How to relax on your own in China. Independent travel to China

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China is an exciting place to visit. In this article, you will find out what things to take with you. In the article you will also find helpful advice that will come in handy in China.

Steps

Take all the 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 have access to.

Prepare for your trip in advance. While there are shops on almost every corner in China, many of the things you're used to may not be there. Bring toilet paper with you, as most public places don't have toilet paper. You can start collecting leftover paper ahead of time. Whenever you have a half-used roll of paper, remove it and put it in your suitcase. 6-8 small rolls for a family of four will last about two weeks. Five-star hotels always have classic European toilets and toilet paper. Most major airports there is at least one western 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 are traveling by train.
• You can also buy toilet paper on the spot. It's inexpensive.
• Floor-standing toilets are widespread in China, but they are more common in rural areas than in cities.

1. Take your medication for indigestion 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 have not been cooked after being washed with tap water. Take with you activated charcoal tablets, Smecta and other products.

   • Water problems are more common in rural areas than in cities.

2. Do not forget to add up any medications you need to take on a regular basis.

   Take clothes that are seasonally appropriate. Summer in China is very hot and it often rains and it is very cold in winter. Take some extra clothes with you and remember that you can always use the services of a laundry machine or turn in your laundry at the hotel. But be aware that some laundries use caustic products that can irritate sensitive skin. To prevent this, take your clothes to the dry cleaner.

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

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

3. Make sure that no water gets into your mouth while you shower. She tastes normal, but tap water can cause gastrointestinal upset. Brush your teeth with bottled water.

   • In small towns, bottled water is still sold, which is filtered with cheap nylon filters. It is better to buy well-known brands of water in large stores.

4. Talk to your doctor prior to travel. The doctor will tell you if you need to get any vaccinations based on your health condition, immunization history, the area you are traveling to, and the activities you are going to do. Buy all the medications you need. According to Chinese law, a person must have a doctor's certificate with him confirming the need for taking psychoactive drugs. Take antibiotics and other medications that you will need to take during your trip. Calculate the amount you need for all the days of your trip and bring some extra packs. Put it all in your medicine cabinet and put your doctor's appointment next to it. Check what other medical documents you may need.

   Take with you contact information your doctors, if you have one. This data is useful if you have a health problem and need to call home.

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

   • Remember you are in China. To reduce waste, toilet paper is often not available in restrooms, so bring your own tissues. Napkins can be bought for 1–2 yuan almost everywhere.

5. Bring travelers checks and cash as cards are not accepted in many cafes and shops. Keep your money in a special valuables bag or money belt. Put in there return plane or train tickets, travelers checks, credit cards, or cash. Keep valuables under your clothes with you. This way you can save 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. Add up other important things. You may also need a 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 where you are going), repellent, a charger adapter, if you have one. you have or you need it. If you are a woman, bring your own personal hygiene products.

Agree, we do not know so much about China. It is a rather closed socialist country with its own specifics. China is unlike any other country in the world, including those in Asia. The Chinese are completely self-sufficient - they do not know English, they have their own rules of life, their own characteristic mentality, their own Internet, search engine, their own social networks, their own payment system. The whole world uses things Made in China - from towels to phones, but no one knows what China really is ..

To travel in China, know Chinese not necessary. Moreover, many have lived there for years without knowing Chinese and feel great. Yes, English language by no means all Chinese and not everywhere. Most often these are young people living in large cities. But - for travelers this is not a problem, because you can always use such means of communication as:

Gestures in China

Facial expressions and gestures are a universal international language that is understood by most of the peoples of the world. In fact, people do not perceive a huge part of information verbally. You don't even need a language for that. Where to find a place to sleep, where you can eat, how much a product or service costs - all this can be literally explained on one hand.

Translators and communication apps in China

Mobile applications for online and offline translation. If there is no internet, you can use offline-googletranslate and any other dictionaries and translators such as Pleco Chinese Dictionary, Chinese-Russian dictionary and others. But the most the best way if there is a mobile Internet - this is Baidu Translate... You substitute the microphone, speak the required phrase in English, and it is immediately translated into Chinese in writing. It is best to download this program, although all Chinese, even not very big cities, there is such a translator on the phone, and if they do not understand what you are trying to convey to them in English, they will definitely use it, you don’t even need to ask them about it.

Drawings

If neither gestures nor Google Translate helped and there is no Internet on the phone, and your interlocutor does not realize that you can use Baidu Translate, that is, the best tool is a schematic drawing. If you need to find out where and what time the bus goes to the place you want, just draw it on paper. For example, when I needed to know how to get to National park Huangshan, I drew mountains, a bus and a clock with a question mark. Everything became clear.

Blanks on hieroglyphs

These are magic pieces of paper that open all the doors, you just have to show them and poke your finger at the right word. All words and names settlements that may come in handy on the road, it is advisable to prepare in advance, print or save screenshots with them on your phone. All other words and names, the need for which appears during the journey, it is best to ask to write the first Chinese who more or less speaks English and who meets you on the way.

I did this all the time, and it saved me a lot. No long explanations, you silently show a piece of paper, and they give you a ticket or show you the way.

→ In this note you can see and download pictures with some hieroglyphs:

Connection. Internet and mobile communications

SIM card

So, the simplest thing is to buy a Chinese SIM card in Сhina mobail still at the airport. If it was not there, then find a store in the city and buy it there. For this you only need passport and 70 yuan for the simplest plan with 2 GB of Internet. Do not buy SIM cards in private shops - they are 2-3 times more expensive there.

Ask to call

If you didn't manage to buy a SIM card or you regretted the money, it doesn't matter ( I, for example, could not buy, although I really wanted to, and I do not regret). The Chinese are not Russians, and when asked to call, they do not shy away from you, but, on the contrary, always willingly respond, it is even an honor for them that you are a foreigner, turned to them with a request, and for them to help you with joy. You just go up to any person on the street and ask him to call from his phone. You can use gestures. I did this all the time. And they will not only give you a call, but they will also find all the necessary information and give you money ( it happened a couple of times).

WiFi in the cafe

In China, in fact, you will never be truly disconnected. Almost everywhere, even in remote provinces and in the most godforsaken cafes, there is wi-fi. Therefore, if you need to find out something, urgently contact someone, communicate with your parents on Skype, you go into almost any cafe and ask for a password for Wi-Fi, and you don’t even have to order something there.

Ask to share WiFi

If there are no cafes on the horizon, and you are on a train or a bus, and you urgently need to get some information about the place where you are going or to contact those who are waiting for you, the simplest solution is to ask your neighbor to distribute Internet to you from your mobile phone.

At first, the Chinese themselves often offered me their Internet and always handed it out to me without any problems. When I realized that it was in the order of things for them, I began to use it all the time. I need the Internet, I ask, they give me out. Everything is very simple. And don't be shy to ask. This is not Russia, no one will look at you with a stern look, saying: “Dude, are you fucking crazy? Can't you dance the lezginka? "

Blocked Websites in China and VPN

As you probably know, resources such as Google, Facebook, Instagram, Wikipedia are blocked in China. But many Chinese people, like people around the world, get around the bans with a VPN. I have used different programs (for example, Super VPN), but the best thing for me in China was VPNRobot... You download it, open the application and press the connect button below, wait a little while it connects and then calmly post your photos on Instagram.

Money

Exchangers

So, in large cities there are always exchange offices, and there are ones with a very favorable rate. They meet in the center and at train stations. Friends told me about it. I myself, honestly, did not find such, although I was looking very actively. I found only one at the station, where they offered me such a predatory course that I refused. Until the end of my trip, I never changed a single dollar of my own. You may be more fortunate.

ATM machines

ATM machines are everywhere in China. And they all take the usual bank cards VISA. In all the cities where I have been, and in all ATMs from different banks, I have always withdrawn money without any problems, and at a good rate. Only once the ATM refused to read my card, but in the nearest store the sellers on a moped took me to another bank - it was faster and easier than explaining to me where it is. And another businessman told me that his platinum VISA card was not accepted by ATMs, so it is better to use ordinary cards and do not show off.

Transport

Trains. How to travel by train in China

There are several types of trains in China, they can be distinguished by the letter that appears in front of the train number. So,

The main types of trains in China

Category "K"... This is a train long distance with seating. The ticket says that this is a hard seat. In reality, these are rather soft chairs on which you can lean back and sleep peacefully if you go into the night ( in the photo below). Quite simple and friendly people travel on the train. And they will feed and share wi-fay. The ticket is the cheapest. For example, I paid 172 yuan (1548 rubles) for the trip at 16 o'clock from Guangzhou to Zhangzatse (about 1000 km). In this video you can see how such a train looks from the inside.

Category "Z". The so-called "sleeper". Almost a copy of our reserved seat. Only there are no sidewalls, but instead of them there are 3 shelves in a compartment on each side, the most convenient in the center. There are small half tables and seating in the hallway. The ticket said "hard sleeping car", and I prepared for the worst, but it turned out to be a new, clean, modern train with a soft mattress on the shelf, a snow-white pillow and blanket, but without bed linen. Everything looked so clean that I did not even disdain to sleep like that, without a bed.

The washbasin area with three sinks is located separately from the toilet, which is very convenient because there is no need to wait in line to wash. True, there is no toilet paper or soap. There are a couple of sockets where you can safely leave your phone on charging, no one will pull it off.

The train is inexpensive. I bought a ticket from Shanghai to Guangzhou (16 hours on the way - 1200 km) for 365 yuan (3285 rubles). This is what a sleeper is:

Category "G ". This is a speed train (2nd class). Fast, comfortable super-modern train that travels at a speed of about 350 km / h. The place is sitting, comfortable, if you wish, you can recline the back and sleep. In 4 hours I covered the path from Changsha to Huangshan (700 km) on it. The ticket price is 331 yuan (2979 rubles). But in this video, again, you can feel like a passenger on such a train.

How to buy train tickets in China

It is better to take train tickets in advance, because good places at a convenient time, they are quickly disassembled. And there is one great site where you can buy tickets for Chinese trains from your country - CTRIP- english.ctrip.com

Of course, you will have to pay a small commission for such a purchase, but on the other hand, you will already have tickets practically on hand. The most convenient way is to use the resource's mobile application, on the site you can immediately see how many places are left, and you can also receive bonuses for each purchase.

Electronic tickets will need to be printed at the ticket office before boarding the train.

At large train stations, this is done at the long-distance ticket office, so before getting in line, it is better to clarify whether this is the right ticket office. Otherwise, you will be standing in vain and you may miss the train. When it's your turn, you can silently stretch your mobile phone with a screenshot to the cashier through the window e-ticket and passport.

It is always better to arrive at the station in advance, because at the entrance you need to go through several checks, so there are usually huge queues there. It also happens that tickets are bought and printed in a separate station building, and it is not always easy to find it. Therefore, it is better to be at the station at least 1 hour, and even better, 1.5 hours before departure.

Buses in China

With bus tickets, everything is easier. You can just come to the bus station, name your destination or show a piece of paper with the name, and choose a convenient date and time when asked. Buses run in completely different directions and very often, so the nearest bus, most likely, will not have to wait long. The prices are tolerable, like in Russia.

How much money should you take with you to China? What Chinese food can you eat and what you shouldn't? How to avoid getting caught in a tourist divorce? And also about the specifics of the Chinese mentality and the attitude towards foreigners, read here: What you need to know when going on a trip to China? Part 2

Best Vacation Destinations in China for Beginners independent travelers and those who have seen everything, but passed the Great Wall of China.
Throughout the history of China, which is more than 5000 years old, the country has formed one of the richest and most mysterious cultures on our planet, with magnificent monuments, a great emperor, amazing evidence of religious worship and works of culture and art that remain alone to this day. of the most remarkable evidence of the flight of the creative thought of mankind.
Empires replaced 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 are the modern wonders of Shanghai and Hong Kong. In these lands, the great philosophers - Confucius, Lao Tzu and Chuang Zhou, expounded their teachings about life and the laws of the universe, forming not only Chinese society, but also the society of the entire South Asian region as a whole. Many of the traditional travel experiences in China that are available to travelers are associated with these places and with the world's most famous attractions in China, such as the Great Chinese wall, The Terracotta Army and the Forbidden City. There is also always the opportunity to see giant pandas in the Chengdu Wildlife Sanctuary, take a cruise along 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 provides an insight into the endless 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 ancient design thought.
TERRACOTTA ARMY
The terracotta army of 8,099 full-length figures of warriors, servants and horses is believed to have 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, striking in its scale and speed of technological progress, is one of the most amazing cities in the world, which must be visited.
YANGZI RIVER
The Yangtze River cruise promises to be a calm and spectacular experience.
CHENGDU RESERVE
Chengdu is a sacred place of worship for pandas. 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 our.
CHINESE CUISINE
Chinese cuisine is as varied as life itself; it has countless national dishes, and in each region they are prepared differently.

How to get to China

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

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

When to go. Best time to visit China

With the weather in China, options are possible - the country is large. Depending on where you plan to go, be guided by that region. In the north and south of the country, summers are hot and humid, with frequent rains. At the same time, winter in the northern regions of China (with a suffocating hot summer) is very cold and often the thermometer 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 cool enough in winter.
That's why best time to visit China will be spring - from March to April or autumn - in September and October, when, despite the cool nights, the day is comfortable enough and the weather is great for excursions throughout the country. But still, just in case, it is worth bringing an umbrella with you so as not to be caught off guard in the rain. Beach season on the island of Hainan begins in October and lasts I'm at home.
In winter, it is worth coming to China, 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

To travel to China, Russian citizens need a visa.
1. an international passport, the validity of which is at least 6 months from the end of the trip, the passport must have at least one free page;
2.a completed questionnaire in Russian, English or Chinese V.2011A signed by the applicant. The questionnaire is filled in block letters (on a computer or by hand) without corrections and blots;
3. photograph 3 × 4 or 3.5 × 4.5 cm on a light background. The photo must be glued to the profile;
4. invitation from a Chinese travel agency or hotel with a red stamp. If the inviting party is a private person - a free-form invitation, stamped at the local police station, and a copy of the inviting person's ID.
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 certificate of employment. When applying for a visa at the PRC Consulate in Irkutsk, you must provide a certificate from the bank about the availability of funds in the account. Visa-free transit Visa-free transit allowed Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu. In this case, tourists need to have a permit to enter the third country and booked ticket with a departure date within the next 72 hours.
V Hong Kong visa-free you can stay for 14 days. Visa to Macau is issued upon arrival and allows you to stay in Macau for no more than 30 days.
Visa upon arrival you can also get on the island of Hainan if arriving direct international flight(Moscow - Sanya), or follow 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, it is required to obtain a visa in advance at the PRC consulate.

Peculiarities of planning a trip to China

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

China's cities and attractions that everyone should see

BEIJING

Modern capital China, the city of Beijing is a real microcosm in this amazing country with its intriguing controversy and a great place to start your acquaintance with rich history China, its landscapes and sights. The majestic Tien An Myn Square with monolithic monuments of the epoch 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 "hatongs" - narrow crowded streets of the city, rapidly disappearing from the map modern city- illustrate the more traditional side of Chinese life, while Olympic park, city restaurants and hotels speak volumes about the other side of China's life. In both cases, travelers have a chance to dissolve in this multifaceted and complex community - in order to experience its flavor, it is worth spending at least three days here.
One of the days of your stay in Beijing is worth spending on an excursion to Forbidden City... This place served as the seat of several dynasties of Chinese emperors. The palace, known to us as the "Forbidden City", was named so because it was forbidden to enter this territory by anyone except the emperor himself, his family and courtesans. Anyone who violated this rule and entered there without the permission of the emperor was supposed to be immediately executed. Today, the Forbidden City is one of the main attractions of the capital, allowing visitors to look into the world of unlimited power and wealth of the rulers of the Middle Empire. This architectural ensemble, which includes about 1000 buildings, is the largest and best preserved in China.
Noteworthy are two more sights of Beijing, which are worth seeing at least once in a lifetime, no matter how “ tourist attraction”They did not seem - it is the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace.
Built in austere Confucian style, the Temple of Heaven, completely rebuilt for the opening of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, served as a huge arena for ceremonial ceremonies designed to ensure a bountiful harvest. The refined decoration of its halls and altars is imbued 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 huge park of culture and recreation and classical gardens, which are so popular both among visitors to the country and among the indigenous people, has been named by UNESCO "a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design." The temple was under construction for a number of years; at the same time more than 100,000 workers labored to excavate a huge artificial lake that can be traversed by boat today.
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. The 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 contain the onslaught of the warlike tribes and prevent them from entering northern China; more than two million people are estimated to have died during its construction.
Nowadays, everyone can quite safely walk along the wall, enjoying the fabulous views that open to the eyes of the traveler. Closest to Beijing is the section of the Great Wall of China - Badaling, which served as a kind of "gateway to the capital". If you want to see one of the most calm 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 that 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 the most luxurious and impressive places in Beijing. Most of the rooms are furnished in a century-old style. There is a private entrance to the territory of the Summer Palace, so this is the first thing that guests of the hotel can visit right in the morning.
More a budget option The Haoyuan Guesthouse... Cozy surrounded by two lovely courtyards, Haoyuan is the former residence of a wealthy Beijing banker. It is located away from the noisy city traffic; however, Tien An Myn Square is only a 15-20 minute walk from the hotel. The 16 rooms of the hotel are decorated in traditional Chinese style, and in the backyard of the hotel you can easily immerse yourself in peace and quiet, really feel like in real China.

• DISCOUNTS AND SPECIAL OFFERS FOR ACCOMMODATION IN BEIJING HOTELS

CHENGDU

Quiet city Chengdu - the capital of the "fiery" province of Sichuan, is reliably isolated from the rest of the country mountain peaks that surround it with a kind of ring. Spicy national cuisine, friendliness local residents and the many temples and teahouses provide some of the best opportunities in all of China to watch local life... In the west, the foggy mountains stretch hundreds of miles towards the Tibetan plateau, while the north, covered with dense bamboo forests, is home to one of China's most famous national symbols, the almost reclusive giant panda. They are extremely rare in the wild, but a visit to a panda sanctuary or research center near Chengdu city guarantees a closer encounter with these magnificent animals.

HAINAN

Chinese call sunny island with magnificent beaches and hotels in their own Hawaii. The island is located at the same latitude as the north of Vietnam. Therefore, the climate in Hainan is very warm for most of the year, and the days are sunny and clear. It has pristine sandy beaches and a range of upscale hotels and resorts, many with their own private beaches.
Off the coast, you can spend the day trekking in the rainforest, or visiting the monkey sanctuary, although most people come here to simply relax by the sea. Hainan Island is easily accessible from most major cities China. It develops at a dizzying 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 beach vacation while traveling in China.

• DISCOUNTS AND SPECIAL OFFERS FOR ACCOMMODATION IN HAINAN HOTELS

SHANGHAI

Shanghai is a vivid illustration of the well-known phrase about the city of contrasts. He is the epitome of the self-confident China of the 21st century. The atmosphere of cosmopolitanism here is very far from that which prevails in most other cities of the country. Surrounded by colonial buildings inspired by 1930s architecture, stroll along the waterfront, this 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, with an excellent selection of bars and restaurants; this part of the city is quieter than others. In this area, the history of the city comes to life in those days when Shanghai was an unremarkable fishing village, even before the development of the turbulent trade between the West and China in the 19th century. In the wake of the infamous "Opium Wars", a weakened China has allowed a number of foreign governments, including the French, to open concessions with free trade opportunities. At the beginning of the 20th century, the concession became one of the first residential areas in 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 wonderful place located just an hour by train from Shanghai. Water canals and tree-lined squares flank this area, which is famous for its weaving traditions, with the techniques that led to the opening of the famous Silk Museum. In the vicinity of Suzhou, there are picturesque water villages such as Tongli, Zhouzhuang and Zhu jia jiao where ancient stone bridges cross winding canals and old merchant houses lined the narrow cobbled streets. The best that these small villages have to offer is a rare chance to experience the era of bygone China; however, it can get quite crowded during peak season; therefore, if you are visiting the Suzhou area, it is best to plan your check-out early in the morning to avoid crowds.

WHERE TO LIVE. BEST HOTELS IN SHANGHAI
Located in the heart of the Shanghai French Concession, Villa Anting offers excellent quality accommodation in great price... The hotel is housed in a building that blends well with the surrounding colonial era buildings; numbers in Anting located very conveniently and comfortably furnished. There is both a traditional Chinese restaurant and a restaurant serving familiar Western food. But one of best features Considered to be lush green gardens, this hotel will provide travelers with a welcome getaway away from the endless hustle and bustle of Shanghai.
For those who prefer to live in the heart of the city, it is better to choose a hotel conveniently located in the waterfront area. Peninsula Is one of the largest and most luxurious hotels in Shanghai. Peninsula located in an Art Deco building. Rooms at the hotel are some of the most spacious in the city, some with beautiful views of the river and the glittering buildings of Pudong.

• DISCOUNTS AND SPECIAL OFFERS FOR ACCOMMODATION IN SHANGHAI HOTELS

HANGZHOU

The Chinese consider their former capital Hangzhou one of the best places in the country and most of the population prefers to rest here. The love of millions of Hangzhou is largely due to its scenic views. West Lake- a landscape immortalized over the centuries by countless Chinese artists. Although the landscape of Hangzhou's waters has become less attractive today than anywhere else, the tranquil atmosphere and greenery of the city sets it apart from others. famous places... After the frantic hustle and bustle of Shanghai and Beijing, this is a great place to rent a bike and go for a river ride to the nearby hills. You can also visit the local tea plantation, which produces tea of ​​such high quality that it is regularly presented during visits by heads of various states, including Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. All of this, combined with the recently introduced choice of highly authentic and comfortable hotels, makes Hangzhou the perfect place to stay near the end of your trip.
In addition to walking around the city and exploring local attractions from Hangzhou, you can go on a trip 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 people of China, but if you experiment and spend the night in one of the local hotels, you may find that its peak is at your complete disposal. The dawns here are delightful, with the sun rising slowly, revealing a series of jagged peaks melting into a sea of ​​clouds. So if you want something mind-blowing and delightful, 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, not affected by the excess benefits of civilization, Amanfayun – perfect place in order to relax and pamper yourself. Designed in a traditional rustic style, each of the 47 rooms at this hotel is housed in typical village houses, some of which are over 100 years old. There is a tea house, several restaurants and a SPA-salon. Hangzhou's temples, lakes and other amenities are just a 20-minute drive away.

• DISCOUNTS AND SPECIAL OFFERS FOR ACCOMMODATION IN HANGZHOU HOTELS

GUILIN

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

YANSHO

A river cruise from Guilin to the small commercial town of Yangshuo is a popular and highly affordable way to see the jagged Mountain peaks from limestone. Sailing downstream, you can see the classic pictures of provincial China: grazing herds of buffaloes, farmers cultivating fields, and fishermen unloading their daily catch. Despite the fact that in recent years, Yangshuo is gaining more and more popularity with travelers, he still remains calm and welcoming. A trip to Yangshuo is also a terrific excuse to explore the countryside by bike, car, or more modestly on foot. Rafting is available on many tributaries of the river.
Evenings in Yangshuo are best spent with the fishermen who use to fishing not fishing rods, but specially trained cormorants, or having dinner in one of the many local restaurants in the city. There is also the opportunity to watch the spectacular sound and light show Yangshou impressions directed by Zhang Yimou, who directed the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

LONGZI

Located two hours north of Guilin City, the ancient rice terraces Longji - Dragon's Ridge, offer a delightful opportunity for a closer acquaintance with the traditions of the Zhuang people living in the area. Overnight stay in the hotel among the terraces is a great opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of modern China and get to know the traditional rural way of life. You can walk for hours through the villages scattered along the surrounding slopes, either alone or with a guide. While the local peasants are already quite used to Western travelers, it is still a great way to see a different side of Chinese life, different from the frenzied rhythms of the country's modern cities.
Outside Longji, the area becomes more mountainous and the roads bumpy. This part of China is considered one of the least industrialized in the country. Those who can come to terms with humble living conditions and uneven roads will be rewarded with fantastic landscapes, a variety of different cultures of national minorities and visits to modest, almost untouched villages such as Chengyang. For those who are fond of the culture and traditions of China, in the vicinity of Longji there is a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the local festivals that take place here throughout the year. One of such interesting celebrations is the Luchen festival in honor of the wind musical instrument made from cane, held in early October. The festival program includes performances by musicians, as well as various performances, dances, bullfighting and horse racing.

The text of the article was updated: 05/29/2018

In November 2011, together with my wife Ekaterina, we made the first full trip on our own, without travel agencies... We have visited several popular places in China, spent one day in Hong Kong and then flew to the Philippines for adventure. We really liked the country: kind, benevolent people, a sense of security, cheap transport, food, hotels and excursions, a huge number of attractions. I knew I would return to China again. In March 2014, my dream came true: we flew to the Middle Kingdom for the second time. And today I begin a very long and detailed account of our journey as savages through China and Thailand.

General questions regarding the preparation of a trip to the PRC

When I wrote the report on the first trip to China on my own, I did not dwell on general issues related to this country that may be of interest to travelers. Let's talk a little about the People's Republic of China. We all know that Mao Zedong's homeland is by far the most populous country - more than 1.3 billion people, i.e. every 5th inhabitant of the planet out of 10 is Chinese. We give little thought, but no less rapidly growing country in terms of demographics (and economy) is India with 1.22 billion hungry mouths. So, every 4 out of 10 people are from Southeast Asia. The territory of China is 6.5% of the earth's land. Only in Russia and Canada there is more land. Imagine how many tourist attractions this country can accommodate!

Most of the Celestial Empire has a temperate climate. In the South - tropics or subtropics. In the North - continental climatic conditions... On average, the temperature in winter in the northern provinces of the country is -7 ° С (but also up to -20 ° С) in the center - 5 ° С, in the south from +5 ° С to +15 ° С. In summer - +20.22 ° С, +25 ° С in the North, in the Center and in the southern regions, respectively.

They say that you can fly to Hainan Island to have a rest all year round, since the air there is always warmed up to +28 ° С, and the water - up to +25.6 ° С. We did not go to Hainan, but we condemn ...;), After a close acquaintance with the Chinese service in hotels, I am sure that for the same money in Thailand or, for example, in the Philippines, it will turn out to be more fun and enjoyable. All the same, our Chinese neighbors, like ours, have a socialist past with all that it implies.

Time difference with China

The Celestial Empire is a huge country located in 5 time zones. But the party said it did not want to bother - everyone should live according to Beijing time, i.e. in summer it is ahead of Moscow +4 (the difference with Yekaterinburg is +2 hours), and in winter - +5 hours to Moscow (+3 to the capital of the Middle Urals).

How to talk to Chinese

In general, the Chinese generally do not speak foreign languages. And they write in hieroglyphs. People often ask me: “How did you communicate in China? What if you need to ask for directions? How to explain to a taxi driver where your hotel is? " In the first story about a trip to China as a savage, I described this moment in detail: the pantomime of the deaf-mute plus printouts with a dictionary and the names of existing places in Chinese - to Kiev, i.e. they will drive you to the most remote Chinese village. This year we were more fortunate: in Shanghai, in natural park Zhangjiajie | 张家界, ancient city Fenghuang Ancient City (凤凰县) and in Guilin (桂林) and even in Ma'an village (马安 寨), the hotel staff spoke English tolerably well (at least one person in the hotel could speak).

How to change currency in China

They took some euros with them in cash (as a last resort). But there was no such need (to change the currency). They withdrawn money from Visa and Mastercard debit cards at ATMs (in them everywhere in the menu you can choose English, and sometimes Russian). The exchange rate was 6.3 rubles per yuan (taking into account the bank's commission of 150 rubles for each transaction). Before the trip, we bought 500 yuan from Sberbank (in Yekaterinburg - this is a branch on Tveritina Street, 34) so ​​that we could have money for a taxi from the airport in Shanghai to our New Asia Hotel. And in the morning they took money from an ATM ... The procedure for exchanging cash in Chinese banks, according to independent travelers, is long and dreary. On our first trip to China on our own, we changed dollars for yuan a couple of times in hotels. They formally issue a receipt, i.e. it's legal.

How to organize your own travel to China in 2020! Visa, tickets, hotels, food, transport, security. How much does it cost to go to China? Costing, advice and observation.

Material prepared on the basis of personal experience independent travel to China of the author of the text: three months of life 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 what prices and conditions are. I will build on Shenzhen - the center of all electronics, a young and rapidly growing city in the very south of China, which borders Hong Kong. I will tell you what is useful for a tourist when planning an independent trip to China in 2020, as well as give my own observations about the country and travel tips.

How to make a visa to China on your own

A visa to China for Russians is needed, except in rare cases. Regular single entry costs 1,500 rubles, double entry - 3,000, multiple entry - 4,500 rubles. Plus a bank commission of 2.5% per person is charged.

Urgent single entry - 2400, urgent double - 3900, urgent multiple - 5400. There is also an express review, it is more expensive.

Better to stay at chain hotels as they care about their reputation. A day in such a hotel costs from $ 30-40 per Double Room... Chain hotels in Shenzhen: Greentree Inn, Sheraton, Novotel, etc.

Advice:

• Look for a soundproofed hotel - the Chinese are noisy.
• Photos of hotels are not always true.
• Sometimes the room can be clean and comfortable, but have foreign odors, such as dampness. Or overlook the courtyard, where a dump or a Chinese street cafe (which produces odors no better).

Rent. If you want a personal comfortable home, look for a room, apartment, or house on Airbnb. The choice of housing is huge. Renting an apartment in Beijing costs about $ 30-50 per day, in Shenzhen - from $ 27. You can rent an apartment for a month on Airbnb for $ 600-1500 (rooms - $ 500-900). The price depends on the city, area and state of the house. For example, in Shenzhen near the beach in resort area an excellent apartment was rented out for $ 600. There are discounts for long-term rentals.

Chinese food and cuisine

Another difficulty that you will face when independent trip to China in 2020 is food. It is very specific here, so there are problems with going to a cafe, especially if you do not know the language. But here McDonald's and KFC come to the rescue. There are also many European well-known chains in which you can order food from pictures. However, the prices in them are much higher - for example, a side dish with meat costs from $ 6. Sometimes the price includes tea. At McDonald's Big Macs (potatoes, cola, double cheeseburger) will cost about $ 5.

In general, in a cafe you can eat for $ 5 or more, in restaurants a simple dish costs from $ 10.

Where you can eat inexpensively and tasty in China:

• Cafe for locals. You can have a hearty meal in them for $ 1.50, but no one guarantees the quality of the products and the observance of 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 is, it is not clear what it is.
• "Muslim women"- this is local cafes held by the Muslim Chinese. The food there is prepared in compliance with all standards and is really delicious. I love their noodles very much and I advise you to try it. They prepare it in front of you, and it is interesting to watch this process. Cost from $ 1.5 for a huge portion.
• Supermarket. A kilogram 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 soybeans with a lot of spices and additives. They taste sweet and with a specific smell, but just for the sake of curiosity, you can try it once.

(Photo: [email protected]/ flickr.com / CC BY 2.0 License)

Internet and cellular communications in China

All sim cards are sold only with a passport in specialized places. The cost of mobile communication is quite high - from $ 20 per month, plus the same amount is charged for purchasing a card and choosing a tariff plan. To get a normal tariff and understand everything, you need to know the Chinese language. If you need internet in China, it is easier to use Wi-Fi while traveling - you can find it everywhere in big cities.

There is another nuisance that many face is the blocking of all Google, YouTube, Instagram services. To access them, you need to install a special VPN program for yourself.

Transport in China

With transport in China, everything is fine. The infrastructure is very well developed. Airplanes, ferries, trains (including high-speed trains), buses, metro and taxis. You can get anywhere without any problems. Travel in buses - from $ 0.3, in the subway - from $ 0.5.

If you are going to travel to China for a month, buy a travel card. A plastic card can be replenished and used in the metro and buses, and then returned and refunded. Cost $ 4. It is very convenient: you do not need to find out the cost of tickets, buy tokens, stand in lines. Accordingly, the problem of language also disappears. For trips within the same city, $ 10-30 per month is enough.

A very common type of movement is electric moped. In fact, this is a taxi, only less comfortable, more extreme and cheaper - from $ 2. The main advantage is the absence of traffic jams, as mopeds go wherever they want. The only negative is the language. You need to agree on the price and destination.

(Photo: Lαin / flickr.com / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 License)

ATMs and cards

Be prepared that in many stores your Visa or MasterCard may not be accepted, since in China another payment system is UnianPay. This card can be issued at any bank for free. If you need to withdraw money from your own, then 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, status, so you will always be in the spotlight. They will always turn at you and, without hesitation, stare at close range. In addition to the increased interest, the Chinese will try to make money on the "white man". We are walking money for them, so bargain in all stores. For example, once we knocked down the price of a shirt from $ 35 to $ 5.

We can talk about the culture and upbringing of most Chinese people for a long time. Making way for a girl, letting her go ahead, letting those out of the transport pass, throwing garbage in the trash can - it's not about them. They also have no sense of tact. Do not be surprised if at the first meeting you will be asked about your personal life, salary and health. The Chinese themselves are very cunning and enterprising, but at the same time good-natured.

Useful Chinese Words for the Traveler:

Safety in China

Do you know where the tradition of wearing a backpack in front came from? From China. Petty theft is very common there. In big cities, you can find a police officer everywhere who will be happy to help in any situation. Also on all buses, metro, shopping centers, and there are just cameras hanging on the street, so in big cities there is nothing to be afraid of, walking along the streets in the evening. From personal experience: I walked with photographic equipment, and no one ever tried to pester me.

Also in China there is an unspoken rule that animals, children and laoyam(to foreigners) everything is possible.

(Photo: Today is a good day / flickr.com / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 License)

How much is an independent trip to China from Russia

Let's calculate how much a trip to China for two for 10 days costs when departing from Moscow:

• Single entry visa - $ 52.
• Flights from Moscow to Beijing and back - from $ 586. Find a ticket >>
• A hotel in the center of Beijing in low season - $ 130. Find a hotel >>
• Eating out for locals - $ 120.
• Insurance - $ 23.
• Transport and attractions - about $ 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 about 1111$ for two for 10 days.

If you are used to living in comfort, then the trip will cost about 1711$ for two (accommodation in a 3 * hotel - $ 250 and meals in cafes and restaurants - $ 600). We spent $ 1,500 a month for two.

Take advantage of our useful tips on an independent trip to China in 2020:

• Before the trip, see how the Chinese people 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.
• Get the medicines you need, as you can hardly find anything familiar in Chinese pharmacies. More likely to come across a dried toad than activated charcoal.
• Download Baidu software and city maps where you are going to live on your phone. This program will help you choose the route, time and type of transport, determine the best route. 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 can see, is not so terrible. Travel, because there are so many interesting things in the world!

(Photo: monkeylikemind / flickr.com / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 License)

First photo: mandylovefly / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.