How to Get to the Great Wall of China
Zigzagging more than 3,852 miles (6,200 km) past deserts, plains, and oceans, the Great Wall is a breathtaking wonder that spans the northern edge of the ancient Chinese empire.... read more
Hong Kong to Beijing</a>, and allow for easy weekend getaways—like from <strong>Shanghai</strong> to <strong>Xi’an</strong> to see the <a href=https://www.kimkim.com/d/china/"https://www.kimkim.com/ab/shanghai-to-terracotta-warriors">Terracotta Warriors</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Taking the train</strong> on short and long-haul journeys is efficient and inexpensive. More than RMB220 billion was spent to build China's high-speed rail system—the largest in the world—that crisscrosses four provinces. And by the time you factor in security screening, travel time to each airport, and potential delays, it's often more efficient to take the train.<br /><br />Dozens of trains whisk travelers daily across the vast country at speeds up to 236 mph (380 kph). China’s bullet trains are fast and convenient making them many travelers' preferred choice, particularly the 819-mile (1,318-kilometer) <a href=https://www.kimkim.com/d/china/"https://www.kimkim.com/ab/shanghai-to-beijing">Shanghai to Beijing</a> route. <br /><br />On longer journeys like the 2,334 miles (3,757 km) trip from <a href=https://www.kimkim.com/d/china/"https://www.kimkim.com/ab/getting-to-lhasa">Beijing to Lhasa</a>, the train is slower, but the scenery is mesmerizing and the experience is one of the most unique in the world: passengers ride on the world's highest railway that includes an ascent to <strong>Tanggula Pass</strong>, the highest point on a railway in the world. We dare you to find a journey that—literally—tops this."> Hong Kong to Beijing</a>, and allow for easy weekend getaways—like from <strong>Shanghai</strong> to <strong>Xi’an</strong> to see the <a href=https://www.kimkim.com/d/china/"https://www.kimkim.com/ab/shanghai-to-terracotta-warriors">Terracotta Warriors</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Taking the train</strong> on short and long-haul journeys is efficient and inexpensive. More than RMB220 billion was spent to build China's high-speed rail system—the largest in the world—that crisscrosses four provinces. And by the time you factor in security screening, travel time to each airport, and potential delays, it's often more efficient to take the train.<br /><br />Dozens of trains whisk travelers daily across the vast country at speeds up to 236 mph (380 kph). China’s bullet trains are fast and convenient making them many travelers' preferred choice, particularly the 819-mile (1,318-kilometer) <a href=https://www.kimkim.com/d/china/"https://www.kimkim.com/ab/shanghai-to-beijing">Shanghai to Beijing</a> route. <br /><br />On longer journeys like the 2,334 miles (3,757 km) trip from <a href=https://www.kimkim.com/d/china/"https://www.kimkim.com/ab/getting-to-lhasa">Beijing to Lhasa</a>, the train is slower, but the scenery is mesmerizing and the experience is one of the most unique in the world: passengers ride on the world's highest railway that includes an ascent to <strong>Tanggula Pass</strong>, the highest point on a railway in the world. We dare you to find a journey that—literally—tops this.">
Zigzagging more than 3,852 miles (6,200 km) past deserts, plains, and oceans, the Great Wall is a breathtaking wonder that spans the northern edge of the ancient Chinese empire.... read more
It takes a bit of pre-planning to get to Lhasa (nicknamed the "Roof of the World"). Travelers headed to Tibet must use a Chinese travel agency to apply for a Tibet Entry... read more
There are no sections of the Great Wall near Hong Kong, so most travelers combine a visit to the Great Wall with a trip to Beijing. There are many sections within driving... read more
To get to the Terracotta Warriors from Beijing, travelers must first travel 661 miles (1,065 km) to Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi Province, and then travel another 45 minutes or... read more
There aren't any sections of the Great Wall near Shanghai, so most travelers combine a visit to the Great Wall with a trip to Beijing. There are plenty of itineraries to inspire... read more
A mere 17 miles (27 km) apart, the former British colony of Hong Kong and the special economic zone of Shenzhen in mainland China are so close many folks commute between the two... read more
The high-speed rail network may have expanded as far as Guilin, but travel beyond this to rural Yangshuo is strictly by road or river. It's possible to rent a car (with driver)... read more
To get to the Terracotta Warriors from Hong Kong, travelers must first go to Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi Province, and then travel another 45 minutes or so to the Terracotta... read more
Guilin is 700 miles (1445 km) away from Xi'an, meaning that a swift two-hour plane journey or the comfortable bullet train are the most practical options. If you don't mind... read more
Suzhou, sometimes referred to as Soochow, is an important economic city in South Eastern China in the Jiangsu Province. Suzhou doesn’t have its own airport, so the easiest way... read more
To get to the Terracotta Warriors from Shanghai, travelers must first travel 844 miles (1,359 km) to Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi Province, and then travel another 45 minutes... read more
Steeped in history and tradition, Beijing is a city of contrasts. Ancient hutongs (alleyways) are tucked in the shadows of modern skyscrapers while old-timers can be seen... read more
Whether you opt for a plane or train, travelers can conveniently travel to Shanghai, China's financial hub. Flying is the quickest travel time, but by the time you factor in... read more
Originating in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and ending 3,900-miles (6,300 km) at the East China Sea, the Yangtze River meanders through 10 provinces and nine cities, including... read more
Whether you opt for a plane or train, travelers can conveniently travel the 844 miles (1,359 km) between Xi'an, the capital of China for 13 dynasties and the starting point for... read more
Zigzagging more than 3,852 miles (6,200 km) through deserts, plains, hills, and oceans, the Great Wall is a breathtaking wonder. There are six sections of the wall that are... read more
It takes a bit of pre-planning to make the 2,175-mile (3,500 km) trip from Beijing to Lhasa (nicknamed the "Roof of the World"). Travelers can go by a relatively quick plane... read more
The overland route from Xi'an to Chengdu takes you through 462 miles (743 km) of verdant mountain forest, providing an excellent backdrop to a 3-5 hour bullet train trip, or a... read more
Traversing 3,900 miles (6,300 km), the Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia. The river starts in the Tibetan Plateau, also referred to as the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and... read more
Hong Kong has been a gateway between the east and west for decades. Located on the coast of southern China, Hong Kong is easily accessible from Xi'an by plane or train. A... read more
There are no direct flights from Suzhou to Hangzhou, but with just 100 miles (160 km) between them, you can make the trip in an easy two hours by car or bullet train. Suzhou is... read more
The distance between Shanghai and Guilin is 955 miles (1537 km), which is equivalent to 20 hours’ driving time. Given that private car rental is not a feasible option for... read more
Hong Kong, located on the coast of southern China, is easily accessible from Shanghai on the mainland. A tourist visa may be required to travel from China to Hong Kong, which... read more
From Beijing, it's possible to make the 661-mile (1065 km) journey to Xi'an via a two-hour flight, five-hour bullet train, or a slower overnight train that takes 12-16 hours.... read more
Beijing to Guilin are 1,240 miles (1995 km) apart, and a three-hour flight is the fastest way to go. But despite the considerable distance, train travel between the two cities... read more
The distance between Shanghai and Suzhou is just 62 miles (62 km) making it easy to hop from one city to the other, even as a day trip. The bullet train makes the trip in just... read more
The 2,000-year-old Terracotta Warriors are a sight to behold. The army of at least 7,000 soldiers, each with unique facial expressions and poised for battle, are part of a... read more
Whether you opt for a plane, train or automobile, travelers can conveniently travel between the business hub of Shanghai and the Chinese capital, Beijing. The debut of China’s... read more
Although the distance from Huangshan City to Hangzhou is just 140 miles (126 km), until very recently the only ways to get between the two were by private taxi or by navigating... read more
Hong Kong has been a gateway between the east and west for decades. Located on the coast of southern China, the Hong Kong region is easily accessible from Beijing on the... read more
Until recently, the only way to make the 364-mile (586 km) journey from Guilin to Hong Kong quickly was to fly. The bullet train has changed all that, connecting the mainland to... read more
It's 109 miles (175 km) from Shanghai to Hangzhou, which is covered in just one hour on the sleek new bullet train. This is the fastest way to go, followed by private transfer... read more
Hong Kong is located on the coast of southern China, and the former British colony at the mouth of the Pearl River is easily accessible from many cities in mainland China. A... read more
Whether you opt for a plane or train, travelers can conveniently travel the 1,200 miles (1,900 km) between Chengdu and Shanghai. Taking a flight is the most convenient option,... read more
There is no airport near Mount Emei but the 98-mile (158 km) journey to Chengdu is a swift and comfortable trip by bullet train or car. Note that if you are traveling by the... read more