inhabitants (as of 2023), making it the most populous country in the world.

Borders
China shares its borders with 14 countries: Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Vietnam.

Natural Resources
Rich in natural resources such as coal, iron ore, petroleum, natural gas, mercury, tin, tungsten, antimony, manganese, molybdenum, vanadium, magnetite, aluminium, lead, zinc, uranium, and hydropower potential from rivers.

Population Density
Varies significantly, with dense populations in the eastern and coastal regions and sparse populations in the western and mountainous areas.

Entry into China

When entering China, there are several important rules and regulations to be aware of:

Visa Requirement
Most foreign visitors to China require a visa to enter the country. The type of visa you need depends on your purpose of visit (tourism, business, work, etc.). It's essential to apply for the appropriate visa in advance from a Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country.

Passport Validity
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in China. It should also have at least one blank visa page.

Health Declarations
Some travellers may be required to complete a health declaration form upon arrival, especially during health emergencies or pandemics.

Customs Declaration
You must declare any items of significant value, such as large amounts of currency, electronic devices, or restricted items like certain medications or agricultural products.

Restricted Items
Certain items are prohibited or restricted from entering China, including firearms, ammunition, narcotics, and politically sensitive materials.

Quarantine Requirements
During health emergencies, quarantine measures may be enforced for incoming travellers. It's important to stay informed about any health protocols in place at the time of your travel.

Respect Local Laws and Customs
Respect local laws and customs, including rules related to public behaviour, photography, and cultural sensitivities.

Border Crossings
If entering China from Hong Kong or Macau, ensure you have the necessary permits and documents for re-entry into mainland China.

Security Checks
Expect security screenings at airports and border crossings. Be prepared to present your passport, visa, and any other required documentation.

Stay Informed
Keep up-to-date with travel advisories and regulations issued by your home country and Chinese authorities.

Travel Advice & Safety

Here are some travel advice and safety tips to consider when visiting China:

Travel Documents
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. Obtain the necessary visa before your trip.

Health Precautions
Stay informed about health advisories and requirements, particularly during emergencies. Consider obtaining travel insurance that covers health emergencies.

Local Laws and Customs
Familiarise yourself with Chinese laws and customs. Respect cultural norms by dressing modestly at temples and avoiding public displays of affection.

Public Safety
Exercise caution in crowded places like markets, train stations, and tourist sites where pickpocketing can occur. Keep your belongings secure and remain vigilant.

Transportation
Use licensed taxis or reputable ride-sharing services such as DiDi. Be cautious when using public transportation, especially during peak hours.

Food and Water
Drink bottled or boiled water and avoid consuming raw or undercooked food, particularly from street vendors. Exercise caution with unfamiliar foods to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Communication
Install a reliable VPN before travelling to access blocked websites and social media platforms. Use discretion when discussing sensitive topics.

Emergency Preparedness
Carry contact information for your embassy or consulate in case of emergencies. Know how to contact local emergency services like police or ambulance if needed.

Currency and Payments
Exchange money at reputable banks or exchange counters. Inform your bank about your travel plans to prevent issues with card transactions.

Natural Disasters
Be aware of natural disaster risks such as earthquakes or typhoons, especially in susceptible regions. Follow local authorities' instructions during emergencies.

Local Etiquette
Learn basic Mandarin phrases or have a translation app available. Showing politeness and patience in interactions with locals is appreciated.

Travel Alerts
Stay updated on travel advisories and alerts issued by your government or reputable travel advisory services.

Currency

The Chinese Yuan, symbolised by ¥ and known by its abbreviations CNY or RMB (Renminbi), serves as the official currency of the People's Republic of China. Issued and overseen by the People's Bank of China, the country's central bank, the Yuan is divided into smaller units known as Jiao or Mao, with 1 Yuan equaling 10 Jiao or 100 Mao.

Yuan banknotes are readily available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Yuan, catering to various transaction sizes across China. While coins, including 1 Yuan, 0.5 Yuan, and smaller units, exist, they are less frequently used compared to banknotes. The currency enjoys broad acceptance and circulation throughout the country for everyday transactions.

Under governmental regulation, the Yuan's exchange rate is tightly managed by the People's Bank of China. Although historically controlled within a set range, recent policy adjustments have introduced greater flexibility, allowing the Yuan to adjust more freely in response to market dynamics.

Electricity

In Shanghai, you'll find that most hotels and modern apartments are equipped with two types of electrical outlets. One type features three angled prongs (similar to the Australian style), while the other type accepts either two flat prongs (similar to the US style but without the ground) or two small round pins (European style).

When planning your trip to China, it's recommended to bring a universal travel adapter that can handle these various plug types. This ensures you can charge your devices conveniently without compatibility issues. Additionally, some hotels may offer adapters or have outlets designed to accommodate multiple plug types, further facilitating the charging of different devices during your stay. This preparation ensures you can stay connected and powered up throughout your visit to Shanghai and other parts of China.

Mobile services

Upon arrival in China, travellers can conveniently purchase a local SIM card for tourists at the airport. Various providers offer different plans, such as time-limited options (e.g., two weeks, one month) with allocated minutes for calls, SMS, and mobile data, or plans that are data-limited without a specific time restriction, active until the purchased data volume is consumed.

Chinese telecom providers present several choices. When acquiring a SIM card, it's mandatory to register the phone number under the customer's identity, requiring the presentation of a passport and valid visa. Anonymous SIM usage is not permitted in China.

These "tourist" SIM cards are also obtainable later at telecom shops in major cities post-arrival. Typically, a SIM card offering around 40 GB of mobile data costs approximately 300 CNY (approx. 40 USD).

Having a Chinese SIM card is crucial in China, as many transactions are conducted through mobile apps that necessitate a Chinese SIM and holder identification for activation. Using a Chinese prepaid card requires an unlocked tri-band mobile phone to obtain a local phone number and access the network, independent of Wi-Fi availability.

For compatible devices, travellers can opt for an e-SIM, a virtual SIM card procured online without the need for a physical SIM locally. Notably, Airalo is one provider offering e-SIMs operational in China (more details here).

Internet

Internet access is widely accessible in most hotels, airports, and train stations across China. The prevalence of wireless connectivity is increasing, with more establishments, particularly restaurants, offering this service. Some restaurants in major cities also provide mobile phone chargers for a small fee.

However, in smaller towns and villages, reliable Wi-Fi coverage may be limited. It's important to note that many Western apps and websites are blocked in China, including WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, Google services, and Facebook. To access these platforms on a mobile phone or computer within China, users typically rely on a virtual private network (VPN).

VPNs encrypt internet traffic and bypass internet censorship, allowing users to access blocked content. Before travelling to China, it's advisable to purchase and set up a VPN service. It's recommended to check the current status of VPN apps and services to ensure they are functional and not blocked in China, based on recent user experiences and updates. This proactive approach ensures smoother access to essential online services and social media platforms while in China.

Important telephone numbers

There are several important phone numbers in China that residents and visitors should know for emergencies and basic services. Here are some of the most important ones:

Emergency services
Police: 110
Firefighters: 119
Ambulance: 120

Interesting facts about China

There are many interesting facts about China, here are some of them:

Great Wall of China
The Great Wall is over 13,000 miles long and took over 2,000 years to build, starting in the 7th century BC.

Population
China is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.4 billion people.

Four Great Inventions
China is credited with the invention of papermaking, printing, gunpowder, and the compass.

Panda Conservation
China is home to giant pandas, one of the rarest and most iconic animal species, which are protected in special reserves.

Terracotta Army
Discovered in 1974 near Xi'an, the Terracotta Army is a collection of thousands of life-size clay soldiers and horses, created over 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.

Longest Canal
The Grand Canal of China is the longest and oldest canal in the world, stretching over 1,100 miles from Beijing to Hangzhou.

Lunar Exploration
China became the third country to land a rover on the moon with the Chang'e-4 mission in 2019, which also included the first successful landing on the far side of the moon.

Mega-Cities
China is home to several of the world's largest cities by population, including Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou.

Silk Road
The ancient Silk Road was a network of trade routes that connected China with Europe, facilitating cultural and economic exchange for centuries.