It's difficult to summarise the Chinese climate - which can range from being almost unbearably hot to being bitterly cold. For example the average winter day in the north is well below freezing but in July the same area will average above 30 degrees Centigrade. China's northwest region is the driest and hottest region of China with summer temperatures in the high 40's not unheard of. China's central Yangzi River area also experiences these vastly different seasonal temperatures. In southern China the summer is hot and humid and lasts from April to September. Therefore the advice for anyone visiting to China is to carefully check what the weather's going to be like in the regions you're visiting and pack accordingly.
China - Money
The currency of China is the Yuan (CNY). One thing you need to be wary of in China is the prevalence of counterfeit notes. The common practice in China, particularly with larger notes, is to always check them for things like lack of a watermark, drawn lines, texture and colour (which is more pronounced on counterfeit notes). Notes that are in poor condition are also difficult to spend but can be exchanged at the Bank Of China (who will however confiscate any counterfeit notes you may have). It's becoming increasingly easier to use debit and credit cards in China - they're generally accepted in to mid to top range hotels as well as Friendship and department stores. If you do need cash exchanging currency is relatively easy. Travellers cheques and foreign currency can be changed at main branches of the Bank of China, tourist hotels, in Friendship Stores as well as some department stores. Travellers cheques are a better option than cash as the exchange rate is usually more favourable and they're safer to carry (Visa, American Express and Thomas Cook are the most commonly accepted). If you're travelling in rural or western China it's a good idea to take a mixture of cash and travellers cheques. Tipping isn't generally expected in China but all four and five star hotels and some top-end restaurants add a tax of 10 to 15% on all accommodation costs and food. Eastern China is generally more expensive than western China (where budget travellers can get by on about US75.00 a day compared to about $25.00 in the west). Food is cheap throughout China but, whatever you spend your money on, you'll have to get used to being charged a `tourist price' which is more than local people pay.
China - Health and Safety
In terms of safety the golden rule is that so long as you use the same common sense as you would at home (not leaving bags unattended, avoiding undesirable neighbourhoods particularly at night, not flaunting valuables, etc) you're unlikely to experience any difficulties in China. With regards to health the main diseases you need to possibly protect yourself against are rabies, bilharzia, malaria, cholera and dengue fever. It's important you visit your GP well in advance of travelling to China in order to receive the best and most up-to-date advice on what precautions you need to take.
China - Highlights
China is a vast country with a huge list of potential highlights - Beijing, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Yangzi River, the Terracotta Army at Xian…You could easily spend a year travelling in China and still only scratch the surface.
An amazing opportunity for paid work in one of the greatest travel destinations in the world - China. Participants teach students at some of the best schools in a cultural exchange programme. At the same time you will experience ancient traditions combined with vibrant modern city life.
This academy offers one of the best environments around the globe to be trained in this historic martial art. Situated at the foot of the Mountains of the Fujian Province, South East China, you will study directly from some of the best Masters to be found in China.
A voyage of discovery on an epic scale, the Trans Siberian railway is the stuff of travel legend. Giving true meaning to long-distance rail travel, the journey will take you from Europe to Asia stopping off in the historic capitals of Moscow, Ulaanbaatar and Beijing. The perfect mixture of rustic living, stunning scenery and fascinating culture, this really is the trip of a lifetime!
Assist in a giant panda sanctuary and help to save this incredible species from extinction. You will be involved in feeding and observing the pandas, as well as the opportunity to help with important research projects.
The Olympics was a fantastic showcase for China. Now people from all over the world are heading East to discover the delights of this incredibly diverse country. Our four-week programme gives you the perfect opportunity to experience real life China in amongst the amazing peaked scenery of Guilin county. You will spend time learning the language and getting to know the Chinese culture as well as spending time helping to develop the community.
On an epic journey across Thailand, China, Malaysia, Africa and Australia, the ultimate wildlife experience gives you the chance to see some of the world’s rarest and most incredible animals and contribute to their preservation. Zimbabwe - Thailand - China - Malaysia - Australia - USA.
Join the Tai Chi and Cultural Experience to feel relaxed, recuperated and invigorated. You will be based in the stunning Fujian province spending time learning two forms of Tai Chi and enjoying the sights and culture of the surrounding area.
A fantastic way to immerse yourself in Chinese culture, allowing you to be much more than just a tourist as you live and work with some of the world’s most fascinating people! Learn about local culture, traditions and history while teach conversational English in the schools of the beautiful Guangxi province.
Janet Horsley had an incredible time on her tailor-made gap year, blazing a trail through Africa, Asia, Australia and Latin America, read her story here.
Gap Year for Grown Ups have many Career Break Voluntary Projects and adventure holiday options in Asia. If you are looking to take some life-changing time out on a grown up gap year, use the following links for essential information regarding volunteer travel to Asia:
