Which is better on your own or organized in China? Traveling to China on your own: recommendations. When is the best time to go to China?
How to organize an independent trip to China in 2020! Visa, tickets, hotels, food, transport, security. How much does it cost to travel to China? Cost calculation, tips and observations.
The material is prepared on the basis personal experience independent travel to China by the author of the text: three months of living in Shenzhen, as well as trips to Hong Kong and Guangzhou.
China is huge and very diverse, so it is impossible to clearly say where prices and conditions are. I will start from Shenzhen - the center of all electronics, a young and rapidly growing city in the very south of China, which borders on Hong Kong. I will tell you what a tourist needs when planning independent trip to China in 2020, and I will also give my own observations about the country and tips for travelers.
How to get a visa to China yourself
A visa to China is required for Russians, except in rare cases. A regular single entry costs 1,500 rubles, a double entry costs 3,000, and a multiple entry costs 4,500 rubles. Plus a bank commission of 2.5% per person is charged.
Urgent single entry - 2400, urgent double entry - 3900, urgent multiple entry - 5400. There is also an express review, which costs more.
It is better to stay in chain hotels, as they care about their reputation. A night in such a hotel costs from $30-40 for a double room. Chain hotels in Shenzhen: Greentree Inn, Sheraton, Novotel, etc.
Adviсe:
- Look for a hotel with good soundproofing - the Chinese are noisy.
- Photos of hotels do not always correspond to reality.
- Sometimes a room may be clean and comfortable, but have foreign odors, such as dampness. Or the windows look out onto the courtyard, where there is a landfill or a Chinese street cafe (which produces odors no better).
Rent. If you want personal comfortable housing, look for a room, apartment or house on Airbnb. The choice of housing is huge. Renting an apartment in Beijing costs approximately $30-50 per day, in Shenzhen - from $27. You can rent an apartment on Airbnb for $600-$1,500 for a month (rooms cost $500-$900). The price depends on the city, area and condition of the house. For example, in Shenzhen, near the beach in a resort area, an excellent apartment was rented for $600. There are discounts for long-term rentals.
Entrance to Shenzhen Novotel Watergate (Photo: booking.com / Shenzhen Novotel Watergate) Food and cuisine of China
Another challenge you will face when traveling to China on your own in 2020 is food. It is very specific here, so going to a cafe can cause problems, especially if you don’t know the language. But here McDonald's and KFC come to the rescue. There are also many well-known European chains where you can order food from pictures. However, their prices are much higher - for example, a side dish with meat costs from $6. Sometimes tea is included in the price. At McDonald's, a Big Mac (potatoes, cola, double cheeseburger) will cost about $5.
In general, you can eat in a cafe for $5 or more; in restaurants, a simple dish costs from $10.
Where you can eat inexpensively and deliciously in China:
- Cafe for locals. You can eat a hearty meal there for $1.50, but no one guarantees the quality of the products and compliance with sanitary standards. The downside is that it is difficult to order dishes, since often there are no pictures or there are few of them, and if there are, it is not clear what it is.
- "Muslim women"- these are local cafes run by Chinese Muslims. The food there is prepared in compliance with all standards and is really very tasty. I really love their noodles and recommend you try them. They cook it in front of you, and it’s interesting to watch this process. Cost from $1.5 for a huge portion.
- Supermarket. A kilo of bananas costs $1-2, apples $2-3, tangerines $1-2. I do not recommend buying sausages. This is not at all what we expect: Chinese sausages are made from soy with a bunch of spices and additives. They taste sweet and have a specific smell, but for the sake of curiosity you can try them once.
(Photo: Jo@net / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY 2.0)
Internet and cellular communications in China
All SIM cards are sold only with a passport in specialized places. The cost of mobile communications is quite high - from $20 per month, plus the same amount is charged for purchasing a card and choosing a tariff plan. To purchase a normal tariff and understand everything, you need to know Chinese. If you need internet in China, it's easier to use Wi-Fi while traveling - in big cities it can be found everywhere.
There is another problem that many people face - blocking all Google services, YouTube, Instagram. To access them you need to install a special VPN program.
China Mobile is the largest mobile operator in the world (Photo: Open Grid Scheduler Grid Engine / flickr.com) Transport in China
Transport in China is excellent. The infrastructure is very developed. Planes, ferries, trains (including high-speed), buses, subways and taxis. You can get to any point without any problems. Travel on buses - from $0.3, in the metro - from $0.5.
If you are going to China for a month, buy a travel pass. The plastic card can be topped up and used in the metro and buses, and then returned and received money back. Cost $4. This is very convenient: you don’t need to find out the cost of tickets, buy tokens, or stand in lines. Accordingly, the problem of language disappears. For trips within one city, $10-30 per month is enough.
A very common type of transportation is electric mopeds. Essentially this is a taxi, only less comfortable, more extreme and cheaper - from $2. The main advantage is the absence of traffic jams, since mopeds go wherever they want. The only negative is the language. You need to agree on the price and destination.
(Photo: Lαin / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
ATMs and cards
Be prepared that many stores may not accept your Visa or MasterCard card, since in China there is another payment system - UnianPay. This card can be issued at any bank for free. If you need to withdraw money from yours, there are many ATMs for this.
Chinese mentality
Don't be surprised if in China you feel like a monkey that everyone wants to take a photo with. For a Chinese, having a photo with a European is an indicator of coolness and status, so you will always be the center of attention. They will always turn around at you and, without hesitation, look straight at you. In addition to increased interest, the Chinese will try to make money on the “white man”. For them, we are walking money, so bargain in all stores. For example, we once reduced the price of a shirt from $35 to $5.
We can talk for a long time about the culture and upbringing of the majority of Chinese. Giving way to a girl, letting her go ahead, letting people exit a vehicle, throwing garbage in the trash bin - this is not about them. They also have no sense of tact. Don't be surprised if at the first meeting you are asked about personal life, salary and health. The Chinese themselves are very cunning and enterprising, but at the same time good-natured.
Useful words in Chinese for a traveler:
Security in China
Do you know where the tradition of wearing a backpack on the front came from? From China. Petty theft is very common there. In big cities you can find a policeman everywhere who will gladly help in any situation. Also on all buses, metro, shopping centers, and there are simply cameras hanging on the street, so in big cities there is nothing to be afraid of when walking along the streets in the evening. From personal experience: I walked with photographic equipment, and not once did anyone try to pester me.
Also in China there is an unspoken rule that animals, children and laovayam(for foreigners) anything is possible.
(Photo: Today is a good day / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
How much does an independent trip to China from Russia cost?
Let's calculate how much a trip to China costs for two for 10 days when departing from Moscow:
- Single entry visa - $52.
- Flights from Moscow to Beijing and back - from $586. Find a ticket >>
- Hotel in the center of Beijing in low season - $130. Find a hotel >>
- Meals in eateries for locals - $120.
- Insurance - $23.
- Transport and attractions - approximately $200.
So, how much does it cost to travel to China on your own? The minimum cost of the trip, if you are ready to save, is approximately 1111$ for two for 10 days.
If you are used to living comfortably, then the trip will cost approximately 1711$ for two (accommodation in a 3* hotel - $250 and meals in cafes and restaurants - $600). We spent $1,500 a month for two of us.
Fragment of a 100 yuan bill (Photo: super.heavy / flickr.com) Take advantage of our useful tips on an independent trip to China in 2020:
- Before you travel, watch how the Chinese count on their fingers. The match with our score is only up to 4, then everything is different.
- Be sure to download a translator to your phone.
- Take the necessary medications, as you are unlikely to find anything familiar in Chinese pharmacies. You are more likely to encounter dried toad than activated charcoal.
- Download the Baidu program and maps of the cities where you plan to live on your phone. This program will help you choose the route, time and type of transport, determine the best option ways. You won't get lost with her. I highly recommend it!
I hope you have a general idea of prices and conditions. And the problem of language, as you see, is not so terrible. Travel, because there are so many interesting things in the world!
(Photo: monkeylikemind / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
First photo: mandylovefly / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
In this material we will tell you how to organize an independent trip to the Middle Kingdom so that it is inexpensive.
China is Wonderland, alluring with its ancient culture and rich history dating back more than 5 thousand years. These are colorful places and works of art, magnificent monuments and majestic temples...
When planning an independent holiday in China in 2016, you will probably want to visit the main “places of power”, including the Great Wall of China and Forbidden City and also see Terracotta Army, the Chengdu nature reserve with its huge pandas and the Guilin region with its tranquil landscapes.
An independent trip to China is not a two-week tour to Egypt, so be prepared for various surprises and the specifics of Asia. It is best to explore China sequentially, starting, for example, with cosmopolitan Hong Kong and the local Las Vegas of Macau, and then visiting the Philippine Islands, Guangzhou and Hainan. And only when the most tourist places in the country have been completely developed, feel free to go to China on your own.
Remember that most Chinese do not speak English, except for education workers and students, so be prepared for the worst - you may have to use sign language.
And finally, the food here is quite specific, so if you are not a fan of spicy cuisine, you will have a hard time in China. In addition, the menu of a typical cafe may not have an English version of the names of the dishes, and then you will have to order at random based on the picture or by pointing to your neighbor’s plate.
Another characteristic point - public transport countries. In China people smoke almost everywhere, including buses and trains. They don’t smoke except on airplanes, so if you are not a heavy smoker, choose air travel. But in general, transport here is well developed, and you can get to the right place what is it in railway, and along the highway in a rented car or taxi.
Travel plan
The price of a tour to China at agencies will be higher than the cost of an independent trip to China. So, if you want to save money, it’s better to be patient and develop a clear plan for your trip to the Middle Kingdom:
- Determine exact travel dates
- Approximately calculate your travel budget
- Decide on a destination
- Book a hotel or house
- Buy plane tickets to China
- Design necessary documents(visa and insurance)
- Pack your suitcase and hit the road.
Flights
Before you travel to China on your own, you need to buy a plane ticket. You can fly to China directly with Aeroflot or Air China, or you can get there with transfers on Emirates, Air Astana and other airlines.
Aeroflot has regular flights from Moscow to Beijing and Shanghai. The flight duration is from 8 to 10 hours. China Eastern airlines also fly to Shanghai, and you can fly to the capital of China by regular flights Hainan Airlines, Air China, Transaero and S7.
It is convenient to fly to Hong Kong from Moscow and St. Petersburg non-stop with the same Aeroflot, Transaero and Cathay Pacific or with Qatar Airlines and Emirates with one transfer. You can buy tickets (roundtrip) from 20,000 rubles. By the way, Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok International Airport, which is located on artificial island, is considered one of the most comfortable air hubs in the world. You can travel from one terminal to another in a few minutes by Aeroexpress.
In addition to Chek Lap Kok, there are 5 dozen airports in China, so your choice will depend on which city you want to see first. The most convenient way would be to arrive in Hong Kong and then continue your independent journey towards Chengdu or Hainan. Or you can fly to Shanghai, and from there go to Guilin, Hangzhou and Longzi.
The most in a convenient way booking cheap air tickets to China is a portal. For search advantageous offer Enter the codes of the departure and arrival airports in the query line, select your travel dates, click on “search” and wait for the result. In a couple of seconds, you will see all available flights to China on the days you specified, which can be distributed by the number of transfers, ticket prices and other criteria.
If you know English, be sure to activate the search function for “English-speaking agencies” in the settings so that the system returns more results. If you wish, you can save the request data and subscribe to constant price updates from aviasales for the destination you need.
Calendar low prices for air tickets
The State of China is located on an area of more than 9 million square meters. km and in terms of scale confidently ranks 3rd in the world, behind Canada and Russian Federation. Rich cultural heritage The PRC attracts travelers from all over the world and does not leave any tourist indifferent.
Sights of China
How to travel to China on your own
China for a tourist is a world of contrasts, a combination of the splendor of a modern metropolis, a carefree and expensive life with the modest life of farmers and market traders of trinkets. The pace is fast here modern life fits best with ancient history.
You can go to the Celestial Empire as part of a group, and then some of the organizational issues will be resolved by the travel agent. Sophisticated tourists who prefer to travel independently should take into account some simple details of the trip:
Book accommodation or hotel rooms in advance.
Apply for a visa and buy insurance.
Buy plane tickets.
At independent travel In the PRC it is necessary to understand that 80% of the population does not speak foreign languages. To avoid problems with the language barrier, it is advisable to raise your level of Chinese to at least HSK1.
Registration for training
Free Trial Lessons
Every week we offer free trial lessons for adults and children. During the lesson you will become familiar with the basics of the Chinese language, its phonetics, hieroglyphs and learn your first phrase. We regularly conduct program presentations for parents of students.
Level determination
If you or your child have already learned Chinese before, then before starting classes you must undergo an interview to determine the level. Then we will select a suitable group and schedule a trial lesson in it.
We have received your application. Thank you!
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Route around China: where is the best place to go?
Popular tourist destinations include modern and traditional holidays:
SPA resorts
There are many professional health centers on the territory of the People's Republic of China, where the developments of modern Western medicine are effectively combined with unique methods of Chinese therapy. You will be offered therapeutic mud baths, aromatherapy, acupuncture, herbal treatments, wraps, moxibustion, balneotherapy, acupuncture, inhalations, and various massages. People go to China to improve the functions of the musculoskeletal system, to treat cardiovascular and gastrointestinal pathologies, the respiratory and nervous systems, rheumatism and arthritis.
Ski resorts
Lovers active pastime will appreciate the infrastructure and high service ski resorts Baidahe, Jinguetan and Yabuli. Modern tracks that meet international standards allow both professionals and amateurs to actively engage in sports.
Ecotourism
There are numerous historical monuments architecture, ancient temples, places of pilgrimage Sacred Mountain Huashan, National parks in the area of Sanqingshan and Jade Mountain with huge variety rare plants and animals, National Park Volun with the natural habitat of giant pandas. Most areas are designated as World Heritage UNESCO.
Dive resorts
For exciting diving, the surroundings of the city of Sanya are suitable - Xiaodonghai, Yalongwan and Dadonghai bays, Wuzhizhou and Sidao islands. Among the diversity of marine fauna you can find starfish, many fancy fish, large jellyfish, and more than 50 varieties of corals. The water of the South China Sea is so clear that underwater landscapes can be viewed at a depth of up to 25 meters.
Sights of China
Great Chinese Wall - one of seven modern miracles light, the largest structure on the planet. Have a fun walk Climbing the wall will only be possible for physically prepared tourists. Assess your body's capabilities in advance, as a large number of steps can take all your strength, and the excursion will not be enjoyable. An alternative could be a funicular.
Shaolin Monastery. Here you can observe with your own eyes the life of the monks, see their daily hours-long training of strength and spirit, as well as demonstrations of martial arts.
Tropical island of Hainan. Ideal place for a relaxing beach holiday with white sandy shores and crystal clear waters. Admire the beauty underwater world with vibrant landscapes, unusual fauna and coral thickets, lovers of diving and snorkeling will be able to enjoy it.
Nantian thermal springs. There are more than 40 warm water pools on the territory of the health complex; the available temperature range allows everyone to find their own comfort zone.
Oceanarium on Henkin Island. The world's largest aquarium houses the rarest specimens depths of the sea. Here tourists can feed crocodiles and look at the most terrible and unusual animals up close.
Monkey Island. The journey to the island itself along the longest and most picturesque cable car China can already be considered an additional excursion. And on the island, tourists will find a sparkling pearl museum and jewelry stores.
Shanghai. Arriving in Shanghai, tourists should definitely see the Temple of the Guardian God of the city and the Temple of the Jade Buddha, as well as take a walk along Nanjing Street (Shanghai Arbat).
Hong Kong. Cultural and historical center with many galleries, exhibitions and museums: horse racing, police, medical sciences, Madame Tussauds wax figures, Art Museum Tsui, Lau Uk Folklore House Museum, Pao Art Center and other attractions.
Important and useful little things for tourists
Additional information will make your stay in the country easier and help avoid embarrassing situations for both beginners and experienced tourists:
Time. The difference with the Moscow time zone is +5 hours.
Payment system. In modern shopping centers, hotels, restaurants, payments are accepted bank cards almost all payment systems. For small purchases, it is best to have cash in national currency. The most profitable currency converter is located at the airport.
Transport. Traveling around China is quite easy with high speed trains(350 km/h), tickets should be purchased in advance, especially if the planned trip falls on a weekend or holiday. Car rental is only possible with a driver, as international driving licenses are not valid here. To travel short distances, you can use taxi services; prices are reasonable. It is important to have an address written in Chinese with you; almost no one speaks English.
Shopping. The finest natural silk and world-famous Chinese porcelain are among the most popular and expensive souvenirs. Exclusive gifts include pearl jewelry, healing tinctures of ants, snakes, scorpions, and Chinese Maotai vodka. Expensive gifts should only be purchased in stores or factories. You can bargain and talk about reducing prices not only in the market, but even in large stores.
Weather. When planning a trip to China, you must take into account that the weather in different areas can vary significantly, even at the same time of year. Depending on the location, some provinces may experience freezing temperatures while other areas may be exposed to the scorching sun.
A trip to China will allow you to immerse yourself in the ancient traditions and unusual culture of this country, see the stunning landscapes of national parks and mountain ranges, visit the largest architectural monuments, palaces of emperors, ancient temples, pagodas and museums, and also appreciate local cuisine that has preserved thousand-year-old traditions and secrets.
The Chinese mentality is very different from what we are used to. Of course, the Chinese are ready to turn a blind eye to many of the peculiarities of the guests, but the guests, for their part, must take into account the logic of a foreign country. So we have put together 10 tips for you, following which you can spend your time in China comfortably and not get into trouble:
1.Traditions of eating in China are centuries old. Popular all over the world, rice sticks are a real art, behind which there are many features. Moreover, with the help of all kinds of rituals associated with eating, respect for each other is conveyed. For example, you cannot pass food from chopsticks to chopsticks. You cannot stick chopsticks into rice; the Chinese associate this with sudden death. Why is that? But because it resembles smoking sticks in temples, which are precisely associated with all sorts of funeral rituals. A large piece of food must be held with chopsticks and bitten off. You also cannot point at something with chopsticks or move plates with them. After eating, they should be placed on the edge of the plate or on coasters, but not just on the table. And even without chopsticks, there are many peculiarities of food culture. For example, if someone hands you something, including a plate or cup, take it with both hands. Keep in mind that the dishes here are large and not designed for one person. However, they can cost very little, and it will be a shame to leave two-thirds of a huge portion of food on the plate.
2.Photo and video shooting in churches and museums is prohibited. In some places, filming is only permitted for an additional fee. It is not recommended to photograph government institutions and strategic objects (even bridges and dams). Follow the icons; most often there will be a symbol of a crossed out camera, but even without it you should be careful.
3. There are no firm rules for vaccination before traveling to China. But we recommend prior vaccination against cholera, Japanese encephalitis, polio, typhoid fever and hepatitis A and B. There is a risk of contracting rabies, tuberculosis, diphtheria and bilharzia (blood schistosis). And if you decide to visit the southwestern regions and Hainan Island, you should get vaccinated against malaria.
4.Drinking water from the tap and, especially, from sources and reservoirs is highly not recommended. In any hotel, your room will have either a thermos with boiling water or an electric kettle. Use for drinking mineral water from plastic bottles. When ordering chilled drinks, avoid ice. There is a risk that water for ice will be taken from the nearest river, and no one will boil it.
5. Most regions of Tibet are closed to tourists. And not only because there are nature reserves here. The main reason for this is religious issues. To travel to Tibet, a special additional permit is required, which is issued by the receiving party in advance. It is possible to visit Tibet with a group along a pre-agreed and agreed route; for this purpose, separate tours are created.
6. A foreigner in China should always carry with him a hotel business card with an inscription in Chinese or a card with his data filled out by any Chinese translator. The more such guidelines you have with you, the easier it will be for you in any situation, and the faster they will help you.
7.CNY, or yuan, is the only official means of payment in China. In general, some stores may also accept USD, but it will be more profitable for you to exchange currency. This can be done at the main branches of the Bank of China, hotels, international airports, railway stations, and large shopping centers. You should keep the receipts received during the exchange; the return exchange of the remaining yuan at the end of the trip can only be done upon presentation. American Express, JCB, Visa, Master Card and Diners Club credit cards are accepted in international hotels and restaurants, and large state department stores. You can withdraw cash from them only at Bank of China branches (commission is about 4%). Credit card purchases are subject to a fee of 1-2% of the purchase price and are not eligible for discounts.
8. Take with you what you will need on your trip. This is especially important for the prevention and treatment of diseases. If you use any injections, take syringes with you; if you need antipyretics, stock up on all these medications in advance. It’s better to plan for everything, including a possible upset stomach and a cold, than to then try to explain to local pharmacies what you need. This also applies to other items related to hygiene, nutrition, and travel comfort. Think through everything as much as possible so as not to look for goods in huge supermarkets with Chinese signs. It’s not a fact that they will be dubbed in English even where there are a lot of tourists.
9. It is not customary to tip everywhere in China, but a maid or porter at a hotel will not refuse 1-2 CNY. By the way, in restaurants there are two menus, one for the Chinese, the other for you, and prices here will be 2-3 times higher. It's hard to do anything about this if you don't look Chinese, but you can try to ensure that they bring you the Chinese version of the menu.
10.China, as a more than densely populated country, can hardly be called safe for tourists. And this is especially true for megacities, of which there are a great many. Try to provide yourself with all hotel contacts, transport lists, maps and atlases of the city as much as possible, contact numbers translators and guides. Take care of your belongings and try not to walk alone, especially in unfamiliar areas and away from the hotel. Focus on your tourist group, and don't move too far away from her. Of course, nothing particularly terrible will most likely happen. China is quite civilized, and they will help you if you contact the police or just passers-by, in most cases. And, perhaps, even with joy and interest, the Chinese are responsive and curious. However, it is better to be on the safe side here.
Before traveling to China, you should decide whether Russians need a visa to China in 2020 and how to get one. According to the current immigration laws of the PRC obtaining a visa to China is a mandatory procedure for all Russians who is going to visit this state. Exceptions are the cities of Hong Kong and Macau, you can enter there for 14 and 30 days, respectively, without prior permission.
Almost all types of visas to China can be obtained independently through the Visa Application Center or General Consulates(Consular Section in Moscow) Embassy of the People's Republic of China. They are located in St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Khabarovsk, Irkutsk.
For those who decide to apply for a visa without refusals, quickly and inexpensively, we recommend the Online visa center.
China - developing tourist destination, the flow of Russian tourists is growing every year
Visa-free entry
There are situations when you can enter China without a visa. There are territories where you can stay without a permit for some time under certain conditions, while in other places you are allowed to obtain a so-called visa to the PRC on arrival.
Stamp upon arrival
You can get to China without a pre-obtained visa in a group that is pre-compiled of several people (the rule does not apply to individual visits). In this case, group lists of citizens who have the right to such a procedure are first submitted to the border service; the lists are sent by a Chinese travel company. Such entry documents are given for groups of more than two people, they can be obtained by arriving at Beijing airport or on the island. Hainan. With this permit, you are allowed to stay on the territory of the state for no more than 21 days.
You can get such a stamp in China without purchasing a tour package; many companies, for some money, simply include additional people on tourist lists so that the latter have the opportunity not to issue an entry document in advance.
For residents of border areas
Installed special regime obtaining a Chinese visa for those Russians who live in regions bordering China. If you have an invitation from the Chinese side, then permission to cross the border is issued directly at the border checkpoint (not all checkpoints fall under the rule; information must be clarified at the Consulates).
Visa-free transit
If the traveler arrives in international airports Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Chengdu, Dalian, Chongqing, Shenyang, Kunming, Xi'an, Guilin, Wuhan, Hangzhou, Harbin, Xiamen and plans to fly within 72 hours to other countries through the same air hubs, then he does not need to obtain prior transit visa to China. In such situations, certain rules must be followed:
- If a passenger has arrived in the cities of Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou or Chongqing, then he is allowed to enter the city, but is prohibited from leaving its boundaries;
- You cannot transfer to another type of transport (bus, train).
Sometimes there are flights in which the arrival is at one airport and the departure is from another. In such situations, you can also do without transit visa, but there are mandatory requirements:
- The flight is served by one air carrier;
- The flight is operated by different airlines, but all parts of the flight go under a single booking code and are entered on one form;
- The airline is scheduled to arrive at one airport for refueling and depart from another.
In this case, a 24-hour corridor for transit (exit from the international zone of the airport) may be allowed if the appropriate boarding passes, but the final decision will be made by the visa officer.
Visa-free transit rules also apply to residents of Ukraine (the rule does not apply to Kazakhstan).
Types of entry documents
Any Chinese visa for Russians is issued depending on the purpose of their stay in the state. Documents are divided into several types, each assigned a specific category.
Tourist (L)
This is a tourist visa to China for Russians; it is requested if the purpose of the trip is to visit attractions in which the PRC is very rich. A very large number of compatriots receive a tourist visa, as this direction is gaining popularity.
China can offer not only beach holiday on o. Hainan, but also interesting excursions, and picturesque walking routes. Those travelers who want to visit the country's national parks or admire the largest panda nursery in the world must apply for a Chinese tourist visa for Russians.
Business visa (M)
This is a China business visa that is suitable for everyone possible types business activity that the applicant intends to develop in the PRC. Due to the growth of business and trade relations between countries, the number of people wishing to open a business in China has also increased. Traders, entrepreneurs, and any people who intend to make a profit must have a business visa to China. Such activities can only be carried out with a business visa; using other categories of documents can result in a fine and a lifelong ban on entry into China.
Working (Z)
A work visa to China for Russians will be required if the applicant plans to come to China and work under a contract with a Chinese employer (or in a Chinese branch of a foreign company). There is also a special subtype of work visa, which is assigned category R. It is issued to highly valuable specialists who, according to the Chinese authorities, have unique and valuable skills and knowledge. Absolutely all categories of employees need to obtain a work visa to China for Russians.
Transit visa (G)
This is a transit visa to China, which is done in advance in Russia, if the conditions for visa-free transit are not met.
Student visa (X1/X2)
A student visa to China will be required if you plan to study in China. The X1 student visa allows you to come for a short study/course/training, and the X2 allows you to stay in the country for a longer period and already study at a university/school.
Visitor visa (F)
A Chinese visitor visa is required to be issued by those persons who enter the PRC for the purposes of study visits, study tours, exchange, business trips, and so on.
For journalists (J1/J2)
According to this document, foreign journalists, as well as other employees of foreign media, are allowed to enter the state.
For relatives (Q1/Q2)
This entry permit to China is issued for those who want to come to visit their relatives. Also suitable for the purpose of family reunification (if the family member is a Chinese citizen or a person with permanent residence status).
The concept of “family member” includes: parents, spouses, children, grandparents, spouses of sons and daughters, grandchildren, parents of wives and husbands.
For foreign guests (S1/S2)
A visa to China of this type gives the right to visit foreigners who legally reside/work/study in China, as well as for other private purposes. Considered a guest entry permit.
For airline employees (C)
Issued only to team members of international aircraft crews.
Permanent Residence (D)
According to such a document, a foreigner has the right to reside in China. Another name is permanent residence.
Urgent visa
There is no separate concept as an urgent visa to China; any type of entry permit can be obtained under an expedited scheme. This will be more expensive than the usual procedure, but in some cases you still need to urgently apply for a visa to China, for example, if you have a flight in a couple of days or for some reason the procedure for obtaining an entry visa was postponed until the last minute.
Required documents
There is a general list of documents for a visa to China, as well as an additional one depending on the type of permit. The requirements for the papers are not very strict; collecting them usually does not present any difficulties. The main list is below.
- International passport. The original is required, valid for six months after leaving China.;
- A photocopy of those pages of the passport where personal data is recorded and there is a photo;
- A properly completed application form (can be downloaded in .doc format directly from the Embassy website from the “Download Application Forms” section);
- One photo 3 by 4 or 3.5 by 4.5 cm;
- Photocopies of previously issued Chinese visa stamps.
For L (tourism)
- Confirmation of airline tickets and hotel reservations, or a written invitation from the Chinese host with information: name, surname and other personal details of the invitee, dates of visit, place of visit, and so on;
- In the case of an invitation - a letter with information about the inviting party with address, telephone number, and other data on official letterhead with an original seal.
For M (business)
- Documents with information about the visit: purpose, dates, places of visit, sources of covering expenses;
- An invitation from a Chinese partner or another type of invitation with full information about the invitee;
- A letter containing all information about the inviters;
- A copy of the inviter's Chinese ID card, or permanent residence permit, or foreign passport (if it is a private person).
For Z (work)
For G (transit)
For a transit visa, you will need a ticket for any transport confirming departure to a third country.
For X1/X2 (student)
- Original and copy of the document confirming admission to the educational institution;
- Original and copy of student visa application (Form JW201 or JW202).
For F (guest)
- An invitation from an authorized organization with comprehensive information about the invitee;
- Information about the inviting Chinese party;
- Information about the details of the visit: purpose, dates, financial support, description of connections between the parties, and so on.
For J1/J2 (journalists)
- Notification letter from the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
- A letter from the employer who employs the journalist.
For Q1/Q2 (by invitation)
- Invitation with information about the invitee;
- Information about the person who is inviting (including a copy of his current ID);
- Evidence of family ties between the parties.
For S1/S2 (by invitation of foreigners)
For C (airline employees)
- Letter of guarantee from the air carrier company.
For D (for permanent residence)
For D, you will need one special document for a visa - the original, as well as one photocopy of a document confirming the right to permanent residence, which is issued by the relevant Ministry.
For all foreigners who enter China with documents type D, J1, Q1, S1, X1, Z mandatory rule: You must, within thirty days from the moment of crossing the border, contact the local (territorial) departments of public security authorities that are in charge of entry/exit matters and register. Ignoring the rule is considered a violation and may result in permanent expulsion from the state.
Filling out the China visa application form
The China visa application form can also be downloaded from English language. You need to answer all questions, carefully indicate your personal data, sign in the required places and attach to the collected package of documents. It is necessary to pay special attention to the correct filling out of the form. It's very convenient that The China visa application form can be filled out in Russian.
Photo requirements
There are certain photo requirements for a China visa that you need to consider when taking photos. So, a visa photo must meet the following criteria:
- Light background;
- Colored;
- Lack of hats, wigs, glasses, makeup, which distorts appearance beyond recognition;
- Full face;
- Size 3 by 4 or 3.5 by 4.5 cm.
Do-it-yourself registration process
You can learn how to apply for a visa to China yourself from the numerous experiences of tourists who have visited the Celestial Empire. Entry documents are made by many agencies (intermediaries) who have a service for issuing visas to the PRC of any type, even without providing a full package of papers. This route will be convenient for those citizens who want to obtain a type of visa of a certain category, but they, for example, do not have the full package of necessary documents.
If the task is to obtain a visa to China on your own, then this is quite possible. You can learn how to get a visa to China on your own and without resorting to the services of intermediaries from the algorithm described below:
- Determine the type of entry visa requested;
- Collect all documents: first obtain the necessary permits, invitations, certificates, and so on;
- Download and fill out the application form;
- Hand over the entire package to the Consular Section of the Embassy or to the Visa Center (reception is carried out only in weekdays, Monday through Friday);
- Get a passport with a stamp.
There is nothing difficult in obtaining a visa to China on your own; the percentage of approvals for applications is very high.
China visa for a child
The procedure for obtaining a China visa for children is almost the same as for their parents. Additionally you will need:
- Visa application form, which is filled out by parents;
- A copy of the birth certificate;
- The original permission to travel outside the Russian Federation, timely certified by a notary, signed by one/both parents (copies of the parent/parents’ passports will be required);
- A copy of the entry permit of the person accompanying the child (if the child is traveling without parents).
Price
To obtain the document, all applicants pay a visa fee. The current cost of a visa to China is determined by two factors: the urgency of processing and the number of permitted entries.
Information on how much a visa to China costs can be found in the table.
Along with the cost of a visa to China, a bank commission of at least 2.5% is charged for each person.
Dates of issue
The processing time for applications is tied to the cost of the visa. The time interval can be from one to five days:
- The usual period is 5 days;
- Expedited (urgent) review – 2 days;
- Express review – within one day (issuance on the day of application submission).
Validity periods
The validity period of a Chinese visa depends on the number of entries allowed.
Possible failure
Despite the fact that applying for and obtaining a visa to the PRC is a fairly simple process, and visa officers are loyal to applicants from Russia, there are also refusals. Standard reasons:
- Recorded violations of visa legislation, in this case the authorities may impose a ban on entry for life;
- Suspicions raised by the applicant’s documents;
- There is something wrong with the documents themselves.