Travel to China to discover the secrets of the Orient, from ancient treasures, magnificent natural attractions and vibrant culture to fascinating history. The food is superb, the people are friendly and hospitable - and its cities are a joy to explore.
Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou all offer a blend of modernity and history; their skylines are a perfect mix of ancient buildings and towering skyscrapers. On tour in Shanghai you will discover breathtaking modern buildings including the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the third tallest building in the world. The charming town of Guangzhou is famous for its antiquities, but also boasts modern architectural wonders. Beijing is home to the Forbidden City, the world’s largest and best-preserved Imperial Palace complex. Not far away are the Ming Tombs as well as the breathtaking Summer Palace, with its lake, lush landscape, pagodas and pavilions.
Why we love China
- It is home to the most ancient civilisation in the world.
- China’s extraordinary history offers an insight into a people and culture that is quite different from anything in the West.
- The country’s landscapes are unique and wildly beautiful.
- It boasts incredible natural wonders such as the ancient Terracotta Warriors, The Great Wall, The Forbidden City and The Grand Canal (world’s longest canal).
- Its modern wonders are just as amazing. The Three Gorges Dam is the largest concrete structure in the world, and the Dunyan Kunshan Grand Bridge is the longest in the world.
- China’s fine silks, Chinese tea sets, elaborately carved jade, bamboo baskets and other handicrafts are unmatched.
China’s singular combination of ancient and modern always strikes a chord in visitors touring the country, whether you’re travelling solo, with your partner, on a group tour, with friends, or family. China is a treasure trove of delights just waiting to be explored, so join Thompsons Holidays on an exciting voyage of discovery, take a look at our holiday packages to China.
A holiday in China is a unique adventure, an opportunity to discover the magic of a culture that is entirely different from the Western lifestyle. It’s a charming mix of ancient and modern that tells the story of the world’s most ancient civilisation and how it has progressed into the 21st Century and offers all sorts of experiences. From walking on the legendary Great Wall to seeing the underground army of life-size Terracotta Warriors.
The Chinese people, their customs, food and the landscapes of this vast and beautiful country are all quite extraordinary.
Exciting things to do in China
- Visit Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world.
- Explore the Forbidden City, built in the early 15th Century, hidden home of 24 Ming and Qing Emperors.
- Cruise the breathtaking Li River from Guilin to Yangzhou.
- View the endangered giant pandas in Chengdu.
- Explore Shanghai’s Bund, a living museum with many historical buildings.
- Enjoy the spectacular natural scenery of the Yellow Mountains near Shanghai.
- Climb the legendary Great Wall of China.
- Travel to Tibet’s Potala Palace, the highest ancient palace in the world.
- Cycle around the West Lake in Hangzhou, a city known as ‘China’s paradise on earth’.
- Tour the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, home to several fields of study including architecture, art and music.
Whether you’re an adventurous traveller, keen to learn all about the history of this unique country, or someone who enjoys sightseeing, dining out and shopping, you’ll find it all in China. Let Thompsons Holidays take you on the ultimate Chinese escape. Book a holiday package to China and begin your adventure today.
When is the best time to visit?Â
- China is so vast that the climate varies from region to region.
- Best months to travel are April, May, September & October.
- Summers are very hot, often exceeding 40°C, & winters are cold (minus 20°C)
- Rainy season: June to August. Eastern coastal area often has typhoons in July & August.
Getting there Â
- There are frequent flights from South Africa to Beijing.
- Flight duration from South Africa to Beijing is 15 hours.
Do I need a visa? Â
- South African passport holders do require a visa to enter China. This must be applied for before you travel.
- You can apply for a visa through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centres (CVASC) in South Africa or online.
- Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after travel to Thailand.
What time is it?
- China is 6 hours ahead of South Africa.
Money mattersÂ
- Currency in Mainland China: RMB, divided into denominations of Yuan, Jiao and Fen.
- Credit cards are widely accepted in 4 and 5 Star hotels plus some shops and restaurants. Local credit cards are more widely accepted.
- It’s advisable to always have RMB with you in cash.
- Tipping is not compulsory, but it’s an important source of revenue for your tour guide and tour driver. Tips are not expected in restaurants. At higher-end hotels, it’s customary to tip porters for their service.
Language & phrases Â
- China’s official language is Mandarin, spoken by more than 70% of the population. Other dialects include Cantonese, Hunanese, Min, Gan and Wu as well as Kejia and Hakka.
- English is not widely spoken, although it is spoken more widely in Beijing.
Culture & religion Â
- China’s main religions are Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism & Protestantism.
- Dress conservatively and modestly when visiting sacred sites and temples (see ‘What to pack’). You may sometimes be requested to remove your shoes.
Health information Â
- It is not safe to drink tap water in China. Bottled water is readily available.
- Check with your travel clinic about recommended vaccinations.
What must I pack?
- Depending on when and where you visit, lightweight clothing for summer, warm clothing for winter, rain gear and beachwear if relevant. Choose items that can be layered.
- Dress modestly when visiting sacred sites – no shorts or tank tops. Legs & shoulders must be covered. Long, loose pants and long-sleeved cotton shirts are best.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Sunscreen, lip balm, hat and sunglasses for summer holidays.
- Mini first aid kit and regular prescription medication.
- Hand sanitiser and insect repellent.
- Camera.
- Travel adaptor.
Getting around
- Buses, taxis & bicycles are the most common forms of transport in China. Modern Chinese cities also use subways, light rail and Maglev trains.
- At the airport, if you need a taxi, follow the road signs to get to a legal taxi stand. In Beijing and Shanghai, for example, there are designated areas where you can get a taxi. Anybody offering you a taxi anywhere else is operating an illegal taxi. Illegal taxis are unsafe and costly.
What can I do to be a responsible traveller?
- Wherever possible, buy local food and souvenirs and support local artisans.
- Avoid single-use plastic; rather take fabric shopping bags with you and use refillable water bottles (when local drinking water is available).
- Respect each other's cultures and customs and avoid imposing your beliefs.
- Do not support animal encounters and wildlife activities that are harmful or unethical.
Safety tips
- Always have a map (or app) on hand, especially when travelling at night.
- Be safety conscious: don’t display cash or valuables. Leave jewellery and expensive watches at home.
- Keep your belongings safe – use the hotel safe for passports and valuables and watch out for pickpockets and bag snatchers when out and about.
What do I do in an emergency?
- If passports or valuables are stolen, report the theft to the hotel/police immediately.
- Contact the Thompsons Holidays 24-hour care line to assist.
What must I pack?
- Lightweight clothing in summer, layerable clothing for the cooler months, when it is still warm. Dress modestly when visiting sacred sites.
- Legs & shoulders must be covered. Long, loose pants and long-sleeved cotton shirts are best.
- Comfortable walking shoes, slip slops.
- Sunscreen, lip balm, hat and sunglasses.
- Mini first aid kit and regular prescription medication.
- Hand sanitiser and insect repellent.
- Camera.
- Travel adaptor.
Getting around
- Tokyo’s excellent transport system includes trains and the subway. There are taxis, but they can be expensive.
What can I do to be a responsible traveller?
- Wherever possible, buy local food and souvenirs and support local artisans.
- Instead of using plastic bags, take fabric shopping bags with you.
- Respect each other's cultures and customs and avoid imposing your beliefs.
Safety tips
- Be safety conscious: don’t display cash or valuables. Leave jewellery and expensive watches at home.
- Keep your belongings safe – use the hotel safe for passports and valuables and watch out for pickpockets and bag snatchers when out and about.
What do I do in an emergency?
- If passports or valuables are stolen, report the theft to the hotel/police immediately.
- Contact the Thompsons Holidays 24-hour care line to assist.
