Hi All
Ever since the world discovered China through the writings of adventurer Marco Polo more than 700 years ago, we’ve come to regard this large Asian country as mysterious and exotic. The contrast between China’s ancient customs and the new ultra-modern state that is developing is amazing.
For centuries China stood as a leading civilization, outpacing the rest of the world in the arts and sciences, but in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the country was beset by civil unrest and major famines, military defeats, and foreign occupation. After World War II, the communist regime under MAO Zedong established an autocratic socialist system that, while ensuring Chinas sovereignty, imposed strict controls over everyday life.
After 1978, his successor DENG Xiaoping and other leaders focused on market-oriented economic development and by the year 2000, output had quadrupled. for the people in China political controls remain tight and we were surprised to be told that most of the Chinese are unable to get a passport to travel overseas or even to another part of the country. We were advised that only members high up in the communist party are able to leave China and, in some case, only allowed to travel alone without family to ensure they return?
However as a overlander driving around the world in a vehicle it is an amazing country, with amazing people, amazing rules and ideas. China requires 12 months of travel to see it all. We have only just scratched the surface. This is our second trip to China after having done the East Coast 4 years ago.
But traveling in your own vehicle is very expensive in China as you do require a guide (we called it a spy) The cost is very high at 500USD per day plus accommodation and food for the guide. Compulsory Tour guides are not very well trained and have little or no knowledge of the more remote’s parts of China. If you like travelling in a group, you can share the cost which reduces cost.
I recommend at least 28 days to do the Crossing from Mongolia to Laos including the east coast. And do Tibet separate.
For more China detailed info and pictures click https://www.doubledutchworldsafari.com.au/our-journey/asia-2/china/