Sure! Visiting Beijing, the capital of China, and Nanjing, one of the country's ancient capitals, is an excellent way to immerse yourself in Chinese history and culture. Here are some travel tips:
Best Time to Visit:
The best times to visit Beijing are from September to October and April to June. These periods offer the most hospitable weather conditions. For Nanjing, the pleasant time to go is in Spring (March to May) or Autumn (September and October), too.
Route and Accessibility:
Major airlines serve both cities. You could start your travel from Beijing and then take a high-speed train to Nanjing which is about 3-4 hours.
Altitude and Acclimatization:
Both Beijing and Nanjing are at standard altitudes where altitude sickness does not generally occur. However, being in crowded places might be overwhelming for some, so take it easy initially.
Accommodation and Booking:
Both cities have an array of choices from budget to luxury. Do book your accommodations in advance on reliable travel booking platforms.
Clothing and Essentials:
Dress in layers as weather can change throughout the day. Pack comfortable walking shoes as you will likely do lots of walking in these cities.
During summers, carry an umbrella or hat for sun protection.
Health and Safety:
Drink bottled water only and be cautious of street food. An anti-pollution mask could be helpful if you are sensitive to air pollution.
Local Etiquette and Respect:
Chinese people appreciate basic knowledge of their language and etiquette. Saying "hello (ni hao)" and "thank you (xiexie)" could lighten up their faces.
Respect local traditions and customs. Follow the dress code while visiting religious sites.
Finally, download a VPN if you wish to access sites like Google or Facebook as most western social media platforms are blocked in China.