Travel Vaccinations for China
China has some larger than life cities to explore. Whether you stay for a week or stay for 3 months, you can enjoy every minute of every day visiting some of the country’s exquisite attractions. The different regions of China vary in temperature and climate – the north of the country is the temperate area, south is subtropical, and the central area has a warm temperature. The thermometer can reach highs of 35°C degrees in certain parts of the country.
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vaccinations for travelling here
China is a fascinating country to visit. However, as the culture is so different from life in the West, there are a few issues to highlight regarding travel health and staying safe while you’re travelling around China. In busy cities, foreigners may be a target for muggings and bag snatching, so take extra care around tourist areas and street markets. Serious crime is rare but does occur. Don’t travel alone after dark or in isolated areas, and make sure someone knows your plans. If you’re trekking or visiting the Tibet Autonomous Region, you will need a permit. There are sometimes travel restrictions in place for this area, imposed without warning, so check before you set off – it’s a good idea to travel with an organised tour.
Tourists and visitors to the country are not allowed to drive in China. For getting around day-to-day, you will need to use public transport or a licensed taxi – remember to agree on the fare before beginning any journey. In cities, there can be a high level of air pollution, which may exacerbate any existing respiratory conditions. Medical care in major cities is generally good, but it can be harder to find in more rural areas. Healthcare is not free, so ensure you have adequate travel insurance in place.
Some areas of China and Tibet are at high altitude. If you are walking or trekking in mountainous areas, ensure that you are aware of the signs and symptoms of altitude sickness, and what to do if a member of your group begins to suffer. Tick-borne encephalitis is prevalent at altitude and forested areas, and Japanese Encephalitis in rural areas so consult a travel clinic to discuss vaccination before your trip.
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Tourists visiting China usually head to Chengdu, Beijing, Shanghai and Xian, but independent of any region you wish to explore, it’s a must to take a tour of one of the most iconic sights in the country – the Great Wall of China in Beijing; you can even stand atop the wall and admire the views.
Simatai is one of the most beautiful points at the wall, and there are usually fewer tourists there. However, the closest point to the city is the Juyongguan section of the wall – a great part of the wall to visit on a day trip. Apart from the Great Wall, make sure you stop by to see the Pandas, enjoy a ‘Three Gorges’ cruise or hire a bike and cycle through the rice fields. Shanghai also has a stunning harbour where you can enjoy a meal and an evening tour.
As you sit on the Great Wall, it is important you have been administered with the appropriate travel vaccinations. Anyone travelling to China should be up to date with their hepatitis A, Typhoid tetanus, diphtheria and polio vaccines. Depending on which regions you visit, and your risk factors and itinerary, additional vaccines may be required such as Rabies, Tick borne encephalitis, Japanese encephalitis and hepatitis B. Please book early at a travel clinic to find out exactly what vaccinations and precautions you need.
Infections and Outbreaks frequently change from country to country and by attending our clinics you will be given the most up to date clinical and safety advice from our team of specialists. Our advice to you often includes aspects such as:
- Food and water hygiene
- Insect and animal bite avoidances
- Personal safety
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Sun protection
- Altitude sickness
Highlights of China
Yangtze River
Cruise down the Yangtze River, China’s largest waterway.
Take in the breath-taking panorama of the Three Gorges.
Forbidden City in Beijing
Explore the vast palace complex of the Forbidden City in Beijing and visit Tiananmen Square.
Visit the economic powerhouse of Shanghai and go shopping down Nanjing Road.
Terracotta Army
Take a trip to the city of Xian to see the 2200-year-old Terracotta Army.
Brave the Great Wall of China.
Learn Tai-Chi in Beijing’s Beihai Park.
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For the latest government travel advice
For anyone planning to travel abroad we recommend visiting the following government website for all the latest travel guidance and advice.
Travel health enquiries
For all travel health enquiries, simply contact us below.