Destination: China’s 'Coming Out Party'
by John Hawks

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Here’s a short list of the most important tourism sites in Beijing: the Forbidden City (where China’s emperors once lived), the Great Wall section nearest the city, the Ming Tombs (where more than a dozen Ming Dynasty rules now rest), the Summer Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Temple of Heaven (the emperors’ place of worship), and Tiananmen Square.

Outside the capital, many U.S. visitors flock to the Yangtze River for a leisurely cruise. Another popular stop is Xian, where they can see the famous life-sized terra cotta warrior statues uncovered by archaeologists. Shanghai offers many gardens and the Bund (the city’s original British settlement). And, families with kids may want to include nature stops such as the Wolong Nature Reserve, which serves as the home for a number of China’s endangered pandas.

Best Travel Times: First, you should avoid China’s major public holidays, so that your clients don’t get lost in the domestic crowds (unless they’re traveling specifically to take part in these festivities!). These holidays include Chinese New Year (the dates vary by the lunar calendar, but figure two weeks before and after Feb. 18, 2007; Feb. 7, 2008; or Jan. 26, 2009); Labor Day (the week surrounding May 1); and National Day (the week surrounding Oct. 1).

In terms of weather, China’s massive geography (it’s the third largest country in the world) offers extraordinary variety, from arctic conditions in the northeast to subtropical temperatures in the southwest. In the northern sections, spring and fall will be your best bets. For the south, try November to February. Consult China’s national tourist office site for more recommendations by city.

Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens must carry a valid passport, of course, with at least six months left before expiration and two blank pages remaining. You’ll need those pages for the required visa that you must secure before your trip. It usually takes three to five working days to process your “L” (tourist”) visa that will be valid for between one to three months. Your trip must start within 90 days of the visa’s date of issue. You’ll apply for the visa through your nearest Chinese consulate (find it via www.China-Embassy.org). Typically, the application will require a visa fee ($50 for single-entry visas) plus one passport photograph.

Airlines: The primary U.S. carriers offering direct service are United Airlines (which just won new rights to begin flights to China from Washington/Dulles), American Airlines, and Continental Airlines. Northwest Airlines connects into Beijing from Tokyo. And, you’ll find lots of connecting options with other global airlines and even China’s own airlines. Don’t forget the $13 departure tax (payable in cash at the airport when your clients finish their trip).

Travel Packages: The U.S. Tour Operators Association says four OSSN supplier members offer standing or periodic travel packages to China: Brendan Gold, Globus, Pleasant Holidays, and SITA World Travel. Other USTOA travel packagers for China are Australian Pacific Touring, General Tours, Pacific Delight Tours, Ritz Tours, and Travcoa.

Cruises: Cruises along the Yangtze River in China have grown enormously popular in recent years, as well as voyages to China’s Three Gorges region. Victoria Cruises and Viking River Cruises offer many different options. Also, you should check CLIA’s site to find major cruise lines offering China excursions as part of their southeast Asia voyages.

For more information, contact the China National Tourist Office. Also, you should consider taking the East Asia Destination Specialist course offered by the Travel Institute. This class covers 16 different countries in Asia and Indo-China (including China).

(In March, we’ll discuss selling travel to America’s national parks. If you have tips to share with other OSSN members, please send us an email!)

(Photo credits: China National Tourist Office)