Travel to China on your own. Mysterious and unusual China. Tips for tourists in China What you need to go to China

From Russia the cheapest way is to fly to Beijing, and then to Xi'an. As a rule, the first and second terminals are used for domestic flights, but departures can also be from the third. It is better to purchase air tickets in advance. Flights are operated by the company Air China. If you are not a big fan of flying, you can get from Beijing to Xi'an by train. Tickets can be purchased at chinatraintickets.net.

You shouldn’t waste time trying to buy tickets at the station, as you’ll have to wait in line in the evening. You can use the services of a travel agency, whose offices are not difficult to find. They may sell you tickets at a small markup, but this way you can save quite a lot of time. The cheapest way to get from Beijing to Xi'an is by bus, which departs from Liuliqiao Bus Station.

If you decide to use the services airlines Air China, then you shouldn’t count on a full-fledged snack. Before departure, we recommend having a hearty breakfast (lunch or dinner). At Xi'an airport, prepare your luggage receipt, as the staff will only let you out of the terminal with your suitcase after carefully examining it so that you do not take someone else's luggage. You can get to the hotel by taxi or bus. You can get all the necessary information at the Info desk at the airport. Keep in mind that the bus is coming to the Bell Tower. As always, we recommend printing in advance. business card hotel.

Where to stay

You can stay in Xi'an either in a hostel, for example, Xi'an Jiuping Hostel, where a bed in a dormitory room will cost you 283 rubles per day, or in a hotel, where accommodation will not cost much more. Book Xi'an Jiuping Hostel on booking.com.

So, for example, a double room in the Suba Hotel Xi’an Dongmen 2* per night costs 428 rubles, a room in the Xi’an Forest City Hotel 4* 1309 rubles per night, a room in Hotel Golden Flower Hotel Xi'an by Shangri-La 5* for 2783 rubles. In general, the choice is huge, and the prices are quite affordable.

The first day. On your own in Xi'an

Xi'an is an amazing city that has more than 3,000 years of history. He is rightfully considered one of the most oldest cities China. This is where the Great Silk Road began. You will spend two days here. We begin our tour of the city with the most famous sights.

We catch a taxi and go to the Big Goose Pagoda, which is located in the Qien Temple. Here you will see beautiful gardens and unique architectural buildings. Many of which have been restored after repeated destruction. The Pagoda itself, 64 meters high, has 7 tiers. From the top there is an excellent panoramic view of the entire city, where many other unique attractions are concentrated. An observant tourist will notice that the Pagoda is at an angle that increases over time. This is how the pagoda received the unspoken name “Chinese Leaning Tower of Pisa”.

Big Goose Pagoda perfect place for walks and contemplation of beauty. Be sure to check out the Peony Pavilion. Near the Pagoda, the fountain show begins in the evening. A very beautiful sight. Not far from the fountain garden is the Narru New Year shopping center, where you can have a snack at the Hot Pot restaurant. In these restaurants, food is prepared right at your table, which has a heating element built into it.

After a short rest, we again use a taxi and go to the inspection of the Fortress City Wall, the main task of which was to protect the city. Here are the most famous and significant sights of Xi'an - the Drum and Bell Towers, the Muslim Quarter, and the Great Mosque.

We recommend starting your inspection from the southern gate. Here you can see the Drum Show, which takes place daily. After the show, you will be able to take a photo with its participants dressed in national costumes and even knock on these same drums. Tourists are treated with respect here.

The length of the wall is 12 km, so you can rent a bicycle on site. Paid entrance. IN close proximity from the South Gate there are the Bell and Drum towers. The Muslim Quarter is also close. The Silk Road directly influenced the fact that two religions are practiced here - Islam and Buddhism.

In the Muslim Quarter you will see Great Mosque, which is one of the four largest in China, and which was built in the 18th century. The Muslim Quarter is a fantastic place, colorful and a must-see. The shopping streets in the quarter deserve special attention. Here you can buy souvenirs made of stone, wood, and silk.

Second day

To visit Xi'an and not see the eighth wonder of the world - the Terracotta Army - would be simply an unforgivable mistake. You can get there from Xi'an by one of the buses that depart from the railway station every five minutes. Look for the inscription on the bus “Terracotta army”. The journey will take no more than an hour. The bus will stop near the ticket office, which is where you need it. They also offer their services here local guides who speak reasonable English.

Before you get to the entrance, you will have to pass by souvenir shops, eateries and other places that will try their best to get you to spend money.

Now that the path has been completed for you, three pavilions will be open on the territory of the museum. To see the Terracotta Army, go to the first pavilion. The height of each warrior in the army reaches about 195 cm, and the weight of the sculpture is 135 kg. The faces of all the sculptures are directed to the east, towards the defeated states.

After visiting the eighth wonder of the world, go to the bus stop, get on the bus and after three stops ask the driver to stop in Lintong. The Huaqing hot springs will be interesting here. Don't forget to prepare a note with hieroglyphs for the driver or explain yourself in English. Just let us know that you need Hot springs. Why is this place a must visit? It is here that the garden and park assembly is located, which occupies an honorable place among the hundred best in China.

You will have to pay about 110 yuan to enter. This place is associated with a romantic but sad love story between the beautiful Yang Guifei and Emperor Xuanzong. It was for his beloved that the emperor built beautiful park and baths.

Today, next to the Lotus Pond, you can see the Tree of Love, to which thousands of ribbons are tied. The hot springs are also operational, so you can wash your face with healing water. Now is the time to appreciate the place from the observation deck on Mount Lishan, which is located close to the park.

Now you can return to Xi'an with a sense of accomplishment to taste the famous local dumplings. We recommend checking out the restaurant, which is located between the Bell and Drum towers. You definitely won’t pass by this place, because at the entrance you can see a huge dumpling.

Don't stay up late, because tomorrow you will have a flight to Guilin.

The third day. On your own in Guilin

How to get there

In order not to worry about the transfer, contact the administrator of your hotel and order a taxi. The flight to Guilin takes 1 hour 50 minutes. What is remarkable about this place? Unique nature, unique scenery, Lijiang River, karst mountains. In addition, it was here that the third episode of Star Wars and the film The Painted Veil were filmed.

From Guilin Airport you can take an express bus to the city. If your hotel is further away than the final stop, then after the bus, take a taxi.

Where to stay

From budget options accommodation can be noted hotels:

  • Guilin Ling Hong Express Hotel (RUB 427 per night)
  • Guilin 68° Hotel North Train Station Branch (RUB 517 per night)
  • Guilin Muslim Hotel (RUB 662 per night)
  • Yu Long Hotel (RUB 669 per night)
  • Guilin Hetai Hotel (RUB 675 per night)

If price doesn’t really matter to you and you don’t want to skimp on comfort, then we recommend the following hotels:

  • Grand Bravo Hotel (RUB 4,045 per night)
  • Guilin Golden Oriole Hotel (RUB 4,052 per night)
  • Sheraton Guilin Hotel (RUB 4,390 per night)
  • Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin (RUB 4,587)
  • The White House Hotel Guilin (RUB 8,442)

Now that you have checked into the hotel and had a little rest, we recommend visiting iconic place Guilin - Elephant Trunk Mountain (Xianbishan), which is located in the southern part of the city center. This place, whose height is 100 meters, received this name because the outline of the mountain resembles an elephant that seems to have lowered its trunk into the river. Very interesting place. This is where the Lee River joins the Peach Blossom River.

According to legend, in this place a herd of elephants descended from heaven to earth. Beautiful views and the picturesque nature so amazed the elephants that they wanted to stay here, but this thereby angered the Jade Emperor, who ordered them to return immediately. The herd returned, but the emperor was missing one elephant.

Enraged, he took out his sword and stabbed the animal in the back. The elephant turned to stone. Today, tourists can visit this place by taking a ferry. The ferry departs from the terminal on the street. Nanhuanlu. At the top of the hill you can see a brick pagoda. Its shape resembles the hilt of that same sword.

Near the park you can see the Hezhong tourism travel agency. We recommend that you look here to purchase a tour for rice terraces. Of course, you can get to them on your own, but then you will have to make a transfer, and the journey itself takes more than three hours. In general, many tourists prefer organized excursion. You will have to pay about 170-180 yuan. The bus will pick you up from your hotel and then take you back. Don't forget to leave the hotel's business card with the employee to avoid any misunderstandings, as English will not help you here.

Waterfall at the Lijiang Waterfall Hotel

Don’t rush to leave the park, because an evening walk along the picturesque complex of ponds and unusual bridges will bring a lot of pleasure. Be sure to go to the hotel
Lijiang Waterfall Hotel, which is located in the center. In the evening, whole crowds of tourists and local residents gather here to see how the wall turns into amazing waterfall. Another moment and the waterfall again becomes the wall of a five-star hotel.

If you are planning to extend your stay here for a couple of days, then be sure to visit the Reed Flute Cave and the Seven Stars Park. In the cave you will be able to contemplate not only magnificent halls, the beauty of which is difficult to describe, but also one of the most beautiful underground lakes.

Fourth day

Today we go to Yangshuo to see with our own eyes all the beauty of the karst hills and take a walk along the Li River. To get to the city you can purchase a cruise for 420 yuan per person. You won’t find anything cheaper; there is only one company that organizes them. The journey will take four hours.

By bus independent tourists will get there in an hour. We recommend not to waste your money and time and choose this option.

According to local residents, the area between Yangdi and another village of Xinping is the most picturesque and fascinating. If you look closely at the Chinese 20 yuan note, you will notice the Li River, karst hills and lush vegetation.

To get there, go to the bus station to buy tickets to Yangshuo. The fare is about 15 yuan. Having reached the city, you will need to change at the same bus station to a bus that will go to Xinping or Yangdi.

The bus that goes to Yangdi will take you to the pier, where you can rent a raft designed specifically for tourist trips. Such rafting will cost a tourist about 300 yuan.

Be careful, because for less money, cunning guides reduce the walking time from an hour and a half to 30-40 minutes and drop you off far from the end point. So, if you fall for a scam, you will have to get to Xinpin on your own and spend a lot of time and effort on this. In general, we recommend not saving too much on your trip and paying money for a full-fledged rafting trip. The price usually includes a transfer from Xinping Pier to the bus station.

The guide can also stop for lunch at one of the local cafes. No one promises that it will be presentable, but they will feed you tasty and inexpensive. In general, if you feel slightly or not very hungry, then agree.

A three-hour walk from Yangdi to Xinping will delight you beautiful scenery and a unique atmosphere. To return to Yangshuo, take a regular bus, the fare is about 7 yuan.

Moon Hill

Before leaving for Guilin, do not deny yourself the pleasure of seeing the miracle of nature - Moon Hill, which has a unique shape. You can get to Moon Hill by bus, just 15 minutes and you’re there. A ticket to Moon Hill costs 15 yuan.

You will have to make the climb yourself, since there is no lift, but for the money, a stunning view awaits you at the very top of the hill. It's worth it! Also, prepare 5 yuan for the grandmothers, who will accompany you until you buy water or any other drink from them. Now go back to the train station and take the bus to Guilin.

Fifth day

We are going to the ethno-village of Huanglo to the long-haired Yao

We use this day to see the Longji rice terraces, especially since we thought of everything in advance and bought a tour from the Hezhong tourism agency. In the morning, a bus will pick you up and go to the Huanglo ethno-village, where representatives of the Yao people live.

In this village, girls never cut their hair, and yet their hair is really beautiful and thick. For residents, this is the key to long life and wealth. What is also surprising is that rich hair color can be found even among elderly representatives of Yao; gray hair is unheard of here. One can only envy this.

Representatives of the Guinness Book of Records recorded the maximum hair length of one lady living in Huanglo, which was 2.1 meters. In general, when travelers get to this village, they envy silently, and sometimes they don’t even restrain their emotions.

Previously, traditions were strictly observed here, so only the girl’s husband could see her loose hair. Today, this tradition is rarely remembered, so for a fee, village residents will not only let your hair down for you, but will also happily pose for the camera. It’s not for nothing that they say that money spoils people.

All the girls are talented needlewomen, so the souvenir business is developed. You can buy things here self made. Here, next to Juanluo, you can already see rice fields.

Trip to Ping An village (rice terraces)

The next village you will visit is called Ping An. If you go on your own, you will have to pay for entry. For organized tourists, admission is usually included in the price of the tour, so there is no need to pay anything additional. The distance from Guilin to the village is about 100 km. To get to the place, you will have to transfer to another bus, designed specifically for driving along mountain serpentine roads; a specially trained driver is included with the bus.

This concerns the program of the purchased tour. If you are persistent and decide to explore the area on your own, then you need a bus that goes to Heping. It’s easy to find one at the bus station. From Heping you can get to the village entrance by car. When you reach the entrance, you will have a difficult choice between two routes.

Packet-goers have only one option - to transfer to a bus that goes to the Ping An rice terraces. Local residents gave them the name Dragon Ridge. The land for rice fields began to be cultivated more than 800 years ago. At that time, the Yuan Dynasty ruled.

To say that it was a titanic work is to say nothing. It took centuries for the plan to be realized, and today a unique landscape opens up to travelers. There is even something unearthly about it. On the terraces you can find two viewing platforms - Nine Dragons and Five Tigers and the Landscape of the Seven Stars accompanying the Moon. Get to observation platforms You will have to go on your own, climbing the stairs.

In addition to rice, tea is grown here, so do not deny yourself the pleasure of purchasing it at a local stall. Freshly picked tea leaves will be dried and packaged right in front of you. After exploring and purchasing souvenirs, you will be asked to board a bus and be taken back to the hotel in the evening.

Sixth day. On your own in Shanghai

How to get there

It's time to go to Shanghai. It is better to purchase tickets in advance. You can easily get there on board a Shanghai Airlines plane. There are several ways to get from Pudong Airport to the city center: taxi, bus, high-speed train Maglev Train, which reaches speeds of up to 430 km/h. Maglev goes to LongYang Road Subway Station Line 2. Perhaps this is the best option. The fare is 50 yuan, but there is an opportunity to save.

Present your air tickets when purchasing and you will receive a 20% discount. You will be there in 7 minutes. Once you arrive at the final stop, you will need to change to the metro or take a taxi to get to the center itself. If you choose the metro, after 5 meters you will see metro line 2. The trip will take about 10 minutes. If you prefer a taxi, then ask the driver to turn on the meter, it will be much cheaper. If the meter refuses to turn on, the fixed amount should not exceed 80 yuan.

Where to stay

  • Baolong Homelike Hotel (Zhongshan Branch) 2* from 1039 RUR. per night
  • Shanghai Amersino Hotel 3* from RUB 1,240 per night
  • Jitai Hotel (Shanghai Train Station South Square) 3* from 1353 rub. per night
  • FX Shanghai Liuying 4* from 2006 rub. per night
  • Golden River-view Hotel Shanghai from RUB 2,884. per night
  • Grand Mercure Shanghai Central (Formerly.Grand Mercure Shanghai Zhongya)5* from 4500 rub. per night
  • JI Hotel Shanghai Railway Station West Tianmu Road 4* from 7153 rub. per night

These hotels are located very well. Nearby there is the Shanghai Railway Station metro stop and the central train station.

After checking into the hotel and a short rest, we recommend going to Old city(Old Town). To get to the place, use the metro. You need purple line 10, Yuyuan Garden. In the Old City, we recommend visiting the Garden of Joy (Yuyuan Garden). The entrance ticket costs from 30 to 40 yuan, depending on the time of year.

This garden, located in the old part of Shanghai, was founded more than 400 years ago by the Pan Yundan family, or rather by a son who wanted his parents to spend their days in complete peace and happiness. The rich have their own quirks, but the idea was a success, although it took more than 20 years and all the savings. Later, the guild of Shanghai merchants would buy this garden. Today this park is one of the main attractions of Shanghai and causes indescribable delight among visitors.

In the park you can leisurely enjoy the pond with blooming lotuses, gazebos, terraces and, of course, the picturesque “Bridge of Nine Turns”. According to legend, by walking across it, you can cleanse yourself of evil spirits, whose entry to the bridge is prohibited. The Usintin Tea House is located right on the bridge. We also recommend visiting the Temple of the City Gods.

Spend today in this park and leisurely enjoy its charm, beauty and splendor. Near the park you will find many cafes and souvenir shops.

The Bund embankment and the Pearl of the East TV tower

If time permits and you have the desire, you can get to The Bund embankment and the Oriental Pearl TV tower. On the waterfront you can take stunning photos of the city's skyscrapers. It is located near metro line 10, East Nanjing Rd station. From the metro, move towards the river. Huangpu.

The Oriental Pearl Tower is located one subway stop from the embankment, near Lujiazui Station Line 2. You can also visit the famous aquarium here. On the way back, we recommend stopping by the railway station at the pre-sale ticket hall, especially since the hotel is located in close proximity.

You can buy tickets to Suzhou here tomorrow. Take the G train, it will get you there in just 25 minutes and the ticket costs about 40 yuan. There are cheaper options, but the journey will take longer than an hour. Keep in mind that you will need to present your passport at the ticket office, as tickets are issued in personal names.

Seventh day. To Suzhou on your own

Why is Suzhou a must-see? Yes, because here you can enjoy the splendor of the famous gardens, of which in the 16th and 17th centuries there were about 280. Today there are much fewer, about 69, but this is more than enough for one day. The city itself is more than 2.5 thousand years old, and its historical part is part of the monuments World Heritage. In general, there is a lot to see and be impressed by. Suzhou is also a silk center. Well, how can we resist here?

After arriving at the station in Suzhou, we transfer to bus No. 5, which departs from the station and goes to the Panmen Gate (“Gate of the Curled Dragon”). Travel time is about 50 minutes, ticket price is 1 yuan. Panmen was once part of the wall. Today we can see the already restored landmark.

A huge amount of work was done and at least $2 million was spent. Thanks to these investments, the area was also beautified: trees and flowers were planted, the pond where carp live today was cleaned, and lighting fixtures were installed. While walking, you will easily find the Ruiguant Pagoda, which in ancient times housed a Buddhist stupa made of pearls.

Fisherman's Garden and Wangshiyuan

Wangshiyuan is one of the most popular gardens in Suzhou. Here architecture and nature, impeccability and grace come together. In the pavilions you can see the interiors of previous centuries, and in the center of the garden, visitors can admire the beauty of the picturesque pond, which is framed by beautiful plants and stones. You can also do it in Wanshiyuan beautiful pictures in the Bansai tree garden, on an arched bridge, which has the lyrical name “Leading to Serenity.” In summer you can visit the garden even at night, so don’t miss this opportunity.

The next must-see garden is Lion Grove, distinctive feature which is a pile of stones that have a certain appearance (taikhushi). Several decades are needed to “grow” such stones. To achieve a certain look, it was necessary to make holes in ordinary stones and place them in the lake. Over the years, these stones took on very unusual shapes. In general, there is something to see and be surprised by. The Lion Grove Garden is definitely a must see. Ticket price is 30 yuan.

Now is the time to go to the Garden of the Humble Official or Administrator, which covers an area of ​​5 hectares. Of course, a few hours are not enough to explore it; it’s better to set aside a whole day, but if you don’t have much time, then during this time you can see quite a lot here.

Construction of the garden was started more than 600 years ago by an official removed from government affairs for corruption. He worked on its creation for about 20 years, and today it has a unique design and unique beauty. If you visit the garden in summer, you will find a lotus festival, and in the spring, an azalea festival. Admission ticket costs 70 yuan.

If you’re not in a hurry to catch the train, you can walk to the train station and be sure to stop by the “85” confectionery to brighten up your day with delicious pastries and aromatic coffee.

Eighth day

Travel to Chinese Venice on your own – Zhouzhuang

Today we will go to explore the Chinese Venice - the city of Zhouzhuang, which has a history of almost a thousand years. You can get to it by bus from Suzhou, so first we’ll take the comfortable G train. There is a bus station not far from the railway station. The fare is 17 yuan. Travel time from Suzhou to Zhouzhuang is about an hour.

If the road is not tiring and you are full of energy, then from the final stop to the Old Town you can walk or take a taxi if you are not considering this option. You need to pay 100 yuan for access to the attraction. The old city, after the noisy and dynamic Shanghai, will surprise you with its regularity and silence, especially if your trip takes place on a weekday. Unlike Venice, the local canals are narrower, and the passing boats are steered by local women.

We recommend not to miss the opportunity to explore the city from the water. The cost of renting a local gondola is 100 yuan. That's how much a 25 minute walk costs. If you're lucky, they'll even let you steer and sing something folk and very sad, about love, probably. But for love, or rather for singing, you will have to pay extra. No romance.

After enjoying the walk, you can go explore the city and the life of the local residents. Be sure to check out the Key Bridge. If you are observant, you will understand that the main income local residents receive from private canal transportation, restaurant and souvenir businesses. The most interesting thing is that men here are engaged exclusively in intellectual work. Women get the hardest part – physical work. Maybe that's why they sing such sad songs?

If you want to eat, you will find many places, but whether you dare to try something is another question. Keep in mind that water for cooking is taken from the same canal where clothes are washed and other household chores are done. No, of course, the water is first boiled, and, as the locals say, after that it acquires a unique taste (who would doubt it), but the choice is always yours.

If you've already seen everything and don't want to stay overnight to see the stunning sunset, we recommend you hurry up, because last bus to Suzhou it takes 17.10, and to Shanghai 40 minutes earlier.

Ninth day. Self-guided walks in Shanghai

Today you can take a walk in the French Quarter. You can get there via Red Line 1, Shanxi Road. This place is very atypical for a metropolis; here you can stroll peacefully and feel its romantic atmosphere. If you have been to Europe, you will recognize its appearance - cozy cafes with the cutlery we are used to, and pastry shops, paving stone roads and nicely decorated balconies. Despite the name, not only the French lived in the quarter, but also Russian emigrants.

The remaining time can be spent exploring the sights that you have noted for yourself, but have not yet had time to see or go shopping. We recommend viewing and visiting the Shanghai Circus and Zoo, the Temple of the Jade Buddha, the Pushkin monument, and the Museum of the Chinese Communist Party.

If you are interested in items from fashionable global and local brands, we recommend Grand Mall. On 7 floors you are sure to find something for yourself and your loved ones. There is also a supermarket where you can buy delicious fruits and vegetables, and the choice is simply huge. Grand Mall is located nearby Lujiazui Subway Station.

We hope that our route around China will help you plan your 9 days correctly and get a lot of pleasant emotions!

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 the Chinese wall and the Forbidden City, as well as see the Terracotta Army, the Chengdu Nature Reserve with its giant 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 both by rail and by highway in a rented car or taxi.

Travel plan

The price of a tour to China in agencies will be higher than the cost 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:

  1. Determine exact travel dates
  2. Approximately calculate your travel budget
  3. Decide on a destination
  4. Book a hotel or house
  5. Buy plane tickets to China
  6. Design necessary documents(visa and insurance)
  7. 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, international Airport Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok, 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 convenient way to book cheap air tickets to China is the 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 of low prices for air tickets

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China is a fascinating place that is definitely worth visiting. From this article you will learn what things you should take with you. In the article you will also find useful recommendations, which will be useful to you in China.

Steps

    Take all necessary documents with you. You will need to obtain a Chinese visa. Take your passport and plane tickets with you.

    Always keep your passport with you. This is the legal requirement in China. Also make a copy of your passport in case you lose the original. You can scan your passport and upload it to a location that you can access.

    Prepare for your trip in advance. Although there are shops on almost every corner in China, many of the things you are used to may not be there. Bring toilet paper with you as most public restrooms do not have it. You can start collecting leftover paper in advance. Any time you have a half-used roll of paper, put it away and put it in your suitcase. 6-8 small rolls will last a family of four about two weeks. Five-star hotels always have classic European toilets and toilet paper. Most major airports have at least one Western-style toilet. Take only one house or car key with you. Leave the rest at home.

    • You will need to take toilet paper with you everywhere, especially if you will be traveling by train.
    • You can also buy toilet paper locally. It's inexpensive.
    • Floor-mounted toilets are common in China, but they are more common in rural areas than in cities.

  1. Take your indigestion medicine with you. China has very poor water quality, so you can get a gastrointestinal infection if you brush your teeth with tap water or eat vegetables that haven't been cooked after being washed with tap water. Take activated carbon tablets, Smecta and other products with you.

    • Most often, water problems occur in rural areas, not in cities.

  2. Don't forget to add up all the medications you need to take on a regular basis.

    Dress according to the season. Summer in China is very hot and it rains often and is very cold in winter. Take extra clothes with you and remember that you can always use the laundry machine or have your clothes washed at the hotel. But be aware that some laundries use caustic products that can irritate sensitive skin. To prevent this, take your items to the dry cleaner.

    Dress appropriately. In most public places, the standard dress code is smart casual. If you need to attend special events, take a suit or formal dress with you.

    • The climate of China is in many ways similar to the climate of Russia. In the south, summers are hot and humid, while winters in the north are dry and cold.

  3. Be careful not to get water into your mouth while showering. It tastes normal, but tap water can cause gastrointestinal upset. Brush your teeth with bottled water.

    • Small towns still sell bottled water that is filtered with cheap nylon filters. It is better to buy well-known brands of water in large stores.

  4. Talk to your doctor before traveling. Your doctor will tell you whether you need any vaccinations based on your health, immunization history, the area you are traveling to, and the activities you intend to do. Buy all the necessary medications. According to Chinese law, a person must have a doctor's certificate confirming the need to take psychoactive drugs. Bring antibiotics and other medications you will need to take during your trip. Calculate the required amount for all days of the trip and take a few extra packages. Put it all in your first aid kit and keep your doctor's prescription next to it. Check what other medical documents you may need.

    Bring your doctors' contact information with you if you have it. This information will be useful to you if you have a health problem and need to call home.

    Prepare a travel kit for each member of your family. Place toilet paper and a small container of hand sanitizer in there. It is best to use non-alcohol based products as airport security often confiscates alcohol based products, especially in Guangzhou. Also put an energy bar, cough drops and chewing gum in there. They will come in handy on the road. In addition, a flashlight can be useful, since in China the electricity can go out at any time and you will find yourself in a dark room.

    • Remember that you are in China. To reduce waste, restrooms often don't have toilet paper, so bring tissues with you. Napkins can be bought for 1-2 yuan almost everywhere.

  5. Take traveler's checks with you, as well as cash, as cards are not accepted in many cafes and shops. Keep your money in a special valuables bag or money belt. Place return plane or train tickets, traveler's checks, credit cards, or cash in there. Keep valuables with you under your clothing. This way you can keep them even if your hotel does not have a safe.

    • Most banks in large and medium-sized cities have ATMs that accept cards from foreign banks.
    • In small towns it can be difficult to exchange dollars or euros for local money.

  6. Pack other important items. You may also need deodorant (it will not be possible to buy it even in large cities), a raincoat or umbrella, a hat, sunscreen and glasses (depending on the time of year and the place where you are going), repellent, a charger adapter if you have one you have it or you need it. If you are a woman, bring your own hygiene products with you.

You need to arrive at the airport 2.5 hours before departure. Be aware of the free baggage allowance and surcharge for excess baggage. The tickets indicate local time. To board the flight you need:

  • Go through customs inspection and fill out a customs declaration. If the amount of money you are exporting is less than $3,000 per person and you do not have items that must be declared, then you do not need to fill out a declaration. When filling out the form, do not forget to indicate the entire amount of foreign currency that you took with you. Keep the customs declaration until your return to Russia.
  • Check in for your flight at the check-in counter and receive your boarding pass. The check-in counter number is located on the central display opposite your flight number. All questions about your seat number on the plane can only be resolved at the check-in counter.
  • Go through border control in any booth.
  • Board the plane through the gate number indicated on your boarding pass.

Passengers on international flights go through customs, passport control, as well as security control, after which they await the departure of the flight in the sterile area of ​​the gallery of international airlines. When going through security checks, you must present your passport and boarding pass.

When transporting animals or plants, it is necessary to undergo phytocontrol / veterinary control.

Rules for pre-flight and post-flight inspections

In accordance with Appendix No. 1 of the Rules for pre-flight and post-flight inspections, approved by order of the Ministry of Transport Russian Federation dated July 25, 2007 No. 104 prohibited from transporting on board the aircraft by passengers in checked baggage and in things carried by passengers, the following dangerous substances and objects:

Allowed to transport on board the aircraft by crew members and passengers, subject to the required conditions, the following items and substances:

  • in checked baggage in cargo and luggage compartments of an aircraft with isolated passenger access to luggage during the flight:
    • crossbows, spearguns, checkers, sabers, cutlasses, scimitars, broadswords, swords, swords, bayonets, daggers, knives: hunting knives, knives with ejectable blades, with locking locks, simulators of any type of weapon;
    • household knives (scissors) with a blade length over 60 mm; alcoholic drinks containing more than 24%, but not more than 70% alcohol by volume in containers with a capacity of no more than 5 liters, in containers intended for retail trade - no more than 5 liters per passenger;
    • liquids and alcoholic drinks with an alcohol content by volume of no more than 24%;
    • aerosols intended for use for sports or household purposes, the release valves of the cans are protected by caps from spontaneous release of the contents in containers with a capacity of no more than 0.5 kg or 500 ml - no more than 2 kg or 2 liters per passenger;
  • in things carried by passengers:
    • medical thermometer - one per passenger;
    • mercury tonometer in a standard case - one per passenger;
    • a mercury barometer or manometer, packed in a sealed container and sealed with the sender's seal;
    • disposable lighters - one per passenger;
    • dry ice for cooling perishable foods - no more than 2 kg per passenger;
    • 3% hydrogen peroxide - no more than 100 ml per passenger;
    • liquids, gels and aerosols classified as non-hazardous: in containers with a capacity of no more than 100 ml (or equivalent capacity in other units of volume measurement), packed in a securely closed transparent plastic bag with a volume of no more than 1 liter - one bag per passenger.

Liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 100 ml are not accepted for transportation, even if the container is only partially filled. Exceptions to transportation include medications, baby food, and special dietary needs.

Liquids purchased from duty-free shops at the airport or on board an aircraft must be packaged in a securely sealed plastic bag that allows the contents of the bag to be identified during the flight and has reliable confirmation that the purchase was made at airport duty-free shops. or on board the aircraft on the day(s) of travel. Keep your receipt as proof of purchase. Do not open the package either before boarding or during the flight.

The administration of the airport, airline, operator has the right to decide on the introduction of additional measures to ensure aviation security on high-risk flights, as a result of which it is prohibited to carry the following items in the aircraft cabin:

  • corkscrews;
  • hypodermic needles (unless medical justification is provided);
  • knitting needles;
  • scissors with a blade length of less than 60 mm;
  • folding (without lock) travel, pocket knives with a blade length of less than 60 mm.

Upon arrival at Sanya and Haikou airport

  1. Upon arrival at Sanya Airport, you must go through passport control (present a foreign passport).
    From April 30, 2018, a new rule for passing border control at Sanya Airport is in effect.(Hainan Island, China, international terminal). All tourists aged 14 to 70 years who fly to the island on direct charter flights According to the visa-free list, the following procedures will additionally be completed:
    1. Fingerprinting;
    2. Biometric facial photo.
    Also, some tourists' mobile devices may be selectively checked for prohibited materials ().
    If a tourist refuses to undergo this procedure, the airport border control has the right to deport the tourist. All costs of deportation are borne by the tourist.
  2. Receive your luggage. The monitors above the baggage belts indicate the flight from which baggage will be issued at this belt.
  3. At the exit from the airport building, go to a TEZ TOUR representative and find out the number of your transfer bus. To do this, name the hotel where you will be staying. The hotel name appears on your voucher.
    Our representatives wear yellow shirts with blue ties and blue trousers/skirts.
  4. Go to the parking lot, find the bus you need for transfer, check in with the TEZ TOUR representative accompanying the bus, saying your name, put your luggage in the luggage compartment of the bus.
  5. Listen carefully to the information that the accompanying person (transferman) will provide on the way to the hotel. Also, the accompanying person (transferman) will inform you about the time of meeting with your hotel guide.

Upon arrival at the hotel

  1. Go to the TEZ TOUR counter to meet the hotel guides.
  2. Fill out the registration card in English.
  3. Hand in your passport and voucher (1 copy out of 3) hotel guide. A passport is required for registration mandatory registration all tourists, it will be possible to pick it up in a day.
  4. Wait for check-in. Check-in at the hotel is at 15.00. Upon check-in, you will be given room keys.
  5. After checking into your room, review the information provided by the hotel. Pay attention to which services are paid and how much they cost (as a rule, the information is in a folder and lies on the table or bedside table).

Meeting with the hotel guide

The time of meeting with the hotel guide will be informed to you by the accompanying person (transferman) on the way to the hotel. At the appointed time, you must approach the hotel guide, who will be waiting for you in the hotel lobby. To the meeting, take with you your passport, voucher, and return flight ticket.

If you have any questions or problems, please contact your hotel guide or the hotel reception. The guide’s coordinates (photo, name, mobile phone) and the hours when the guide is directly at the hotel are indicated on the TEZ TOUR information stand in the hotel lobby.

The day before your flight home

  1. Go to the reception and check if you have any outstanding bills for Additional services(use of minibar, telephone, etc.). If you have any debts, pay them.
  2. In the evening, go to the TEZ TOUR information stand or the hotel guide and check the departure and departure times from the hotel. To do this, you need to know the number of the return flight you are departing on.

Check out from the hotel

On the day of departure, you must vacate your room by 12:00, hand in your keys and towel cards.

You can leave your luggage in the hotel storage room.

To avoid various complications, please do not be late and arrive at the transfer at the specified time.

Arrival at Sanya and Haikou airport for departure

  1. Upon arrival at the airport, go to the check-in counter, where your flight number is indicated (the counter numbers will be additionally given to you by the attendant (transfer person) on the bus on the way to the airport).
  2. Check in for your flight (provide your passport and ticket).
  3. Drop your luggage at the front desk.
  4. Get your boarding pass. Pay attention to the gate number and time for boarding the plane (on the boarding pass the gate is indicated by the word GATE, the time - TIME).
  5. Go through passport control (provide your foreign passport and completed migration card for departure).
  6. Proceed to the departure hall, where you will wait for the boarding announcement for your flight.

Helpful information

Medical service

To receive free medical care, you must contact the telephone numbers specified in the insurance company's medical policy. When visiting medical institutions without a referral from an insurance company, the tourist pays for the services independently.

Vaccinations are not required for travel to China. You should not drink tap water. Drink guaranteed safe water and drinks (boiled water, drinking water and drinks in factory packaging). Be sure to wash raw vegetables and fruits. Try to avoid food of questionable origin, even if it looks attractive and appetizing, such as food prepared by street vendors. Do not eat meat dishes, not subjected to heat treatment.

Traditional Chinese medicine has its roots in ancient times and is an independent system that includes a theory about the occurrence of diseases, diagnostic methods and treatment methods. There are four main methods of diagnosis: inspection, auscultation, questioning and palpation.

As for the treatment itself, currently there are the following main methods. Firstly, this is the use of medicinal products of natural origin: 80% are of plant origin, the remaining 20% ​​are of animal origin and minerals. Next comes acupuncture and moxibustion. In addition to exposure to needles, cauterization or warming with wormwood is also used.

Famous clinics in Sanya Yukang, Garden of Longevity, Taiji.

First aid kit

Before your trip, prepare and take with you a first aid kit, which will help you with minor ailments, save your time searching for medicines and eliminate the problems of communicating in a foreign language; in addition, many medicines can different countries have different names.

General information on China

Political system. Political structure of the People's Republic of China - Communist regime.

Time. The whole country lives according to Beijing time, being located in five time zones. Time difference with Moscow: in winter + 5 hours, in summer + 4 hours.

Language. The official language is Chinese. The generally accepted writing system is Chinese characters.

General information about Hainan Island

O. Hainan is a huge tropical island located in the very south of China. Hainan is washed by the waters of the South China Sea. The average annual temperature is +24°C, the amount of precipitation per year is 1500 mm. The climate of Hainan Island is mild, tropical, and summer reigns on the island all year round. In summer, the daytime temperature is usually around 33 degrees.

The true pearl of the island is the year-round resort city of Sanya. Most hotels and recreation areas are located in the city's three main bays - Yalongwan (Dragon Bay), Dadonghai (Great East Sea) and Sanyabei.

Visa

Entry into China is carried out on the basis of a visa previously issued at the Chinese Consulate or on the basis of a group visa-free list.

Time

The time is 4 hours ahead of Moscow.

Mains voltage

Mains voltage 220 V.

Tips

Tipping is not accepted in China, but nevertheless, in a restaurant it is enough to leave change. For drivers and maids, it is enough to leave a purely symbolic amount.

Customs

The amount of imported foreign currency is not limited. When importing an amount of more than $5,000, you must declare this in the customs declaration. The amount of yuan transferred across the border should not exceed 6,000 yuan. Duty-free import of 600 cigarettes, alcoholic beverages not exceeding 1.5 liters, and jewelry is allowed for personal use.

Items prohibited for import:

  • weapons and items imitating weapons;
  • explosives;
  • drugs and psychotropic drugs;
  • pornography;
  • religious literature with extremist content, political materials, audio and video materials related to racial discrimination, terrorism, and military topics;
  • materials that may harm China's politics, economy and culture.
  • canned food (meat and fish)
  • meat (fresh, dried, frozen, sausages, frankfurters, poultry, etc.)
  • fish (dried, smoked, etc.) and seafood
  • vegetables fruits

It is prohibited to export historical documents, valuable objects and works of art, as well as paintings and graphics without a store receipt confirming the legality of the purchase, or an export permit from the Chinese Administrative Department for Cultural Property under the Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China.

Power Bank (charger) with a capacity of more than 10,000 Amp (amps) cannot be exported from China. We recommend not to bring these chargers with you, as customs may not allow/seize the Power Bank upon departure from the country.

It is prohibited to take lighters out of China, even in luggage.

Medicines are allowed for export only in luggage, if there is a stamped receipt and an export permit or prescription.

Money

Yuan (CNY) (1 yuan = 10 jiao = 100 fen). Banknotes in circulation are 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 yuan. The yuan exchange rate is set by the state. In colloquial speech, when denoting prices, “kuai” is also used instead of the word “yuan”, and “mao” is used instead of “jiao”. Yuan is circulated in the form of paper bills and coins.

Within the PRC, the circulation of foreign currency and settlements in it are prohibited. Foreign currency exchange is carried out at branches of the Chinese Bank (Bank Of China), which are available at all airports, hotels and large stores. Currency exchange in markets and streets is not recommended due to the increased risk of currency counterfeiting. Major credit cards accepted are American Express, JCB, Visa, Master Card and Diners Club. However, many expenses within the country, including transport, are paid only in cash.

Please pay attention when paying by cardMasterCardmay have problems!

The shops

State stores are open seven days a week from 9:30 to 20:30, private stores from 9:00 to 21:00, and often even longer. Markets usually open at 7:00 (some even at 4:00) and are open until 10:00-12:00.

Unit of weight in China - 1 jin = 0.5 kg, the price of the product will be given to you exactly for 1 jin.

In large state stores and grocery stores, prices are fixed. You should bargain in the markets. Even if there is a price tag on the product, this is nothing more than a “guideline” indicating the order of the cost of the purchase. The choice of souvenirs is huge, but many of them are of low quality. Chopsticks, beautiful porcelain, cups, lacquer boxes, seals and scroll cases can be bought at every turn. Hangzhou and Suzhou are famous for their excellent tea and silk. Real antiques are usually sold only in state stores and are expensive. When purchasing it, you must obtain an export permit from the seller.

What to bring from Hainan Island:

  • Pearl. Pearls are the pride of Hainan Island. Hainan pearls are a variety of the most famous "Nanzhu" pearls, which means southern pearls. It is generally accepted that the best pearls are mined in the South China Sea, which washes the island of Hainan.
  • Tea. Rare and elite varieties of tea grow on the island; you can try them in teahouses different types tea, learn about the art of brewing teas and buy different types of healing tea.
  • Silk. Gifts purchased here for your loved ones and friends, be it silk clothes, silk bed linen or always fashionable silk paintings, will be remembered for a long time, because the art of silk has been alive for more than one millennium.
  • Crystal. Crystal in Hainan is rightly called the third treasure of the island after pearls and tea. The island contains the largest deposits of rock crystal in China. Hainan crystal is considered the purest, so it is used to make jewelry and even glasses for glasses. Crystal carving is highly valued. For example, the sarcophagus of Mao Zedong was made from Hainan crystal.
  • Shark oil. At the beginning of the 20th century, a Japanese doctor discovered a special substance in shark oil - squalene, which can act as a natural antibiotic. In addition, scientists have discovered that shark oil contains another important compound - aloxyglycerides, which have a powerful effect on the immune system. Among other things, shark oil is the best supplier of valuable vitamins A, E, D - these are vitamins that fight age-related changes in the body. They improve vision, skin and hair condition, strengthen blood vessels and bone tissue.

Hotels

Mandatory deposits in hotels in China (on the day of arrival)
When checking into most hotels in China, tourists may be charged a cash deposit for the safety of the contents of the room and minibar. Upon check-out from the hotel, the deposit is fully refunded to tourists. Payment of the deposit is due on the day of arrival. The deposit can be made either in cash or blocked from a bank card*. Visa, Mastercard, Maestro cards are accepted.

*Attention! In the case of a bank card, when the hotel unlocks funds, the transaction does not take place immediately and in some cases can last 30 days (the funds are returned to the owner’s account within a month).

Please note that you are not allowed to bring your own drinks into the hotel restaurant.

It is not allowed to take food taken from the buffet outside the restaurant.

Beaches

All beaches in Hainan are municipal; when choosing a hotel, pay attention to the description; not all hotels have their own beach area with free sun loungers and umbrellas.

A tan. It is better to sunbathe before 11 am, otherwise you risk overheating and sunburn. Excessive sun exposure can ruin your entire vacation. Use protective creams with high UV protection. Do not neglect hats when staying in the sun for a long time

Transport

The main means of transportation in China are bus and taxi. To get around the city it is better to use a taxi. There is a “TAXI” sign on the roof of the car, and payment for 1 km of travel is stamped on the glass; payment is made according to the meter readings. Taxi fare for less than 2 km is 10 yuan, then 2 yuan for each kilometer. During holidays, the fare increases by 5 yuan.

The bus is the most economical mode of transport, bus routes provide connections throughout Sanya and its suburbs.

Main route buses:

  • Bus No. 2: East Station - Dadonghai - City Center - College
    Dadonghai Square - Xiazhi Department Store - Luhuitou Square - Sanya City Hall (Shidai Hai'an Bar Street) - First Market Crossroads (Sanya International Trade Square) - Yifang Department Store - Public Parking Lot ( pedestrianized street) - City People's Hospital - Mingzhu Department Store - Nongken Hospital
  • Bus No. 15: Yalongbei Bay - Dadonghai Bay - City Center - Sanyabei Bay - West Station
    Yalongbei Bay - Club Hotel sea ​​world- Yalongbei Square - LiuPan Village - TianDu Village - NonSha Village - OjiaYuan Village - East Station - Dadonghai Bay - Palm Hotel - Luhuitou Square - Sanya City Committee (Bar Street) - Ganmen Village - Practice Middle School - People's Insurance Company - Taixing Hotel - Hotel Central Asia- Chinese Medicine Hospital - Shuili Building - Public parking (pedestrian street) - Red Soltsy Restaurant - TianDu Hotel - Chinese Bank - ShenYi Hotel (Sanyabei Bay) - ZingWei Hotel - 425 Hospital - Friendship Street - Nongken Hospital - West Station

Rent a Car
Since international driver's licenses are not valid in China, car rental is only possible with a driver. This is all the more convenient because driving in China is, to put it mildly, specific.

Culture

Behavior rules. China is a country with centuries-old traditions and culture, so it is better not to violate social and religious norms so as not to offend the locals.

  • You cannot photograph military, strategic sites and government buildings, as well as people, without first asking their permission.
  • In China, it is not recommended to argue about political topics, especially about Mao Zedong, student unrest, etc.
  • It is impossible to express dissatisfaction with the culture and history of China, and also to show disrespect for them.
  • You can't litter, you can be fined for it.
  • You should not show aggression or irritation towards the Chinese.
  • Most Chinese people treat tourists kindly, so be prepared for the fact that many locals will greet you and perhaps even point their fingers at you - react to this calmly.
  • It is not allowed to touch a woman or take her arm.
  • It is not customary to open the door for a woman or give her a seat, because... Women and men have equal rights in China.
  • You should refrain from smoking in hotels, parks, squares and on the street; drinking alcoholic beverages is also prohibited in these places.
  • You should take food from the plate with chopsticks silently.
  • You need to suck in the noodles noisily - this is what all Chinese do, this shows how tasty it is for you.
  • You cannot stick chopsticks (or utensils) vertically into a bowl of food - this is reminiscent of incense being smoked in a temple, and therefore evokes thoughts of moving to another world.
  • Under no circumstances should you string pieces of food onto chopsticks - this will offend every Chinese person.

Phones

Upon arrival in China, it is most profitable to buy a local SIM card, because... calls will cost less than if you call from the hotel. cellular distributed in China almost throughout the entire territory. When purchasing a SIM card, you should make sure that the selected tariff plan has international roaming. In addition, it is better to ask the seller on the spot to activate it, because... doing this yourself can be difficult without knowing Chinese. You can buy a SIM card at the offices of China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom. You can also purchase cards for international calls with per-minute payment.

To call Russia, you need to dial 007 (Russia code) + area code + the phone number you need.

When dialing a Chinese landline number from your mobile phone, you need to dial: + 7 + 86 (China code) + area code + the phone number you need.

Useful phones

  • International Help Desk (English): 115
  • Police and rescue: 110
  • Fire department: 119
  • Ambulance: 120
  • Traffic police: 122
  • Information service for foreigners in critical situations:
    in Shanghai 8-10-86-21-6-439-06-30,
    in Guangzhou 8-10-86-20-8-667-74-22

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 visit it during your independent travel in 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 breathtaking natural landscapes. In the city itself you will find colorful temple complexes Black Goat and Wuhoutsi, visit 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 there is 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. laid through the mountains walking routes different levels of difficulty, 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-equipped sandy beaches with a gentle entrance into 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 a Chinese bank card and a local phone number. Most cashiers don't know English language, therefore, 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 move inside major cities- this 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.