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Destination guide

Travel guide: China

Mia Nguyen | January 21, 2019

China

Are you headed out on an EF China tour? Wondering what you should pack, what food you should try, or how much money you should bring with you? We’ve got you covered!

The Basics

Weather: Spring: 46–68°F | Summer: 86–100°F | Fall: 45–70°F | Winter: 35–50°F

Language(s): Mandarin Chinese, Uyghur, and Standard Mandarin

Currency: Yuan

Cash or card: Cash is easier

Exchange rate at time of travel: $1 USD = 6.95 Chinese Yuan

What that really means: $20 USD = 138.93 Chinese Yuan

What two Chinese Yuan will buy you: Rice and/or flour

Money to bring per day: $50 USD or 338 Chinese Yuan

Packingtips

Spring/Summer packing list: Breathable shirts, shorts, sunscreen, sneakers, and a hat

What we wish we packed: An umbrella, baby powder, flowy clothes

Fall/Winter packing list: Fleece jacket, long sleeve shirts for layering, and boots

What we wish we packed: A reusable water bottle that can hold heat, and wool socks

Our advice: Bring noise-cancelling headphones, a good camera, travel-size hand sanitizer, and tissues/toilet paper for public restrooms

The food

Average cost of lunch: $6.50 USD or 40 Chinese Yuan for a full meal

Tipping: While it is customary to tip a tour guide, driver, or hotel bellboy, it is not the norm to leave tips at local restaurants

Atmosphere: Restaurants are crowded and noisy—the busier it is, the better the food!

Food you HAVE to try: Meigancai (Dry pickled mustard greens), hairy crab, and xiao long bao (soup dumplings)

Additional advice before you go

Suggested spending money for souvenirs: About $150 USD or 1,041.40 Chinese Yuan

Coolest thing to bring back home: Jade earrings

Free time idea: Explore the local markets

Highlight of the trip: Standing on the Great Wall, knowing its complex history

Mia Nguyen

Mia Nguyen

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