What to prepare for and what you need to know before traveling to China. Tips on how to prepare for an independent trip to China. What is better on your own or organized in China?

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. Here the fast pace of modern life is best combined 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.

When traveling to China on your own, you need 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.

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Route around China: where is the best place to go?

Popular tourist destinations include modern and traditional types of recreation:

    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 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

    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

    the great Wall of China- one of the seven modern wonders of the world, 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. An 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 of the deep sea. Here tourists can feed crocodiles and look at the most terrible and unusual animals up close.

    Monkey Island. The trip to the island along the longest and most picturesque cable car in 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, and restaurants, bank cards of almost all payment systems are accepted. 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, as well as appreciate local cuisine that has preserved thousand-year-old traditions and secrets .

The best places to stay in China for beginner independent travelers and those who have seen everything, but walked past the Great Wall of China.
Throughout China's history, which spans more than 5,000 years, the country has developed one of the richest and most enigmatic cultures on our planet, with magnificent monuments, a great emperor, amazing evidence of religious worship and works of culture and art that remain one of a kind to this day. one of the most remarkable evidence of the flight of creative thought of mankind.
Empires succeeded each other, China's borders expanded, but the traditional Chinese lands in the heart of China - Beijing and Xian - remained unchanged; the majesty of the Yangtze River and the Guilin region, as well as modern wonders Shanghai and Hong Kong. In these lands, the great philosophers - Confucius, Lao Tzu and Zhuang Zhou, expounded their teachings about life and the laws of the universe, shaping not only Chinese society, but also the society of the entire South Asian region as a whole. Many of the traditional China tours available to travelers involve these places and some of China's most famous landmarks in the world, such as the Great Chinese wall, Terracotta Army and Forbidden City. There is also always the opportunity to see giant pandas in the Chengdu Nature Reserve, take a cruise on the great Yangtze River, or relax among the karst landscapes of the Guilin region.

8 reasons to go on an independent trip to China

BEIJING
A visit to the Forbidden City gives an insight into the limitless power and wealth of generations of Chinese emperors.
THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA
For many, the Great Wall of China is a symbol of China and one of the most outstanding evidence of the design thought of antiquity.
TERRACOTTA ARMY
It is believed that Terracotta Army, consisting of 8,099 life-size figures of warriors, servants and horses, protected the Chinese Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. The man-made necropolis was accidentally discovered by a farmer in 1974 near the city of Xi'an.
SHANGHAI
Shanghai, amazing with its scale and speed of technological progress, is one of the most amazing cities in the world that you should definitely visit.
YANGZE RIVER
A cruise along the Yangtze River promises to be a relaxing and highly entertaining event.
CHENGDU RESERVE
Chengdu is a sacred place for panda worship. See pandas in wildlife These days it is almost impossible, but in Chengdu they can be safely observed in conditions as close as possible to their natural habitat.
HONG KONG
Cosmopolitan Hong Kong – beautiful place to start or end a trip - see for yourself with ours.
CHINESE CUISINE
Chinese cuisine is as varied as life itself; it has countless national dishes, and they are prepared differently in each region.

How to get to China

The country has more than 50 international and local airports. You can fly from Russia to China on direct flights of companies Air China or Aeroflot, with a transfer in Dubai (Emirates), Almaty (Air Astana) and other airlines, depending on which city is the first on your travel route to China. By the way, the best idea would be to land in Hong Kong and start your journey from there, for example, to Hainan or Chengdu.

From Shanghai it is convenient to travel to Hangzhou, the Yellow Mountains, Guilin and Longzi.

When to go. Best time to visit China

Variations are possible with the weather in China - the country is large. Depending on where you plan to go, focus on that region. In the north and south of the country, summers are hot and humid, with frequent rain. At the same time, winter in the northern regions of China (with suffocatingly hot summers) is very cold and the thermometer often drops below -40 degrees Celsius. In the northwest, summers are less humid but drier; the air temperature during this season can reach +47 degrees Celsius. In central China, located in the Yangtze River basin, it is hot in summer and quite cool in winter.
That's why best time for visiting China there will be spring – from March to April or autumn – in September and October when, despite cool nights, during the day it is quite comfortable and the weather is perfect for excursions throughout the country. But still, just in case, it’s worth taking an umbrella with you so as not to be caught off guard in the rain. Season for a beach holiday on Hainan Island begins in October and lasts I'm at home.
China is worth visiting in winter, despite the cold in most areas, for the spectacular Chinese New Year and Spring Festival celebrations that fall on end of January – February.

Visa to China

Russian citizens need a visa to travel to China.
1. international passport, which is valid for at least 6 months from the end of the trip; the passport must have at least one blank page;
2. completed application form in Russian, English or Chinese V.2011A, signed by the applicant. The form must be filled out in block letters (on a computer or by hand) without corrections or blots;
3. photograph 3×4 or 3.5×4.5 cm on a light background. The photo must be attached to the application form;
4. an invitation from a Chinese travel agency or hotel with a red stamp. If the inviting party is a private person - an invitation in free form, certified by the seal of the local police department, and a copy of the ID of the inviting person.
5. hotel reservation for the entire stay;
6. original and copy of the policy health insurance for the entire duration of the trip, insurance coverage - at least $15,000;
7. air tickets;
IMPORTANT! If you are visiting China for the first time, you must provide a proof of employment. When applying for a visa at the Chinese consulate in Irkutsk, you must provide a certificate from the bank confirming the availability of funds in the account. Visa-free transit visa-free transit allowed allowed in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou And Chengdu. In this case, tourists must have permission to enter the third country and booked ticket with a departure date within the next 72 hours.
IN Hong Kong without a visa You can stay for 14 days. Macau visa on arrival and allows you to stay in Macau for no more than 30 days.
Visa on arrival you can also get on Hainan Island, if you are arriving on a direct international flight (Moscow - Sanya), or traveling with a transfer in Hong Kong (Moscow - Hong Kong, Hong Kong - Sanya). The visa gives the right to stay on the island for no more than 15 days. In all other cases, you must obtain a visa in advance from the Chinese consulate.

Features of planning a trip to China

We warn you right away that we are talking about an independent trip to China - a country not for the faint of heart, spoiled by all-inclusive tourists. If one day on the beach of Egypt, Turkey or Montenegro, that’s not the point, the thought came to mind: shouldn’t we go to China ourselves for two weeks to see everything? We answer: don’t wave! Don't ruin your vacation and don't waste your money. What to do if you really want to? Or contact a travel agency, but it’s better to listen to our advice.
First, the study of China must be done progressively. First, go to, for example, passing through or somewhere else in Southeast Asia. Then purposefully try your luck and see Chinese Las Vegas, perhaps compare it with its original in the USA. For the third time, going on vacation, again to Southeast Asia, book air tickets with long layovers in. Relax on the beaches of Hainan. And then, when the most “loyal” cities of China to tourists will be walked far and wide, you can think about long journey, for two to three weeks, and even visit the country on a romantic visit, traveling from Harbin to Sanya - along.
Secondly, why, in fact, do we warn and almost dissuade China: be prepared for the fact that English language Not everyone in China owns it; to be honest, almost no one, of course, except for schoolchildren and expats. You will have to explain yourself on your fingers.
Thirdly, food, hotels, transport... If you have already visited India, at least Goa, then you should complete this quest easily and naturally. To order something in a cafe, point your finger at the picture; if there is no picture, then point at the plate of the Chinese sitting at the next table. You can ask the waiter to give you a tour of other people's plates - you walk along the tables and again point your finger at what you like best.
Hotels need to be booked well in advance. The Chinese love to travel always and everywhere, and they also love their homeland.
Transport in China is very specific. There will be smoking on the buses. Smoking is allowed on trains. There is no smoking on airplanes. And thanks to the convenience, it is always better to choose an airplane. It's fast. simple and cheap. There are airports accepting international and domestic flights in almost every major city in China. Transport links in China are very well developed, and where a plane does not fly, a train always goes; if there are no railway tracks, then the bus is coming, there are no flights - there is some taxi driver or private driver ready to take you to your destination for reasonable amounts. Have patience and a philosophical attitude towards everything that is happening around you, and then your independent trip to China will work out in the best possible way.

Cities and attractions in China that everyone should see

BEIJING

Modern capital China, the city of Beijing is a real microcosm in this amazing country with its intriguing inconsistency and perfect place to get started with rich history China, its landscapes and attractions. The majestic Tiananmen Square with monolithic monuments from the era of the greatness of communism faces one of the most impressive sights of China - the Forbidden City, and crowds of people in the bustle of the city dissolve in the serene expanses of the Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace. Traditional “khatongs” are narrow, crowded streets of the city that are rapidly disappearing from the map. modern city– illustrate the more traditional side of Chinese life, while Olympic Park, the city's restaurants and hotels eloquently testify to a different side of Chinese life. In both cases, travelers have the chance to lose themselves in this diverse and complex community - to experience its flavor, it is worth spending at least three days here.
One of your days in Beijing is worth spending on an excursion to the Forbidden City. This place served as the residence of several dynasties of Chinese emperors. The palace, known to us as the “Forbidden City,” was named so because anyone other than the emperor himself, his family and courtesans were forbidden to enter this territory. Anyone who violated this rule and entered there without the permission of the emperor was supposed to be executed immediately. Today, the Forbidden City is one of the main attractions of the capital, allowing visitors to glimpse into the world of unlimited power and wealth of the rulers of the Middle Empire. This architectural ensemble With about 1,000 buildings, it is the largest and best preserved in China.
Two more attractions of Beijing deserve attention and are worth seeing at least once in your life, no matter how much of a “tourist attraction” they may seem - the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace.
Built in a strict Confucian style, the Temple of Heaven, completely restored for the opening Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008, served as a huge arena for ceremonial ceremonies designed to ensure a bountiful harvest. The exquisite decoration of its halls and altars is permeated with symbolism. The Summer Palace, a beautiful oasis of palaces, temples, lakes and decorative bridges, served as a resting place for the emperor and his family during the dry and dusty summer season. Its vast recreational park and classical gardens, so popular among visitors and locals alike, have been called "a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design" by UNESCO. The temple was built over a number of years; At the same time, more than 100,000 workers worked to dig a huge artificial lake, which today can be crossed by boat.
And of course, while in Beijing, do not miss the opportunity to appreciate one of the “new” wonders of the world – the Great Wall of China. Stretching along the borders of northern China, the Great Wall of China remains the country's most powerful symbol and one of the world's most impressive landmarks. Construction of its first sections began in the 4th century BC, and continued, along with constant reconstruction, until the 16th century.
The wall was built to hold back the onslaught of warlike tribes and prevent them from entering northern China; it is estimated that more than two million people died during its construction.
Nowadays, everyone can walk along the wall quite calmly, enjoying the fabulous views that open to the gaze of the traveler. The section of the Great Wall of China closest to Beijing is Badaling, which served as a kind of “gateway to the capital”. If you want to see one of the most peaceful and spectacular places, you need to go to Jinshanlin. Due to the fact that this section of the wall is located far from Beijing, there are no large tourist groups, which fill other sections of the wall.

WHERE TO LIVE. BEST HOTELS IN BEIJING
Located next to the East Gate of the Imperial Summer Palace, it offers relaxation in one of Beijing's most luxurious and impressive settings. Most rooms are furnished in the style of a century ago. There is a private entrance to the territory of the Summer Palace, so this is the first thing that hotel guests can visit right in the morning.
More a budget option The Haoyuan Guesthouse. Nestled between two lovely courtyards, Haoyuan is the former residence of a wealthy Beijing banker. It is located away from the noisy crowd of the city; however, Tiananmen Square is only a 15-20 minute walk from the hotel. The hotel's 16 rooms are decorated in traditional chinese style, and in the backyard of the hotel you can easily immerse yourself in peace and quiet, truly feel like you are in real China.

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CHENGDU

The calm city of Chengdu, the capital of the “fiery” province of Sichuan, is reliably isolated from the rest of the country by mountain peaks that surround it in a kind of ring. Spicy national cuisine, friendliness local residents, as well as many temples and teahouses will provide you with some of the better opportunities throughout China, observe local life. In the west, the misty mountains stretch hundreds of miles towards the Tibetan plateau, while in the north, covered in dense bamboo forests, lives one of China's most famous national symbols - the giant panda, which leads an almost reclusive lifestyle. They are extremely rare in the wild, but a visit to a panda sanctuary or research center located near the city of Chengdu guarantees the opportunity to get up close and personal with these magnificent animals.

HAINAN

The Chinese call the sunny island with magnificent beaches and hotels their Hawaii. The island is located at the same latitude as northern Vietnam. Therefore, the climate in Hainan is very warm most of the year, and the days are sunny and clear. There are clean ones here sandy beaches and a number of high-end hotels and resorts, many with their own private beaches.
Away from the coast, you can spend a day hiking along the tropical forests, or visit the monkey sanctuary, although most people come here just to relax by the sea. Hainan Island is easily accessible from most major cities in China. It is developing at a breakneck speed, as a result of which it has lost some of its charm; but, nevertheless, this is a wonderful place for those who want to relax and combine excursions with a beach holiday while traveling around China.

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SHANGHAI

Shanghai is a vivid illustration of the well-known phrase about the city of contrasts. He is the embodiment of self-confident 21st century China. The atmosphere of cosmopolitanism here is very far from that which reigns in most other cities in the country. Surrounded by colonial buildings inspired by 1930s architecture, stroll along the waterfront, a sparkling jewel in the pre-war crown East Asia with views of the towering skyscrapers of Pudong.
New Shanghai is made of glass and metal. Futuristic buildings can be found literally everywhere here, and they grow like mushrooms after rain. Further along the river is the French Concession - with streets dotted with shady alleys and an excellent selection of bars and restaurants; this part of the city is calmer than others. This area brings to life the history of the city from the time when Shanghai was an unremarkable fishing village, even before the rapid development of Western trade with China in the 19th century. As a result of the infamous Opium Wars, a weakened China allowed a number of foreign governments, including the French, to open concessions with free trade. At the beginning of the 20th century, the concession became one of the first residential areas of the city with luxurious villas and green boulevards. Those days are long gone, but the area still exudes tranquility and is a great place for an evening stroll.
The area crossed by canals and exquisite flowering gardens also deserves the attention of travelers. Suzhou, a beautiful place located just an hour by train from Shanghai. Water channels and tree-lined squares frame this area, which is famous for its weaving tradition, with techniques that led to the opening of the famous Silk Museum. In the vicinity of Suzhou there are picturesque villages on the water such as Tongli, Zhouzhuang And Zhu Jia Jiao, where ancient stone bridges cross winding canals and old merchant houses line narrow cobbled streets. The best thing that these small villages have to offer is a rare chance to get acquainted with the era of a bygone China; however, during peak season it can get quite crowded; Therefore, if you are visiting the Suzhou area, it is better to plan to leave your hotel early in the morning to avoid crowding.

WHERE TO LIVE. BEST HOTELS IN SHANGHAI
Located in the heart of Shanghai's French Concession, the villa Anting offers excellent quality accommodation at an excellent price. The hotel is housed in a building that blends well with the surrounding colonial-era buildings; numbers in Anting very conveniently located and comfortably furnished. There is both a traditional Chinese restaurant and a restaurant that serves familiar Western dishes. But one of best features This hotel boasts lush green gardens that provide travelers with a welcome escape from the endless bustle of Shanghai.
For those who prefer to live in the heart of the city, it is better to choose a hotel conveniently located near the embankment Peninsula- one of the largest and most luxurious hotels in Shanghai. Peninsula located in an Art Deco building. The hotel's rooms are some of the most spacious in the city, some with stunning views of the river and Pudong's glittering buildings.

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HANGZHOU

The Chinese consider their former capital Hangzhou one of the best places in the country and most of the population prefers to relax here. Hangzhou deserves the love of millions for the most part thanks to the picturesque views of West Lake, a landscape immortalized over the centuries by countless Chinese artists. Although Hangzhou's water scenery has become less attractive than elsewhere these days, the city's tranquil atmosphere and greenery set it apart from other more famous places. After the crazy hustle and bustle of Shanghai and Beijing, this is a great place to rent a bike and go for a stroll by the river and into the nearby hills. You can also visit a local tea plantation, where tea is produced so High Quality, that it is regularly presented during visits of various heads of state, including Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. All this, combined with the newly introduced choice of very authentic and comfortable hotels, makes Hangzhou the ideal place to stay towards the end of your trip.
In addition to walking around the city and exploring local attractions, from Hangzhou you can travel to one of the most sacred mountains in China - Huangshan - Yellow Mountain, located three hours from Hangzhou; so a visit to this place goes well with a visit to this part of China, which is often underestimated or simply overlooked by tourists.
The mountain is very popular among the Chinese population, but if you experiment and spend the night in one of the local hotels, you may find that its peak is all yours. Sunrises here are stunning, with the sun slowly rising to reveal a series of jagged peaks melting into a sea of ​​clouds. So if you want something mind-blowing and amazing where you can take hundreds of “no filter” photos, be sure to get to Huangshan and climb it.

WHERE TO LIVE. BEST HOTELS AROUND HANGZHOU
Surrounded by tea plantations and tiny villages, untouched by the excesses of civilization, Amanfayun – perfect place to relax and pamper yourself. Designed in a traditional village style, each of the 47 rooms at this hotel are housed in typical village houses, some of which are over 100 years old. There is a tea room, several restaurants and a SPA salon. Temples, lakes and other delights of Hangzhou are just 20 minutes' drive away.

  • DISCOUNTS AND SPECIAL OFFERS FOR ACCOMMODATION IN HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS IN HANGZHOU

GUILIN

Guilin, a city located in the south of China, evokes a feeling of peace and has a more relaxing effect on travelers than the more developed cities in the north of the country. The sheer limestone peaks located behind the flat plain around the city form a stunning landscape that has served as one of the main motifs of Chinese art and literature since time immemorial. Guilin itself is a pretty nice town, but it mostly serves as the gateway to the region. Yangshuo and Lushen are places you can easily reach to enjoy the views. A little further there are several charming villages untouched by civilization, where you can see interesting festivals of local small ethnic groups.

YANSHO

A river cruise from Guilin to the small market town of Yangshuo is a popular and very affordable way to see the jagged Mountain peaks from limestone. As you float downstream, you'll see classic scenes from provincial China: herds of buffalo grazing, farmers cultivating their fields, and fishermen unloading their day's catch. Despite the fact that in last years Yangshuo is becoming more and more popular among travelers, but it still remains as calm and welcoming. A trip to Yangshuo is also a great excuse to explore the countryside by bike, car or, more modestly, on foot. On many tributaries of the river there is the opportunity to go rafting.
Evenings in Yangshuo are best spent with the fishermen who use fishing not fishing rods, but specially trained cormorants, or over dinner at one of the many local restaurants in the city. There is also the opportunity to see the spectacular Yangshou Impressions sound and light show directed by Zhang Yimou, who directed the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

LONGJI

Located two hours north of Guilin, the ancient rice terraces Longji - Dragon's Ridge offers a delightful opportunity to gain a closer look at the traditions of the Zhuang people living in the area. An overnight stay in a hotel surrounded by terraces is a great opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of modern China and experience a traditional rural way of life. You can spend hours walking through the villages scattered along the surrounding slopes, either independently or accompanied by a guide. Although the local peasants are already quite accustomed to Western travelers, it is still a great way to see a different side of life in China than frantic rhythms modern cities of this country.
Beyond Longji, the terrain becomes more mountainous and the roads rougher. This part of China is considered one of the least industrialized in the country. Those who can put up with modest accommodations and rough roads will be rewarded with fantastic scenery, a variety of minority cultures and visits to modest, largely untouched villages such as Chengyang. For those who are interested in the culture and traditions of China, the vicinity of Longji provides a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the local festivities that take place here throughout the year. One of such interesting celebrations is the Lushen festival in honor of a wind musical instrument made from reeds, which is held in early October. The festival program includes performances by musicians, as well as various performances, dances, bullfights and horse racing.

Amazing and multifaceted, ancient and at the same time ultra-modern, hectic and incredibly peaceful... A trip to China will reveal this country to you from a variety of angles, and decide for yourself which one to love. One thing we can say for sure - each of you will find a fragment close to you in this Asian mosaic!

What to see in China: the most interesting cities

Beijing

Visit the Gugun Palace complex, previously closed to commoners

You should start your trip to China from the capital Beijing. Its symbol is rightfully considered the world's largest palace complex, Gugun or the Forbidden City. During the reign of the Ming and Qing dynasties, which is about five centuries, entry here was closed to commoners, so today one can consider it a great success to be able to visit this incredible masterpiece of architecture. The huge Tiananmen Square looks no less monumental, where the solemn ceremony of raising the national flag takes place every morning. The best way to take a break from Beijing's gigantomania is in the Yiheyuan Gardens of Peace and Harmony, where the summer imperial palace is located among ponds and openwork pavilions. And, of course, a trip to China is impossible without admiring the pagodas: in Beijing these are the elegant Temples of Heaven and Confucius, which look more like precious boxes. And also! Just 60 km from the capital passes the famous Great Wall. Need I say that not a single trip to China is complete without visiting her?!

Shanghai

View of Shanghai at night from the Bund of the Bund ©

Shanghai is a kind of Chinese Greece, where you have everything! Climb to the dizzying heights of the local Oriental Pearl Tower and admire the reflections of the sky in the mirrored skyscrapers, then explore the intricate patterns of the Longhua Pagoda and the Jade Buddha Temple. Stroll along the popular Bund and go on a mega shopping spree on Nanjing Road, or spend a few hours in the tranquil atmosphere of the Yu Yuan Garden of Joy. Immerse yourself in the world of Eastern culture in museums of ancient art and traditional Chinese medicine, or wax nostalgic for old Europe in the elegant French Quarter. And also! In the suburbs of Shanghai there is a local branch of Venice, a town called Zhujiajiao. Be sure to plan to stop by during your solo trip to China!

Guangzhou

See the most flourishing city in the Celestial Empire with your own eyes! ©

Guangzhou is the most prosperous city in the Middle Kingdom and the embodiment of everything we know about Chinese cuisine. Due to its southern location, this metropolis is more reminiscent of a huge garden, where, due to some misunderstanding, skyscrapers suddenly appeared. Yuexiu Park with the ancient Zhenhai Tower and the annual chrysanthemum exhibition, the Orchid Garden with cozy tea houses and Baiyun Mountain, surrounded by greenery, are the main things worth visiting China and Guangzhou for. But there are also the temples of the Six Banyan Trees and the Five Spirits, the Mausoleum of King Nanyue, the Cheng Clan Academy and the futuristic hyperboloid TV tower. As for local delicacies, it is in Ganzhou that you can taste snake meat and dog meat, fried grasshoppers, frogs, worms and other miniature inhabitants of China. And also! An hour's drive from the city center, above the estuary Pearl River The harsh and beautiful Lotus Mountains rise, like giants carved out of stone by an inept craftsman.

Chengdu

Must visit ancient city in Sichuan province near Chengdu

Chengdu - like an extract of real China, combines ancient architecture and dizzying natural landscapes. In the city itself, find the colorful temple complexes of the Black Goat and Wuhoutsi, look into the imperial residence of Bishushanzhuang and stroll along the ancient streets of Wenshufang and Jinli. If you decide to travel to China with children, then a must-see item in Chengdu is the Giant Panda Sanctuary. And another 50 km from the city are the oldest dam in the world, Dujiangyan and mountain range Qingchengshan with many Buddhist monasteries hidden in the mysterious forest thickets.

Where to go in China: the best attractions

In addition to the main cities, when traveling around China you should also visit remote attractions that you should never miss!

Terracotta Army

The number of clay warriors is amazing

According to ancient tradition, Chinese emperors were buried along with their entire living (!) army, and only the first ruler of the Qin dynasty decided to distinguish himself with humanism and, instead of real warriors, took about 8,000 clay figures with him to the next world. The giant mausoleum was excavated only two millennia later, revealing an entire terracotta army with horses and weapons. There are no two soldiers alike here: each of them has his own facial features, and differences in rank and nationality are also visible. Without exaggeration, this is the most incredible archaeological complex in China!

Yuanyang Rice Terraces

Incredibly picturesque rice plantations of Yuanyang ©

Rice plantations make up one of the most alluring landscapes you can see while traveling in China. The best point for viewing these magical panoramas is in Yunnan province, where a whole network of observation platforms. IN different time The rice terraces look different every year. in winter and in early spring they are flooded with water and look like mirrored staircases; in the summer they are painted in emerald shades, and in the fall they explode with bright golden colors.

Huanshan Mountains

Must visit: mountain panoramas in the Huanshan region

What should mountain lovers see in China if they don’t want to get a special pass to Tibet? The most mesmerizing high-altitude panoramas await you in the Huanshan region. Sharp stone peaks, almost always shrouded in haze, which is constantly pierced by the sun's rays, create an incredible mystical atmosphere. There are hiking routes of varying difficulty levels across the mountains; on some slopes there are also cable cars. And the best way to relax after tiring descents and ascents is at the foot of Huanshan in the hot springs, where the water temperature is always the same - 45°C.

By the way, many of these places can be visited without a visa during!

The best places to relax in China by the sea

Hainan Island

You can always find sunshine on Hainan Island. Even in winter! ©

Incredibly, holidays in China in winter are possible not only in thermal baths, but also at sea! Head to the tropical island of Hainan, where it's sunny and warm all year round. Resorts in this region will suit everyone. Tourists with children will appreciate the well-maintained sandy beaches with a gentle entrance to the water. Young people will enjoy a variety of entertainment: from bars and discos to diving and surfing. Those who want to spice up their holiday in China with an eventful experience won’t get bored either. cultural program, going to a folk village, Monkey Island and Butterfly Gorge.

The most active and popular resort in Hainan is Sanya, where it is always fun, interesting and inexpensive. Yalongwan is more suitable for lovers of a quiet, luxurious holiday. And if you are into surfing, we recommend staying in the Dadonghai area.

The holiday season is October-November and from March to May.

Baidahe

Baidahe can interest absolutely any tourist ©

Until recently, this resort was closed to foreigners; mainly politicians and the wealthiest residents of the Middle Kingdom vacationed here. Need I say that Baidahe has everything that can attract people of this level? Excellent infrastructure, wide golden beaches, clear sea, as well as mountains and healing pine forests. Moreover, this the best place, where you can relax in China near the capital: the train to Beijing takes only 3 hours. True, there is also plenty of entertainment in Baidahe itself: a water park, a safari park and a dolphinarium, the palace of Emperor Qin Shi Huang and the Dove's Nest park, where colorful sunrises are shown. And 35 km from the resort, the Dragon’s Head rises directly from the sea - this is what they call the very beginning of the Great Wall of China.

Holiday season – from May to September

Dalian

The funicular will help you better see the local beauty.

Another resort where it is better to relax in China with children or a group of young people. The main attraction of Dalian is 200 km of gorgeous beaches. The most popular of them is Xinghai, with paid sand and free pebble sections. And for those who are looking for peace and solitude, we advise you to go to the distant Banchuy beach. After sunbathing, take a walk around the city and find the ancient Russian and Japanese streets. If you are young and energetic, you will definitely appreciate the stormy nightlife cities with many bars, where both tourists and local students relax. Little holidaymakers won’t be bored either: they can be taken to an unusual forest zoo, an amusement park and an aquarium, but the main thing is to visit the longest glass underwater tunnel in Asia, located in the Dalian Aquarium.

The holiday season is from June to September.

Where to go shopping in China

Our guide to China would be incomplete without telling us about the country's top shopping spots, because shopping is one of the local tourist attractions! If you are not looking for something special, but rely on low prices and a large selection of goods, go shopping at such big cities like Beijing and Shanghai.

Best places for shopping in Beijing:

Wangfujing Street is one of the central shopping streets of Beijing

  • Wangfujing Street - where there are many brand stores with the highest quality items;
  • Qianmen Dajie Street is a shopping promenade where you can find not only clothes and shoes, but also equipment, souvenirs and handicrafts;
  • Xidan District - here you will find various shopping centers, supermarkets and souvenir shops;
  • Yabaolu District - specializes in trade with Russia and often “speaks” Russian;
  • The silk market is one of the most popular in Beijing, you can find almost everything here;
  • The pearl market speaks for itself - pearls in all its forms are sold here;
  • Panjayuan Market is the country's largest flea market, where you can find unique works of art, antiques, fabrics and much more.
  • The Place shopping complex - where the most expensive and luxurious things are sold.

In Shanghai, all trading responsibilities are clearly divided between different areas:

Shanghai also boasts its “trade list”

  • Longhua Street and the Bund are responsible for the sale of branded items;
  • Near the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum metro station you can find the same brands, but much cheaper and no longer original;
  • Quipu Market sells general clothing and shoes;
  • The First Asian Market and Sunshine Bazaar specializes in jewelry;
  • Dong Tai Market is worth a look for antiques;
  • Tien Shan market offers the best choice tea;
  • Cybermarket, as the name implies, is focused on the sale of equipment and electronics;
  • And all goods are collected in one place in the Raffles City Shanghai and Shanghai New World malls.

What interesting things can you buy in China?

In addition to clothes and shoes of various quality, from well-known brands and their counterfeits to good market items, it is worth bringing various gadgets from China, because, most likely, your smartphone or tablet is made in the Middle Kingdom! The most popular souvenirs are items made of nifrite, legendary Chinese porcelain and pearl jewelry. And, of course, it is impossible to leave here without a box of real Chinese tea, for example, Puer, Baihao, Maofeng or Tie Guanyin.

Transport for independent travel in China

Moving between cities

An excellent alternative to planes are trains that connect almost all cities in China © Kristoffer Trolle

If your travel route in China runs through the entire country, it is best to use air travel to move around. The cheapest flights are provided by numerous Asian low-cost airlines, but when purchasing such tickets, pay attention to free rate hand luggage. For those traveling with luggage, it may be more profitable to fly with non-budget airlines, of which there are also many in China.

An alternative to flying is to travel in China by train. Railways cover almost the entire eastern part of the country, and in the west they connect the main cities. Trains are divided into high-speed (up to 300 km/h), high-speed (up to 200 km/h), fast (up to 150 km/h) and regular trains. There are sleeping places (in a soft or hard compartment) and seats (also soft or hard). The most extreme thing is tickets without seats, which we strongly do not recommend buying. Sales are carried out only at the box office, since for using the site railways you must have Chinese bank card and local phone number. Most cashiers do not speak English, so there are special cash desks for foreigners, where, however, an additional fee is charged for “special services.”

If you are organizing a trip to China on your own and have small budget, it is worth considering the option of moving around the country by intercity buses. On popular routes between megacities, you most often find new, comfortable cars, while very old and very overcrowded buses sometimes go to the outback.

Traveling in China by car is extremely inconvenient, since international laws do not apply here. To rent a car you need to obtain a special document, but this procedure is long and difficult.

Urban transport

As in many countries, taxis are a popular means of transport for tourists.

The fastest way to travel within large cities is the metro, because ground transport stuck in traffic jams comparable in scale to those in Moscow. Tickets can be bought at the ticket office at the entrance to the subway, and on buses and trolleybuses - from the conductor. In addition to one-time travel cards, there are also special cards that work on the principle of an electronic wallet.

Taxis in China are the most popular form of transport among tourists. Payment is made according to the meter: the initial tariff (from 90 rubles) already includes the first 4 km of the route, then approximately 20 rubles are added. per km. At night and outside the city the tariff may be higher. In addition, there are also traditional Asian pedicabs. They are usually more expensive than taxis, but they don’t cost you in traffic jams and will add a unique flavor to your trip to China!

What you need for a trip to China

Be sure to stop by a couple of Chinese villages along the way

Do you need a visa to China?

When is the best time to go to China?

The most comfortable months for traveling to China (including Beijing and Shanghai) are April-May and September-October, when throughout the country it is no longer cold, but also not too hot. No less good weather in China in November and December it is also found in the south of the country, so at this time you can safely plan a trip to Guangzhou. If we talk about resorts, then at north coast(Dalian and Baidahe) it’s better to go in the summer, but beach holiday in China in winter it is possible only on Hainan Island.

And if you are planning to escape in this direction from the Russian cold, then be sure to use ours.

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 can find useful when planning an 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 difficulty you will encounter when independent trip to China 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, there are cameras on all buses, subways, shopping centers, and even just 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.

How to maintain your sanity with two small children and the ubiquitous Chinese :)))

Why China and why now.
Reflecting on the topic of where to take children to the sea, in light of recent events: the terrorist threat in Europe and the Middle East and the sharp fall of the ruble, a rather unexpected decision was made to go to China. Moreover, at that time there was an Aeroflot promotion on air tickets, and in terms of money, if before China was at least cheap, now it is certainly not expensive.

Flight Moscow - Beijing by Aeroflot.
Everything here went without incident. Our friends took us to Sheremetyevo, from where we flew safely to Beijing.

So we flew...

A TV with cartoons and programs and games was just the thing...

Some people have lunch.....
Although it is certainly difficult with children on an airplane, they do not like to sit idle for a long time.
Upon arrival, we took the Aeroexpress to our hotel - Dragon King Hostel (previously I had to spend about 4 hours at the airport, due to the time of check-in at the hotel and the cost of the night transfer to it, but the children slept great)

This was our number. Quite worthy, in my opinion :)

The hotel can be easily reached by metro (From Zhangzizhong Road metro station (Line 5) (Exit C) it takes about 2 minutes to walk to it, we didn’t know this, so we had to get lost. Initially I thought that the distances in China are not such long distances, then I’ve radically changed my opinion, so don’t even think about the metro)

In general, the place itself is very convenient, there is a store nearby with very cheap prices for China (in the photo below there is the most unsightly entrance, where there are a bunch of boxes with goods - all the nearby stores are purchased in this store (in bulk from 2 pcs.), the prices are actually an order of magnitude lower ) (not far from the 7 eleven store - sort of), opposite there is a bank with a 24-hour ATM (across the road).

Here it is on the second floor (description and photos can be found further in the report)

Day 1. Beijing. Sky Temple...













The scale of the park and buildings is certainly impressive, especially considering when it was all built. In the park you will always see groups of Chinese who are either dancing or meditating, some are just walking and enjoying nature (you will never be left alone :)))). I somehow saw this picture: a grandmother is riding in an electric wheelchair (like for the disabled), gets to the steps, gets up, lifts the stroller, sits down and moves on (my jaw even dropped), in general they take care of themselves :)






Previously, only emperors could enter this temple, and the road to them is long and with constant slight upward slopes, as if you were rising into the sky. The temple is worth visiting, the architecture and park area are simply beautiful, I personally had doubts about the originality of the temple itself (but maybe I’m wrong), they arose while examining it very closely :)













In this temple, sacrifices were carried out (thank God only with animals) for a better harvest or rain, or something else. The interior decoration of the temples is identical.







This is another temple in the same park area. After passing this temple, only those close to the emperor went further, and only the emperor entered the Temple of Heaven itself (Temple of Heaven in the previous photos)




The main gate of the previous temple. Our children were held in high esteem here, everyone wanted to take a photo with them, especially with Ulya (blue eyes). Lukyan was sickened by such an abundance of attention to him:)

And this is another part of the park area. It’s difficult for me to say what she was responsible for, because... I wasn’t able to look through the crack much, it seems to me that this is something like a barracks.




We didn’t get there, it was already after 18-00, which means everything - everything is closed :)))) In China, if you got up at 12-00, then you were late for everything :))) For this reason, we were not successful several days - I slept for a long time, I just couldn’t get into it :)

And some of our crew move quite comfortably, almost like emperors :)
This is how our first day in Beijing ended; on the way back we still managed to drop into shopping mall for souvenirs that we will distribute upon arrival from China (wait for it...)



For information:
If you leave the central entrance of the park (next to the metro) and walk to the left for about 30 meters, you can cross the overpass to the other side of the road. Here you can go to a large store and buy souvenirs. Don’t forget to bargain, immediately lower the prices 3-4 times. It’s a very good place to buy souvenirs and a snack (price/quality matches), we haven’t found such a choice and such a low price at other tourist sites as here:)
The cost of visiting the park (Temple of Heaven) in 2016 is 34 yuan (I don’t remember if it’s a student or not)

Well, in the evening we had locally produced fruits.... Ripe mango is just super, especially after a hard day for the body.



Day 2. Beijing. Peking duck
The next day somehow didn’t work out for us and as a result, for the whole day we were able to see only half of Gugun and in the evening eat Peking duck. The duck itself somehow didn’t impress me, no, it’s certainly tasty and all that. But the whole point of it is not so much in the duck, but in the processing of its skin (so that it is crispy and juicy) and sauces while eating it.

This is what our restaurant looked like. We had to wait about ten minutes for a table.

Ulya, as always, showed herself to be a maniac before eating...



And so, Day 3
On this day we went to what everyone associates China with - the Great Chinese Wall, to a site called Badaling.

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For information:

Student ticket price - 20 yuan ( common price 40 yuan).
In principle, these are all costs (if you are a fairly athletic person), but if youIf you don’t want to sweat and walk up to the wall (about 30-40 minutes), you can ride on a special sled on wheels (it’s difficult to name this device correctly).
Moreover, when you go down, you will get a whole bag of positive emotions - this is a small attraction :))) We liked it, the price is 100 yuan (round trip) per person. Also, having reached the very top of the wall (one of the highest points, you definitely won’t miss this place) you canwill ride (go down) along cable car

road, but I would recommend that you save this money for something else, because...You won’t see beautiful views on the cable car anyway, but it costs a lot, and I don’t advise you to skip the attraction (on the sled ride) - it’s very cool :) As far as I remember, this is an Italian attraction from some shaggy years :)))As everywhere else, it’s better to take water and snacks with you, because... prices here will be 2 times higher than usual and no one will bargain with you. At the exit there is an enclosure with bears, and next to it there is a sliced ​​apple on a plate so that you can feed the bear, but not from your hands of course, but just throw food to him, this pleasure will cost 5 yuan :)Of course it’s a pity for the bears; spending all the time on a concrete floor somehow doesn’t seem very good to me :)
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The wall itself is certainly impressive, here are a couple of photos to get an idea of ​​the full scale. Here Lukyan met a group of schoolchildren who, as usual, wanted to take a photo next to him, so it’s not known whether the wall was a landmark or Lukyan, of course he really likes this attention :))))

There are certainly a lot of people on this section of the wall, but it has several undeniable advantages: accessibility (direct bus), proximity (only an hour's drive from Beijing), and of course the fact that it has been restored and certainly looks impressive (neither vegetation nor sea ​​or other relief features)

And on such a thing we climbed, and then descended accordingly (I highly recommend it, especially the descent)

A small attraction to remember the wall, there’s nothing too extreme there - but it’s memorable :) It was fun :)))
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How to get to the wall yourself:

The easiest way is to take the subway to the 积水潭 Jishuitan subway station, exit A. When you go up and stand with your back to the steps of the subway exit, you need to walk straight back (I mean the direction). As a guide, you will pass a large bus station on your left (you walk along it, as it were). Buses can be seen just outside the Deshengmen watchtower (it is not visible from the metro)and from there take bus No. 877 (tourist bus, it is much more convenient) or 919 (regular bus, only this one runs during the non-tourist season) the price of tickets for them is the same.

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In the evening, fruits are on duty as usual.



Day 4. Temple of Confucius.
Getting up early in the morning (on the fourth day, and even probably on the 3rd, I somehow got into getting up at 6:00) we went to the Confucius Temple, where Confucianism originated, a landmark (I always wanted to see it).

And here is the monument to the founder of Confucianism.

Park area of ​​the Temple complex.

Inner garden. Trees that are more than..., God knows more than how many centuries these trees are :))))

Inside the temple itself. The design styles in the temples are very similar, so if you looked at one of Chinese temples(well, maybe two) then you don’t have to waste your time on interior decoration anymore :)

This is the house that Emperor Confucius gave to him for teaching his son:)

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For information:
Price entrance ticket for an adult - 20 yuan.
Student cards are valid only for students whose age does not exceed 24 years, we were unlucky; we were 25 years old in ISIC. In general, this rule is found quite often in China, so take this fact into account.
I definitely recommend it for inspection, also if you have time there is nearbyThe Lamaist Palace of Peace (Yonghegong Lama Temple), and the quarter itself next to the temples is very interesting.
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Next we went to Gugun (Forbidden City), but since we had partially examined it the previous day, we went to Jingshan Park 景山, which is located immediately behind the Forbidden City and from the highest point of which the best view of this very forbidden city(in fact, the name of the park sounds like this in translation from Chinese - “view from the mountain” or “mountain with a beautiful view”).

Entrance to the park is, of course, paid, but we are saved by the international student cards made in advance; do not forget that the age in them must be up to 24 years old inclusive. In general, student cards really help make your wallet fatter in China, so don’t forget to use it (especially if you look young, I think you don’t need to learn how to make a student card in our homeland).

View of the observation deck from which it opens good view on Gugun.

And here is the culprit himself - Gugun or the Forbidden City, in a different way. The view itself is impressive and the inside is very cool.
Then we went down and decided to walk the gugong in reverse order. But as of April 2016, I can say for sure (100%) that the entrance from the back side is closed and you can only pass through the Forbidden City from one side - the central entrance, next to the metro. Because of this, we had to take a taxi to the main entrance, otherwise we would never have had time to explore the palace completely (the taxi cost us 20 yuan :)
Well, then just photos - look and be impressed :)






























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For information:
The cost of admission to the Forbidden City is 40 yuan per person, for a student it is 20 yuan.
In terms of time, count on about half a day (it took us a day, but we were with the children, and we ourselves were a little stupid at the beginning), i.e. and the Temple of Heaven and Gugun can be explored in one day if you get up early and leave late and if you are athletic enough to walk for a long time (and you will have to really walk a lot).



Day 5. Amusement park and Summer Imperial Palace.

In general, the entertainment for children in Beijing somehow didn’t work out for me (the realities turned out to be very far from the original plans). During all the days of our stay in the capital of China, we went to the Cube water park 3 times, but all these times it was closed and only On the third trip I found a Chinese man who told me in English that the water park was closed for whole month- in general, we were unlucky with him somehow :)
By the way, we also went to this amusement park twice, because... on the Internet it is written that it is open until 21-00, but in fact it is open until 18-00, like everyone else in China :))) Although for me this is strange for an amusement park, of course there is also Happy Valey (he definitely works until 22-00, but many of the attractions in it close after 18-00, and open only after 13-00 (be careful in general)), but it’s still too early for us to go there, which is why we weren’t allowed to ride everywhere: ) Looking ahead, I’ll say that I liked Disneyland Paris (and this park in Beijing is an attempt to copy the park in Paris) more, somehow everything there is more well-groomed and festive than here :)































We spent about 3,000 rubles in it, which, in principle, is not a little in itself (the ruble exchange rate was, of course, very depressing; before (2 years ago, before the crisis), all the fun would have cost us 1,200 rubles). The kids certainly liked it and in such a good mood we went to see the Summer Imperial Palace.