China Tours from South Africa
China and South Africa established diplomatic relations on January 1, 1998, which was the result of the active promotion of the late president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. Since then, Sino-South African relations have entered a new era. In 1999, Mr. Mandela paid an official visit to China as President of South Africa. In the years that followed, cooperation and bilateral trade between the two countries advanced rapidly. At present, China is South Africa's largest trading partner, and South Africa is China's largest trading partner in Africa. What is more, both nations are founding members of BRICS, and share common positions on many international issues. There is reason to believe that the cooperation between the two countries will keep moving forward.
History buffs from South Africa will be enthralled by China's iconic landmarks. Explore the Great Wall, a testament to human perseverance. Wander the Forbidden City, once the seat of imperial power. Marvel at the Terracotta Army, a life-sized army frozen in time. Cruise the Grand Canal, an engineering marvel, or stand in awe of the Leshan Giant Buddha, a colossal sculpture carved into a cliffside. The natural beauty in the country is as captivating as its history. Hike the otherworldly peaks of Yellow Mountain or Zhangjiajie. Explore the enchanting Jiuzhaigou Valley with its colorful lakes and waterfalls. Take a scenic cruise down the Li River, surrounded by dramatic karst formations. China caters to every adventurer's spirit.
What's more, China is a country on the cutting edge, where ancient traditions meet modern innovation. Towering skyscrapers pierce the skylines of Shanghai, Beijing, and other metropolises. High-speed trains zip across the vast countryside, and cutting-edge technology is woven into the fabric of everyday life. This harmonious blend of old and new creates a dynamic and unforgettable experience for visitors. Never forget Chinese cuisine, with its incredible diversity and culinary craftsmanship, is a feast for the senses. Each city boasts unique regional specialties that will tantalize the taste buds of any food enthusiast.
In the future, more and more South Africans will surely get interested in the old and new country in the Orient, and plan their trips to China to experience a different and unique civilization.
Best Tours to China from South Africa for First Timers
8-day China Golden Triangle Tour to Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai
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Destinations: Beijing, Xian, Shanghai -
Explore the Great Wall and the Forbidden City in Beijing -
Witness the grandeur of Terra-Cotta Warriors in Xian -
Amazed by the stunning view of Shanghai skyscrapers
10-day China Highlight Tour for Senior Tourists
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Destinations: Beijing, Xian, Guilin/Yangshuo, Shanghai -
The Great Wall and the Forbidden City in Beijing -
Li River cruise and Karst landscape in Guilin/Yangshuo -
Bustling & Futuristic metropolis - Shanghai
13-day Delightful China Family Tour
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Destinations: Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai -
Specially designed for family travelers -
Top historical attractions like the Great Wall, Terra Cotta Warriors -
Outdoor activities like walking and biking ideal for kids -
Cultural activities good for both parents and children
China Holidays for South African Travelers
Tibet Highlights
Explore the roof of the world, also a dreamland of Buddhist pilgrims. This tour covers the most famous attractions in this mysterious land.
Highlights: Potala Palace, Johkang Temple, Yamdrok Lake, Tashilunpo Monastery, Namtso Lake
Dreamlands of China
This tour is designed for travelers who are fond of a special trip to places less visited by Western travelers. It features the ethnic cultures in Guizhou and stunning landscape in Zhangjiajie.
Highlights: Giant Panda Research Base, Langde Miao Village, Zhengyuan & Fenghuang old town, Zhangjiajie National Park, Tianmen Mountain, the Bund.
Highlights of Yunnan
The 12-day exploration of colorful Yunnan will take you to experience the history, minority culture and amazing landscapes of wild Yunnan in all the major travel destinations.
Highlights: the Stone Forest, Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Lijiang/Shuhe Old Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Pudacuo National Park, Songzanlin Monastery.
Personalized Tours for Travelers from South Africa
Dynamic China Tour for Self-guided Travelers
You will be guided to make full use of China's advanced public transportation to explore the popular tourist cities in the country. Money saved, and experiences gained!
Highlights: The Great Wall and Forbidden City, Terra-cotta Warriors, Panda Research Base, cyberpunk city of Chongqing, Li River cruise, metropolitan Shanghai.
Silk Road Discovery
This is a real Silk Road adventure in China with 12 days deep into Gobi desert, you will enjoy the unfamiliar landscapes of Gobi desert and diverse ethnic culture in West China.
Highlights: Terra-cotta Warriors & Horses Museum, Mogao Grottoes, Sunday Bazaar in Kashgar, Id Kah Mosque, Karakul Lake, etc.
China Odyssey Tour
The 20-day tour provides the most famous historical sites, picturesque landscape and modern landmarks in China, which can also be customized to suit your need.
Highlights: historical attractions in Beijing and Xian, Pingyao old town, Panda Base, Lijiang old town, Li River cruise, 5-star Yangtze cruise, the Bund, etc.
Top Destinations for South African Tourists to Visit in China
Known as the world's oldest continuous civilization, China captivates travelers from around the world. With its irresistible charm and diverse offerings, China invites the people outside the country to come.
Beijing
Legendary ancient & modern capital of China
Shanghai
A vibrant metropolis with rich traditions
Xian
East end of the Silk Road and one of world's greatest historical cities
Guilin
Surreal karst landscape & exciting outdoor activities
Luoyang
Impressive Buddhist art of Longmen Grottoes
Yunnan
Diverse ethnic cultures & spectacular landscapes
Chengdu
The home of panda
Zhangjiajie
Avatar Mountains & unique natural wonders
Jiuzhaigou
Fairyland of lakes and waterfalls
Tibet
The Pristine Holy Land
Recommended Resorts/Hotels
In terms of accommodations, there is nothing to worry about in China for South African travelers. You will have a variety of options to choose from: luxurious 5-star hotels, superior 4-star hotels, and charming local boutique or budget accommodations. ETC specialists are highly experienced in selecting value-for-money hotels for their clients.
Beijing
Sunworld Hotel (4*)
Add: 88, Dengshikou Avenue, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Tel: +86 10 58168999
Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-Town (5*)
Add: 3, Sanfeng North Area, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Tel: 86 10 5909 6688
Shanghai
Angting Villa Hotel (4*)
Add: 46, Anting Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
Tel: 86 21 64331188
The Langham Shanghai Xintiandi (5*)
Add: 99, Madang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Tel: 86 21 23302288
Xian
Grand Noble Hotel, Xian (4*)
Add: 334, East Main Street, Beilin District, Xian
Tel: 86 29 8769000
Sofitel Xian on Renmin square (5*)
Add: 319, Dongxin Street, Xincheng District, Xian
Tel: 86 29 8792888
Chengdu
Tibet Hotel (4*)
Add: 10, Renmin North Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu
Tel: 86 28 83183388
The Ritz-Carlton Chengdu (5*)
Add: 269, Shuncheng Avenue, Qingyang District, Chengdu
Tel: 86 28 83588888
Guilin
Bravo Hotel (4*)
Add: 14, South Ronghu Road, Xiangshan District, Guilin
Tel: 86 773 2898888
Shangrila Guilin (5*)
Add: 111, Huangcheng Bei Er Road, Qingxing District, Guilin
Tel: 86 773 2698888
Practical Tips on China Tours from South Africa
China Visa Tips for South African Citizens
South Africans are required to apply for a visa if they plan to visit China. You can consult the China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) located in Johannesburg.
Johannesburg office
Address: 14th Floor, Sandton City Office Tower, Corner Rivonia Road & 5th Street, Sandhurst Ext3. Sandton 2196 Johannesburg, RSA
Business Hours: Monday-Friday, Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays.
Submission of applications: 9:00 to 15:00
Payment and collection: 9:00 to 16:00
Tel: + 27 11 5059300
Fax: +27 86 6474899
E-mail: [email protected]
Durban office
Address: 45 Zenith Drive, Umhlanga New Town Center, Durban
Tel: +27 87 8020460
Fax: +27 31 5664694
E-mail: [email protected]
Cape Town office
Address: The 2nd floor of West Office Building, Canal Walk, RSA
Tel: +27 87 808 5507
Fax: +27 86 589 3248
E-mail: [email protected]
Practical Travel Tips for South African visitors traveling in China
China is an all-year-round destination for South African tourists. Generally April, May, September and October are the better months for visitors as the temperatures are mild during the period. In certain places, Harbin should be visited in January and February for the International Ice & Snow Festival there.
During the summer holiday (Mid-July to mid-August) and the first week of October, all the tourist spots are packed with Chinese tourists. Then it is not so recommended to come at this time of the year.
Top Historical and Cultural Destinations: Beijing, Xian, Chengdu
Top Natural Scenic Destinations: Zhangjiajie, Jiuzhaigou, Guilin, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Top Destinations to see ethnic culture: Dali, Lijiang of Yunnan, Tibet, Xinjiang.
Top Foodie Destinations: Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Hangzhou
Top Shopping Destinations: Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong
Absolutely yes, there are many options in different cities. For example, they can take the toboggan ride down the Mutianyu Great Wall, or fly kites in Temple of Heaven. In Xian, they can ride a bike on the old city wall, and learn to make Chinese dumplings. When in Yangshuo, they can do more walking and biking, taking Kungfu & painting class, etc. In every city, we can find something unique that will suits the needs of children to make their trip in China more enjoyable.
China is definitely a great shopping paradise. Here are some recommendations in the first-tier cities of China:
Beijing: Wangfujing Shopping Street, Xidan Commercial Street, Xiushui Market (Silk Market), Hongqian Market (Pearl Market)
Shanghai: Nanjing Pedestrian Road, Huaihai Road
Guangzhou: Beijing Road, Shangxiajiu Street
Shenzhen: Huaqiangbei Commercial Street, Dongmen Commercial Street
Local tea is commonly served with meals and there is a variety of soft drinks available. You should not drink the tap water, bottled water is inexpensive and readily available.
All of hotels reserved by Easy Tour China for you are equipped with western style bathrooms and toilets. In the more remote areas, toilets may be a little more basic. We would recommend that you carry tissues, wet wipes or disinfectant gel with you.
Casual clothing is appropriate at all times. Try to pack lightly. For security reasons it is essential that your baggage can be locked. A change of clothes in your hand luggage is always handy. All personal toiletries should be taken with you and small packets of tissues or wet wipes are recommended. A small medical kit containing medication to alleviate common ailments is suggested.
Spring (Mar – May) at 10 - 22°C: Western suits, jackets, sports coats, woolen jackets, long sleeve shirts and travel shoes
Summer (Jun – Aug) above 22-35°C: T-shirts, short sleeve shirts, skirts, sandals, caps, rain wear
Autumn (Sep – Nov) at 10 - 22°C: Western suits, jackets, sports coats, light woolen sweaters, rain wear and travel shoes
Winter (Dec – Feb) Below 10°C: Overcoat, thick woolen sweaters, lined coats; In northern China, cap, gloves and cotton-padded shoes are required.
Easy Tour China accepts the 3 payment methods of bank transfer, credit card and Paypal. Payment Guide
You can use credit cards in some hotels, shopping centers and tourist shops. Many local establishments don't accept the foreign credit cards. You can withdraw cash from ATM machines. If registering an account on Chinese Apps like Alipay or Wechat Pay with your smart phone and link with your bank card, you can make full use of the advanced and convenient mobile payment in China.