Traveling to China presents challenges

We’ve all seen multiple pictures of the various wonders of China, but visiting and seeing it for yourself is different; the “touch and feel” makes it a definite lasting memory.

That was the expectation of some friends on their trip, but as we’ve also all seen, there is one major issue that “clouds” those expectations: smog. Again, until you experience the density and extent of the smog surrounding the major attractions in Beijing and even the countryside, the pictures do not reflect the extent it affects everything there. I always prefer to know more versus less regarding travel so I’ve included a few points that you should be prepared for should you journey there. Don’t get me wrong, a trip to China will be unforgettable, we just want to make sure you remember the “best” things. Hopefully, by knowing the following you will concentrate on all the “good” versus the worrisome!

Traveling to Asian countries presents a different set of challenges than European travel. Number one is the language, both spoken and written. There is no way to easily decipher either so a translator (live or electronic) or guide is recommended. My friends had an English-speaking, native Chinese guide which covered several of the bases and proved very useful on many occasions.

Another challenge is crowds. If you are the least bit claustrophobic be prepared for crowded, I mean shoulder-to-shoulder, crowded conditions at almost every attraction. Think Taste of Chicago x 100.

Facilities pose an additional challenge. While they may not faze men as much, women may pause to learn that many of the sites do not have toilets, and squatting is required. My friend made a point of going before leaving the hotel and not drinking anything prior to returning.

You will most likely land in Beijing to start your tour. The Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, Mao’s Mausoleum and Gardens, and the Forbidden City will fill your days with the wonders of the culture and its changes or lack thereof over the centuries. If you’re venturing out on your own make sure to get details from your hotel doorman before leaving. While cabs are numerous and yes, Uber is making in-roads, you may also opt for a rickshaw. What grander way to travel and see the sites than with the slow transition it offers.

Then there is the walking and steps. The Great Wall was designed to keep out invaders (we’ve been hearing a lot about building our own walls lately). People are always amazed at the sheer size and length. The “standard” tour bus stops approximately 1-2 miles from the Great Wall of China. Unless your guide can work a special deal with the guards be prepared to hike it. My friends’ guide worked a deal by “volunteering” them to plant over 100 trees to get special permission to park closer to the wall. Regardless, you still had to navigate over 500 uneven steps to get up to the top of the wall. From the top, you can get a view of its expansiveness as it snakes across the countryside.

Also, be prepared to travel more. China is a BIG, BIG country and it takes time to transition from one major site to another. The high-speed train from Beijing to Xian travels at 200 miles per hour and it still takes approximately 5 hours to arrive; think Chicago to Dallas, which on Amtrak takes about 2 days. Smog was evident the entire journey so if you have breathing problems, be prepared.

Upon reaching Xian, the eastern end of the Silk Road, their tour included the terra cotta figures created for Emperor Qin Shihuang. There are over 700,000 of them, each individual, and include Warriors, Officers, Chariots and Horses to provide the Emperor with company in his tomb. Least we forget, upon his death, the workers that created them were buried with the Emperor in an effort to hide the secrets of his tomb forever. If you’ve ever been to a flea market, expect the same outside the wall of the museum. Hawkers everywhere will try to sell you replicas to take home.

As they traveled across the country to see the various sites, they encountered what the locals call “Ghost Cities.” Speculators built large, high-rise communities basically in the middle of nowhere with great expectations. Unfortunately, it never happened so they just sit empty. Some would hold all the residents of Del Webb with room to spare.

Take comfortable shoes for walking and the morning exercise program. Exercise! Yes, the guides will at some point get everyone out for exercise programs with the locals. Some include Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Ballroom Dancing, Dancing with a racquet while juggling balls, or for those less talented at dancing, choral singing, which I’m sure is a challenge if you don’t speak Chinese!

If you enjoy Chinese food just remember that you most likely have been eating an “Americanized” version. You’ll find a totally different take on your favorite food in-country. My friends were separated into small groups and dined at the home of local residents and enjoyed both a delightful, delicious meal and interesting conversation especially in one home where no one spoke English!

While this seems a short article regarding China, there are so many different things to see and visit it would fill the paper for months. These are but a few of the top attractions with much more available so plan your trip based on your preferences and travel time. You may spend a day transitioning from one destination to another so check the itinerary carefully.

Part 2 of the trip covers the side trip to Tibet and then back to China.

Also, if you feel you have an interesting travel story, feel free to contact us about the details.

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