Whether you decide to take a mini holiday in China or just venture somewhere for the weekend, here’s a list of just a few of our favourite places to explore across China…
Hiking the Mountains
Studded with temples, the mountains in many provinces have breath taking views. China’s mountains have history and beauty unmatched elsewhere.
The Classic Sights
The Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors and Forbidden Cities will always be classic tourist destinations.
Beaches in Hainan
Take a trip to the tropical paradise of Hainan Island for some sun, sea and surf on a weekend break.
Meditate with Monks
This can be arranged with a number of companies, and such experiences can even be found close to Beijing including at the Chaoyang Temple, just outside Huairou.
Beijing and Shanghai
These bustling cosmopolitan cities are world famous for their history, culture, entertainment, landmarks and shopping!
Shopping in the night markets
Cheap clothes, trainers, electronics and bits and pieces for everyone.
Explore the countryside of Yangshuo
Stunningly beautiful and lots to do! A great weekend trip!
Enjoy a break in Xiamen
A charming seaside city, with European, Japanese and American architecture and amazing seafood!
Take a bike tour
Many companies operate such tours across China, a good example being a fascinating tour across scenic Fujian.
Hong Kong
A fascinating city where east meets west. With amazing food, shopping, night life, sights and hiking opportunities it offers something for everyone. Be prepared for the small and expensive hotel rooms!
Read our blog post: A weekend in Hong Kong
Taking the overnight train
An amazing experience and rather luxurious with a soft sleeper ticket!
Read our blog post: A trip on China’s bullet train
Travel outside of China
Many teachers take the opportunity to travel to neighbouring countries during national holiday periods. If booked in advance, cheap flights can be found from various parts of China to Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore.
Whether you fancy a long weekend of soaking up cultural sights, diving, trekking, cycling, sun bathing, partying, shopping…these exotic South-East Asian countries have something to offer everyone. And it would be a shame to miss out on visiting such beautiful countries when you’re just a couple of hours flight away!
Just ensure you have the correct visa to travel to your destination, as well as to get back in to China!
Train Travel
China has one of the biggest and busiest rail networks in the world, and trains link almost every town & city. Trains are a safe, comfortable & cheap way to travel around China.
For online train timetables in English between any two major Chinese cities, use the journey planner at one of these sites:
Reservations open 20 days before departure for online sales, 18 days for sale at stations, for all long-distance trains.
Tickets do quickly sell out during peak travel times, such as on and around the Spring Festival, May Day on 1st May and National Day on 1st October. It’s also busy throughout the summer, and the beginning or end of university terms. At other times, trains can still sell out but it’s usually possible to secure seats or sleepers a few days ahead.
Internal Flights
Less environmentally friendly, internal flights are cheap and easy to book. Ctrip is a good website to book internal flights.
