Joanna James
When one is planning to visit a destination as dynamic as China, it is best to allocate at least a week to explore the country as it is home to diverse landscapes and attractions. Those who are heading to China for a week may find it difficult to narrow down their travel itinerary to covering the country's biggest highlights as it is one of the largest nations in the world. From deciding when to go to knowing what cities to visit, here's how to plan a glorious week in the Chinese Republic.
The first step in planning a week away in the Republic of China is deciding when to travel. While the country is billed as a year-round holiday Mecca, there are certain times of the year when local weather conditions are ideal for outdoor excursions. Autumn is considered by many the best time to visit China as the months of September and October are cool but not cold and offer drier conditions. The months of spring from April to May are another option although it does tend to get wet from time to time. Avoid the winter and summer months when visiting China as the weather patterns will be on opposite extremes of the spectrum.
While a week in China may not seem like a long period, it does afford one the chance to visit at least five or six cities. It is crucial to pick these cities wisely and to base your decisions on personal preference and individual holiday goals. No visit to China would be complete without a stay in Beijing or the second largest city, Shanghai, but the rest of your time can be spent exploring any number of engaging holiday hubs inside the country. Chengdu is an exciting prospect due to the panda population while Xi'an is a historic city of record, Dalian and Guilin are also ideal for nature lovers and Guangzhou is another popular destination.
The next step in the planning process is booking hotels and resorts in each destination. It is necessary to pick well-situated rests in every city on your itinerary as every Dalian accommodation provider does not provide the convenience of the likes of Somerset Grand Central Dalian. While the public transport networks of China are comprehensive, those who choose well-situated rests will end up spending less time on the road. This is why it is best to secure a convenient base in the heart of a city instead of a more scenic resort in a remote location.
Tourists will require the assistance of local tour operators regardless of whether it is a cultural tour of Xi'an, a food tour of Shanghai or walking a stretch of the Great Wall of China. It is best to consult online reviews and make your bookings ahead of time as the most popular tours are likely to be reserved months in advance.
Regardless of the cities on your travel itinerary, do not forget to allocate time in your schedule for shopping sprees in each destination. While the bargains available may differ, China is a fantastic shopper's paradise where consumer goods are sold at unbelievably low prices.
China is known as a foodie's heartland, and there's nothing worse than sticking to your usual dining habits during a trip to this country. This is why it is necessary to note down the local delicacies and the top restaurants in each town or area to make mealtimes an adventure.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
