China is one of the most versatile countries in the world, making it an ideal destination for a roundtrip. Here you will alternate modern cities with ancient temples and discover not only vast nature but also lively neighborhoods. In cities like Shanghai and Beijing you will find a mix of skyscrapers, palaces and lively (street) culture. Thanks to the network of high-speed trains, you will also travel quickly and comfortably from one destination to another.
For many travelers, highlights such as the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City or the Pudong skyline are a must, but China offers much more. More and more visitors are also combining their trip with a day at a theme park, for example Shanghai Disneyland or Universal Studios Beijing, making the experience even more varied.
Florivida helps you find the right balance between culture, relaxation and entertainment. Whether you opt for an individual tour or join a group tour, we will make sure you enjoy all the highlights that this special country has to offer.
Highlights
Shanghai is China's largest city and shows you how old and new come together. At the Bund, walk past classical buildings overlooking the modern towers of Pudong. In Shanghai, you can wander around atmospheric neighborhoods such as the French concession, stroll through busy markets and sample the many dishes of Chinese cuisine.
During a trip to China, a day at Shanghai Disneyland should not be missed. Built with special consideration for Chinese visitors, this park has attractions you won't see anywhere else. Popular attractions include Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure and the large Disney castle in the middle of the park. With Florivida, you can easily plan your visit in conjunction with your stay in Shanghai.
Beijing is the capital of China and is full of history. You will find famous sites such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven. Just outside the city is the Great Wall of China, which is a highlight of the trip for many travelers. Besides the major sights, there are also narrow streets with traditional houses and small food stalls that give the city its own atmosphere.
Near Beijing is Universal Studios Beijing, a park that has gained many fans in a short time. You will walk around in worlds of Harry Potter, Transformers and Jurassic World. In this park you will find a huge number of attractions and shows.
Sightseeing
China is a country with a wealth of sights, each telling its own story. Many travelers start in Beijing, where the Great Wall of China stretches across hills and valleys. A walk across this structure gives you an insight into the country's impressive history and scale. Beijing is also home to the Forbidden City, once the emperors' palace, and the enormous Tiananmen Square.
There are also plenty of places outside the capital that will make your trip unforgettable. Xi'an is home to the famous Terracotta Warriors, thousands of statues that have guarded an emperor's tomb for more than two thousand years. Further south, you will discover the karst mountains around Guilin and Yangshuo, where the river flows past high cliffs and winds through rice fields.
China also has modern landmarks that show how quickly the country is developing. Consider the skyline of Pudong in Shanghai ... Together they form the picture of a country that combines tradition and progress in an extraordinary way.
Culture & history
In cities like Beijing and Xi'an, walk past palaces, temples and ancient city walls that still tell many stories. Museums and historic buildings show how the country developed over the centuries.
Food plays a big role in Chinese culture, and each region has its own specialties. In Sichuan, spicy food takes center stage, while in Canton, small bites of dim sum are popular. For many travelers, tasting all these flavors is as special as visiting famous sights.
Ancient customs and modern habits coexist. In parks you see people doing tai chi in the morning, while young people in big cities are inspired by trends from around the world. Festivals and celebrations are also important. Chinese New Year with parades, fireworks and dragons is the most famous example and shows well how important family and being together remains in Chinese culture.
Want to know more about Chinese New Year? Then take a look at Weetwatjeviert.nl
Practical information about China
- Visa and documents - A visa is usually required for China. Arrange this well in advance. For Hong Kong, different rules often apply and a short-stay visa is not required. You can apply for this through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC). When you book a trip with Florivida, you will of course be informed about the applicable visa rules.
- Time difference - In China, it is six or seven hours later than in the Netherlands, depending on our summer or winter time.
- Best travel time - Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the most pleasant periods. Summers can be hot and crowded, winters cold in Beijing.
- Money and payment - The currency is the yuan (CNY). Cash is convenient because cards are not accepted everywhere. In cities, many people pay with apps like WeChat and Alipay.
- Health and safety - Drink bottled water and pay attention to hygiene when eating on the streets. China is generally safe to travel, especially in major cities and tourist areas.
- Transportation - High-speed trains and domestic flights make travel easy. In cities, subways are cheap and efficient; cabs are affordable through official stands or apps.
- Language - Mandarin is the official language. English is increasingly spoken in tourist areas. Having a translation app or addresses in Chinese with you is helpful.
Combining China with Hong Kong
Want to experience China while also experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of Hong Kong? With Florivida, it's easy to do so. Our group tour to China and Hong Kong takes you through Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and two special Disney parks. Discover our group trip to China & Hong Kong!
Prefer to map out your own itinerary? An individual tour of China is also possible, with us helping you with flights, trains, hotels and entrance tickets. Plan a (online) appointment in! We also have a roadbook for our clients, with useful tips and information for your visit to China.