3rd country of destination by international tourist arrivals in 2012
57.7 million visitors per year (+0.1)
TOP TRAVEL DESTINATION: The People's Republic of China (中国)
China has all the reasons to be termed as top travel destination. As traveling to China is not like any ordinary travel experience because it offers more than the expectation. China is considered to be a treasure house of more than 4000 years of turbulent history. The north tells a different story from the south and the east resembles differently from the west. The only uniformity you will notice is in the nationality of the inhabitants and their hard working attitude.
China has abundant natural resources and a climate, which fulfills the agricultural needs of the population. Beijing, the capital city is the central point of all the administrative and political activities. China also portrays a comprehensive picture of the regions and provinces of China, some of which have become top travel destination in the past few years.
The Climate
China is the third biggest country in the world. Hence the variation in the climate of the country is varying from place to place. The top travel destination offers the alternating seasonal air-mass movements and accompanying winds moist during summer and dry in winter. The north east shares of China have the same weather patterns as that of Siberia and its south west have the same subtropical climate as of northern Thailand. The advance and retreat of the monsoons account in large degree for the timing of the rainy season and the amount of rainfall throughout the country.
The North China offers early spring and late autumn are the best times to travel, both offering warm, dry days and cool dry evenings.
The South China has the November to February as cold and in all-pervasive humidity.
The Central China has some of the country's most searing summer temperatures and bitterest winters, but it too escapes the worst of the humidity.
The Tibet has spring like days in the summer but far milder winters, made endurable by the dryness of the climate.
The North West has perhaps the greatest range of temperatures because of severe summers and winters alike, but it is also largely dry.
The Culture and Religion
The Chinese culture is one of the world's oldest and most vast cultures. The area in which the culture is dominant covers a large geographical region in eastern Asia with customs and traditions varying greatly between towns, cities and provinces. Many aspects of Chinese culture can be traced back many centuries ago. Chinese culture is so diverse and unique, yet harmoniously blended and presents itself an invaluable asset to the world and is a preferred top travel destination for the travelers.
There are five recognized religions in China as Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism, and Protestantism. To some degree, the government also controls the institutions in the religions it recognizes. However, the Chinese government has also banned certain new religious movements.
Places to tour in China
China has many large and famous cities. The main reason to be the top travel destination is the variety that places in China offers. Here are some of the main tourist places in China:
Beijing — The capital, cultural center and also the administrative and political center.
Great Wall of China — Longer than 8,000 km, this ancient wall is the most iconic landmark of China
Guangzhou — One of the most prosperous and liberal cities in the south and is close to Hong Kong.
Guilin — One of the top travel destination for the Chinese and foreign tourists with wooing mountain and river scenery.
Hangzhou — a beautiful city and major center for the silk industry.
Kunming — Gateway to a rainbow of ethnic minority areas.
Lhasa Tibet – Place lonely from the rest of the world with the winding hills of the high plateau and the amazing Himalayas.
Nanjing — A renowned historical and cultural city with many historic sites.
Shanghai — China's largest city and is a major commercial center.
Xi’an — The oldest city and ancient capital of China and the terminus of the ancient Silk Road.
When to go
As stated earlier that China is a vast country with wide ranging climatic conditions, so a decision about the best time to visit is again be based on the regions you plan to tour and also the kind of weather you enjoy. Autumn is normally the most comfortable season of the year (September to early October). During that period, temperatures are reasonable throughout China (about 50-72F) with a limited amount of rain. Also the spring, can be delightful with the average temperatures roughly the same as in autumn (about 50-72F). So, visit this top travel destination at the most enjoyable climate of your choice.
Travelling in China
China, the top travel destination can be toured by the following modes:
By plane – China has many domestic flights connecting all the major cities and tourist destinations.
By train – Train travel is the major mode of long-distance transportation for the Chinese themselves. Their extensive, and rapidly expanding, network of routes covers the entire country. Approximately a quarter of the world's total rail traffic is in China.
By bus – Travelling by public city buses or long distance buses is cheaper and ideal for in-city and short distances transportation.
By car – Rented cars most often come with a driver and this is probably the best way to travel in China by car.
Organized tours – Organized tours are a great way to see the sites and soak up the local culture – especially if you’re travelling alone or are a first-time traveler. Check out some of the options for tours in China.
Major Airports in China
– Beijing Capital International Airport
– Haikou Meilan International Airport
– Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport
– Hohhot Baita International Airport
– Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
– Shijiazhuang Daguocun International Airport
– Guilin Liangjiang International Airport
– Hefei Luogang International Airport
So, the time is less, just get ready for the tour to China, the top travel destination in the world.
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