Notts Students, source of student events and rented accommodation in Nottingham - Features - Travel

It is difficult to know where to begin on recommending someone where to go to China. China has over 5000 years of history, its land spans over 3 time zones and it has over 1.3 billion people. Its culture and politics are unlike any other in the world and it is fascinating to see the world’s next superpower in its formative stages. China is becoming one of the most popular travel destinations for British tourists and with the Olympics coming to Beijing in 2008; things are going to get easier for tourists. I have spent more time in cities than the countryside so rather than give a vague picture of a vast country I will give you my highlights of Beijing and Shanghai.

Shanghai is one of the most bizarre and mesmerizing cities I have ever been to. Its blend of colonial, communist and modern style architecture give it a uniquely cosmopolitan feel. Although many of the older parts of Shanghai are being demolished and replaced by generic parks and offices, you can still find plenty of traditional Chinese street life just by walking around and exploring. Look out for tasty dumpling street stalls, bustling markets (the Xiangyang market is great for anything fake!) and if you wake up early or stay out all night you can join in with large crowds doing Tai Chi on the Bund (riverside) in the early hours. Nightlife in Shanghai is dominated by cheesy bars, Jazz bars and expensive bars!

Top attraction: Riverside cruise of the Huangpu
Top Bar: Roof garden on top of the Peace Hotel

Beijing has a more Chinese feel to it than the cosmopolitan Shanghai and is also more backpacker friendly (price wise). The main tourist sites are spread across the vast city and it can be a bit daunting at first. Make sure you visit some parks (Beihai is great), eat some Beijing duck and drink in a Chinese tea house. Beijing nightlife is great, if you know where to go. Check out city listings such as Timeout Beijing and That’s Beijing, as you can find out about some amazing events. Through them I went to an all night trance rave on the Great Wall (every July), the Chinese national DJ scratching competition, the Banana Club (has a bouncy dance floor, literally) and The Asian Cup (for football fans).

Top Attraction: Summer Palace
Top Bar: Any by the Houhai lake

How Much?

China is cheap! You can find beer for 16p, eat meals that cost under a pound (beer included) and buy clothes, get £5 massages and get CDs and DVDs for roughly 50p-£1.

Difficulties

The standard of English speaking in China is very poor and although it is improving it is useful to get a phrasebook (with Chinese Characters).
Chinese food is amazing (and nothing like takeaway in England). However, it is quite difficult to order in restaurants without menus in English. Get Chinese recommendations on what to eat or just point at other people’s food in restaurants.