Independent travel to China. Price, experience, reviews, advice

Europe

Article text updated: 05/29/2018

In November 2011, together with my wife Ekaterina, we made the first full-fledged trip on our own, without travel agencies. We visited several popular places in China, spent one day in Hong Kong and then flew off for adventure to the Philippines. 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 that I would return to China again. In March 2014 my dream came true: we flew to China 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 China

When I wrote a 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 the Motherland of Mao Zedong is by far the most densely populated country - more than 1.3 billion people, i.e. every 5th inhabitant of the planet out of 10 is Chinese. We don't think much about it, but the fastest growing country in terms of demographics (and economy) is India with 1.22 billion hungry mouths. So, every 4 people out of 10 are representatives South-East 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 in this country can fit!

Most of the Middle Kingdom has a temperate climate. In the South - tropics or subtropics. In the north, continental climatic conditions. On average, the winter temperature in the northern provinces of the country is -7 °С (but 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 the island of Hainan to relax all year round, since the air there is always warmed up to +28 ° C, and the water - up to +25.6 ° C. 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 be more fun and pleasant to relax. All the same, the Chinese neighbors, like ours, have a socialist past with all the consequences.

Time difference with China

The Celestial Empire is a huge country located in 5 time zones. But the party said that it did not want to bother - everyone should live by Beijing time, i.e. in summer it is ahead of Moscow +4 (difference with Yekaterinburg +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, in general, 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: pantomimes of a deaf-mute plus printouts with a dictionary and the names of existing places in Chinese - to Kyiv, i.e. they will bring you to the most remote Chinese village. This year we were more fortunate: in Shanghai, in nature park Zhangjiajie (张家界), ancient city Fenghuang (Fenghuang Ancient City, 凤凰县) and in Guilin (Guilin, 桂林) and even in the village of Ma'an (Ma'an, 马安寨) hotel staff communicated tolerably in English (at least one person in the hotel could speak).

How to change currency in China

We took some euros in cash with us (as a last resort). But there was no such need (to change the currency). Withdrawing money from Visa and Mastercard debit cards at ATMs (where you can choose English and sometimes Russian in the menu everywhere). The exchange rate was 6.3 rubles per yuan (including a bank fee 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 have money for a taxi from the airport in Shanghai to our New Asia Hotel. And in the morning they withdrew 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 exchanged dollars for yuan a couple of times in hotels. They formally issue a receipt, ie. this is legal.

China is a very ancient state in East Asia with a huge population and an equally huge territory, capturing 7 climatic zones. There are deserts, waterfalls, mountains, lakes, forests and even tropical islands in the south. At the same time, in one corner of China it can be -40°C, and in another +40°C. Stock up on an umbrella, as it often rains here, take comfortable walking shoes and warm clothes if you go deep into the continent, especially into the mountains. The main advice when traveling to China: choose clothes that will be "neither hot nor cold", that is, it is convenient to move around the country.

Food and water

No less important tips for China are the choice of water and food in safe places for a European. The quality of water and Chinese food should be taken very seriously. The cuisine is quite exotic, but sanitary conditions are not always up to par. It is better to choose a dinner in a cozy Chinese restaurant - on the recommendation of your guide or hotel employees. You need to be no less careful with water, tourists are advised to drink only purchased bottled water, as well as from special thermoses installed in hotel rooms.

Health

In advance, you need to think about what medicines to take to China. If these are drugs that are not prohibited by law (narcotic and psychotropic drugs), then there are no special restrictions. Minimal preparation required necessary set medicines for personal use, including stomach, headache, heart, etc.

General tips for China: get to know this country from the inside, respect local customs and people's political sympathies, be polite and smile. You are a guest! And guests in China are always welcome!

How much money to take to China - we calculate the required minimum

How much money to take to China and what currency to take to China - these questions arise for those who go there for the first time. Let's start in order. How much money you need to take to China so that it is enough for the most average tourist requests, without any frills. If you are traveling from an operator or travel agency, then accommodation and meals are already included in the price of the ticket. The most minimal and not entirely obligatory expenses remain: a taxi (from 3 to 10 yuan at a time), street food you like, pastries and sweets (10-20), beer (4-6) and wine (20), seafood delicacies ( up to 60), excursions and souvenirs for friends. All this can be spent from 50 to 100 yuan per day or more. Based on this, you should decide how much money to take to China. If you are not strongly constrained in funds, take it with a margin - at the rate of up to $ 100 for one day of stay, in the case when housing and flights have already been paid.

In order not to worry once again about the search for exchange offices in China, immediately decide what money to take to China. China advice on this converges on one opinion: it is better to convert the entire amount that you will need into Chinese currency or US dollars. Ideal option: 60% in yuan, 40% in dollars. You definitely won’t change rubles here, and you won’t be able to buy dollars for rubles. In China, currency can be changed at state-owned banks and exchange offices, and we advise you to keep the exchange receipts until the end of the trip. You can carry up to 3 thousand dollars with you without certificates and documents, and up to 10 thousand dollars - with entering in the declaration.

What you need to know about China - Primary Truths

Communication

The main thing to know about China is that it is strikingly different from Russia in literally everything. Everything here lives according to its own laws, which are not always clear to people of other nationalities, especially Europeans. When communicating, remember that the Chinese know English poorly, and Russian is out of the question (with the exception of international exhibitions, trade and purely tourist facilities and sites). You should prepare well before the trip, study materials about local customs and culture, print, if necessary, maps and routes for independent trips, learn the basic phrases of greetings and addresses, change the necessary amount of money at home.

shopping home

Decide in advance what souvenirs to bring from China. It can be like porcelain, swords, fans, silk blankets, decorative boxes and exquisite sweets, or ... anything - today's China, without exaggeration, is the world's greatest "handicraft store". Feel free to bargain, the Chinese themselves do it with pleasure and expect the same from you. Sometimes the initial price for a tea set, equal to 300 yuan, eventually drops to 20 ...

What to take to China from home

Must take on the road sunscreens and glasses, a first aid kit with a minimum set of medicines and hygiene items; loose clothing and comfortable shoes. The Russian-Chinese phrase book will not interfere at all, with its help you can communicate with the local population, showing the necessary hieroglyphs.

Information for tourists

It’s hard to believe now, but such modern household items as familiar to us as paper, a compass and a printing press were invented not just anywhere, but in China, and even in time immemorial. By the way, they say that the wheel and the calendar also appeared somewhere nearby, but these two facts are regularly disputed by many scientists. Be that as it may, China is rightfully considered the cradle of civilization, culture and science. It is also a very attractive country for tourists from all over the world.

In terms of territory, the People's Republic of China is in third place in the world, second only to Russia and Canada. In the north, China extends to Mongolia, in the west to the Himalayan and Tibetan mountains, from the east the country is washed by two Chinese seas. Politically, China consists of 22 regions, 5 autonomous regions, the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau, as well as the island of Taiwan, which is claimed by all states bordering it, including China itself.

The capital of the state - Beijing - is the administrative and cultural center region, while Shanghai and Chongqing, which are superior in number and population density, divide the main economic spheres of the state among themselves. Both the local population and visiting tourists prefer to indulge in relaxation on the island of Hainan, which is called “Eastern Hawaii” behind the eyes, and where best resorts China: Dadonghai (Great East Sea), Yalunwan (Dragon of Asia) and Sanyavan. But a trip to China should not be limited to visiting only beach recreation areas; this ancient country deserves closer attention.

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

Pass customs inspection, for which fill out a customs declaration. If you have less than 3,000 US dollars per person and you do not have items to declare, 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 desk number is indicated on the central board opposite your flight number. All questions about your seat number on the plane are resolved only at the check-in desk.
Pass the border control in any cabin.
Board the aircraft through the exit number indicated on the boarding pass.

Passengers of international flights go through customs, passport control, as well as security control, after which they await the departure of the flight in the sterile zone of the gallery of international airlines. Passport and boarding pass are presented at the checkpoint.

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

Rules for conducting pre-flight and post-flight inspections

In accordance with Appendix No. 1 of the Rules for conducting pre-flight and post-flight inspections, approved by order of the Ministry of Transport Russian Federation July 25, 2007 No. 104 forbidden to carry on board the aircraft by passengers in the checked baggage and in the belongings of the passengers, the following hazardous substances and items:

Permitted to carry on board the aircraft by crew members and passengers, in compliance with the required conditions, the following items and substances:

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

Liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 100 ml will not be accepted for carriage even if the container is only partially filled. Medicines have an exception for transportation, baby food and special dietary needs.

Liquids purchased at duty-free shops at the airport or on board the aircraft must be packed in a securely sealed (sealed) plastic bag that allows identification of the contents of the package during the flight and has reliable confirmation that this purchase was made at airport duty-free shops or on board the aircraft on the day(s) of travel. Keep your proof of purchase. Do not open the package either before boarding the cabin 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 flights with increased danger, 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 latch) travel, penknives with a blade length of less than 60 mm.

Upon arrival at Sanya and Haikou airport

Upon arrival at the Sanya airport, you must go through passport control (a foreign passport is presented).
From April 30, 2018, a new rule for passing border control at the Sanya airport is in force(Hainan Island China, international terminal). All tourists between the ages of 14 and 70 who arrive on the island by direct charter flights on visa-free list will additionally undergo the following procedures:
1. Removal of fingerprints;
2. Biometric face photo.
Also, selectively, some tourists may have their mobile devices checked for prohibited materials ().
If the tourist refuses to go through this procedure, the airport border control has the right to deport the tourist. All deportation costs are borne by the tourist.
Get your baggage. The monitors above the baggage belts indicate the flight from which baggage will be issued on this belt.
At the exit of the airport building, go to a TEZ TOUR representative and ask for the number of your transfer bus. To do this, name the hotel where you will rest. The name of the hotel is on your voucher.
Our representatives are wearing yellow shirts with blue ties and blue trousers/skirt.
Go to the parking lot, find the bus you need for transfer, check in with the TEZ TOUR representative accompanying the bus, giving your last name, put your luggage in luggage compartment bus.
Listen carefully to the information that the escort (transferman) will report on the way to the hotel. Also, the attendant (transferman) will inform you about the time of the meeting with your hotel guide.

Upon arrival at the hotel

Come to the TEZ TOUR counter to the hotel guides.
Fill out the registration card English language.
Hand over your passport and voucher (1 copy of 3) to the hotel guide. Passport is required for registration compulsory registration all tourists, it will be possible to pick it up in a day.
Expect settlement. Check-in at the hotel takes place at 15.00. Upon check-in, you will be given the keys to your room.
After checking into your room, check the information provided by the hotel. Pay attention to what services are paid and how much they cost (as a rule, the information is in a folder and lies on a table or bedside table).

Meeting with the hotel guide

The time of the meeting with the hotel guide will be reported to you by the accompanying person (transfer) 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. Take your passport, voucher, air ticket for the return flight with you to the meeting.

For all questions and problems, please contact the 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 the flight home

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

Departure from the hotel

On the day of departure, you must vacate the room before 12:00, return the keys and cards for towels.

You can leave your luggage in the hotel's storage room.

In order to avoid various complications, please do not be late and come to the transfer at the specified time.

Arrival at Sanya and Haikou airport for departure

Upon arrival at the airport, go to the check-in counter, where your flight number is indicated (the numbers of the counters will be additionally reported to you by the attendant (transfer) on the bus on the way to the airport).
Check in for the flight (provide your passport and ticket).
Drop off your luggage at the check-in desk.
Get your boarding pass. Pay attention to the exit number and the time for boarding the aircraft (in the boarding pass, the exit is indicated by the word GATE, the time is TIME).
Go through passport control (provide a foreign passport, a completed migration card for departure).
Proceed to the departure hall where you will be waiting for your flight boarding announcement.

Helpful information

Medical service

To receive free medical care, you must contact the numbers indicated in the medical policy of the insurance company. When contacting a medical institution without a referral from an insurance company, the tourist pays for the services on his own.

Vaccinations for travel to China are optional. You should not drink tap water. Use 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 "dubious origin", even if it looks attractive and appetizing, such as food prepared by vendors right on the street. Do not eat meat dishes that have not undergone heat treatment.

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

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

Well-known clinics in Sanya Yukang, Longevity Garden, Taiji.

first aid kit

Before the trip, form and take a first aid kit with you, which will help you with minor ailments, save you time searching medicines and get rid of the problems of communication in a foreign language, in addition, many medicines can have different names in different countries.

General information on China

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

Time. The whole country lives according to Beijing time, while 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 common script is Chinese hieroglyphics.

General information on Hainan Island

O. Hainan - 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°С, the amount of precipitation per year is 1500 mm. The climate of Hainan Island is mild, tropical, summer reigns on the island all year round. In summer, the air temperature during the day is usually around 33 degrees.

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

Visa

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

Time

Time ahead of Moscow by 4 hours.

Mains voltage

Mains voltage 220 V.

Tips

Tipping is not accepted in China, but it is enough to leave change in a restaurant. 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 more than $ 5,000, you must declare this in the customs declaration. The amount of RMB moved across the border should not exceed 6,000 RMB. Allowed duty-free import of 600 cigarettes, alcoholic beverages not more than 1.5 liters, jewelry 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, military topics;
materials that may harm the politics, economy and culture of China.

canned food (meat and fish)
meat (fresh, dried, ice cream, sausages, frankfurters, poultry, etc.)
fish (dried, smoked, etc.) and seafood
vegetables fruits

It is forbidden 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 PRC.

Power Bank (charger) with a capacity of more than 10000 Amp (amps) cannot be exported from China. We recommend that you do not bring these chargers with you, as customs may not allow / seize the Power Bank at the departure from the country.

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

Medicines are allowed to be exported only in luggage, if there is a receipt with a seal and an export permit or a prescription.

Money

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

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

Please note that when paying by cardMastercardmay have problems!

The shops

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

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

In large state-owned stores and food stalls, prices are fixed. You have to bargain in the markets. Even if the product has a price tag, it is nothing more than a “landmark” indicating the order of the purchase price. The choice of souvenirs is huge, but many of them are of low quality. Chopsticks, beautiful china, 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 sold, as a rule, only in state-owned stores and are expensive. When buying it, you must definitely 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" pearl, which means southern pearl. 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. In teahouses, you can try different types of tea, learn about the art of brewing tea, and buy various varieties of healing tea.
Silk. Gifts purchased here for your relatives and friends, whether it be silk clothes, silk bedding or always fashionable silk paintings, will be remembered for a long time, because the art of silk has been living for more than one millennium.
Crystal. Crystal in Hainan is rightly called the third treasure of the island after pearls and tea. The island has 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. Back in the early 20th century, a Japanese doctor discovered a special substance in shark fat - squalene, which can act as a natural antibiotic. In addition, scientists have found that shark oil contains another important compound - alkoxyglycerides, which have a powerful effect on the immune system. Among other things, shark fat is the best supplier of valuable vitamins A, E, D - these are vitamins-fighters with age-related changes in the body. They improve vision, the condition of the skin, hair, 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 returned to tourists. The deposit must be paid 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 case of bank card, when the funds are released by the hotel, the transaction does not go through immediately and in some cases can last 30 days (funds are returned to the owner's account within a month).

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 sunbeds and umbrellas.

Tan. It is better to sunbathe before 11 am, otherwise overheating and sunburn threaten. Excessive exposure to the sun can ruin your entire vacation. Use sunscreen with high UV protection. Do not neglect hats, being in the sun for a long time

Transport

The main means of transportation in China are buses and taxis. To move around the city, it is better to use a taxi. On the roof of the car there is a sign "TAXI", and on the glass there is a payment for 1 km of the way, payment is made according to the meter. The fare for a taxi 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 the suburbs.

Main shuttle buses:

Bus number 2: East station - Dadonghai - city center - Technical school
Dadonghai Square - Xiazhi Department Store - Luhuitou Square - Sanya City Hall (Shidai Hai'an Bar Street) - First Market Crossing (Sanya International Trade Square) - Yifan 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 - Sea World Club Hotel - Yalongbei Square - LiuPang Village - TianDu Village - NonSha Village - Ojiayuan Village - East Station - Dadonghai Bay - Palm Hotel - Luhuitou Square - Sanya City Hall (Bar Street) - Gangmen Village - High school Practices - People's Insurance Company - Taisin Hotel - Hotel Central Asia- Chinese Medicine Hospital - Shuili Building - Public Parking (Pedestrian Street) - Red Salt Restaurant - TianDu Hotel - Chinese Bank - ShenYi Hotel (Sanyabei Bay) - Zingwei Hotel - 425 Hospital - Friendship Street - Nongken Hospital - West Station

Rent a Car
Since the international driving license is not valid in China, car rental is only possible "complete" 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 can not photograph military, strategic objects 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, and so on.
You can not express dissatisfaction with the culture and history of China, as well as show disrespect for them.
You can't litter, you can be fined for it.
Do not show aggression or irritability towards the Chinese.
Most Chinese people are friendly towards tourists, so be prepared for the fact that many locals will greet you and maybe even point the finger - react calmly to this.
It is not allowed to touch a woman, take her by the arm.
It is not customary to open the door in front of a woman or give her a place, because. women and men in China have equal rights.
You should refrain from smoking in hotels, parks, squares and on the street, and drinking alcoholic beverages is also prohibited in these places.
Take food with chopsticks from a plate should be silent.
Noodles need to be pulled in with noise - this is what all the Chinese do, this indicates how tasty you are.
You can’t stick chopsticks (or utensils) vertically into a bowl of food - this resembles incense smoking in a temple, and therefore evokes thoughts of a transition to another world.
In no case should you string pieces of food on sticks - this will offend every Chinese.

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 territory. When buying 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 it yourself can be difficult without knowing Chinese. You can buy a SIM card at China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom offices. You can also purchase cards for international calls with per-minute payment.

For calls to Russia, you need to dial 007 (Russian code) + city 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(in English): 115
Police and rescue service: 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

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 the departure can also be from the third. It is better to buy air tickets in advance. Flights are operated by Air China. If you are not very fond of flying, then you can get from Beijing to Xi'an by train. Tickets can be purchased at chinatraintickets.net.

You should not waste time and try to buy tickets at the station, as you will have to queue up in the evening. You can use the services of a travel agency, whose offices are not difficult to find. Let the tickets be sold to you with a small markup, but this way you can save a lot of time. The cheapest way to get from Beijing to Xi'an is by bus, which departs from the Liuliqiao bus station.

If you decide to use the services airlines Air China, then you should not count on a full snack. Before departure, we recommend having a hearty breakfast (lunch or dinner). At Xi'an airport, prepare your luggage receipt, as the staff will let you out of the terminal with your suitcase only 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 goes to the Bell Tower. As always, we recommend that you print out the hotel's business card in advance.

Where to stay

You can stay in Xi'an both in a hostel, for example, Xi'an Jiuping Hostel, where a bed in a dormitory room will cost you 283 rubles per day, and in a hotel, where accommodation will cost a little more. Book Xi'an Jiuping Hostel on booking.com .

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

The first day. On your own in Xi'an

Xi'an amazing city, which has more than 3000 years of history. It is considered to be one of the oldest cities in China. It was here that the Great Silk Road began. Here you have to spend two days. We start 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 Qian Temple. Here you will see the most 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 very top, there is an excellent panoramic view of the entire city, where many other unique sights are concentrated. The observant tourist will notice that the Pagoda is at an angle that increases over time. So 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. Next to the Pagoda, the fountain show begins in the evening. A very beautiful sight. Not far from the ort of fountains is the Narru New Year shopping center, where you can have a bite to eat at the Hot Pot restaurant. In such a restaurant, food is cooked right at your table, which has a built-in heating element.

After a short rest, we again use the services of a taxi and go to the review 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, the Grand Mosque.

We recommend starting the tour from the south gate. Here you can see the drum show that takes place daily. After the show, you can take pictures 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 the spot. Paid entrance. In the immediate vicinity of the South Gate 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 Grand Mosque, which is one of the four largest in China, and which was built in the 18th century. The Muslim quarter is a fantastic, colorful and must-see place. The shopping streets in the quarter deserve special attention. Here you can buy souvenirs made of stone, wood, silk.

Second day

To visit Xi'an and not see the eighth wonder of the world - the Terracotta Army, would be just an unforgivable mistake. You can get from Xian by one of the buses that leave 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, you need them. Also here, local guides offer their services, who speak tolerably English.

Before you get to the entrance, you will have to pass by souvenir shops, eateries and other places, which will be all possible ways make you spend.

Now that the path has been completed for you, three pavilions will be opened on the territory of the museum. To see the terracotta army, go to the first pavilion. The growth 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 stop, get on the bus and after three stops, ask the driver to stop in Lintong. Huaqing hot springs will be interesting here. Do not forget to prepare a note with hieroglyphs for the driver or explain yourself in English. Just say that you need Hot springs. Why is this place a must visit? It is here that the garden and park assembly is located, which takes pride of place in the top 100 in China.

You will have to pay about 110 yuan for entry. A romantic but sad love story of the beautiful Yang Guifei and Emperor Xuanzong is connected with this place. It was for his beloved that the emperor built a beautiful park and baths.

Today, next to the Lotus Pond, you can see the Tree of Love, to which thousands of ribbons are tied. Hot springs also function, so you can wash yourself 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, with a sense of accomplishment, you can return to Xi'an to taste the famous local dumplings. We recommend visiting 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.

You should not 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 landscapes, the Lijiang River, karst mountains. In addition, the third episode of Star Wars and the film The Painted Veil were filmed here.

From Guilin Airport to the city can be reached by express bus. If your hotel is further than the final stop, then after the bus change into a taxi.

Where to stay

From budget accommodation options, hotels can be noted:

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

If the price does not really matter to you, and you do not want to save on comfort, then we recommend hotels:

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

Now that you have checked into your hotel and rested a bit, we recommend visiting iconic place Guilin - Elephant Trunk Mountain (Xiangbishan), which is located in the southern part of the city center. This place, whose height is 100 meters, got its name, because the outlines of the mountain resemble an elephant, which seemed to lower its trunk into the river. Highly interesting place. This is where the Li River joins the Peach Blossom River.

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

Enraged, he drew his sword and stabbed it in the animal's back. The elephant is petrified. Today, this place can be visited by tourists, having reached the place by ferry. The ferry departs from the terminal at St. 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 agency. We recommend that you look here to purchase a tour to the rice terraces. Of course, you can get to them on your own, but then you have to make a transfer, and the journey itself takes more than three hours. In general, many tourists prefer it 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. Do not forget to leave the hotel business card to the employee so that there are no misunderstandings, as English will not help you here.

Waterfall at Lijiang Waterfall Hotel

Do not rush to leave the park, because an evening walk along the picturesque complex of ponds and unusual bridges will bring a lot of pleasure. Make sure you get to the hotel
Lijiang Waterfall Hotel, which is located in the center. In the evening, whole crowds of tourists and locals gather here to see how the wall turns into an amazing waterfall for ten minutes. Another moment and the waterfall again becomes the wall of a five-star hotel.

If you plan to extend your stay here for a couple of days, then by all means visit the Reed Flute Cave and Seven Star Park. In the cave you can contemplate not only the 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 the beauty of the karst hills with our own eyes and take a walk along the Li River. To get to the city, you can purchase a cruise for 420 yuan per person. You will not find cheaper, as only one company is engaged in their organization. The journey will take four hours.

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

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

To get to the place, go to the bus station to buy tickets to Yangshuo. The fare is about 15 yuan. Upon reaching the city, you will need to transfer to the bus at the same bus station, which will go to Xinping or Yangdi.

The bus to Yangdi will take you to the jetty where you can rent a raft specially designed for tourist walks. Such an alloy 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 off far from the end point. So, having fallen for a “divorce”, you will have to get to Xinping on your own and spend a lot of time and effort on it. In general, we recommend not to save much on a walk and pay money for a full-fledged rafting. The price usually includes a transfer from Xingping Wharf to the bus station.

Also, the guide can make a stop for lunch in one of the local cafes. No one promises that it will be presentable, but they will feed you deliciously and inexpensively. In general, if you experience a feeling of light or not very hunger, then agree.

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

Moon Hill

Before leaving for Guilin, indulge in the pleasure of seeing the wonder of nature - Moon Hill, which has a unique shape. You can get to Moon Hill by bus, just 15 minutes and you are there. A ticket to Moon Hill costs 15 yuan.

You will have to make the ascent yourself, as there is no lift provided, but for this money, at the very top of the hill, you will find a bewitching view. 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 return to the station and take the bus to Guilin.

Fifth day

We go to the ethnic village of Huanglo to the long-haired Yao

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

In this village, girls never cut their hair, and at the same time they have really beautiful and thick hair. For residents, this is a guarantee of long life and wealth. It is also surprising that rich hair color can be found even in older representatives of Yao, they have not heard of gray hair here. This can only be envied.

Representatives of the Guinness Book of Records recorded the maximum hair length of one lady living in Juanlo, which was 2.1 meters. In general, travelers, getting into this village, envy silently, and sometimes do not 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, the villagers will not only let their hair down for you, but also pose with pleasure in front of the camera. No wonder they say that money spoils people.

All the girls are talented needlewomen, so the souvenir business is developed. Here you can buy handmade items. Here, next to Juanlo, you can already see the rice fields.

Drive to Ping An village (rice terraces)

The next village you will visit is called Ping An. If you are driving on your own, you will have to pay an entrance fee. As part of organized tourists, the entrance, as a rule, is included in the price of the tour, so you do not need to pay anything extra. 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 serpentines, a specially trained driver is attached to the bus.

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

The “packets” have only one option - to transfer to the bus, which follows to rice terraces Ping An. The locals gave them the name Dragon Ridge. The land under 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 to implement the plan, 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 Seven Stars accompanying the Moon. Get to viewing platforms will have to be on their own, overcoming the ascent of the stairs.

In addition to rice, tea is grown here, so do not deny yourself the pleasure of buying it in local tent. Right in front of you, freshly picked tea leaves will be dried and packaged. After exploring and purchasing souvenirs, you will be asked to get on the bus and will be taken back to the hotel in the evening.

Sixth day. On my own in Shanghai

How to get there

It's time to go to Shanghai. Tickets are best purchased in advance. You can get there without any problems 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 (Maglev Train), which develops speed up to 430 km/h. Maglev follows to the metro station of the 2nd line of LongYang Road. Perhaps this is the best option. The fare is 50 yuan, but there is an opportunity to save.

Present your air tickets when buying and you will get a 20% discount. You will be there in 7 minutes. After you arrive at the final stop, you will need to transfer to the metro or take a taxi to get to the very center. If you choose the metro, you will see metro line 2 after 5 meters. The journey 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, then the fixed amount should not exceed 80 yuan.

Where to stay

Baolong Homelike Hotel (Zhongshan Branch) 2* from 1039 rub. per night
Shanghai Amersino Hotel 3* from RUB 1240 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 2884 RUB. per night
Grand Mercure Shanghai Central (Formerly.Grand Mercure Shanghai Zhongya) 5 * from 4500 rubles. per night
JI Hotel Shanghai Railway Station West Tianmu Road 4 * from 7153 rubles. per night

These hotels are very well located. It is close to Shanghai Railway Station and Central Station.

After check-in at the hotel and a short rest, we recommend going to Old city(Old Town). To get to the place, use the subway. You need purple line 10, Yuyuan Garden. In the Old City, we recommend visiting the Yuyuan Garden. The entrance ticket costs from 30 to 40 yuan, depending on the season.

This garden, located in the old part of Shanghai, was founded over 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, though it took more than 20 years and all the savings. Later this garden will be redeemed by the Guild of Shanghai Merchants. Today, this park is one of the main attractions of Shanghai and causes indescribable delight among visitors.

In the park, you can leisurely enjoy a pond with blooming lotuses, gazebos, terraces and, of course, the picturesque Nine Turns Bridge. According to the legend, by walking on it, you will be able to cleanse from evil spirits, whose entry to the bridge is prohibited. Directly on the bridge is the Usintin Tea House. We also recommend that you definitely visit the Temple of the City Gods.

Shine a light on this park today and slowly enjoy its charm, beauty and magnificence. Near the park you will find many cafes and souvenir shops.

Embankment The Bund and TV tower Pearl of the East

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

Oriental Pearl TV Tower is located one stop from the promenade by metro, near Lujiazui Station, line 2. You can also visit the famous aquarium here. On the way back, we recommend stopping at the railway station in the advance ticket sales hall, especially since the hotel is in close proximity.

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

Seventh day. In Suzhou on my own

Why is Suzhou a must visit? Yes, because here you can enjoy the splendor of the famous gardens, of which there were about 280 in the 16th and 17th centuries. 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 something to see and what to be impressed with. Suzhou is also the center of silk. Well, how can you resist?

After arriving at the station in Suzhou, we transfer to bus number 5, which leaves the station and goes to the Panmen Gate (“Curled Dragon Gate”). Travel time is about 50 minutes, ticket price is 1 yuan. Once the Panmen were part of the wall. Today we can see the already restored attraction.

A lot of work has been done and at least $2 million has been spent. Thanks to these investments, the territory was also ennobled: trees and flowers were planted, the pond, where carp live today, was cleaned, and lighting fixtures were installed. Walking, you can easily find the Juyguant pagoda, in which, in ancient times, a Buddhist stupa, made of pearls, was also kept.

Fisherman's Garden and Wangshiyuan

Wangshiyuan is one of the most popular gardens in Suzhou. Architecture and nature, impeccability and elegance are united here. In the pavilions, you can see the interiors of past 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. In Wanshiyuan you can also do beautiful pictures in the garden of bansai trees, on the arched bridge, which has the lyrical name "Leading to Serenity". In summer, the garden can be visited even at night, do not miss this opportunity.

The next must-see garden is the Lion Grove, a distinctive feature of which is a heap of stones that have a certain type (taihushi). Several decades are needed to "grow" such stones. To get a certain look, it was necessary to make holes in ordinary stones and place them in the lake. Over the years, these stones acquired very unusual shapes. In general, there is something to see and something to be surprised at. The Lion Grove Garden is definitely a must see. The ticket price is 30 yuan.

Now is the time to go to the Garden of the Modest Official or Administrator, which covers an area of 5 hectares. Of course, a few hours are not enough to inspect it, it is better to book the whole day, but if there is not much time, then during this time you can see quite a lot here.

The construction of the garden was started over 600 years ago by an official removed from public affairs for corruption. He worked on its creation for about 20 years, and today it will cut with a unique design and inimitable beauty. If you visit the garden in the summer, you will find the lotus festival and the azaleas festival in the spring. The entrance ticket costs 70 yuan.

If you are not in a hurry to get to the train, then you can walk to the railway station and be sure to visit the 85 confectionery to brighten up the day with delicious pastries and aromatic coffee.

eighth day

On your own to the Venice of China - Zhouzhuang

Let's go see today Chinese Venice- the city of Zhouzhuang, which has almost thousand years of history. You can get to it by bus from Suzhou, so first we will use 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 tired and you are full of energy, then from final stop you can walk to the Old Town on foot or take a taxi, if this option is not considered. You have to pay 100 yuan to get 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 run by local women.

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

After enjoying the walk, you can go to explore the city and the life of local residents. Be sure to inspect the bridge "Key". If you are observant, you will understand that the locals receive the main income from private transportation through the canals, restaurant and souvenir business. The most interesting thing is that men here are engaged exclusively in intellectual work. Women get the most difficult - physical work. Maybe that's why they sing such sad songs?

If you're looking to grab a bite to eat, you'll find plenty of establishments, but whether you dare to try something is another matter. Keep in mind that water for cooking is taken from the same channel, where they wash clothes and do other household chores. No, of course, the water is pre-boiled, and, as the locals assure, after that it acquires a unique taste (who would doubt it), but the choice is always yours.

If you have already seen everything and do not want to stay overnight to see a stunning sunset, then we recommend that you hurry up, because last bus to Suzhou leaves 17.10, and to Shanghai earlier by 40 minutes.

Ninth day. Shanghai solo walks

Today you can walk in the French Quarter. You can get to it by the red line 1, Shanxi Road. This place is very atypical for a metropolis, here you can walk quietly and feel its romantic atmosphere. If you have been to Europe, you will recognize its appearance - cozy cafes, with cutlery familiar to us, and pastry shops, paved roads and nice decoration of balconies. Despite the name, not only the French, but also Russian emigrants lived in the quarter.

The remaining time can be devoted to sightseeing 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 Jade Buddha Temple, the Pushkin Monument, the Museum of the Chinese Communist Party.

If you are interested in world and local fashion brands, then we recommend the 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, while the choice is simply huge. Grand Mall is close to Lujiazui Subway Station.

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

The main thing you need to know a tourist in China

If traveling to Europe is usually simple, since the life of Europeans is very similar to ours, and even if you don’t know the language, you can find your way around housing and transport, as well as buy something in the store. But with trips to eastern countries, the situation is more complicated, since in many countries they don’t speak at all and don’t understand not only Russian, but even English, it’s impossible to guess what all these local hieroglyphs mean, plus there are some local features , which should definitely be considered by those who decide to go to independent travel to China or any other of the Eastern countries.

1. Difference in time zones

Immediately count that China has a different time zone. The first few days will be spent on adaptation to new conditions. Therefore, you should take care in advance to set your internal clock to the PRC time. Long flights and a sleepless night at the airport “help” me - I arrive without getting enough sleep, go to bed in the evening local time, wake up in the morning, and then I have no problems with another time zone.

A sleepless night at the airport is the best cure for jet lag.

2. Other air

Air. Due to the fact that China is a large number of factories and a fairly high population density, the air is noticeably different from the usual European and CIS countries.

Smog is clearly visible in the cities of the northern zone of China. In the southern zone, due to the fact that there are fewer factories, it is not so clearly visible. But the consequences are being felt. Among them, high drowsiness and problems in people with respiratory failure can be noted. You can catch clean air only after rain.

3. Language barrier

The language barrier. Firstly, in China they do not speak English well. You can face this problem both at the airport and in a taxi. The only place where you can count on knowledge of the language is in hotels high class. Or among people professionally studying foreign languages. Some take an interpreter - it helps, but you need to be careful. For example, often all the interpreter does is to ask “Iga dosha chen?” (How much does it cost?) and they ask $50 a day. Drive such people right away, even if they were imposed on you by the company.

Secondly, all signs, names, signs, stops are written only in Chinese (i.e. hieroglyphs, no English transliteration). Main advice- write down on a piece of paper phrases that may come in handy: “destination” for a taxi, the necessary stops for public transport, currency exchange, store, pharmacy and so on. An important nuance is that you will not be able to read the name of the stop, that is, you will have to compare the inscriptions externally. Therefore, writing should be as legible and close to the original as possible.

Important! If you don't own Chinese at a sufficient level - do not try to speak it. Features of the language - each sound has four tones of pronunciation, radically changing the meaning of any word. One word in different keys can have different meanings, including offensive ones. Each province in China has its own accent. A Chinese from the north will not always understand a Chinese from the south. So don't be surprised by the difference.

4. Food in China

Food. Dine in big cafes in China is unprofitable. Even ordinary tea exceeds average European prices. So there are a few food options.

The first is small eateries, where the main nuance is the uncertainty of the conditions in which food is prepared. No one can guarantee compliance with sanitary standards. On the other hand, if you are not afraid for your stomach, then the pricing policy of such places will pleasantly surprise you and will match the wallet of any tourist. When you place an order in a restaurant or cafe, be sure to specify the degree of spiciness of the food.

The second is buying food in the market. Here, prices will be half that even in eateries, but again the question arises of sanitary conditions and the impossibility of guaranteeing your further health after eating this food. So the best way If your hotel does not provide meals, buy food from the store and cook yourself.

Solving problems with unsanitary conditions: Buy at the market only those fruits that need to be peeled - bananas, oranges, mangoes, etc.

Do not eat exotic food on the street. Such as insects, scorpions, spiders different types. The Chinese themselves hardly eat this, it is made specifically for tourists, and is not always safe for an unprepared stomach.
Get ready in advance that when buying food in the store there will be no dairy products or it will cost quite a lot of money. There may be problems with bread, because. The Chinese do not eat baked goods, so if you want to replace it with something, steamed flatbread is the best. The closest you can find in China is bread.

5. Transport in China

Transport within the country. The most popular means of transport within the city are buses and taxis. When traveling by bus, be sure to remember which stop you need. The main thing is not to forget that buses run strictly until 23:00 and not a minute later.

Important: in China, any transport, including taxis and buses, is not late, and no one will wait for you!

In some places, you can try out some exotic transport, for example, in floating villages, look at boat houses and ride a small boat along the market in this village.

If you use taxi services, order it to a specific place and at a specific time, you should not be late for more than five minutes. The taxi driver has the right to leave if the client is late for the required time. Look carefully at the counter and pay only for it. Don't take drivers at their word.

The most popular means of moving around the country is trains. When buying tickets, be very careful. There are three categories of tickets - seated, standing, on the floor. Depending on the category - a different pricing policy. Most expensive places- seated. When buying, be sure to specify which place you need. Be careful when traveling on holidays.

6. Buying souvenirs

Souvenirs. Never buy souvenirs in places of interest. Their price is usually one and a half to two times higher than outside cultural places.

I also want to separately mention the shopping streets with souvenirs. It is believed that it is important to bargain with the Chinese on prices. When you are on a shopping street, this is a mistake. Since souvenirs are almost identical in all shops, their prices are also identical. Therefore, if you buy souvenirs on a shopping street - do not argue with the seller and do not disgrace yourself, but buy at a set price. If you want cheap souvenirs and the opportunity to bargain, look for a unique product that has no competition, or look for small shops outside the shopping streets and attractions. Then you can bring down the purchase price by one and a half to two times.

7. Hotels and accommodation in China

Housing. When you look for accommodation on Booking or another site, immediately close the cheapest offers. Yes, in major cities In China, you can find rooms for 150 yuan, but you won’t want to live in them - dirt, torn linen, no refrigerator or fan, no bathroom, with windows overlooking the corridor, and even in some hole. You will find more or less normal rooms in which you can live only for 200-300 yuan. It will already be, though poor, but clean, tidy, with a shower, hairdryer, towels, normal beds, and so on. And for 350-600 yuan you will already get excellent rooms with beds with orthopedic mattresses, silk sheets and mattresses, air conditioners, coffee with Chinese buns in the morning and other pleasant things.

Cheap doesn't mean bad, but it doesn't mean good either. Choose a hotel by photo, rating and feedback from visitors.

Be sure to print the hotel business card with Chinese characters, otherwise you risk not getting to the place (how else to explain to the taxi driver where you need to go?)

These seven tips are for independent travel to China, but do not forget to take into account general travel tips. For example, read the article about . An incredible choice of formats, designs and the ability to create your own unique style.

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