China has more than 115 ports of entry / exit. Most of its visitors who travel to China use the Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai route. The national carrier of the country is the Air China as it is handled by Dragonair Company together with the Cathay Pacific of Hong Kong Airline.

If you opt to leave the country by air, you may need to pay Y90.00 a departure tax which is payable in their local currency. Be sure that you have enough Yuan to avoid the last minute rush at the airport money changing booth. Though there are on going plans to include the departure tax in the cost of the air ticket for this reason make sure to check first before you fly.

You can take a trip to China and back either from Asia / Europe without leaving the ground via those exotic routes like the Tibet – Nepal, Laos – China, Xinjiang – Kazakstan and Tibet – Nepal, Trans – Siberian Railway. Since foreigners are rarely permitted to drive in the country so don’t bother bringing in your own private cars. There are also other points of entry like Zhuhai – Macau, Beijing – Pyongyang in North Korea, Pinxiang or Hekou – Dong Dang or Lao Cai in Vietnam and Kashgar – Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan by using the Irkeshtam or the Torugart passes.

You can also opt for a slow boat ride to China from South Korea or Japan. Some of the well – known places that have a frequent trips to and from would include Hong Kong, Tianjin’s Tanggu, Shanghai, Macau and Xiamen which is just opposite to Taiwan.

Getting Around China

Since private carriers are now allowed to set their private operations in the country, Civil Aviation Administration of China or the CAAC has finally assumed its role as the ‘umbrella organization’ over all airlines which include the following: China Northern, China Eastern, China Southern, Yunnan Airlines, Great Wall and etc. Discounts are common and are fully enjoyed by all locals and visitors. The airport tax is about Y50.00 that is payable on all of its domestic flights.

Those long distance buses are the one of the top means of getting around in the country. Those buses are frequent and are cheap as they also offer wide services, interesting villages and towns en route and passable roads. There is also the train if you choose to arrive at your destination faster. Train reaches to all the province of the country. It is also a cheap way to transport, its fast and is considered to be a safer suggestion than buses. The only risk with train journeys would be getting your luggage pinched or the bad state of its restrooms / toilets.

There are also those romantic boat trips between China’s mainland and Hong Kong. The finest river trip is the 3 day cruise along Chongqing’s Yangzi River to Wuhan.

Taxis are frequent in the busy city streets. Most of its cabs have meters but would only be switch on when there is an accident. Motor – tricycles, pedicabs and motorcycle taxis would hunt for its passengers in packs around all major bus and train stations. Using such transports is a cheap means of getting around the city and is also quite useful in getting around the country.

But really, the best way of getting around China is – renting a bike and joining the pedaling crowd. Such activity isn’t just a healthy option but is it also economical and FUN.