It is little more than 30 years since Beijing’s streets were teeming with identical Mao suits and millions of Flying Pigeon bicycles, but nowadays it can seem like it has been a couple of centuries, at least. In China’s major cities, stylish hotels have opened, and elsewhere impressive resorts bear comparison to the leading international competition. Modern airplanes provide a web of convenient and reliable service, and China now boasts the world’s largest system of expressways. In short, travel opportunities now exist that would have been inconceivable just a few years ago.
From October to April the winds are dry, as they blow outward; from May to September they reverse, and moisture is pulled in from the ocean. China is a big country, however — slightly larger than the Lower 48 — so the climate is regional. For example, the south is subtropical, while the north endures subzero winters.
Passport (valid for six months beyond end of stay) and visa. Visit travel.state.gov, and for travelers’ health information, cdc.gov
To phone hotels and restaurants in China, dial 011 (international access) + 86 (China code) + city code and local numbers in listings.
Beijing, Tel. 10-8531-3000. Consulates: Guangzhou, Tel. 20-3814-5775; Shanghai, Tel. 21-3217-4650; Chengdu, Tel. 28-8558-3992; Shenyang, Tel. 24-2322-1198; Wuhan, Tel. 27-8555-7791.
Chinese renminbi, or “Chinese yuan” (CNY). Fluctuating rate valued at CNY6.77 = US$1.00 as of October 2016. Note: Aman quotes rates in US$.
12 hours ahead of New York (EST). (Time listed is for DST in the West. Difference is one hour more November to mid-March)
Andrew Harper members have access to full travel-planning services through Andrew Harper Travel.
1 (800) 375-4685
Open M-F 8:30AM-5:30PM CT
