How to Make the Most of Your Visit in China - a travel destination that's on everyone's bucket list

 As a travel destination that's on everyone's bucket list, a vacation in the Chinese Republic would be a dream come true for most travellers. Home to some of the most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the planet, enjoying a successful holiday in the country depends on planning as well as making the most of one's time. From money-saving tips to hitting the highlights that are off the beaten path, here are some practical tips on experiencing a once in a lifetime getaway to China.

1. Get the Apps

Those who are heading to China for the first time will greatly benefit from downloading the Chinese language app known as Pleco. As a free app that's designed to help tourists navigate their way around the country with ease. Equipped with a dictionary and an optical Chinese character recognition function, the app is compatible with most major smartphone cameras. All one needs to do when reading a road sign or an item on a restaurant menu is point the camera at what needs to be read for an instantaneous translation to English.

2. Find Convenient Bases

Regardless of where your Chinese travel itinerary takes you, it is crucial to secure hotels that are conveniently or centrally located. A well-situated rest, whether it's the Grand Park Xian or any other Xi An China hotels or any establishments in the Chinese capital afford visitors the chance to explore more of what each region of the country has to offer. Those located near tourist highlights as well as public transport hubs should be prioritized over hotels that provide more luxurious amenities simply due to the fact that sightseeing in China involves standing in queues and waiting for one's chance to go inside a popular point of interest. This is mainly due to the fact that most locals also hit the big sites during the holiday season so a strategically located rest can give tourists an edge.

3. Money Matters

                                                 Img via Unsplash

Keep in mind that most cab drivers will prefer to be paid in coins rather than small bills such as a 5 Jiao bill or a 1 Yuan note while shopkeepers and vendors in most local markets will not accept coins as payment as they prefer bills and notes regardless of the denomination. It is a strange local quirk but when in China it is prudent to follow the customs of the land.

4. Gift Rules

Although gifts are in no way expected by any of your hosts in China, those who are venturing into the rural reaches of the country may want to pick up a few souvenirs from one's home country. Handmade and other personal items also make great gifts while electronics are also welcomed by villagers who find such novelty items of great use.

Give -- and get -- instant gratification

5. Explore Outside the Guidebooks

Travellers on the lookout for attractions and activity hubs that are not listed on most guidebooks would do well to buy China little guides that offer excellent sightseeing alternatives and detailed itineraries into areas such as Mongolia, Sichuan and Gansu. Complete with maps and insider tips on the local lingo, these useful guides also have language cards designed for every day of the trip.

6. Try TCM

A trip to China is a great opportunity to explore the fascinating world of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Heal any aches and pains or chronic conditions you have been dealing with by visiting a local TCM clinic and have a traditionally trained practitioner have a go at solving your ailment. Some of the best TCM hub in China includes Shanghai's Longhua Hospital although every town and village has its own TCM doctor and consultation hours.