China in East Asia is neighboured by Mongolia, North Korea, Kazakhstan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Burma, Vietnam, Laos, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Keep up-to-date with the latest travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) before travelling.
The table below provides a general guide as to the Travel Vaccinations that may be advised to you for travel to China.
The Vaccinations and Medications that are needed for travel vary from person-to-person. Everyone should have a Personal Risk Assessment with a travel health professional to take into account a range of factors such as itinerary, medical condition, occupational and lifestyle risk factors and previous vaccination history.
| Vaccination | All Travellers | Most Travellers | Some Travellers | Major Risk Factors | Course | Price Per Dose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MMR | Yes | Person-to-Person | Measles, mumps, rubella, course of Two | £49 | ||
| DTaP | Yes | Person-to-Person | Tetanus diphtheria, polio, single Dose | £39 | ||
| Typhoid | Yes | Contaminated Food and Water | Typhoid, single Dose | £49 | ||
| Hepatitis A | Yes | Contaminated Food and Water | Hepatitis A, Single Dose | £59 | ||
| Cholera | Yes | Contaminated Food and Water | Cholera, Course of Two | £35 | ||
| Hepatitis B | Yes | Body Fluids, Medical Intervention | Hepatitis B, course of Three | £55 | ||
| Japanese Encephalitis | Yes | Mosquitoes | Japanese encephalitis, Course of Two | £89 | ||
| Rabies | Yes | Infected Animals | Rabies, Course of Three | £65 | ||
| Tick-Borne Encephalitis | Yes | Ticks | Tic borne encephalitis, Course of three | £69 |
All Travellers should ensure that they are up-to-date with Routine Vaccinations including Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio and Measles, Mumps and Rubella.
Most travellers will also need to consider a course or booster of Hepatitis A and Typhoid as there is a risk of these diseases across most parts of the world.
Some Travellers may also be advised additional vaccinations such as Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis and Hepatitis B based on their individual risk assessment.
Malaria is a viral illness spread by Mosquitoes that bite from dusk to dawn throughout the tropical world. It causes high fever and severe joint and muscle pains. In serious cases, malaria can be fatal.
Travellers to areas where there is a Risk of Malaria should get advice regarding Malaria Medication which can be taken to help stop the illness from developing. The type of medication required depends on your destination, itinerary, length of stay and current medical condition.
Further reduce the risk of by practicing mosquito Bite Avoidance by using Insect Repellant such as DEET 50% and covering exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and trousers.
Under International Health Regulations (2005), travellers who have been to an Area affected by Yellow Fever, or who have travelled via an airport of a country affected, are required to present an International Certificate of Vaccination (ICVP) before they are allowed to enter China.
China
China and its larger-than-life cities, Beijing and Shanghai, will amaze you, the opulence and power of her historical monuments will enthral you, and her mighty rivers, gorges, waterfalls, and other natural wonders will captivate you. Whether you plan a brief visit to China, or take the Grand Tour, expect it to be a life-changing experience.
Beijing
At first glance, the vibe of Beijing is that of a modern “city on the move”, but here is a city of contrasts and contradictions. For here in this huge 21st century metropolis, with its vast parks, Olympic stadium and public squares, the ancient past of China is omnipresent; as you stand at the gates of the Forbidden City, you can all but hear whispers of the Emperors and courtiers from Centuries past. As modern life unfolds at an almost dizzying pace in Beijing, rickshaws still ply the narrow streets of old Peking, and the Ming-Dynasty Drum Tower still casts its shadow over the city and affords a sweeping view over the Hutong rooftops.
The Great Wall of China
From Beijing, take your pick of tours to the Great Wall. No matter what your expectations might be, nothing can prepare you for the sense of awe you’ll feel just standing before it, or on top of it. One of the most beautiful and dramatic points is at “Simatai”, where there are usually less tourists. If you choose to visit the “Juyongguan” section of the wall, which is closest to the city, you might make it a day trip, and take time to tour the Ming Tombs.
Shanghai
Shanghai’s fashionable harbour front “Bund” is the city’s most famous landmark, and an evening tour around the area will tell you why. The Bund is the best representation of Shanghai’s blending of ancient and modern. An evening harbour cruise on the Huangpu River is the best way to view the spectacle of this vibrant sector of Shanghai. Save time for a trolley tour up historic “Nanjing” road and visit the old “Peace Hotel”, focal point of Shanghai’s 20’s- 30’s nightlife. Don’t miss the “Shanghai Museum” or a visit to ultra-trendy “Hongyi Plaza”, and luxuriate in a world-class array of fine restaurants, just a few minutes from the waterfront.
Food and Drink in China
Let’s face it…China is just about synonymous with great food, and whether you like spicy Sichuan, Hunan, more mild Cantonese dishes, or the menu from Guangdong, Chinese cuisine rarely disappoints. Dare to experiment, but do be careful with your choices. At the time of writing, several food safety hazards have been identified, and we do strongly advise you to avoid eating chicken, and, in some regions, pork as well may pose a problem.
Drinking Water in China
Under no circumstances should you consider drinking tap water anywhere in China. Stay with a brand of bottled water you recognise, and use it for drinking as well as brushing your teeth. Avoid using ice cubes unless you are staying in a 5-star Hotel and are assured that the ice is safe.
Transport in China
In Beijing, Shanghai and other larger cities, public transport, and taxis are readily available. Depending upon the distance you are travelling outside the cities, there are good train and airline services to just about any popular tourist areas, but the ride from the airport could mean a long bus journey.
Healthcare in China
Should you require medical attention while in China, it is best to consult a private clinic, unless in the case of emergency where hospital care is needed. There are hospitals available in major cities and large provinces with English-speaking doctors on staff. Naturally, the quality and availability of care varies from region to region. It is essential that you have comprehensive health insurance to cover you during your trip. It is highly recommended that you bring a note from your GP detailing any prescription medications you will be carrying with you.
