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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
South African passport holders are required to obtain a visa to enter China. Tourist or visitor visas can only be extended once, and the extension is limited to a maximum of 30 days beyond the initial 30-day stay.
VISA INFORMATION
WEATHER
China’s vast size brings a diverse climate from subarctic in the north to tropical in the south. Northern China has cold winters and hot summers, while southern China remains mild and humid. The country experiences four distinct seasons, with rainy monsoon summers.
- Spring (April to June): Spring is one of the best seasons to visit China, with mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. Cities and countryside come alive with blooming flowers, making destinations like Beijing, Xi’an, and Hangzhou especially scenic. Rainfall begins to increase toward June but is usually light and manageable.
- Summer (July to August): Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 28°C to 38°C in most regions. Southern China experiences heavy rain and occasional typhoons, while northern areas remain hot but drier. It’s a lively season with festivals, but outdoor sightseeing can be challenging in peak heat.
- Autumn (September to early November): Autumn is another ideal time to visit, with clear skies, crisp air, and comfortable temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. The scenery is stunning, especially in mountainous areas and parks with vibrant autumn foliage.
- Winter (late November to March): Winters are cold and dry, especially in northern regions where temperatures can drop to -10°C. Southern areas are milder but still chilly. Despite the cold, winter is great for skiing in northern resorts and experiencing fewer crowds at major attractions.
- Best Time to Travel: Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to early November) offer the most pleasant weather, beautiful scenery, and excellent conditions for sightseeing.
GENERAL INFORMATION
| Country: | Republic of China |
| Capital City: | Beijing |
| International Airports: | – Beijing Capital International Airport – Shanghai Pudong International Airport – Xi’an Xianyang International Airport |
| Area: | 9,600,000 km² |
| Population: | 1.4 billion(2017) |
| Time Zone: | GMT+8 |
| Religion: | China is a multi-religious country. Taoism, Buddhism, Islamism, Christianity and Catholicism have all found a following in this country. Freedom of religious belief is a government policy, and the Constitution protects all normal religious activities. |
| Language: | Chinese is the universal language in China; it is also one of the five working languages designated by the United Nations. Most of the 55 ethnic minorities, however, have their own written and spoken languages. English is not widely spoken or understood. |
| Currency: | The Chinese Yuan, also known as renminbi, is used throughout mainland-china, while in Hong Kong and Macau, the Hong Kong dollar and Pataca are used respectively. |
| Exchange Rate: | Please consult your local bank as exchange rates fluctuate. |
| Credit Card Payment Availability: | VISA and MASTER are acceptable. |
| ATM Accessibility: | Tourists can withdraw cash with VISA or Master credit card an ATM’s with VISA or MASTER logo. |
| Dialling Code: | +86 |
TRAVEL TIPS
| Electricity: | 220V,10A |
| Water: | It is not advisable to drink the water, bottled water is readily available. |
| Business Hours: | China uses a five-day work week that spans from Monday to Friday. The normal business hours are from 08:00 to 18:00, with two-hour break from 12:00 – 14:00. However, there are local variations in different sectors and cities. Hospitals, post offices, banks and scenic sights are always open daily from 08:30-09:30 to 16:00-18:00, but the hospital clinics and its first-aid centre are usually open 24 hours. Hotels also offer the round-the-clock service to any lodger. Shops, department stores and supermarkets are open every day from 08:30-09:30 to 21:30, including public holidays. Restaurants and bars are always open from around 10:00 to late. |
| Banking Hours: | Banking hours are from 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Photography Restrictions: | No photos of the military |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not generally expected in mainland China. However it is always at your own discretion if you want to reward someone for excellent service. It will always be appreciated. |
| Vaccination Requirements: | No Vaccinations Required |
| Dress Code Restrictions: | No Dress Code Restrictions |
| Peculiar Customs to Observe: | – Never stick your chopsticks in the rice – It is not uncommon to see men with long fingernails – Refusal is part of acceptance, they will always refuse 1st, 2nd and even 3rd offer of a gift – Spitting is considered normal – People may ask you to be part of a photo – Face-kinis will be used to protect the face from sun tanning – Avoid overt displays of emotions |
FESTIVALS
- The Spring Festival, which is also known as Chinese New Year
- The Lantern Festival or the Yuanxiao Festival is a Chinese festival celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month
- The Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional holiday originating in China, and occurring on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month
- The Mid-autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month
- Qingming Festival – April
- Labour Day – 1 May
- Qixi Festival – August
- Chongyang Festival – October
MAP
“Don’t listen to what they say, go see.”
– Chinese proverb