For some, China is the final frontier of travel. The most populated country on the planet, culturally diverse and scarily big - it can put off even the hardiest of travellers. However, for many its slightly daunting nature is what makes it so appealing, and China is fast becoming one of the 'must visit' nations of the 21st century. Sally Zeng, an Adventure Leader with China travel specialist, The Dragon Trip, offers some tips for a successful trip to the land of the red dragon.

1. Tackle The Language Barrier – This is undoubtedly the biggest and most daunting prospect for travellers to China. Not only are the letters completely different, there are 32 regional dialects to get your head around too! It always helps to learn a few key words and phrases in Mandarin (the official language) before you arrive so you can at least understand the basics.
   
   Check out a few apps that can help translate the characters such as Pleco that works from your smartphone's camera or the Google translate app. When trying to reach a destination, have the Chinese name written down to show taxi drivers or passers-by, just in case you need help and can't pronounce the address.All of the Adventure Leaders with The Dragon Trip are bi-lingual so we can really make life easier for the group, and for many this is the main reason they choose an escorted tour.

2. Decide Where You Want To Go – China is a vast country offering diverse experiences, from exciting and vibrant cities such as Shanghai and Beijing, to the most beautiful countryside imaginable. Aside from the obvious 'must see' places such as the Great Wall, the world-famous Shaolin Temple in Denfeng and the Chengdu Panda Sanctuary, consider some more off-the-beaten track places where you can get under the skin of the country. A couple of my favourite places are the Mogan Mountains - famed for its bamboo forests, or ZhuJiaJiao Water Town - a Chinese equivalent to Venice.
   
   At the Dragon Trip we cover China's top spots, as well as places you never thought you could get to, such as secluded parts of the Great Wall, and offer the chance to experience the country differently, such as volunteering at an orphanage and at the panda breeding centre in Chengdu.

3. Embrace Public Transport – The public transport system in China is very good and is a great way of mixing with a cross section of society. The night trains are an exciting way to cross the longer distances in China. One of the places the locals gather and chat on trains is around the hot water dispenser. So if you want to fit in, pack some dried noodles and a flask, add the obligatory hot water and tuck in!
   
   
4. Discover Food Glorious food – The food in all its diversity, spiciness and uniqueness is bound to be a highlight of your trip. Don't be scared to try the local specialities such as the Sichuan Hotpot, Peking Duck or Hunan's Hongshao Rou (braised pork belly). And try the street food too - it's part of the experience!
   
   
5. Consider The Weather – Generally the best times to travel are April/May and September/October, but check what it's like in the region you will be in, as there are regional variations to consider. A trip can be spoilt by unrelenting rain, high winds or sweltering temperatures so check before you book.
   
   
6. Interact with the locals – One thing that takes a bit of getting used to is actually being a bit of a curiosity yourself. In some of the more regional parts of China you will be something of a novelty, so don't be alarmed if you are being stared at or find locals taking a sneaky photo of you! Take it in your stride and smile. On the whole most Chinese people are friendly, polite and honest, and like the opportunity to talk to visitors.

Sally Zeng is from Yangshuo, a small village nestled amongst karst peaks in China's charming South West, and has been an Adventure Leader for The Dragon Trip for 5 years. Aside from leading the kayaking, hiking and biking activities in Yangshuo, Sally also takes each group to her family's home, a small farm producing oranges.

This spring she is moving forward with her dream of opening her own youth hostel in Yangshuo called the Hidden House, which will host Dragon Trip groups as well as other independent travellers, so she has spent all of the winter season with paint brush in hand tirelessly preparing for the first arrivals in the spring.

For more information see www.thedragontrip.com

Editor's Notes

The Dragon Trip was founded in 2010 by backpacker Ramsay Kerr, a Brit who grew up in Hong Kong. The company was established to provide affordable backpacking adventure tours of China to people who can't speak Mandarin and to show guests a different side of China.  

Five years later, The Dragon Trip now supply tours to STA Travel, Real Gap, GAP 360, Asia Venture, TUI PLC and CRCC Asia. The Dragon Trip has established itself as the UK's leading operator of school trips to China.