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Destination library

China country guide

4 questions, each answered from published authorities with the sources listed.

Five fingers peak. Quartzite sandstone Huangshizhai Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Hunan, China. Panorama 2012. — chensiyuan Author chensiyuan · CC BY-SA 4.0 File source

When to visit 1

When is the best time to visit China for Great Wall?Late September to late October, or late April into May — and if you are going to Badaling, note that the gate's hours and price both change on November 1, when peak…

Food and drink 1

What local dishes should I try in China, and where should I look for them?Follow the designations rather than the dish names — UNESCO has named five Chinese Cities of Gastronomy and inscribed Chinese tea-making on its heritage list, and those…

Places and experiences 1

What should a first-time traveler see in China beyond the obvious highlights?Pick from the breadth of the World Heritage List itself — UNESCO's States Parties statistics credit China with 60 inscribed properties, and the great majority are…

Trip planning 1

How can I plan a memorable first trip to China without rushing?Build the trip around the ten-year multiple-entry visa most US citizens can get, and treat a first visit as one region rather than a national survey — with 60 inscribed…

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