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China isn't a country - it's a different world. Unless you have a couple of years and unlimited patience, it's best to follow a loose itinerary here, such as following the Silk Road, sailing down the Yangzi River, or exploring the Dr Seuss landscape of Guangxi Province.
From shop-till-you-drop metropolises to the desert landscapes of Xinjiang, China is a land of cultural and geographic schisms. It's not that it has completely done away with its Maoist past - it's more that the yin of revolutionary zeal is being balanced by the yang of economic pragmatism.
Travel Warning: Demonstrations - Guidebooks Confiscated
Travellers to Sichuan province should exercise caution and avoid any large public gatherings or demonstrations. Recent pro-Tibet protests have resulted in violence and fatalities. Other troubled provinces are Qinghai, Ganzu and Yunnan.
Travellers entering China by road or rail across the southeastern border, particularly the Vietnamese frontier, report that Lonely Planet China guidebooks have been confiscated by border officials. This is due to sensitivity regarding maps of China that do not include Taiwan. Travellers should consider putting a cover on the book to make it less recognisable and just to be safe, copy down any crucial details you might need while in the country.
For good advice from other travellers check out the Thorn Tree travel forum.
severity: Mid-level alert
Fast Facts
Country Full Name
People's Republic of China
Population
1,286,975,468
Currency
Name: Yuan Renminbi
Code: CNY
Symbol: Y
Electrical Plugs
220V 50Hz
Languages Spoken
Official: Cantonese, Mandarin
Time Zones
GMT/UTC +8
Country Dialing Code
+86
Weights & Measures
Metric
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Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.
