Standing on the Baima Mountain in Chongqing, each of the two massive statues – one male and one female – holds a rotating platform. Swinging from ground level to the sky high reach, the Flying Kiss Ride overwhelms you with a most enticing panorama of lofty mountains and lush green valleys. Reflecting/enlivening the Chinese mythical story of two lovers, the statues appear to blow kisses as they reach the peak. 

China elevates cultural love through its Flying Kiss Ride in a contrasting theme park environment, and this cultural emblem is catching the attention of globetrotters.

In a short time, the Internet is overwhelmed with this not-to-miss ride story. The Flying Kiss Ride not just boosts your adventure streak, but takes you on a trip to a mythological love story. Its surrounding waist-high security gates simultaneously protect and allow you to move freely across the platform. Notably, the no-safety-harness feature makes it one of the most terrifying rides that you have ever come across in your lifetime. The climax of your adrenaline rush, as you reach the highest elevation, will efface the COVID backdrop in the blink of an eye.  

Travel enthusiasts’ elation can be clearly gauged by the stunning amalgamation of history and amusement in this thrilling ride. Get ready for an upbeat adventure on the Flying Kiss Ride in China.

The Flying Kiss Ride  (Baima Mountain) is a 2.5-hr road trip from the Chongqing International Airport and is a 3-hr drive from Beijing. Both Chongqing and Beijing are just a short domestic flight away from Shanghai International Airport. You can also enjoy breathtaking sightseeing across tea plantations and mountain valleys en route before hopping on to the thrilling ride.

Don’t let the pandemic beat your lust for adventure. Book your flights from USA to Beijing or Shanghai for cheap airfares and set the clock back to the pre-pandemic times. Log on to iEagle.com and get set – go!  

The post China’s Brand New ‘Flying Kiss Ride’ is World’s Tallest Attraction with No Seat Belts and Safety Gears appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

Though the transit visa exemptions in China are the same for travelers from a total of 53 countries across the world, different hours-based types of visa-free transit to China apply to different cities and provinces. The nationals of the below listed 53 countries can make the most of the policy while traveling on Air China flights from USA or some other airline transiting through China.

Details of transit visa exemptions in China

In most cases, the traveler will only be allowed to visit certain cities during their layover in China. Travelers entering China via Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, and Qinhuangdao are allowed to travel within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and the ones entering via Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing are allowed to travel within Shanghai, Zhejiang and Jiangsu province.

China’s 144-hour Visa-Free Transit Policy:

If you travel to another country of destination within 144 hours of your landing in China, to say, from USA to Shanghai flights, you need not have a transit visa to China. Further, you must also have a valid passport from one of the 53 countries that China’s visa-free transit policy is extended to. The 53 countries include 24 Schengen and 15 other countries in Europe, six countries in North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, Brunei, Japan, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, and the UAE.

China’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy was first implemented in East China’s Shanghai-Jiangsu-Zhejiang area and later was expanded to North China’s Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. In January 2019, the government decided to implement it in the cities of Xiamen, Qingdao, Wuhan, and Chengdu. Eventually, later this year all the international airports under Guangdong province started following this policy. Starting December 2019, the 144-hour visa-free transit policy is set to cover 20 cities with four railways, eight land entries, and 27 ports. The 20 cities include Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Shenyang, Dalian, Qingdao, Chengdu, Xiamen, Kunming, Wuhan, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Jieyang.

China’s 72-hour Visa-Free Transit Policy:

To be eligible the 72-hour transit visa exemptions in China, you should carry a confirmed flight ticket to another country of destination and travel to the final destination within 72 hours of transit through the participating ports of entry in China. Having a valid passport from one of the 53 countries listed above is an eligibility criterion, according to the China visa-free transit guide. Changsha, Guilin, and Harbin are within the ambit of 72-hour visa-free transit in China.

China’s 24-hour Direct Transit Policy:

The eligibility norms for 24-hour visa-free transit in China are the same as those for the above-mentioned types of China’s visa-free transit policy. If you travel to another country of destination within 24 hours of your landing in China, to say, from USA to Beijing flights, you need not have a transit visa to China. However, a confirmed travel booking to the final destination is mandatory. Most ports of entry in China offer 24-hour visa-free transit to the eligible foreign nationals.

Countries eligible for China’s visa-free transit policy

The countries eligible for China’s visa-free transit policy are include 24 Schengen countries in Europe – Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Among them are 15 other European countries – Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Macedonia, Monaco, Montenegro, Romania, Russia, Serbia, UK, and Ukraine.

Six countries in North and South America – Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, and the US; Two Oceanic countries – Australia and New Zealand; Six Asian countries – Brunei, Japan, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, and the UAE are also eligible for the transit visa exemptions in China.

Visa-free Entry to Hainan in South China:

Foreign travelers from a total of 59 eligible countries can travel to South China’s Hainan province and stay for up to 30 days without a visa. The eligibility norms for visa-free entry to Hainan in South China are different from those for transit visa exemptions in China. China’s visa-free policy for Hainan Province does not require travelers to hold a confirmed travel reservation to a third country. However, they are allowed to visit Hainan only on travel bookings made through travel agencies registered in Hainan and approved by China’s National Tourism Administration.

The 59 countries, the citizens of which are eligible for visa-free entry to Hainan province, include 25 Schengen and 15 other European countries, six countries in North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and UAE.

Furthermore, travelers planning to obtain any of the above-mentioned visa exemptions are advised to confirm their eligibility with their local Chinese embassy or the concerned port of entry in China prior to departure. The Chinese State Council has also released a tool to help potential travelers to determine their eligibility based on their nationality and the port of entry in China.

The post China’s Visa-free Transit Policy: A Complete Guide on Transit Visa Exemptions in China appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

1. Don’t talk about politically sensitive or uncomfortable topics

The Chinese are often uncomfortable discussing political topics, religious policies, territorial and economic conflicts with foreigners as there are chances it may cause embarrassment to their country. Refrain from talking about death or mentioning a person who has recently passed away as it is a quite serious topic to Chinese. Talking about politically sensitive or uncomfortable topics stands as one of the most important in the list of what not to do in China as a tourist.

2. Don’t disrespect the customs of minorities and temples

With around 55 minority groups in China, they have their own traditions and customs. They do not allow anyone to touch the objects related to their ancestors and worship. It is also important to remove your hat, sunglasses, and shoes before entering temples in China. Pointing your finger at the statues and stepping on the doorsills is also one of the things not to do in China.

3. Don’t make personal contacts such as hug or kiss

The Chinese are considered to be less affectionate and most of them consider handshakes, hugs, and kisses unnatural; so it is best to just greet them verbally or with a slight nod instead. Owing to traditions and religions, the Chinese consider the head more sacred than other parts of the body. Do remember while in China that a touch or a pat on the head could be considered disrespectful.

4. Don’t forget table manners while using chopsticks

If you are planning on using a pair of chopsticks in China, do not forget its etiquette. The Chinese believe that chopsticks are only used to eat and not to point at anything. Don’t place chopsticks inside a bowl after your meals; rather place it on the top. Messing up the chopstick etiquette is on the list of things not to do in China as a tourist.

5. Don’t just rely on your credit card

The Chinese rarely use credit cards; however, they prefer mobile and cash payments. If you go on a shopping spree in China, relying solely on a credit card might turn out a disaster. It is better to install an application like WeChat, which they frequently use for payments.

6. Don’t use unlicensed transport services

It is usually not recommended that you board an unlicensed taxi as most of the drivers lack English knowledge. The most reliable means of transport are public busses or taxis operated by legal companies with their name on the doors. Licensed taxi drivers use a meter to calculate the fare; this will save you the trouble from getting ripped off. So from the list of things not to do in China, make sure you choose the proper means of travel for a hassle free journey.

7. Never show up empty-handed

The Chinese are habituated to exchanging small gifts frequently and not just on special occasions. For instance, if you are dining at a person’s house or attending a pre-planned meeting, do make sure to take a gift along as a goodwill gesture or a token of friendship. Ignoring the social etiquette is also on the list of things not to do in China. You won’t be penalized or punished for not exchanging gifts though.

8. Refrain from tipping in places that also serve Chinese people

The Chinese do not follow practice of tipping in return for any service provided to them. When you tip the restaurant staff or bellmen, they might eventually return the money back in a state of confusion. In order to refrain from putting yourself in an awkward situation, make sure to restrain your generous tipping nature.

Also Know: 7 Things not to Do in Thailand as a Tourist

9. Keep a VPN handy while traveling to China

When you are in China, do not forget that their firewall blocks multiple sites including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. However, to access these sites you’ll need a VPN. While purchasing a VPN, do not forget to check if it covers China as well.

10. Remember to take your own toilet paper

Except star-rated hotels in China, many other places do not provide toilet paper in restrooms. While traveling to supermarkets or on trains, you might find tissue dispensers but with nothing inside them. Believe it or not, no one likes to get stranded inside restrooms without toilet papers in times of emergency. Luckily for you, local shops sell packets of tissues for cheap prices, so make sure to grab one.

Along with the list of what not to do in China as a tourist, Fly High also brings you much more information about other tourist destinations across the world. Fly High is a subsidiary of iEagle Travel, a leading international travel organization booking cheap flights on Air China, Cathay Pacific and other major airlines.

The post What to Know before You Visit China: 10 Things not to Do as a Tourist appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.