Do I need a visa to travel to China?

China offers 30-day visa-free entry for citizens of several countries including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Malaysia. A 240-hour transit visa-free policy is also available for 53 countries. For others, a tourist visa (L Visa) is required.

What is included in a QTour private tour?

Every booking includes a private guide speaking your language (English, Japanese, Korean, French, German, Spanish and more), private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver, all entrance fees, hotel accommodations, daily breakfast, and airport transfers. An optional photographer with DSLR and drone is available.

What is the best time to visit China?

Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-November) are the best times to visit most of China. The weather is mild, skies are clear, and crowds are smaller. Summer is ideal for Tibet and Inner Mongolia.

How much does a private China tour cost?

A private tour with 4-star hotels typically costs $150-300 per person per day, including guide, driver, vehicle, hotels, entrance fees, and domestic transport. Prices vary by itinerary length and accommodation level.

Explore the ancient art of Chinese calligraphy — its history, five major scripts, and how to appreciate this elegant art form.

History of Chinese Calligraphy

Chinese calligraphy has a history of over 3,000 years, dating back to the Oracle Bone Script of the Shang Dynasty. It evolved through several scripts: Seal Script (Zhuan), Clerical Script (Li), Regular Script (Kai), Running Script (Xing), and Cursive Script (Cao). Each script reflects the aesthetic values and technological developments of its era.

The Four Treasures

Traditional calligraphy requires four essential tools called the "Four Treasures of the Study": brush (bi), ink (mo), paper (zhi), and inkstone (yan). The brush is made from animal hair (wolf, goat, or rabbit). Ink is ground from inksticks on an inkstone with water. Xuan paper from Anhui Province is considered the best for calligraphy.

Five Major Scripts

Seal Script: Ancient, rounded characters used on bronze vessels. Clerical Script: Square, flat characters developed during the Han Dynasty. Regular Script: The standard script used today, with clear strokes. Running Script: Semi-cursive, faster writing style. Cursive Script: Highly abstract, artistic flowing characters that are difficult to read.

Famous Calligraphers

Wang Xizhi (303-361): Known as the "Sage of Calligraphy," his Lanting Xu (Preface to the Orchid Pavilion) is the most celebrated work. Yan Zhenqing (709-785): Known for bold, upright Regular Script. Su Shi (1037-1101): Song Dynasty scholar whose Running Script is highly valued. Each master developed unique styles that influenced generations.

Learning Calligraphy

Visitors can experience calligraphy in China through workshops in Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai. Many temples and cultural centers offer beginner classes. Start by practicing basic strokes, then progress to characters. A good teacher emphasizes proper posture, brush holding, and breathing. Calligraphy is meditation in motion.