Travel to Tibet - How to get there and Tibet Entry Permit

It is no more hard for foreign tourists to travel to Tibet. You can take flight or train from many cities in China such as Beijing, Chengdu, Xi'an, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc. For the moment, the most convenient places shall be Beijing and Chengdu. Xi'an is also a good choice but due to the limited flight (usually one flight only and not daily) and limited tickets of pass-by trains, it is still not easy to make connection there. You can also take a direct international flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa but which is not suggested except you have a tour there. According to a memo between the Chinese and Nepal governments, foreign tourists must obtain their China Visa in Kathmandu if they would like to enter from there, no matter if they get the visa already in their home country or not. This usually requires three days at least.

No matter which way you take, a Tibet entry permit is necessary for issuing the flight/train tickets. This permit is released by the Tibet Tourism Bureau to officially licensed travel companies only. You shall provide a copy of your passport and visa with your Occupation info for the permit application. It usually takes five working days but we shall always try to apply for it as early as possible to secure a smooth trip since more and more travelers coming to Tibet making the quequing much longer than before. The cost is around 7USD charged by the government department. If you will travel outside Lhasa and some remote areas, some other permits will be applied as well including the Alien's Travel permit, military permit, etc.

More on other China Tour, visit Budget China for detail

About the Author
Sherry Jia, experienced Tibet travel adviser, a local travel agency based in Lhasa with an office in Chengdu to handle all the on-line inquiries regarding a tour to Tibet and China. There are day-to-day itineraries of some popular tours in Tibet including that to Mt. Everest Base Camp, Mt. Kailash and some trekking tours as well.

Touring the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall is the most significant symbol of China which has become one of the widely known artificial constructions in the world today. This structure has contributed to the development of China's history and continues to pay a major role in the culture and tourism development of China.

Travel to China without visiting the Great Wall is like not accomplishing anything which is the reason why many people want to start off their China tour itinerary in Beijing. Aside from the historical feel of Beijing, it is the best city in China to visit the Great Wall.

A brief history about the Great Wall tells us that it was built over two thousand years ago as a key to protect the agricultural lands from invasion. The wall was built in sections in between years by peasants, villagers and prisoners; which also reflects the reason why the different sections of the wall portray different looks due to the types of materials used in the construction. These materials varied from grass, stones, earth and wood.

Although the construction of the wall started in the early seventh century B.C., it was later during the Qin dynasty; the sections were further built and renovated to become a whole structure. This was the period when China derived its English name from the word "Qin" pronounced as "Chin". Today, the Great Wall of China stretches to a length of over 6,700 kilometers winding through hills, cliffs, plateaus and deserts from across the east coast to the northwest of China.

At present, there are nine sections of the Wall opened to tourists from all over the world which include Liaoning sections of the wall, Hebei sections, Tianjin sections, Beijing sections, Shanxi sections, Shaanxi sections, Inner Mongolia sections, Ningxia sections and the Gansu sections. However, out of all these sections, the most visited are the sections of the Wall in Beijing; this is because the wall is well preserved and showcases the remains from the Ming dynasty, an era when the wall was in tremendous construction.

The main sections of the Great Wall in Beijing are: Badaling, Simatai, Jinshanling, Mutianyu, Gubeikou, Huanghuacheng and Jiankou. Badaling section is famous for its imposing structures, completeness, and the famous Juyonguan Pass. Most of the pictures of the great wall published in guidebooks were taken at the Badaling section of the Great Wall.

The Mutianyu section also provides great viewing pleasure for tourists. Jinshanling, Simatai and Gubeikou sections of the wall is narrower and quieter than the Badaling and Mutianyu sections of the wall, while the Huanghuacheng and Jiankou sections have become an ideal choice for adventure hikers.

The fascinating aspect of the Great Wall is that no matter what section of the Wall you visit, the outstanding engineering of this structure tells you a lot about the history of China.

For more information about China Travel, China Tour Vacations, visit Passport to China.

Lola writes about China travel and adventure tours for China Tour & China Travels as a foreign inbound tour operator in China.

A Journey on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa

For tourists to Tibet, the best way to enjoy the magnificent scenery is to ride the Qinghai-Tibet railway from Qinghai province. It goes into Tibet via a 2,000-km long railway that started running in July last year (2006).

With this railway, it is much easier and budget for tourists to visit Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Traveling mainly at altitudes of more than 4,000m, many passengers might find the air thin. While oxygen is not plentiful, the scenery certainly is beautiful.

Along the seven-day journey, the train will chug past endless grassland with varying shades of green and yellow; endless stretches of barren soil, where red and pink dust mingle, and in distance, the majestic mountain ranges, many permanently capped with snow, and the occasional cloud dancing in the bright sun rays.

With brand new carriages and locomotives, this train ride is as comfortable as it can be in China's humongous railway system - the most extensive in the world. But, be forewarned, the high mountains can make some passengers ill with altitude sickness. Oxygen masks are readily available in the carriages.

But, whenever physical discomforts there might be, the chance to visit Lhasa, a place rich in culture and heritage, is worth the trouble. Just try standing at the foot of the Potala Palace. Gaze in awe as you pay silent tribute at the spiritual center of Buddhism in Tibet.

Be it a journey to the west on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, or seeing the majestic monasteries in Lhasa, China has these and more, if you care to explore its amazing treasures.

For detail on train traveling to Lhasa, included timetable and fare, please visit Train Travel in China for more.

Unique Vacation Ideas for your China Travel Holidays

China is one of the oldest countries which date back to ancient civilization. Because of this, it has retained a lot of its historical background and culture, many of which are still practiced today. To many people, China may still be regarded as a place that is located on the dark side of the moon, but it is not until you visit this unique and beautiful country, you can truly satisfy your curiosity about China.

Adventure travelers and globe trotters around the world have started discovering the natural hills and scenic spots in China, many of who return with interesting stories and beautiful pictures. If you have always wanted to visit this side of the world, then its time to pack up your bags and bask in the sun this summer as you discover many of China's hidden beauties.

Let me start with beaches; not many are aware that China has a tropical side to it except the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong which proudly boasts of the famous Repulse Bay. Located in the Southern province of China, Hainan is a beautiful exotic island with a rich culture for beach lovers to enjoy. It is the largest ocean province and smallest land province in China. Sanya, the most popular destination on Hainan province is known for the beautiful Yalong bay and Dadonghai’s white sand beaches. If you want to partake in this tropical Chinese beach tour, you can consult the services of a Chinese travel & tour operator in China to assist you with your vacation plans.

Golfing is another travel and leisure sport which is becoming very popular in China. Even with its old uncivilized environment, China still boasts of high class luxurious green paradise for you to enjoy your holidays golfing in the orient. Whenever, you speak about golfing, the first thing that comes to your mind is the lush green golf courses and perfect weather to enjoy this sport. There are four beautiful golf courses in China which are all located in different provinces with the perfect weather to enjoy the sport. Engaging in a golf travel tour particularly one in China can be the greatest adventure travel of your lifetime. Apart from golfing on China’s wonderful golf courses, you are afforded the opportunity to visit some of China’s main tourist attractions in Beijing, Kunming, Hangzhou and Shanghai. These cities highlight some of the must sees in China which you must not miss during your holidays. Once again, the tour operators can assist you to design your tour itinerary with affordable lodging and transportation.

Gastronomy Tours are specially designed for the cultural lover in you. If you delight in enjoying special Chinese delicacies, then, this is the right tour package for you. Discover more about Chinese culture and traditional cooking methods as you savor the exotic wonders of China.

Travel Agencies and tour operators have specially arranged tour packages for gastronomy tours which allow you to cruise and enjoy fine dining in exotic oriental restaurants as you are guided through many provinces and their long historical culture.

Shopping is a time consuming activity which must not be missed in China. Almost every province has a small market where you can get different varieties of shoes, bags, clothes at very reasonable prices. To be able to enjoy shopping in Shanghai, you should be an expert in price negotiation as this could pose to be a fun activity for a whole day. Many tour operators allow personal and free time during a tour, so you have the choice to visit any markets around.

There are a number of activities to do during your China tour experience. These includes Karting, Chinese tea discovery, Calligraphy and painting courses, hot air ballooning trip, Martial Arts and a whole lot more.

Lola as a foreign inbound tour operator, writes about travel and adventure tours for China Tour & China Travels. You can visit Passport to China for some suggested things to do on a China holiday.

Must Sees of China in 12 days

China boasts of twenty four cultural and five natural relics inscribed on the World Heritage List. Apart from this record, there are still fifty eight relics on the tentative list of the UNESCO World Heritage list to be officially added to China’s cultural treasures. This record has in turn led to the rapid boost of China’s tourism contributing to its economic growth.

Almost every city in China has one or more sightseeing to visit and if you don’t plan your itinerary ahead, you might just wander through some cities without seeing the most important attractions making your trip to China incomplete.

Beijing is usually the first city to visit. Because of its significance in the historical development of China, it has a number of sightseeing which is not to be missed during your short visit here. They include The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, The Summer Palace, The Ming Tombs and the traditional Hutong. All of these attractions can be visited in three days.

Xian would definitely be your next stop after Beijing. Spending two days in Xian allows you to discover the past of China since it is believed by many to be the birthplace of ancient civilization. The two major attractions to see in Xian are the Terracotta Army Warriors and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. These Xian attractions played significant roles during the Chinese revolution.
From Xian, you can fly to Guilin and Yangshuo where you can spend 2 days cruising the Li River and exploring the Reed Flute caves and the Elephant Trunk hills. The few days you spend in Guilin renews your spirit with its breathtaking beauty.

After the rejuvenating experience from the land of Guilin, you can spend the next five to six days in the beautiful province of Yunnan. Kunming, the spring city of Yunnan is known to be the most peaceful and laid back environment very much inclined to foreign tourists. With a wonderful landscape, more sightseeings and a favorable climate, it is no wonder why tourists flock to this part of China to spend more days there. The major highlights of Yunnan province include the Shilin Stone Forest, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and Erhai Lake.

And finally, the last two days can be spent shopping and wandering around the cosmopolitan streets of Shanghai. Shanghai is one of the oldest cities in China which has developed into a fast bustling metropolis. Yuyuan garden, The Jade Buddha temple, Shanghai Bund and the French Concession are major places of interest in Shanghai. There are also a number of shopping malls and markets to buy assorted bags and shoes at reasonable prices.

Five cities and twenty attractions in twelve days could just be the best way to enjoy your China travel adventure.

About author: Lola work as a a foreign inbound tour operator in China. She writes travel and adventure tours for China Tour & China Travels. Visit Passport for China for more.

Beijing Major Tourist Attractions

Beijing is the capital of china and is one of the most visited cities in Asia. It offers tourists an almost limitless number of places to see and things to do. It is a very busy metropolis that mixes modern living with ancient history unlike any other city in the world.

The cities main attraction is the “Forbidden City”. It contains 800 buildings and was closed to the public for a very long time. Today it is one of the best preserved sections of ancient china. This was the imperial palace and it was constructed in 1406. It took 200,000 workers 14 years to complete and its buildings contain 8700 rooms and halls.

The second most popular site in Beijing is the Tiananmen Square. In contrast to the Forbidden City, it was built in the 20th century under the Mao dynasty. It is a large open area flanked by the Museum of Chinese history, the great hall of the people, and Mao’s mausoleum. This particular place became infamous when a young demonstrator was killed during a pro-democracy demonstration.

Another fascinating place to visit in Beijing is the national Museum of China. This museum was founded in 1926 and it has a collection of some 300,000 historical artifacts of witch about 5,500 are on display at any one time. The displays include painted pottery, bronze ware, and ceramics. Located in the same area as this museum, is the Museum of the Chinese Revolution which focuses on the history of the communist party in china.

One more site of great interest in the Sun Yatsen Park. It was originally the site of the temple and was named after Sun Yatsen, a leader of the 1911 revolution. The park includes a number of cypress trees, and a great marble arch.

Beijing has many things to see and do for tourists wishing to explore the city. The above list is just a small sampling of some of the places to see while in the Beijing area. For a more detailed list please visit Beijing city guide on Timeout Travel.

Xi’an, a China Archaeological City

Xi’an is in China’s fertile lowlands. It is most famous for the discovery in 1974 of the Terracotta Warriors, and is one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites. This city is home to one of china’s largest mosques and has been inhabited for over 6000 years.

Xi’an is probably the central most important city in Chinese history and so it is most famous for the large number of historic sites, and museums that outline the rich history of the area. Many dynasties both started and fell from this city.

There are five main museums in Xi’an. The Forest of Stele was setup during the Tang Dynasty and in 1090 during the Song Dynasty was turned into a Confucian temple. This museum now holds the oldest collection of steles in china. A stele is a stone that is stood upright and has been inscribed with calligraphy. There is so many of these stele’s that it is referred to as a forest!

Mentioned earlier in this article was the Terracotta Warriors. Well the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang and the Museum of the Qin Terracotta Figures display artifacts from the Qin dynasty including the terracotta warriors. The mausoleum was in fact an underground palace and it is said that 700,000 people worked on its construction of 36 years. The vaults where discovered between 1974 and 1976. In 1979 the actual museum was constructed and the artifacts where put on display.

The three remaining museums that are of interest to tourists are the Big Goose Pagoda, The Small Goose Pagoda, and the Banpo Museum. The Big, Goose and Small Goose temples where built around 653 and 707 AD respectively and feature artifacts from the Buddhist monks and their scriptures. The Banpo museum was built in 1954 to cover and protect the site of five excavations and occupying an area of 33,400 square feet.

Needless to say, Xi’an is an ideal place for those interested in the rich history of China to visit.

Most museums within the city of Xi'an are easily reach by foot or city bus#5, 14, 21, 501, 610 & 715. The Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang and the Museum of the Qin Terracotta Figures are 37-km east of Xi'an, take coach no. 306 or 307 in front of Xi'an railway station.

Anyone wishing to plan tours or vacations to Xi’an would be well advised to consult with a travel agent or they can visit China Travel Guide for more info.