China is well-served by rails, roads and airports and the infrastructure is constantly improving. What's more, it has thousands of kilometers of navigable inland waterways and getting round Chinese cities is easier than before. TRAINS: Trains are the primary mode of transportation. They are safe, comfortable, and reliable. Taking the train is often more affordable than flying and overnight trains save the cost of a hotel. It's possible to purchase train tickets from abroad and have them delivered to your hotel in China. What's more, it's an interesting way to travel. On the other hand, the language barrier and limited availability of tickets can make organizing an independent train trip a truly challenging experience. Flexibility and advance planning are key to finding train tickets. LONG DISTANCE BUSES: Bus travel is the best budget option. Not only is it cheaper than the train, it is easier and oftentimes faster. Nonetheless, bus trips aren't without hazards, especially on remote routes. SELF-DRIVE: Driving a car in China is less about open roads than it is about aggravation, from reading road signs to obtaining a Chinese drivers license. - An international driving permit isn't valid in mainland China thus all foreign drivers must obtain a Chinese drivers license. A temporary license, which is both legal and easy to get at the Beijing airport, is not accepted by most rental car companies. AIRPLANES: Air travel, while more expensive trains and buses, is worth considering for long trips, especially if you are strapped for time. Beijing is the hub of the system with direct flights to more than 140 Chinese cities. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Hong Kong International Airport and the two airports in Shanghai, Pudong and Hongqiao International airports, are some of the country's busiest airports. Domestic airline tickets can be purchased online and can be purchased from abroad. Ctrip and eLong, China's most popular online flight ticketing service providers, are reliable, easy to use, and offer cheap fares. BOATS: The Yangtze River may China's best known waterway but it's not the countries only navigable inland channel. Rivers cruises on the Pearl, Heilongjiang, Huaihe, Qiantang, Minjiang, Huangpu and Li rivers, as well as the Grand Canal, are increasingly popular. LOCAL TRANSPORT: City buses ply Chinese streets and are a cheap way to get around, however, metros and light railways are faster, more efficient and easier to navigate. Taxis are readily available but in some large cities, such as Beijing, they are reluctant to stop for foreigner travelers. Try booking a cab through your accommodation or, if you're out and about, head to nearest large hotel and ask the doorman to hail you a taxi.

Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the length of stay. A visa is required for all travelers, except for nationals from Singapore, Brunei and Japan staying 15 days or less, and must be obtained in advance. The type of visa required depends on the nature of the visit, number of entries and duration of stay. A multi-entry visa is essential for travelers planning to re-enter China on the same visa, even if interim exits are limited to Hong Kong and/or Macau. A special permit is required for travel to Tibet and some other remote areas of China. Most travelers to Hong Kong and Macau, including EU, Australia, New Zealand, US, and Canadian nationals, do not require a visa for stays of less than 60 days.

The climate in China varies from subarctic to subtropical and, in addition to latitude, the weather in each region is influenced by altitude, topographical factors and proximity to the ocean. Much of China experiences four distinct seasons. Temperature differences vary most in winter and the greatest extremes occur in regions far from the sea. Winter in northern China is cold, and in many places snow-packed, whereas it's mild throughout the subtropical south. Summers are hot throughout the country. The rainy season is from May to September. Monsoons affect all but northwest China, which receives little rainfall. Spring and fall offer the best weather for travelers. The peak seasons coincide with school breaks and multi-day public holidays; Spring Festival, May Day, National Day, and the month of August. Expect high prices and crowded spaces throughout the high season.