China

My First Time in China – A Journey Through Time

Landing in Beijing, I expected skyscrapers and crowds—what I didn’t expect was the sense of stepping into two different worlds at once. One moment, I was gazing up at a neon-lit skyline; the next, I was wandering through the hushed, incense-filled courtyards of a 1,000-year-old temple.

China is a place where time bends. In Shanghai, I strolled along The Bund, marveling at the art deco buildings left behind by 1920s European traders, only to take a ferry across the Huangpu River and find myself among some of the tallest skyscrapers on Earth.

Then came the train rides—oh, the train rides. I’ll never forget my first 24-hour hard seat journey across the countryside, sandwiched between a grandmother offering me sunflower seeds and a college student eager to practice his English. Despite the cramped space and lack of sleep, that journey introduced me to the warmth of Chinese hospitality and the country’s sheer scale.

China is big. It’s chaotic. It’s mesmerizing. And it will change you.

Destination Breakdown: Must-See Places & Hidden Gems

China’s history spans over 5,000 years, so it’s no surprise that some of the world’s greatest treasures are here.

📍The Great Wall (Beijing & Hebei) – A mind-blowing feat of engineering, stretching over 13,000 miles. For fewer crowds, skip Badaling and hike the Mutianyu or Jinshanling sections.

📍The Forbidden City (Beijing) – The largest imperial palace in the world, once home to 24 emperors.

Pro tip: Download an audio guide to uncover the drama behind its walls.

📍The Terracotta Army (Xi’an) – Discovered in 1974, this life-sized army of clay warriors has silently guarded the tomb of China’s first emperor for 2,000 years.

📍Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Hunan) – The real-life inspiration for Pandora in "Avatar." Take the glass elevator up a sheer cliff for the best views.

Hidden Gems & Lesser-Known Wonders

If you’re looking for places far from the tourist crowds, China rewards the curious:

📍Rainbow Mountains (Zhangye, Gansu) – A surreal landscape of multicolored hills, formed over millions of years. Best at sunrise or sunset.

📍Wolong Panda Reserve (Sichuan) – Skip the crowded Chengdu research base and come here instead to see pandas in a more natural setting.

Lessons Learned: Travel Mishaps & Unexpected Discoveries

Train Travel: The Hard Way

Let me save you from making my mistake: never book a “hard seat” for an overnight train. Picture stiff-backed wooden benches, packed compartments, and cigarette smoke hanging in the air.

The better alternative? Soft sleeper bunks or, if time is short, China’s bullet trains, which travel at over 300 km/h (186 mph) and make cross-country travel a breeze.

Food: The Best and the Brave

China’s street food is delicious and safe, but one rule applies: go where the locals go. I never got sick from a $2 bowl of Lanzhou hand-pulled noodles, but I did from a high-end hotel buffet.

I loved the Mala Hotpot (Chengdu) – Fiery, tongue-numbing Sichuan broth with endless ingredients.

Budget, Visas, & Cultural Tips

Budgeting: How Much Does China Cost?

China can be cheap or expensive, depending on how you travel:

• Backpackers: $30–50/day (hostels, street food, public transport)

• Mid-range travelers: $70–150/day (3-star hotels, bullet trains, local restaurants)

• Luxury travelers: $250+/day (5-star hotels, private guides, fine dining)

Pro Tip: China’s high-speed rail is often cheaper than flying for routes under 6 hours.

Visa & Entry Requirements

• Most travelers need a tourist visa (L-visa), which must be applied for in advance.

• 72- to 144-hour visa-free transit options exist for certain cities if you’re just passing through.

Packing List: Essentials

1. VPN App (ExpressVPN or Astrill) – Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram are blocked.
   

2. WeChat & Alipay – Cash is disappearing fast! Many places don’t accept foreign credit cards.
   

3. Translation App – English is not widely spoken;

4. Google Translate (with VPN) or Pleco works best.
   

5. Tissues & Hand Sanitizer – Many public bathrooms lack toilet paper—be prepared!

Travel Itineraries: The Best Routes for First-Timers

Classic 7-Day China Route

📍 Beijing (2 days) – Great Wall, Forbidden City, hutongs
📍 Xi’an (2 days) – Terracotta Army, ancient city wall, Muslim Quarter
📍 Shanghai (3 days) – The Bund, Nanjing Road, day trip to Suzhou

10-Day Adventure Route

📍 Zhangjiajie (3 days) – Avatar Mountains, Glass Bridge
📍 Guilin/Yangshuo (3 days) – Li River, rice terraces
📍 Chengdu (2 days) – Pandas, spicy hotpot
📍 Shanghai (2 days) – City life before departure

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Final Thoughts:

Why China Will Change You

Visiting China is an eye-opening experience—a mix of ancient traditions, rapid modernization, and unexpected hospitality. No matter where you go, it’s a journey that will stay with you forever.

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