Apia

Apia Overview

Chinese Name: English IPA: Location: Population (city): Language: Zip code: Tel code: Time zone:

Planning a trip from Apia, Samoa to China opens up a wide range of possibilities, from historical landmarks like the Great Wall of China in Beijing to modern skyscrapers in Shanghai. Here’s a comprehensive travel guide to help you plan your journey, covering the best times to visit, visa requirements, and transportation options to major cities in China.

Best Time to Visit China

China’s vast geography means that different regions have different peak seasons, but here’s a general overview:

Best Times to Visit:

Spring (April to May): Ideal for sightseeing with mild weather and colorful blooms.
Autumn (September to October): Considered the best time for visiting, as temperatures are pleasant and skies are clear.
Summer (June to August): The weather can be hot and humid, particularly in southern China, though it’s a good time for beach visits and mountain trips.
Winter (December to February): Cold, but the perfect time for snow sports and winter sightseeing in northern China.

Major Cities to Visit in China

China has a variety of cities offering different experiences, from cultural history in Beijing to natural beauty in Guilin. Here’s a selection of top cities:

1. Beijing

Highlights: Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven.
Why Visit: A city steeped in history and culture, the capital of China.

2. Xian

Highlights: Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Why Visit: Ancient capital and home to the famous Terracotta Army.

3. Shanghai

Highlights: The Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, Nanjing Road, Yuyuan Garden.
Why Visit: A bustling metropolis blending history with modernity.

4. Chengdu

Highlights: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan cuisine.
Why Visit: The city of pandas and spicy cuisine, a great introduction to Sichuan culture.

5. Guilin

Highlights: Li River, Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill.
Why Visit: Known for its dramatic limestone peaks and scenic beauty.

6. Yunnan (Kunming, Lijiang, Dali)

Highlights: Lijiang Old Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Dali.
Why Visit: Beautiful landscapes, ethnic diversity, and rich culture.

7. Hong Kong

Highlights: Victoria Peak, Star Ferry, Disneyland, Big Buddha.
Why Visit: A blend of modernity and tradition, with a vibrant cityscape.

8. Tibet

Highlights: Potala Palace, Mount Everest, Jokhang Temple.
Why Visit: A spiritually significant region with stunning landscapes.

How to Travel from Apia to China

Flight Travel

Apia, located on Upolu Island in Samoa, doesn’t have direct flights to China. However, you can take connecting flights through major international hubs.

Nearby Airports for Departure:

Faleolo International Airport (APW), Apia, Samoa
Auckland International Airport (AKL), New Zealand
Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), Australia

Flight Routes:

Flights from Apia will require one or more layovers. Popular layover cities include:

Auckland (New Zealand)
Sydney (Australia)
Brisbane (Australia)
Singapore (Singapore)
Hong Kong (Hong Kong)

Major Airlines:

Air New Zealand
Qantas Airways
Singapore Airlines
Cathay Pacific
China Southern Airlines

Flight Duration:

Apia to Beijing: Approx. 18–22 hours (depending on layovers).
Apia to Shanghai: Approx. 18–22 hours.
Apia to Hong Kong: Approx. 18–20 hours.

Travel to Major Cities in China from Apia

Apia to Beijing

Flight Route: Connecting flights via Auckland or Sydney, with possible layovers in Hong Kong, Singapore, or Shanghai.
Flight Time: Approx. 18–22 hours.

Apia to Xian

Flight Route: Connecting flights via Auckland, Singapore, or Sydney with possible layovers in Shanghai or Beijing.
Flight Time: Approx. 18–22 hours.

Apia to Shanghai

Flight Route: Connecting flights via Sydney, Singapore, or Hong Kong.
Flight Time: Approx. 18–22 hours.

Apia to Hong Kong

Flight Route: Connecting flights via Auckland, Sydney, or Singapore.
Flight Time: Approx. 18–20 hours.

Apia to Guangzhou

Flight Route: Connecting flights via Sydney, Auckland, or Hong Kong.
Flight Time: Approx. 18–22 hours.

Apia to Chengdu

Flight Route: Connecting flights via Auckland, Singapore, or Hong Kong.
Flight Time: Approx. 19–22 hours.

Apia to Kunming

Flight Route: Connecting flights via Sydney, Auckland, or Hong Kong.
Flight Time: Approx. 19–22 hours.

Apia to Chongqing

Flight Route: Connecting flights via Auckland, Singapore, or Hong Kong.
Flight Time: Approx. 19–22 hours.

China Visa for Samoa Travelers

Visa Requirements:

If you’re traveling from Apia, Samoa, to China, you will need a Chinese Tourist Visa (L Visa).

Required Documents:

Visa Application Form: Completed online or from the Chinese Embassy.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date.
Passport-sized Photo: One recent passport photo.
Travel Itinerary: Flight and hotel bookings.
Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements showing sufficient funds for your stay.
Visa Processing Time: Typically 5–10 business days.

Where to Apply:

Since Samoa doesn’t have a Chinese consulate, you will need to apply for your visa at the Chinese Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand, or Sydney, Australia.

Transportation within China

China has an excellent internal transportation network, making it easy to travel between cities.

Domestic Flights:

Beijing to Shanghai: Approx. 2 hours.
Shanghai to Chengdu: Approx. 3 hours.
Beijing to Xian: Approx. 5 hours.

High-Speed Trains:

China’s high-speed rail network connects many major cities.

Beijing to Shanghai: Approx. 4.5–6 hours.
Shanghai to Chengdu: Approx. 9 hours.
Beijing to Xian: Approx. 5–6 hours.

Buses and Taxis:

Buses: Available for intercity travel and are a cost-effective option.
Taxis: Widely available, but it’s helpful to have your destination written in Chinese.

Travel Tips for Samoa Travelers in China

Currency:

The currency in China is the Renminbi (RMB) or Yuan (¥).
Credit Cards: Major credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in big cities.

Language:

The official language is Mandarin. English is spoken in most major cities, but it helps to know basic Mandarin phrases.

Electrical Plugs:

Type A, C, and I plugs are used in China. The voltage is 220V, so you may need a plug adapter.

Tour Packages from Apia to China

Several travel agencies offer customized tour packages for travelers from Apia to China, allowing you to explore major cities and cultural landmarks.

Popular Tour Packages:

Classic China Tour: Explore Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guilin, and Chengdu.
Yunnan and Sichuan Tour: Visit Kunming, Chengdu, Dali, and Lijiang.
Tibet Exploration: A unique tour focusing on Lhasa, Mount Everest, and the Potala Palace.

Traveling from Apia to China is a long journey but well worth the effort, with China offering an array of experiences, from ancient wonders in Xian to modern marvels in Shanghai. Ensure that you apply for a visa, book your flights with ample layovers, and use local transportation options to get around once in China. Whether you’re exploring the Great Wall, visiting pandas in Chengdu, or discovering the ethnic diversity of Yunnan, your Chinese adventure is sure to be unforgettable.