The largest country in East Asia is China and this is also the world’s most densely populated country. In fact, in the late 1970s, population growth was considered so alarming that in China a rule was introduced which in some areas claimed that one child was only allowed per family. It is believed today that China has about 1.5 billion inhabitants, but it is difficult to say an exact figure as the rule of one child per family has led to a lot of blackout as many still get more and lie about this. In China, border conflicts are still being faced, both on land and at sea. There is still an active discussion about which borders should apply with countries such as Pakistan, India, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. Conflicts often concern land and lake areas where there are natural resources,

Geography and climate

China’s land borders are with Russia, North Korea, Mongolia, Vietnam, Burma, Laos, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Kazakhstan. China also has a sea border with the countries North Korea, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Brunei. China’s surface is almost as large as the whole of Europe’s surface combined and here there is a great variety in terms of nature and wildlife. Most live in the eastern parts of the country and in the west you will find sparsely populated mountain areas, wastelands and deserts. Northeast of China is the Yellow Sea which is a bay, in the east there is the East China Sea and in the southeast the South China Sea. These three parts of the sea are all part of the Pacific Ocean.

According to Bridgat, the southernmost parts of the country are in the tropics, while the northern parts are at the height of northern Germany. In the south, you have a subtropical warm climate, while in the north you have a climate that is cooler and more similar to what we see in northern Europe. In eastern China you have a sea climate, but in most of the country the climate can be described as continental where monsoon winds draw in and temperatures can vary greatly during the year.

Controversial lake areas

China has a lot of disputes with neighboring countries about where to draw borders. When it comes to lake areas, China disputes with Japan about the Senkaku Islands (alternatively the Diaoyu Islands in Chinese) which are located in the East China Sea. During World War II, the United States decided that China would take over the island of Taiwan and that Japan would get the Senkaku Islands. However, this was not something that China agreed to and the discussion about the control of the islands is still relevant. That the islands are of such great interest is of course due to the fact that it is believed that they have gas and oil deposits. China also considers itself entitled to most of the South China Sea. Here it is also believed that there is plenty of natural wealth at the bottom, and other countries that are interested in the right to areas in this sea are Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan and the Philippines.

The world’s largest population

Something that is very interesting about China is, of course, the policy one has when it comes to childbirth. Since the end of the 1970s, there is a law that states that each family can only have one child. The rules are a little different depending on where in the country you are. This so-called one-child policy is believed to have worked, but as I said, it can be a little difficult to know exactly how many Chinese there really are as some families circumvent the rules and secretly have more children who are not registered. With around 1.5 billion inhabitants, this is the world’s most populous country. The population consists of different ethnic groups and minorities and here the group He is the largest.

This is the trip for you who want to experience the most and best of China! You visit the capital Beijing and see here the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City, the imperial city of Xi´an with the famous Terracotta Army, the vibrant world city of Shanghai, the garden cities of Hangzhou and Suzhou, the beautiful Guilin, experiences and places that together create a unique Chinese panorama! Have you planned to travel to China once in a lifetime then this is the trip for you!

Day 1: Travel to China
Flight to Shanghai. Meals are included on board the long-haul flight.

Day 2: Shanghai
You land in the world city of Shanghai. There are more skyscrapers here than in most big cities in the world. It is advisable to start with a trip up one of the tallest skyscrapers, Jin Mao Tower. From the 88th floor you have a glorious view of Pudong and the beautiful promenade the Bund with colonial buildings. In the evening time to try Chinese cuisine. Overnight in Shanghai.

Day 3: Shanghai
Shanghai is only a few hundred years old, but there are still some old buildings and parks. We suggest first visiting Yuyuan Garden, a garden that a wealthy official had planted several hundred years ago. After seeing the Bund from above, it’s nice to walk here and enjoy the views of the Huangpu River and all the skyscrapers on the Pudong Peninsula. Then it’s shopping time for those who like this. Otherwise, it is very enjoyable to just stroll along the impressive pedestrian and shopping street of Nanjing Lu. The day may end with a breathtaking acrobatic performance with one of the famous Shanghai groups. Overnight in Shanghai.

Day 4: Shanghai – Suzhou
Museums are not just boring establishments with rows of objects. At the Shanghai Museum, considered one of the foremost in China, Chinese history and cultural history are served in a very interesting and captivating way. After the museum visit, you get on the bus and go to Suzhou, “Venice of the East”. Suzhou is a paradise for garden lovers. First, walk through the garden of the humble official and get an insight into what the Chinese think a garden should look like. Suzhou is also known for its silk production. During a visit to a silk manufacturing center, you get the opportunity to learn more about the silk’s path from silk butterfly, via cocoon, to finished raw silk. In the evening, a walk through the beautiful Nätmästaren’s garden is suggested and listening to classical Chinese music. Overnight in Suzhou.

Day 5: Suzhou – Hangzhou
In the low-lying landscape around Suzhou, there are plenty of waterways. During the bus journey to the destination Hangzhou, you stop in the small canal town of Tongli, where you take a boat trip, and then walk around among the picturesque houses. Once in Hangzhou, considered one of China’s foremost tea-growing districts, visit Longjing, the “Dragon Fountain,” where one of China’s most exclusive teas is grown. You get information about the background of tea cultivation and can also try different types of tea. Overnight in Hangzhou.

Day 6: Hangzhou – Guilin
In the city of Hangzhou lies the West Lake, praised for its beauty by generations of Chinese poets. A boat trip on the West Lake, and you get the opportunity to judge the poets’ views for yourself, before you fly on to Guilin. Overnight in Guilin.

Day 7: Guilin
In southern China, most of China’s rice is grown. During a full-day excursion to the major agricultural districts, you will get a good insight into the Chinese farmer’s cultivation efforts. At Mount Longsheng, “Dragon’s Backbone”, you can see with reverence how all the winding terrace plantations stretch for miles along the slopes. Here you will also meet several of China’s many minority populations. Overnight in Guilin.

Day 8: Guilin – Yangshuo
Down here in southern China there are also other scenery. During a four-hour boat trip along the Lifloden, we get to enjoy and admire the famous sugar top mountains that line the river during the journey. In the evening, there is an optional opportunity to see a lavish “River Show”, designed by the famous Chinese director Zhang Yimou. He was the one who directed the Olympic inauguration in Beijing in 2008! Overnight in Yangshuo.

Day 9: Yangshuo – Guilin – Xian
In the morning you have time on your own and can therefore take a little longer to eat breakfast. You also have time to explore Yangshuo. In the afternoon you go back to Guilin and on the way visit the famous Pipe Flute Cave with all its strange stalactite and stalagmite formations. In the evening you fly on from Guilin to Xi’an. Overnight in Xi´an.

Day 10: Xi’an
The city of Xi’an has more than six million inhabitants but still feels much smaller. For two thousand years, the city has been a cosmopolitan center. Buddhism is strong here, and there are several great shrines. You should visit the Great Wild Goose Pagoda to get a good insight into how Buddhism came to China. This is how a jade carving is visited, where raw jade stone is treated into exquisite works of art. The afternoon is dedicated to the highlight of the day, the 8,000-strong terracotta army. The first emperor of the Qin Dynasty, Shi Huangdi, had his mausoleum built here, and after his death the tomb is guarded by these terracotta soldiers. In the evening free time. Overnight in Xi´an.

Day 11: Xian – Beijing
After breakfast, you board the new exciting and talked about ‘super train’ that started after Christmas 2012. This high-speed train connects several important cities in China, and you will travel for 4.5 hours from Xi’an to Beijing. The average speed is over 300 km / h! During the trip you can visit the varied Chinese landscape. After arriving in Beijing, a first visit is made to the Temple of Heaven. This impressive park with the large temple was built in the early 15th century. The emperors went here every year to ask for good harvests for the coming year. Overnight in Beijing.

Day 12: Beijing
Start the day with a tour of the world’s largest square, Tiananmen Square, with the surrounding buildings Mao’s mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum and the Gate of Tiananmen. The next stop is the Forbidden City, the world’s largest palace complex and home to the emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties for nearly 500 years. Then it’s time for a little tour of some of Beijing’s remaining hutons, or old alleys. In the evening, there is a colorful Peking Opera, perhaps a party more for the eye than for the ear! (Optional) Overnight stay in Beijing.

Day 13: Beijing
Today it will be a full day trip in the surroundings of Beijing. You start at a factory for the production of cloisonné, typically Beijing handicrafts. Then you continue to the holy way, the way of the Spirits. Here you walk slowly and are reminded of how an emperor after death would be transported along this road to get his last rest in one of the Ming tombs. As the journey continues, it is noticeable that the mountains rise more and more and the road becomes more winding. At an altitude of 700-800 meters, you will soon get the first glimpses of the Great Wall of China, this remarkable building that was being completed for several hundred years, and which stretches over more than 6,000 kilometers! Overnight in Beijing.

Day 14: Beijing
After breakfast visit the Summer Palace. Afternoon free for own program. Overnight in Beijing.

Day 15: Return from Beijing
Transfer to the airport for return to the destination. Meals are included on board the long-haul flight.

Shanghai is one of the largest cities in the country of China.

Shopping in Shanghai

Shanghai’s people see themselves as the most modern and shopping gal of all Chinese. And a modern metropolis like Shanghai defined by AbbreviationFinder is by no means behind the major European cities in terms of shopping opportunities. Brands are just as expensive in China as elsewhere in the world. Copy products are of course cheap. Chinese products, whether clothing or anything else, are of good quality and have a nice design, and prices are far lower than for European and American products.

The major shopping streets are Nanjing Lu and Huaihai Lu. Here you will find everything from shops and shopping centers. The most famous shopping centers are the Hualian department store in Nanjing Donglu Street. The center is known for its many products in the lower price ranges. Another well-known mall is the No 1 department store. This too has products at low prices. In Nanjing Xilu Street, you will find the most exclusive centers, such as Plaza 66. Perhaps the largest shopping center can be found in Pudong, right by the TV tower, in Zhengda Guangchang Street. The center is called the Superbrand Mall and is funded by Thai business interests.

Silk and porcelain
Silk and porcelain are two Chinese specialties. Porcelain can be purchased at the Shanghai Museum. It’s easy to get fooled in souvenir shops around town, so the museum shop is a good choice. Here you will find high quality products at reasonable prices.

You can buy silk at the silk market in Dong Jia Du Lu (Dong Jia Du silk market). The market is located in Nan-Shi district and is not easy to find, so take a taxi. Here there is always life and stir. There are many providers and you will find all types of silk products. Several sites recommend these outlets: Nos. 5, 70, 72, 121, 159 and 170. Another place you can buy silk is at the “Silk King Market” in Tianping Lu, in the French Concession area. This market is more efficient and modern than the Dong Jia Du market. Opening hours are at 0900-2100.

Antiques and Souvenirs in Shanghai
There are many shops selling souvenirs around Shanghai. We recommend calligraphy posters and teapots as souvenirs. Visit Old Town (Chinatown), where it is teeming with providers of this kind of product.

There is an antique market on Fangbang Zhonglu Street in the Old Town, where there is a lot of life on Sundays. The market is called Fuyou Antique Market. A more expensive alternative is the Shanghai Antique & Curio Store in Guangdong Lu Street. This is a specially crafted tourist trap with lots of antiques and souvenirs.

Eating in Shanghai

Shanghai has not traditionally been known for its food, but in recent years the quality of its restaurants has increased significantly. As in other major cities, all the world’s cuisine is represented, but we think you should try Chinese food when you are first in China. China’s different regions have their specialties, and you will find restaurants for all these specialties in Shanghai.

A restaurant chain that offers Cantonese cuisine is Bifengtang. Here there is affordable food for high quality. If you want Shanghai specialties, try the restaurant 1221. Examples of local cuisine include crab, steamed beans, cooked pork and chicken and duck blood soup. The soup is said to be very healthy and should strengthen the body. It tastes (actually) good.

You buy cheap food at the Chinese fast food chains, of which there are many. In Shanghai, it is eaten “everywhere and all the time”, and it is easy to find snacks and snacks, whether it is corn cob or seafood. Almost all shopping centers have such simple restaurants. Be careful with some of the simple kiosks on the sidewalks. Norwegian stomachs may not tolerate all food equally well. Yunnan Lu is a dining street with many restaurants. It is located just off Renmin Square.

When visiting a Chinese restaurant, we recommend that you serve different Chinese dishes. Then you can pick what you like best and at the same time get an overview of different dishes. China has an incredible variety of dishes, and most of them are very tasty.

Chinese wine is quite good and we recommend you try it. One of the better Chinese wines is called Great Wall. It may not be the same as what you are used to at home, but it is a fun alternative and much cheaper than European wine, for example. Chinese food and wine may not be the most common combination. Beer, on the other hand, can be a good alternative. Chinese beer is very good and drinkable by “everyone”. It is not usually very strong (less than 4%). The best brands (at least the most popular ones) are Tsingtao, Yanjing and Beijing Beer.

Special restaurants

T8
Restaurant is located in Taicang Lu. It is considered among the world’s 50 best restaurants. The kitchen serves Asian cuisine with Asian influence.

Lulu Restaurant
It is located on Nanjing Xilu Street on the 6th floor of Plaza 66 and is reputed to be one of the best in Shanghai cuisine. Here you get everything!

M on the Bund
The M on the Bund restaurant is recommended by all travel guides. It is located on the 7th floor of the Huaxia Bank building. The view from the terrace is great and the place is popular. Bookings are required in good time.

Beijing is one of the largest cities in the country of China.

Shopping in Beijing

Shopping in Beijing is a pleasure for everyone. The range of goods is huge if you know where to go, and the stores offer both Western brands and of course brands that come from manufacturers in China and the rest of the country. The price level is pleasantly low compared to Western Europe, and besides, Chinese sellers are less intrusive than elsewhere in the East. Chinese markets cannot in any way be compared to street vendors in India, in a positive sense.

Design and luxury
It should be said that if you are looking for designer products, Shanghai has a better selection, but this luxury segment can also be covered in Beijing, the capital of China described on Countryaah. Try the embassy district at Jianguomen-wai and Sanlitun Street. The best 5 star hotels also have great shops.

Shopping
Centers For those of us who enjoy shopping on a more popular level, Wangfujing Dajle Street, which is about as long as the Forbidden City, has plenty to offer. Here you will find shopping centers and specialty shops. Wangfujing Dajle is located approx. 1 mile east of the Tiananmen Square. A shopping center here is Oriental Plaza. It is huge and in addition to all types of goods has several good restaurants. Here you can spend all day. Click here for maps.

China World Shopping Center
What do you say to 60,000 square meters of stores? In addition to the China World Shopping Center shopping center, it also has an ice rink. The address is at the China World Trade Center at Jianguomenwai Avenue 1.

Let’s also mention the real giant, Jin Yuan. This was the first shopping center to reach Western standards in Beijing. Today, Jin Yuan is considered the world’s second largest shopping center, but is expected to be bypassed by other shopping centers in China in a short time. Jin Yuan has more than 1,000 stores and is located between the 3rd and 4th ring road west of Beijing.

Antiques and markets
More or less less real antiques you buy first and foremost in the street Liulichang, which is located just west of Dashilar. Here you should not simply take the prices for granted, but use your best bargain properties. We can also recommend Bijing Curio City in Dongsanhuan Nanlu Street. Curio City offers giftware, ceramics and much more over four floors. Alternatively, you have the Beijing Arts & Crafts Central Store in the famous Wangfujing Dajle shopping street.

The most common and well-known markets for copying and a number of good Chinese products are the pearl market in the south of Chongwen and the silk market in the Chaoyang district. The pearl market can be found at Tiyuguan Lu and Hóngqiáo Shìchang streets. The silk market is located at Yonganli Subway Station along Dongdan Street. The address is Xiùshui Shìchang. Dongdan goes straight ahead starting at the very southeast end of the Forbidden City. The distance to both these two markets from the Forbidden City is approx. 4 kilometers.

A third and newer copy market with approx. 4 floors with all types of goods (main emphasis on clothes and shoes) is Ya Xiu Silk Market in Sanlitun Street. Here you will also find good and cheap Chinese products.

Eating in Beijing

Chinese cuisine is an experience with its diversity. The Chinese themselves love to sit at the table for a long time, and eating is a great social event. There are four main categories of cuisine in China, and Beijing cuisine is one of these. However, in a big city like Beijing, you will find restaurants that offer all types of Chinese food, as well as international cuisine. There are, of course, everything from western fast food chains in Beijing, such as Hard Rock Cafe, Subway, McDonalds, TGF, KFC and more.

Once in Beijing defined by AbbreviationFinder, try to eat Chinese. In most restaurants you get the knife and fork if you ask, but it is not that hard to eat with sticks if you really try. And we can promise you that it will quickly become a habit. The menus do not always have English text, but very often pictures of the dish.

However, it is common to order many dishes, so if there is one or two you do not particularly like, leave it on the table. The normal thing is that the waiters continuously serve the dishes so you finally have every single dish on the table, and everyone eats from the “bowls” that contain what they like best.

Quanjude restaurants

The dish everyone is talking about is of course peking duck, and the Quanjude restaurant is a good choice for enjoying this dish. Quanjude can be found at Qianmen Dajie Street. The whole other is eaten, both skin and meat. The highlight is when the chef cuts thin slices of the duck breast before rolling it like a Mexican wrap along with a tasty sauce.

Food and beverages are cheap in Beijing, and you usually get lots of delicious dishes and plenty of drinks before passing the centenary. Restaurants are everywhere, in different quality and types. Still, the most common thing is to visit specific streets or areas where the eateries are concentrated. Also finer shopping centers usually have good and affordable restaurants that are worth a visit.

Houhai Nanyan in Beijing

You will find an area with many good restaurants around Lake Houhai (Houhai Nanyan). This nightlife area offers a variety of bars, pubs and restaurants and has a very pleasant atmosphere. This is our favorite place in the evening.

Two frequently recommended restaurants are:

Tiandí Yijiá
Tiandí Yijiá, address is Nanchizi Dajie. Expensive to be a Chinese restaurant in Beijing, it has a great garden restaurant and more banquet-like halls indoors that frame a good meal. Here you can get Dim Sum, shark fin soup and many other specialties from all over China.

Serve the People
This lunch and dinner restaurant is Beijing’s trendiest Thai restaurant. It is very popular and can be a nice alternative to all the cinema. The address is 1 San Li Tun Xi Wu Jie.