China

China is a land famed for its food. So whatever port of call you disembark at you are guaranteed to find delicious dishes and unique drinks. Due to its size, China has a few national dishes. In Beijing it's Peking Duck. Crispy skinned, tender, succulent, and served with plum sauce. While in Hong Kong BBQ Pork is the national dish.

For those who love to share their food, a Hot Pot is one of China’s most popular dishes. A simmering pot of soup stock prepared over a hob in the middle of the table with a slew of other ingredients and foods served around the dish. Dim Sum is another incredible dish you should try. It is made up of a combination of smaller dishes such as dumplings, rolls, cakes, meats, and seafood.

The national drink of China is Baijiu. While this drink isn’t well known globally, it is incredibly popular here. It is made from a variety of grains, meaning there are countless variations of the drink available.

All can be washed down with one of Australia or New Zealand’s world-class wines or legendary beers. If prime cuts tempt you taste buds, you might wish to seek out some delicious New Zealand lamb. Alternatively, you may prefer to sample the delights of kangaroo. Considered one of the healthiest meats around, kangaroo has more protein and iron than beef, has less fat and is a good source of Omega-3. If that still doesn’t float your boat, you’ll find a host of superb seafood dishes to choose from in every port of call.

Tea is a huge part of Chinese culture, so it is no surprise that Chinese green tea is one of the most popular drinks in the country. Tea-lovers will feel right at home here with an incredible range of teas on offer, including black teas and floral teas such as Chrysanthemum.

The ideal time to visit the beautiful land of China is during the Spring or Autumn periods. China experiences extremely cold winters and intensely hot summers.
The spring period is between March and June and temperatures can reach average highs of 30°C and average lows of -1°C.
The autumn period is between September and October and temperatures can reach average highs of 26°C and average lows of 7°C.
If you travel between April and October, you will see the flowers bloom, coating the landscape in a myriad of vibrant colors. And the bazaars are alive with activity during this period.
For sports lovers, the famous Dragon Boat Festival takes place in late May or early June. Most of the major cities will have boat races running.
In September, or early October, the Mid-Autumn Festival takes place. Grab a moon cake and watch as the sky is filled with paper lanterns.      

China is filled to the brim with interesting things to see and do. Whether you’re looking for a cultural trip past beautiful architecture, a hiking journey across the verdant mountains, or a family-friendly adventure to the magical Disneyland, China has something for everyone.
Nature lovers will be taken aback by the magnitude of China’s natural wonders. Victoria Peak in Hong Kong provides excellent hiking routes leading to the famous Victoria Peak Garden. Yu Garden in Shanghai is a perfect mixture of nature and authentic Chinese architecture. Mount Huashan in Xi’an is ideal for veteran climbers and hikers alike.
Engage in some retail therapy at the many bustling markets on offer. Coco Park mall in Shenzhen offers a stylish modern shopping experience, while Temple Street Night Market in Hong Kong offers the authentic busy market experience.
Step back through time at the numerous historical wonders like the Chiwan Goddess Temple in Shenzhen or the Ming Tombs in Beijing. Take a tour through the serene Po Lin Monastery and marvel at the giant Buddha. Enjoy fascinating museums like the Shanghai Auto Museum, the Tsinghua University Art Museum in Beijing, and the Shaanxi History Museum in Xi’an.
 Families and thrill seekers will find plenty to do with fantastic days out at the LEGOLAND Discover Center Shanghai, the Shenzhen Safari Park, or the China Printing Museum where visitors can try their hand at the ancient method of woodblock printing. Beyond all that there are plenty of opportunities to kick back on a sun-soaked beach and relax, or take to the water for some surfing, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, and much more. Everything you could ever want from a cruise holiday can be found in the exciting land of China.