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How to Plan a Trip to China from Germany


When thinking about traveling in China, you may think of the Great Wall, the Bund or Terra-cotta Army. As a matter of fact, given its impossibly vast territory and fascinatingly diverse traditions and innovations, China has a lot more things to explore and see than you can expect. But many people feel puzzled when planning their first time trip to China. They can’t decide when to go and where to visit, and don’t know how to craft a great China travel itinerary. Top China Travel, one of the best travel agents in China, offer you step-by-step guide on how to plan a trip to China from Germany.  

Trip to China from Germany

Where is China?

Where is China located in the world? Check the map we craft, you can see China is located in East Asia, west of Pacific Ocean, the eastern hemisphere and the northern hemisphere. It neighbors 20 countries, including Japan, Korea, North Korea, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Mongolia, Russia, Nepal, India etc. It will be easy for you to plan an Asia tour starting from China.   

The Distance from Germany to China

According to the location of China and Germany, the shortest air travel distance between the two countries (Frankfurt and Beijing) is 7,242 km / 4,500 miles. 

Time Difference between Germany and China

The territory of China is across five time zones, though, it uses UTC/GMT+08:00 as standard time. We call it China Standard Time.
 
China is normally 7 hours ahead of Germany. But when Germany is in summer time and at time zone of UTC+2, you are 7 hours behind China.
 
Location
Time Zone
UTC Offset
Berlin (Germany - Berlin)

SAST – Central European Standard Time

UTC+1 hours
Beijing in China
CST – China Standard Time

UTC+8 hours


China location map

Geographic Differences between China and Germany
 
 
China
Germany
GPS Coordinates (DMS)
35° 51´ 41.9760'' N
104° 11´ 43.4400'' E
51° 9´ 56.4840'' N
10° 27´ 5.5080'' E
Latitude
35.86166
51.16569
Longitude
104.19540
10.45153
Average Elevation
1084 m (6,037 ft)
263 m (863 ft)

When to Go - Best Time to Visit China

When planning your trip to China from Germany, you may want to know China weather and Climate, and more importantly, the best time to visit China. China has four distinctive seasons. Spring goes from March to May, when most parts are still a bit chill. Summer is from June to August, hot and rainy. Autumn is from September to November of the mildest weather, while winter is from December to next February, when the country turns to be very cold (especially in North China and northern Tibet, and except some parts of South China).
 
For our clients from Germany, we usually suggest them to visit China between April and November. Autumn (your spring season) is widely considered the most beautiful season in China, for the colorful fall foliage. The weather of autumn in China is the best. >> Further reading for  best time to visit Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guilin and other tourist cities
 
If you are looking for China holidays to experience the old traditions and essence or Chinese culture, you may visit the country when the traditional festivals are held, such as Dragon Boat Festival (Zongzi Festival) normally in early June, Mid-autumn Festival (Moon-cake festival) normally in late September or early October, and Lantern Festival normally in early February. 
 
Time to avoid traveling to China:
 
► China National Day Holiday, or the so-called crazy Golden Week on October 1-7, when all sights are packed with domestic tourists
 
► May Day on May 1 – 3, when tourist crowds are everywhere, but fewer than National Day Holiday

Travel to China from Germany

How to Apply for Chinese Visa in Germany 

Do German citizens need a visa to visit China? All foreigners, including Germany passport holders, are required to obtain a visa to travel to mainland China. Please be noted that all ordinary passport holders should make a visa application to the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) in Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, and Hamburg, instead of China Embassy in Germany >> How to Apply for China Visa
 
The requirements of china visa for German citizens: You may apply for L-Visa as a tourist. The required documents include valid passport, a fully complicated visa Application form and recently- taken passport photo, proof of your China itinerary including round-trip air ticket booking and proof of hotel reservation, etc.
 
CVASC in Berlin
Address: Invalidenstraße 116, Berlin
Tel: +49-0-30979920000
Fax: +49-0-30979920001
E-mail: berlincenter@visaforchina.org
Office Hours: 09:00-15:00 (Submission), 09:00-16:00 (Payment and Collection), Monday-Friday (except public holidays)
 
CVASC in Frankfurt
Address:Bockenheimer Landstraße 51-53, 60325 Frankfurt am Main
Tel: +49-069-26919130                   
Fax: +49-069-269191350               
E-mail: frankfurtcenter@visaforchina.org
 
CVASC in Munich
Address: Lutzstraße 2, 80687 München
Tel: +49-089-58927460                  
Fax: +49-089-589274628              
E-mail: munichcenter@visaforchina.org
 
CVASC in Hamburg
Address: Willy-Brandt-Strasse 57, 5.OG,20457 Hamburg
Tel: +49-040-323106000 
Fax: +49-040-323106001
E-mail: hamburgcenter@visaforchina.org

Regarding Hong Kong Visa and Macau visa

Germany passport holders can travel to Hong Kong and Macau without a visa, and stay for up to 90 days for each destination.
 
Germany passport holders can have free-transit in a dozen China cities and provinces:
 

China visa

Entry Cities - How to Get to China from Germany  

The major entry cities for German travelers to China are Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. But with increasing direct flights from Germany to China, by far (2017) Chengdu, Changsha and Nanjing are also connected with Frankfurt. So for people planning a trip to China from Germany, now you have more choices on the gateway cities and the travel routes and itinerary are more flexible. 

Non-stop Flights to China from Germany

Currently there are direct flights to China from Frankfurt, Munich, Dusseldorf and Berlin, Germany, operated by Lufthansa, Hainan Airlines and Air China. The air journey is around 9 to 11 hours.
 
Departure City in Germany
Arrival City in China
Notes for Schedule
Frankfurt

Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Chengdu, Changsha, Nanjing

Daily flights from Frankfurt to Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong

Munich
Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong
Daily flights from Munich to Beijing, Shanghai
Berlin
Beijing
Three flights a week
Munich
Beijing     
Three flights a week
 
Notes: The air route and flight schedule are for reference only. Please check the official website of each airline for the accurate information and the airfares.  

Germany to China flights

Where to Go – Top Places to Visit in China for German Tourists

Allow yourself around one week or 10 days when travel to China for the first time. Well plan on the itinerary to cover the top destinations, with best tourist attractions in China. Below the listed cities and things to do may give you China holiday inspirations. 

Best Destinations for First Trip to China & What to See

Beijing: The political and cultural center of China, Beijing is favored by all tourists and the first choice of your tour in China. The city boasts a wealth of world-class landmarks and historical sites. Great Wall and Palace Museum are the must-visit attractions. 
 
Xian: If you would like to explore more of Chinese history and the ancient architectural wonders, make sure Xian is on your travel itinerary. Terra-Cotta Warriors Museum is known as “the eighth wonder of the world”. The Ancient City Wall is ideal for biking and having a great view of the old and new Xian.
 
Shanghai: Highly recommended by world travelers as the most popular destination in Asia, Shanghai features both ancient and modern wonders. Furthermore, it is close to and linked with some other popular destinations in East China, such as, SuzhouMt. Huangshan and Hangzhou
 
Guilin & Yangshuo: For your trip to China, these two picturesque places are idea for sightseeing, walking and cycling. The top things to do and must-visit attractions include Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, Longji Terraced Fields and amazing Karst caves (Reed Flute Cave or Silver Cave). It is also worth visiting Xingping Town and the surreal hills. 

China tour packages from Germany

More Recommended Destinations

Chengdu – home of giant panda
  • Pay a visit to a panda base, hug a panda and take photos
  • A leisure walk through Wide & Narrow Alleys or Jinli Old Street for various local food and souvenirs
  • UNESCO heritage Leshan Giant Buddha and Mt. Emei are 1 - 1.5 hours by bullet train from Chengdu
 
Yangtze Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang
  • A luxury cruise trip on China’s most legendary river for gorgeous landscape and relaxation
  • Shore excursions to Ghost City of Fengdu, Shibaozhai, a traditional Chinese architecture gem, Three Gorges Dam
 
Zhangjiajie and Mt. Huangshan are best places to visit in China for mountain views. Both of them are ideal for mountain hiking and have inspired great movies to be created.   
 
● Ancient Silk Road                        ●Tibet                              ● Kunming                          ● Jiuzhaigou 

Holiday to China from Germany

Recommended China Tour Packages

Top China Travel, the leading China tour specialist, offer all inclusive China tours to Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guilin, Chengdu and more. Below the best-selling China tours listed are for your reference, and can be adjusted to meet your needs and interests. Please feel free to send us an enquiry or contact us for a tailor-made China tour.
 

 
Destinations: Beijing, Xian, Shanghai
 
Highlight Attractions: China Great Wall, Forbidden City, Bird Nest and Water Cube, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palaces, hutong, Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall of Xian, the Bund, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Yuyuan Garden
 
Why Recommended: The most classical tour of China is especially suitable for your first trip to the country or those traveling alone. The group size is around 6 to 15 people, you will visit the most popular China destinations and see the must-visit sights. 

 
Destinations: Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai
 
Highlight Attractions: China Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Reed Flute Cave, Li River, Yangshuo, the Bund, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Yuyuan Garden
 

Why Recommended: The most classic China tour is taking you to the top destinations, for ancient Chinese wonders, UNESCO world heritages, one of the most beautiful rivers in the world... 
 


 
Destinations: Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai
 
Highlight Attractions: China Great Wall, Palace Museum, Terracotta Amy Museum, Dujiangyan Panda Base, Jiezi Ancient Town, Reed Flute Cave, Li River, Shanghai Tower 
 
Why Recommended: By taking this China tour, you will discover ancient architecture wonders, UNESCO world natural and cultural heritages, and travel to giant panda base to have fun with panda.
 


Destinations: Beijing, Zhangjiajie, Mt. Huangshan, Shanghai

Highlight Attractions: Temple of Heaven, Mutianyu Great Wall, Palace Museum, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain, Yuyuan Garden, Oriental Pearl TV, Yellow Mountain, etc  

Why Recommended: Find 'floating Hallelujah Mountain' in Zhangjiajie and enjoy the stunning views on Mt. Huangshang. More to see by taking this tour including cultural sites and museums. 
 

World Travelers' Reviews on Our China Tours



Since our company was founded in 1959, we have arranged China travel packages for many German travelers, e.g. Mr. Jurisic Andrea (5 pax), who took a 12 days China Tour: 
 
“I just wanted to write and say thank you so much for preparing such a great itinerary. We truly could not have asked for anything more. All our guides were amazing, especially Lina, Nono, Lin, and Peter. The accommodations were great as well and the service was excellent. I will 
gladly recommend you to anyone I know that is looking to go to China. 
Thanks again so much. It was really appreciated. : ) “

Travel Tips and Advice

To plan your trip to China from Germany, you also need guidance for the preparation and tips when touring in China. 
 
► What to Pack: Bring with passport, China visa and other required documents, the contact list with your hotel info and contact number of local guides (your travel consultant of TCT will send to you in advance), suitable clothes for different seasons, etc.  
 
► How to use phone & access internet in China: follow our guidance, you can use mobile phone and access internet (and Facebook, Instagram, etc) when traveling in China
 
► Accommodation in China: China hotels are classified according to the international standard. Check for different classes and what top China travel arrange for our clients.  
 
► Travel in China by plane: When taking China domestic flights, you are supposed to know the luggage allowance and restrictions in advance. There are also tips if you are traveling with kid or baby. 
 
► Tips for travel in China by train: Try bullet train in China. Here are useful tips for the train ticket booking procedure and how to take a train in China. 
 
Germany Embassy in China: Street address and contact number of the Embassy of Germany in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Guangzhou