Norway
Norway Overview
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If you’re planning to travel from Norway to China, you’re in for an exciting adventure! China offers a wide array of attractions, from ancient history to modern marvels and breathtaking landscapes. Here’s a comprehensive guide for Norwegian travelers on how to plan a China trip, including the best time to visit, top cities, visa requirements, transportation options, and suggested tour packages.
Best Time to Visit China from Norway
The best time to visit China depends on the regions you plan to explore:
- Spring (March to May): The weather is pleasant with blooming flowers. This is the ideal time to visit major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Xi’an.
- Summer (June to August): Summer can be hot, especially in cities like Beijing and Chengdu, but it’s perfect for exploring cooler areas like Tibet and Yunnan.
- Autumn (September to November): The weather is mild, skies are clear, and it’s the best season for travel across China, particularly to places like Chengdu, Xi’an, and Suzhou.
- Winter (December to February): For those interested in winter activities and the Ice Festival in Harbin, this season is also a great time to visit Tibet, Yunnan, and the southern parts of China.
Top Cities to Visit in China
China offers diverse cities, each with its own unique character. Here are the main cities you should consider visiting:
Beijing (Capital of China)
- Must-see attractions: Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace.
Xi’an
- Must-see attractions: Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter.
Shanghai
- Must-see attractions: The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, Pudong, Nanjing Road.
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, Wuhou Shrine, Jinli Street.
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 Norway to the Main Cities of China
There are no direct flights from Oslo (Norway) to China, but there are multiple options with stopovers in international hubs. Here’s how to travel from Norway to major cities in China:
Flights from Oslo to Beijing:
- Airlines: SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines.
- Connections: Flights usually connect via Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Dubai, or Doha.
- Flight Time: Around 9-11 hours, depending on layover times.
Flights from Oslo to Shanghai:
- Airlines: SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines.
- Connections: Flights typically connect through Frankfurt, Doha, Dubai, or Istanbul.
- Flight Time: Approximately 9-11 hours.
Flights from Oslo to Hong Kong:
- Airlines: Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Emirates, SAS Scandinavian Airlines.
- Connections: Flights typically connect via Doha, Dubai, or Istanbul.
- Flight Time: Approximately 10-12 hours.
Flights from Oslo to Chengdu:
- Airlines: Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways.
- Connections: Most flights connect via Istanbul, Dubai, or Doha.
- Flight Time: Approximately 12-14 hours with layovers.
China Visa for Citizens of Norway
Norwegian nationals will need a Chinese Tourist Visa (Type L) to enter China for tourism purposes. Here’s how to apply:
Visa Application Process:
- Complete the Visa Application Form: Fill out the online form and print it.
- Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your planned entry date and has at least two blank pages.
- Photos: Provide two passport-sized color photos with a white background.
- Itinerary: Provide proof of your travel itinerary, including flight bookings, hotel reservations, and planned tours.
- Financial Proof: Provide your bank statements or proof of funds to demonstrate your ability to cover your trip expenses.
- Visa Fees: The visa fee ranges from NOK 500–700 depending on the processing time.
- Processing Time: Generally, processing takes about 4-5 business days.
Types of Visas:
- Tourist Visa (L): For general tourism purposes, usually a single-entry visa.
- Multiple-Entry Visa: For multiple visits to China within a given time frame.