1. Great Wall of China

• Location: Beijing (with stretches across several provinces)
• Details: An iconic symbol of China’s historical fortifications, the Great Wall spans over 13,000 miles. Key sections for tourists include Badaling, Mutianyu, and Jinshanling.
• Specialty: Historic significance as a defense structure. Nearby areas offer traditional Chinese dishes such as Peking duck.

2. Forbidden City

• Location: Beijing
• Details: A vast imperial palace complex that served as the home of Chinese emperors for almost 500 years. It consists of nearly 1,000 buildings.
• Specialty: Ancient Chinese architecture and imperial artifacts. Beijing’s cuisine is renowned, particularly its dim sum and various street foods.

3. Terracotta Army

• Location: Xi’an, Shaanxi Province
• Details: An archaeological site with thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots buried with the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang.
• Specialty: Historical significance and ancient Chinese military history. Xi’an is famous for its hand-pulled noodles and the Muslim Quarter’s street food.

4. Li River Cruise

• Location: Guilin, Guangxi Province
• Details: A scenic boat ride along the Li River offers breathtaking views of karst mountain landscapes, lush greenery, and traditional rural life.
• Specialty: Natural beauty and tranquil river views. Guilin is known for its rice noodles and lemon tea.

5. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

• Location: Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province
• Details: Known for its towering sandstone pillars, this park was an inspiration for the movie “Avatar.” The park features glass bridges and cable cars for panoramic views.
• Specialty: Unique rock formations and hiking opportunities. Hunan cuisine is noted for its spicy dishes, such as spicy fish head.

6. Shanghai Bund

• Location: Shanghai
• Details: A historic waterfront area along the Huangpu River featuring colonial-era buildings and offering stunning views of modern skyscrapers across the river.
• Specialty: Blend of historic and modern architecture. Shanghai cuisine includes famous dishes like xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and shengjianbao (pan-fried buns).

7. West Lake

• Location: Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province
• Details: A picturesque lake surrounded by gardens, temples, and pagodas, known for its classical Chinese beauty and tranquil environment.
• Specialty: Scenic beauty and cultural heritage. Hangzhou is famous for its Longjing tea (Dragon Well tea) and delicate silk products.

8. Jiuzhaigou Valley

• Location: Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province
• Details: A UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its colorful lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks.
• Specialty: Stunning natural landscapes and Tibetan culture. Sichuan cuisine is known for its bold flavors and use of Sichuan peppercorns.

9. Potala Palace

• Location: Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region
• Details: An architectural marvel and former residence of the Dalai Lama, situated on Red Mountain, featuring intricate Tibetan Buddhist art and artifacts.
• Specialty: Tibetan Buddhist culture and art. Tibetan food specialties include momo (dumplings) and yak meat dishes.

10. Hong Kong Victoria Peak

• Location: Hong Kong
• Details: Offers panoramic views of Hong Kong’s skyline and harbor. Accessible by a historic Peak Tram, it’s a popular spot for observing the cityscape.
• Specialty: Stunning city views and vibrant urban atmosphere. Hong Kong is renowned for its dim sum and diverse international cuisine.

Day 1-3: Beijing

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization

• Arrive in Beijing Capital International Airport
  • Distance to City Center: ~25 km
  • Mode of Travel: Taxi or Airport Express
  • Traveling Time: ~30 minutes by taxi, ~20 minutes by Airport Express
• Accommodation Options:
  • Elite: The Peninsula Beijing
  • Medium: Novotel Beijing Peace
  • Economy: 7 Days Inn Beijing

Day 2: Beijing City Tour

• Morning: Great Wall of China (Badaling)
  • Distance from Beijing City Center: ~70 km
  • Mode of Travel: Private car or tour bus
  • Traveling Time: ~1.5 hours
• Afternoon: Forbidden City
  • Distance from Great Wall: ~75 km
  • Mode of Travel: Private car or tour bus
  • Traveling Time: ~1.5 hours
• Evening: Tiananmen Square
  • Distance from Forbidden City: ~1 km
  • Mode of Travel: Taxi or walking
  • Traveling Time: ~5 minutes by taxi, ~10 minutes walking

Day 3: Beijing Cultural Experience

• Morning: Temple of Heaven
  • Distance from Beijing City Center: ~5 km
  • Mode of Travel: Taxi or subway
  • Traveling Time: ~15 minutes
• Afternoon: Summer Palace
  • Distance from Temple of Heaven: ~25 km
  • Mode of Travel: Taxi or subway
  • Traveling Time: ~40 minutes
• Evening: Wangfujing Shopping Street
  • Distance from Summer Palace: ~20 km
  • Mode of Travel: Taxi or subway
  • Traveling Time: ~30 minutes

Day 4-5: Xi’an

Day 4: Travel to Xi’an

• Travel from Beijing to Xi’an
  • Mode of Travel: High-speed train or flight
  • Distance: ~1,200 km by train, ~1,100 km by flight
  • Traveling Time: ~5.5 hours by train, ~2.5 hours by flight
• Accommodation Options:
  • Elite: Shangri-La Hotel Xi’an
  • Medium: Hilton Xi’an
  • Economy: 7 Days Inn Xi’an

Day 5: Xi’an City Tour

• Morning: Terracotta Army
  • Distance from Xi’an City Center: ~40 km
  • Mode of Travel: Taxi or tour bus
  • Traveling Time: ~1 hour
• Afternoon: Xi’an Ancient City Wall
  • Distance from Terracotta Army: ~40 km
  • Mode of Travel: Taxi or tour bus
  • Traveling Time: ~1 hour
• Evening: Muslim Quarter
  • Distance from Ancient City Wall: ~3 km
  • Mode of Travel: Taxi or walking
  • Traveling Time: ~10 minutes by taxi, ~15 minutes walking

Day 6-7: Guilin

Day 6: Travel to Guilin

• Travel from Xi’an to Guilin
  • Mode of Travel: Flight
  • Distance: ~1,200 km
  • Traveling Time: ~2.5 hours
• Accommodation Options:
  • Elite: Shangri-La Hotel Guilin
  • Medium: Guilin Bravo Hotel
  • Economy: 7 Days Inn Guilin

Day 7: Li River Cruise

• Morning: Li River Cruise
  • Distance from Guilin City Center: ~60 km (cruise departure point)
  • Mode of Travel: Shuttle or taxi to cruise port
  • Traveling Time: ~1 hour
• Afternoon: Yangshuo Exploration
  • Distance from Cruise End Point to Yangshuo: ~60 km
  • Mode of Travel: Shuttle or taxi
  • Traveling Time: ~1 hour

Day 8-9: Zhangjiajie

Day 8: Travel to Zhangjiajie

• Travel from Guilin to Zhangjiajie
  • Mode of Travel: Flight or high-speed train
  • Distance: ~1,000 km by train, ~800 km by flight
  • Traveling Time: ~5 hours by train, ~2 hours by flight
• Accommodation Options:
  • Elite: InterContinental Zhangjiajie
  • Medium: Zhangjiajie Sunshine Hotel
  • Economy: 7 Days Inn Zhangjiajie

Day 9: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

• Day Tour:
  • Mode of Travel: Private car or tour bus
  • Traveling Time: Full day tour, including exploring the park and its scenic points

Day 10-11: Shanghai

Day 10: Travel to Shanghai

• Travel from Zhangjiajie to Shanghai
  • Mode of Travel: Flight
  • Distance: ~1,200 km
  • Traveling Time: ~2.5 hours
• Accommodation Options:
  • Elite: The Peninsula Shanghai
  • Medium: Novotel Shanghai Atlantis
  • Economy: 7 Days Inn Shanghai

Day 11: Shanghai City Tour

• Morning: The Bund
  • Distance from Hotel: Varies, centrally located
  • Mode of Travel: Taxi or subway
  • Traveling Time: ~15 minutes
• Afternoon: Yu Garden
  • Distance from The Bund: ~7 km
  • Mode of Travel: Taxi or subway
  • Traveling Time: ~20 minutes
• Evening: Shanghai Tower
  • Distance from Yu Garden: ~6 km
  • Mode of Travel: Taxi or subway
  • Traveling Time: ~15 minutes

Day 12-13: Hong Kong

Day 12: Travel to Hong Kong

• Travel from Shanghai to Hong Kong
  • Mode of Travel: Flight
  • Distance: ~1,200 km
  • Traveling Time: ~3 hours
• Accommodation Options:
  • Elite: The Peninsula Hong Kong
  • Medium: Hotel ICON
  • Economy: Ibis Hong Kong Central & Sheung Wan

Day 13: Hong Kong City Tour

• Morning: Victoria Peak
  • Distance from Hotel: Varies
  • Mode of Travel: Peak Tram
  • Traveling Time: ~30 minutes including tram ride
• Afternoon: Central and Admiralty
  • Distance from Victoria Peak: ~5 km
  • Mode of Travel: Taxi or MTR
  • Traveling Time: ~15 minutes
• Evening: Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
  • Distance from Central: ~3 km
  • Mode of Travel: MTR or taxi
  • Traveling Time: ~10 minutes by MTR

Best Season to Visit China

1. Spring (March to May)

• Weather: Mild and pleasant temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 70°F). Cherry blossoms and blooming flowers make it a picturesque time to visit.
• Highlights: Ideal for exploring historical sites and outdoor attractions like the Great Wall, gardens, and parks.

2. Autumn (September to November)

• Weather: Cool and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 70°F). Clear skies and lower humidity.
• Highlights: Perfect for traveling across the country as the weather is generally stable. The autumn foliage in places like the Yellow Mountains is stunning.

3. Summer (June to August)

• Weather: Warm to hot, ranging from 20°C to 35°C (70°F to 95°F). High humidity in some areas.
• Highlights: Popular for traveling to northern and higher altitude regions. Be prepared for crowds and higher prices.

4. Winter (December to February)

• Weather: Cold, with temperatures ranging from -10°C to 10°C (14°F to 50°F) in northern regions. Snowfall in some areas.
• Highlights: Good time for skiing and experiencing winter landscapes, particularly in Harbin and other northern regions.

Packing Details

1. Spring/Autumn:

• Clothing: Light jacket or sweater, comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing for varying temperatures.
• Accessories: Sunglasses, hat, and light rain gear.

2. Summer:

• Clothing: Light and breathable clothing, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
• Accessories: Umbrella for rain and sun protection, comfortable walking shoes.

3. Winter:

• Clothing: Warm layers, heavy coat, gloves, scarf, and thermal wear.
• Accessories: Warm hat, insulated boots, and travel-sized moisture-wicking products to manage dry skin.

How to Travel to China from Various Parts of the World

1. From North America (USA, Canada):

• Major Airlines: Air China, United Airlines, Delta, American Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern.
• Major Hubs: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN).
• Flight Duration: Approximately 12-15 hours direct flight from the East Coast (e.g., New York), 15-18 hours from the West Coast (e.g., Los Angeles).

2. From Europe:

• Major Airlines: Air China, British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, Emirates, Qatar Airways.
• Major Hubs: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
• Flight Duration: Approximately 10-12 hours direct flight from London, Paris, or Frankfurt.

3. From Asia:

• Major Airlines: China Eastern, China Southern, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, Japan Airlines.
• Major Hubs: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).
• Flight Duration: Approximately 1-5 hours depending on proximity (e.g., Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok).

4. From Australia/New Zealand:

• Major Airlines: Qantas, China Southern, China Eastern, Cathay Pacific.
• Major Hubs: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
• Flight Duration: Approximately 10-12 hours direct flight from Sydney or Melbourne.

Visa Requirements

1. Tourist Visa (L Visa):

• Application: Complete the visa application form, provide passport-sized photos, a valid passport, and proof of travel itinerary.
• Processing Time: Usually 4-7 business days, though expedited services are available.
• Validity: Typically valid for 30 to 90 days depending on the type of visa issued.

2. Business Visa (M Visa):

• Application: Includes an invitation letter from a Chinese business or organization.
• Processing Time: Similar to tourist visa, 4-7 business days.

3. Transit Visa (G Visa):

• Application: Required if you are transiting through China without leaving the airport for more than 24 hours.
• Validity: Short-term validity depending on your transit plans.

4. Special Notes:

• Visa-Free Transit: Some cities (like Beijing, Shanghai) offer a 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit for certain nationalities.
• E-Visa: Not applicable yet; all visitors need to apply through the nearest Chinese consulate or embassy.

Summary

Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) for the most comfortable weather and beautiful scenery. Packing: Dress appropriately for the season and activities planned. Travel: Major international flights connect major cities in China; plan according to your departure location. Visa: Ensure you have the correct visa type and documents before travel.

Travel Details and Visa Requirements for Tourists from Pakistan and Iran

Travel Details

1. From Pakistan:

• Major Airlines: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Air China, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines.
• Major Hubs:
  • Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
  • Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
• Flight Duration:
  • From Islamabad/Karachi/Lahore: Approximately 4-6 hours direct flight to major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou.
• Direct Flights: Regular flights are available from major Pakistani cities to key Chinese cities.

2. From Iran:

• Major Airlines: Iran Air, Mahan Air, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines.
• Major Hubs:
  • Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
  • Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
• Flight Duration:
  • From Tehran: Approximately 7-8 hours direct flight to Beijing or Shanghai.
• Direct Flights: Regular flights are available from Tehran to major Chinese cities.

Visa Requirements

1. For Pakistani Tourists:

Tourist Visa (L Visa):

Application Requirements:

• Completed visa application form.
• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and two blank pages.
• Recent passport-sized photographs (white background).
• Proof of travel itinerary (flight bookings, hotel reservations).
• Bank statement as proof of sufficient funds.
• Visa fee (varies by type and processing speed).
• Processing Time: Typically 4-7 business days, but may vary.

Business Visa (M Visa):

• Application Requirements:
  • Invitation letter from a Chinese business entity.
  • Documents similar to those required for a tourist visa.
• Transit Visa (G Visa):
  • Application Requirements:
    • Proof of onward travel (flight tickets).
    • Visa for the next destination if required.

2. For Iranian Tourists:

Tourist Visa (L Visa):

• Application Requirements:
  • Completed visa application form.
  • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and two blank pages.
  • Recent passport-sized photographs (white background).
  • Proof of travel itinerary (flight bookings, hotel reservations).
  • Bank statement or proof of sufficient funds.
  • Visa fee (varies by type and processing speed).
• Processing Time: Typically 4-7 business days, but may vary.
• Business Visa (M Visa):
  • Application Requirements:
    • Invitation letter from a Chinese business entity.
    • Similar documents as required for a tourist visa.
• Transit Visa (G Visa):
  • Application Requirements:
    • Proof of onward travel (flight tickets).
    • Visa for the next destination if required.

Special Notes:

• Visa-Free Transit: Some cities in China offer visa-free transit for up to 72 or 144 hours for certain nationalities. Check if you qualify based on your itinerary and nationality.
• E-Visa: China does not currently offer an e-visa system for Pakistani and Iranian nationals; all visa applications must be made through the Chinese embassy or consulate.

Embassy Contacts for Visa Applications:

• For Pakistan:
  • Chinese Embassy in Islamabad: Website
  • Consulate General of China in Karachi: Website
• For Iran:
  • Chinese Embassy in Tehran: Website
  • Consulate General of China in Mashhad: Website

Ensure you check the latest visa requirements and travel advisories before planning your trip.