Ni hao and welcome to this mystical country so seeped in culture and tradition, you can’t help but to feel a little culture shock in amongst the awe.
China, the world’s oldest surviving nation, with over 4000 years history is also the most populous country in the world with more than 1.4 billion people, meaning that roughly one-fifth of the world´s population is Chinese. In 2010, after more than thirty years of dramatic growth, China surpassed Japan to become the world´s second largest economy after USA. China´s side in land and population, its rapid economic growth and its sharply increasing military expenditures are dramatically changing the strategic map of the world.
There are lots of options when it comes to taking a gap year in China, from working, interning, teaching, volunteering or just exploring the country. If you go to Beijing, you have to see the Great Wall of China whilst other top rated activities include spending a day at the terracotta warriors in X’ian or helping at a Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding sanctuary.
Top Rated Opportunities
Best China Gap Year Programs
These are some of the most popular things to do on a gap year in China.
• Teach English
• Au pairing
• Internships
• Panda conservation
• Overland tours
• Thai chi and martial arts courses
Highlights
The Great Wall: Perhaps China’s most iconic sight, the Great Wall meanders through 1000s of miles of China’s countryside and is so great in length that it is visible from outer space. A symbol of China’s historic detachment, the wall is most commonly accessed from Beijing.
Hong Kong: Amongst the stereotypical urban skyscrapers, noise and pollution, prosperous Hong Kong offers its visitors a unique blend of east meets west. Wander through the idyllic parks and zoological gardens, discover the delights of the traditional bird and flower markets or enjoy the peace within the historical temples and monasteries. In the evening head over to Lan Kwai Fong which really starts to buzz at night with open air restaurants and plenty of lively bars.
The Practical Stuff
• Climate and Best Time to Visit: Autumn, (September-October) and spring, (March – April) are arguably the best times to visit China for moderate temperatures. Winter in Beijing and northern China can get temperatures as low as -14 degrees Celsius, whereas Hong Kong and the south are fairly moderate all year.
• Currency: Yuan Renminbi (¥)
• Religion: Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, Islam (14 million), Christianity (7 million).
• Language: Cantonese and Mandarin
• Health Conditions: Rabies, bilharzia, dengue fever, malaria, cholera.
• Visas: Visas are required by most foreigners entering mainland China although, at this stage, visas are not required by Western nationals visiting Hong Kong and Macau. Travellers in transit can stay in China visa-free for up to 24 hours as long as they have an onward air ticket for a flight from China to another destination departing within that time period. Visas are available from Chinese embassies and consulates in most countries.