North Korea

Traveling from North Korea to China can be an exciting journey, as it opens up access to China’s rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. However, it’s important to understand the travel regulations, transportation options, and the best times to visit. Here’s a complete guide on planning your trip from North Korea to China.

Best Time to Visit China from North Korea

The best time to visit China generally depends on the region, but the most favorable seasons are:

• Spring (March to May): This is one of the most pleasant times to visit China, as the weather is mild, and flowers begin to bloom. It’s ideal for cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Xi’an.
• Summer (June to August): If you plan to visit cooler regions such as Tibet and Yunnan, summer is the best time. Cities like Chengdu and Guangzhou can be hot and humid during this period.
• Autumn (September to November): The weather is mild, and the fall foliage adds beauty to places like Guilin, Chengdu, and Xi’an.
• Winter (December to February): For winter enthusiasts and those visiting cities like Harbin (known for the Ice Festival) or Tibet, winter can be magical. However, southern cities like Hong Kong or Macau will have more moderate temperatures.

Top Cities to Visit in China

Each city in China offers something unique. Here are the main cities you should consider visiting during your trip:

Beijing

• Must-see attractions: Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace.

Xi’an

• Must-see attractions: Terracotta Army, Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter.

Shanghai

• Must-see attractions: The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, Nanjing Road, Pudong.

Hangzhou

• Must-see attractions: West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Tea Plantations, Leifeng Pagoda.

Suzhou

• Must-see attractions: Classical Gardens, Grand Canal, Silk Museum, Tongli Water Town.

Chengdu

• Must-see attractions: Giant Panda Breeding Center, Sichuan Hotpot, Jinli Street, Wuhou Shrine.

Chongqing

• Must-see attractions: Yangtze River Cruise, Three Gorges, Chongqing Hotpot, Dazu Rock Carvings.

Guilin

• Must-see attractions: Li River Cruise, Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill, Longji Rice Terraces.

Guangzhou

• Must-see attractions: Canton Tower, Chimelong Paradise, Cantonese Cuisine, Baiyun Mountain.

Shenzhen

• Must-see attractions: Window of the World, Shenzhen Safari Park, Shenzhen Museum.

Macau

• Must-see attractions: Ruins of St. Paul, Macau Tower, Portuguese Colonial Architecture, Casinos.

Hong Kong

• Must-see attractions: Victoria Peak, Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park, Tsim Sha Tsui.

Tibet

• Must-see attractions: Potala Palace, Mount Everest, Lhasa, Tibetan Monasteries.

Yunnan

• Must-see attractions: Shangri-La, Dali, Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Pudacuo National Park.

How to Travel from North Korea to the Main Cities of China

Since North Korea has strict travel regulations, visiting China requires careful planning, especially with regards to travel routes and visas. Here’s how to travel from North Korea to major cities in China:

1. Visa Requirements for North Korean Nationals

Traveling from North Korea to China requires securing a Chinese Visa. North Korean citizens typically travel with the assistance of the Korean International Travel Company (KITC), which handles the issuance of Chinese visas. The process for obtaining a Chinese visa as a North Korean citizen can be challenging, and typically travel is arranged through an official tour company that handles both the visa and the itinerary.

For international travelers from North Korea (i.e., foreign citizens working or residing in North Korea), a Chinese tourist visa is required. This will involve filling out an application form, providing passport information, and presenting travel documents, such as hotel bookings and flight reservations.

2. Travel Routes and Transportation Options

Since there are limited direct international routes from Pyongyang (North Korea’s capital) to Chinese cities, most travelers from North Korea to China travel via Dandong, Shenyang, or Beijing. The typical transportation routes include:

By Train:

• Pyongyang to Beijing: Trains operate from Pyongyang to Beijing, passing through the Dandong border town in China. The Trans-Korean Railway connects with the Chinese railway network at Dandong. The train journey from Pyongyang to Beijing takes about 24-30 hours.
• Pyongyang to Shenyang: Alternatively, travelers may take a train to Shenyang, which is another major gateway for those traveling from North Korea to China.

By Air:

• Air Koryo, the national airline of North Korea, operates flights from Pyongyang to Beijing. However, these flights are limited and may not be readily available for all travelers. Alternatively, foreign visitors traveling from Pyongyang may fly to Beijing via Vladivostok, Russia.

By Road:

• While not a common route for international travelers, it’s possible to travel by bus or car from Pyongyang to the Dandong border, from where you can cross into China.

3. Border Crossings

• The primary border crossing between North Korea and China is located at Dandong, on the Yalu River. Dandong is a major entry point into China for travelers from North Korea. Once in Dandong, travelers can take a train or bus to their destination cities within China.

4. How to Get Around China from the Border

Once you enter China, transportation is straightforward:

• Trains: China’s high-speed rail system is extensive, connecting cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Guilin.
• Flights: China has many airports that offer domestic flights from major cities.
• Taxis and Public Transport: Major Chinese cities are well-served by taxis, subways, and buses.

China Visa for North Korean Nationals

For citizens of North Korea, applying for a Chinese visa is complex and typically done through the Korean International Travel Company (KITC), with approval from both North Korean authorities and the Chinese government.

China Visa Application Process:

1. Documentation: For tourists, you will need your passport (valid for at least six months), photos, a travel itinerary, and hotel reservations in China.
2. Official Assistance: The KITC often acts as an intermediary for North Korean citizens who wish to visit China. They facilitate the visa process and provide details of approved routes.
3. Visa Processing: It can take several days to obtain a visa through this process.

Suggested China Tour Packages from North Korea

If you’re traveling with a tour group or using an official travel agency, they often offer package tours that cover several major cities in China. Some recommended tours include:

1. Beijing and Xi’an Tour

   • Duration: 8–10 days
   • Highlights: Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall.

2. Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou Tour

   • Duration: 7–9 days
   • Highlights: The Bund, Yu Garden, West Lake, Silk Museum, Classical Gardens.

3. Chengdu and Tibet Adventure

   • Duration: 10–12 days
   • Highlights: Giant Panda Breeding Center, Potala Palace, Mount Everest, Lhasa.

4. Southern China Tour (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Macau, Hong Kong)

   • Duration: 7–9 days
   • Highlights: Canton Tower, Macau Casinos, Victoria Peak, Shenzhen Safari Park.

Traveling from North Korea to China can be a fascinating journey, with major attractions in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Tibet. Understanding the visa process, transportation routes, and recommended tours will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Be sure to work with a reliable tour company or travel agency, as they can assist with both the logistics and visa application process for your China visit.