China trip

Question

Hi all,

1-best time to go in August or September

2-best sim or internet plan

3-best way and need permissions to book tibet

4-best states to cover in 3 week, as I m keeping one for tibet

5-best apps to use public transport for non Chinese speakers,and how long time ahead to book?

6-best hostels close to places to visit and public transport

7-places where hidden gems are in those states

Answer

Planning a three-week trip to China with Tibet included requires some careful considerations. Here is a detailed breakdown addressing your questions:

1. Best time to go: August or September

August in most parts of China is hot and rainy, especially in the south. September is generally more comfortable with cooler temperatures, less rainfall, and clear skies, making it better for sightseeing and photography. Tibet in September is ideal, as the weather is stable, roads are mostly open, and you avoid the heavy summer monsoon.

2. Best SIM or internet plan

China Unicom or China Mobile travel SIM cards are reliable for data and calling. You can buy them at the airport or online before arrival.
eSIM options are available for iPhone/Android devices supporting eSIMs. Providers like Airalo or Holafly offer China eSIMs with 1–3 GB/day.
VPN is essential if you want to access Google, WhatsApp, or other blocked services.

3. Best way and permissions to book Tibet

Foreign visitors must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) to enter. You cannot travel independently without this permit.
Book Tibet tours through a licensed travel agency; they will handle the permits and itinerary.
Popular entry points: Lhasa via Chengdu or Xi’an (flight or train). Permits typically take 10–15 days to process.

4. Best provinces to cover in 3 weeks

Yunnan – Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La for scenic landscapes and culture.
Guangxi – Guilin and Yangshuo for rivers and karst scenery.
Sichuan – Chengdu for pandas and Jiuzhaigou or Huanglong if time allows.
Tibet – Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse for monasteries and Himalayan landscapes.
Optional: Beijing and Xi’an if you want to include historical sites, but you may need to adjust based on travel time.

5. Best apps for public transport and booking

DiDi – for taxis and rideshare, English interface available.
Metro apps like MetroMan or official city metro apps – many have English.
China Railway official app or CTrip for train tickets; book at least 2–3 weeks in advance for high-speed trains.
Maps.me or Baidu Maps (with translation) for navigation; Google Maps works in limited areas with VPN.

6. Best hostels near attractions and transport

Beijing – Leo Hostel near Wangfujing or Qianmen for central access.
Xi’an – Eastern House or Dragon Hostel near Muslim Quarter.
Shanghai – The Middle House or SSAW Boutique near People’s Square or Bund.
Guilin/Yangshuo – Shangri-La or Sugar House for Yangshuo, close to river and cycling routes.
Lijiang/Dali – Old Town hostels like Lijiang 1906 Hostel or Dali Lazybones for walking access to attractions.

7. Hidden gems in these provinces

Yunnan – Tiger Leaping Gorge trek, Shuhe Ancient Town near Lijiang, Erhai Lake cycling in Dali.
Guangxi – Moon Hill in Yangshuo, Longji Rice Terraces.
Sichuan – Huanglong Scenic Area, local Tibetan villages if visiting Shangri-La.
Tibet – Ganden Monastery, Namtso Lake (if time allows beyond Lhasa).

Overall, September is the better travel month, booking trains and Tibet permits in advance is crucial, and using apps like DiDi, CTrip, and Maps.me will make navigation much easier. Prioritize a few provinces to avoid rushed travel, and select hostels close to transport hubs for convenience.

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