China attracts tourists with its flavor, an amazing combination of modern and ancient architecture... In the cities of the PRC, chic skyscrapers coexist with Buddhist temples, there are shops with amazing goods, restaurants with traditional Chinese cuisine. In order to plunge into the atmosphere of the country, it is better to organize a trip to China on your own, go interesting routes and enjoy the local traditions to your heart's content.

What documents are needed for the trip?

To visit the country, tourists initially need to apply for a visa. If the trip is planned for up to 30 days, then a single entry visa is suitable for such purposes. Its cost is 1500 rubles.

A package of documents for a visa:

• a foreign passport is liquid within six months from the date of travel;
• a copy of the passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation;
• a questionnaire with a photo in color;
• insurance policy;
• certificate from the bank to confirm financial solvency;
• round trip tickets;
• invitation.

If the invitation is of a personal nature, then you must provide the passport details of the inviter.

You need to apply for a visa to the consulate.

Transportation to the destination and within the country

You can get directly to China itself not only by airlines, but also by bus or train. True, for this, you first need to go to Vladivostok, and from there you can choose any land transport and cross the border. Internal movement also remains diversified. You can choose from motor transport, plane, bus, train or taxi. However, in large cities it is better to stop your choice on the subway in order to move quickly. The trip is carried out with a pass, which can be bought at the beginning of the trip and returned at the end.

How to find accommodation?

Obtaining a visa obliges you to provide a reservation for the entire time that the traveler plans to stay in China. Such a long-term reservation is fraught with many unknown surprises. It is recommended to make a reservation for several nights and, if necessary, extend it, and if the room does not suit you, then move out and look for another. Many tourists complain about the shortcomings in the hotels.

Poor soundproofing

The walls in the rooms are made of a material that transmits sound to the maximum extent. This fact delivers a lot of inconveniences, since it is almost impossible to provide a comfortable stay due to good audibility from the next room. And if the hotel is located near a road or a crowded place, then everything in the room will be heard.

Room conditions

The hotel is chosen by the photo, but arriving there you can be very disappointed. The sizes of the rooms can be radically different from those stated, the furnishings and cleanliness in the room also may not correspond. When booking a hotel, it is better to pay attention to the rating and reviews, but its cost will be much higher than a hotel with a low rating. So a night in a good hostel will cost about $ 30, and on average about $ 15. Short-term apartment rentals in China are not very popular, but if you wish, you can find a company that will provide accommodation for several nights.

The bulk Money here it will be spent on living, from here and it is necessary to build on when planning a budget.

Nutrition

What people in Russia are used to thinking of as Chinese food is actually very different from real food. Traditional is an unusual combination of products, an abundance of spices and sauces. However, a tourist can easily eat at the famous McDonald's chain, but the price will be higher than the average lunch in the Russian Federation. Local restaurants and public catering do not pay due attention to sanitary standards, food there is more budgetary, so there is a chance of getting food poisoning or an upset stomach.

You should not deprive yourself of the opportunity to enjoy traditional snacks; it is enough to find a restaurant or cafe where the owner will be a Chinese Muslim. Such establishments are kept clean, but when planning a trip to China on your own, it is better to look in advance for information on the location of such establishments.

Many travelers choose the self-catering method. You can find all the necessary products in supermarkets, but without knowing the language it will be difficult to do this, for this you need a dictionary. Many exotic fruits cannot be found in Russia, but they can be tasted in China.

It is worth abandoning the purchase of sausages, since soy is used in their preparation, and the taste is fundamentally different from the usual taste.

What you need to know when traveling to China

1. When explaining the number from 1 to 9, the fingers of one hand are used, in contrast to the European method.
2. To purchase tickets at train stations, you should use the destination written in advance on a sheet of paper, since employees do not always speak English.
3. Many are banned in China social networks, and those that are used have strict censorship.
4. Public toilets are equipped with floor-standing toilets and there is no toilet paper, so it is best to carry it with you. Toilets in China have star status as hotels.
5. The traditional color in China is red. The lucky number is 8, and the unlucky number is 4. The Chinese are a very superstitious people. Therefore, some houses may well not have a 4th floor.
6. The Chinese folk language contains a lot of dialects. Each city has its own. Only the hieroglyphs are the same.
7. The most important application in China is the one that can quickly translate all the inscriptions from the phone camera.
8. Banknotes in China need to be checked well, as there is a chance of running into a fake.
9. They enter public transport at the front door. Payment is made either by transport card or in cash.
10. Washing clothes in China is very expensive. Therefore, it is better to look for apartments equipped with a washing machine.
11. Additional costs: mentality of local residents

Local residents can be characterized as noisy and noisy. These are lovers of bargaining in the markets. By the way, it is quite natural for merchants, bargaining tourists can buy the necessary goods cheaply, sometimes the price can be brought down several times. Payment must be made in cash, since non-cash is not acceptable everywhere. For security reasons, you need to carefully look after your belongings, as theft is developed in China.

The culture of behavior of many Chinese people is very different from the European one, such simple rules as giving up a seat on public transport, or cleaning up after yourself, are not followed here.

The Chinese are very fond of doing with Europeans, this fact should not be surprising.

Phone and Internet

You can buy a sim card in China only with a passport. mobile connection here it is expensive, about $ 30, but for the card and the tariff you need to pay the same amount. However, many tourists only use Wi-Fi, it is freely available and practically throughout the entire territory. Popular social networks and subject to blocking.

ATMs and cards

The most common MasterCard or Visa system for paying for goods or services in China is not suitable, since the country has a different payment system. The UnianPay card must be issued to the bank absolutely free of charge. You can withdraw cash from your own card at any of the many ATMs.

Security

In the country, keeping track of your belongings is the main and main task. Because petty fraud is common. The streets of the city are protected by policemen, of whom there are quite a few in every block. Cameras are installed in public transport, crowded places, so there is nothing to fear. However, travel should still be done with caution.

Prices for flights to China from Moscow

Air links between China and Russia are well established. Many airlines fly to the PRC, some of which are very budgetary. The average cost of a round-trip ticket varies within 25,000 rubles, the lowest price will be about 20,000 rubles.

The factors on which the price depends are:

• season;
• how many transfers will there be;
• departure time;
• direction of flight.

Airlines very often hold promotions where the cost of the flight can be significantly reduced and you can get from your destination inexpensively.

Prices in hotels in China

The cost of staying in a hotel in China will differ depending on where the hotel is located. So in large cities accommodation is more expensive, and in small towns it is quite cheap to rent a hotel room.

If you choose a hostel for accommodation, then the cost of a bed-place will be inexpensive about 40-60 yuan.

For a room in a 3-star hotel, you can pay about 150 yuan. For comfort and convenience in the room, and accommodation in 4-5 stars hotels, you will have to pay more than 200 yuan.

Rental housing in China

For those who do not want to overpay for hotel services, renting an apartment from the owner will be quite suitable. There are a lot of such options. Apartments will also differ in value depending on the distance from the center, metro, number of rooms, living conditions. Decent housing is available for rent starting at 200 RMB. It is possible to rent a separate room, then the rental price will be on average 130 yuan.

Visa to China 2019, documents

Visa to China for residents of the Russian Federation is provided on a paid basis. There are two types of visas: single entry and urgent. They differ from each other in cost. For the first option, you need to pay 3,300 rubles, for the second - 4,600 rubles. For self-registration, you should contact the consulate of Moscow. Its branches are located in major cities of the Russian Federation. For Russians, there is the possibility of a 72-hour visa-free visit to China, only in this case it is necessary to fly.

Documents for applying for a visa to China

Visa processing requires preliminary collection of documents. A standard package of documents looks like this:

1. International passport.
2. Color photo.
3. Round-trip tickets.
4. Invitation or hotel reservation for the period of rest.

Main attractions

Going to China, it is better to draw up a route of excursions and places to visit in advance. There are quite a lot of attractions in the country, if the travel time is limited, then it is better to go to the main historical monuments, which are included in all tourist destinations.

The great Wall of China

This monument deserves to be on the list of must-see places. Its length is several tens of kilometers. This historic site has a difficult and sad history, as tens of thousands of people died during its construction. The wall served as a defense against Mongol troops.

Terracotta Army

This is the burial place of statues of Chinese warriors made of terracotta clay. The exact number is still unknown; different sources record different numbers. This site is included in the World Heritage List and is very popular among travelers and everyone wants to get here.

The banks of this river are famous for their amazing and varied landscapes. It is the longest river in Eurasia, and some sections of the river have the right to be called nature reserves.

Chengdu nature reserve

This territory is inhabited by rare species of animals. It is worth going there if you want to observe animals in their natural habitat. There are also temples and a monastery of the Tang Dynasty in the reserve.

Hong Kong is a favorite city among tourists. It is worth going there for good shopping, all kinds of entertainment and varied nightlife... Hong Kong is home to chic nightclubs and giant shopping malls. It is also worth visiting the statue of Buddha, temples, Victoria Peak. Aberdeen Harbor will be an unforgettable excursion.

Shanghai

This city is similar to the previous one with its rhythm of life and modernity. You should go here for shopping and soak up the spirit of a giant metropolis.

Tibet

Tibet amazes with peace and tranquility. Tours are organized here that help to heal from mental wounds, as well as improve their health. Wonderful nature, sincere people, an atmosphere of tranquility, all this will be found in Tibet.

How much is an independent trip to China from Russia?

Before traveling to China, you need to know the approximate amount of expenses for planning your travel budget. Should be considered:

• air tickets from Moscow and back (for two people 40,000 rubles);
• rent a hotel room for 7 days (22,000 for two);
• excursion fees (12,000 rubles for two);
• fare (3000 rubles);
• purchase of souvenirs, food and minor expenses (18,000 rubles).

The average cost of a trip to China is about 100 thousand rubles.

Budget travel to China

The travel budget can be reduced by staying not in hotels, but in hostels, which can accommodate up to 6-8 people. If you take care of the tickets in advance, then the probability of buying them for a promotion early booking will increase. You can purchase last minute deals through travel companies and fly profitably.

How to save

It will be possible to save on tickets, accommodation, as well as on moving within the city, if you do this mainly on foot or by renting a car. It will be much more profitable to eat in inexpensive cafes, but you should not chase after cheapness despite your health. A trip during the low season, when there is not a large influx of tourists, will help to save the budget. Prices for all services and goods fall. Even in China, there is an opportunity to use free housing, but you should take care of this in advance.

Conclusion

In order to travel to China on your own, it is enough to study the necessary information before leaving, determine the route and plan the travel budget. Taking a little time to read traveler reviews can help you refine your trip and make it fun. It is imperative to fly to the PRC! Do not forget that from China you can bring a lot of amazing souvenirs and gizmos with the famous inscription "Made in China".

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Holidays in China

Holidays in China

Holidays in China

China- this is amazing country, which attracts tourists with its culture and wide opportunities for varied recreation. Holidays in China are popular with very different people, as everyone can find something of their own here - attractions, noisy nightlife, exotic cuisine, beaches, shopping and much more.

Resorts

China is a fairly large country with a huge number of resorts. We will try to describe the most popular ones.

Beidaihe

Hong Kong

Entertainment center in China. It is famous for its rich nightlife and low prices for local goods.

Guangzhou

A city of flowers with many cultural attractions.

Lhasa

A resort in Tibet, the main religious center of China with many monuments of Buddhist architecture.

Manchuria

A city on the border of Russia and China, with great shopping opportunities.

Nanking

A large cultural and business center in the south of China, very popular with tourists.

Beijing

The capital of China, with numerous cultural and historical attractions and very wide opportunities for an active and interesting rest.

Hainan

A tropical island in the south of China, a great place to beach holiday and diving.

Shanghai

A resort with a very vibrant nightlife and excellent affordable shopping opportunities.

Yabuli

The best ski resort in China, which also has all the conditions for various types of winter and active rest.

Climate

IMPORTANT: Resting in China is most comfortable in autumn and spring, when there is no sweltering heat or cold, and there are not very many tourists.

Visa and customs

To apply for a visa to China, you must contact the embassy or consulate. but you can visit Hong Kong or Hainan for two weeks with a tour group without a visa, and in Sijiao and Macau (this is the airport of Manchuria), a visa is issued right at the border. Also, 72 hours without a visa, you can stay in Harbin, Wuhan, Guilin, Dalian, Shenyang, Chongqing, Chengdu, Guangzhou and Shanghai, but only if you fly through these countries to others.

How to get to China

By plane

The planes fly from different cities of Russia to Beijing, Harbin, Urumqi, Guangzhou and several other places. The train journey will take much longer - from the European part of Russia the journey will take about 130-140 hours, sometimes in transit through Mongolia. Of course, you will have to travel less from the cities of the Asian part of our country.

By bus or taxi

From some southern cities of Siberia and Far East buses run regularly, for example, to Manchuria and some other cities. But it is still much more convenient and cheaper to get to Beijing and the southern cities of China by plane.

Transport

You can get around China by plane, train and bus. Aircraft they are not very popular with locals, but there are airports in almost all major cities, so this method is quite convenient.

Buses quite popular, some have reclining places, and routes between big cities are even equipped with toilets. Sometimes buses are noisy due to the constantly running TVs.

V trains There are always a lot of passengers in China, the trains are mostly modern, they run on time. Z-class express trains are especially good.

In cities, you can ride buses but they are always very crowded. There are metro stations in Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Nanjing and Tianjin, and it is better to give preference to it, since there are always terrible traffic jams in cities.

Currency

The main currency of China is CNY... It is best to go to China with dollars, although almost everywhere you can exchange rubles and euros. People often pay with a regular ruble card while traveling.

In Suifenhe, located on the border, it was recently officially allowed to pay in Russian rubles as an experiment.

Beaches

Guangxi

The beaches of the town of Beihai in Guangxi province are no worse than the beaches of Hainan. Of particular interest is the two-kilometer long white sand beach. However, this beach is paid, and the entrance to it costs 25 yuan.

Liaoning

In the province of Liaoning, in the city of Dalian, there are many not only attractions, but also beaches. For example, on the rocky Tigris Beach, you can admire interesting marble statues and visit the local water park. Also tourists love Bangchuidao Jugga, Fujiashuang Beach and Golden Stone Beach.

Hainan

This island is located in a tropical climatic zone, so you can relax here all year round. There are a lot of beaches on the island, but tourists especially love the city of Sanya for White sand beaches and amazing palm trees. The Yalong Bay beach is also very beautiful. The secluded beaches of Hainan can be found on the Lihuitou Peninsula.

Shandong

Shandong is a city with interesting architecture and amazing beaches. Members of the Communist Party like to rest here. There are six numbered beaches in total. The sixth is the most convenient location, while the second is much cleaner and quieter. However, it is best to rest on Huang Dao.

Guangdong

Shenzhen city is the owner of one of the best beaches all over China. The most popular beaches are Dameisha and Hioameisha. The beaches are well equipped, and a short distance from the coast there are picturesque islands where you can also have a good rest.

Fujian

Coastline The Xiamen resort stretches for miles, providing almost endless swimming and sunbathing areas. What is nice, beaches with white sand are absolutely free.

Shopping

For understanding people, China has not been associated with something low-quality and cheap for a long time, because here you can buy excellent quality goods of various kinds at fairly pleasant prices. However, it is not so easy to go to China for shopping on your own, as in the end you can significantly overpay for purchases. That is why they are so popular shopping tours to Beijing, Hongkong, Shanghai or, for example, Guangzhou, because they allow not only shopping at a guaranteed low price, but also visiting local attractions.

Buying something is especially pleasant in Beijing - after all, there is even a Russian street called Ya Bao Lu, where the sellers speak Russian, and all the goods are adapted for us. Inexpensive clothes, shoes and accessories can be bought at the Silk Market, while souvenirs and antiques are worth taking at the Panjiyuan Market.

IMPORTANT: It is customary to bring tea, porcelain, silk products and pearls from China. Many people like porcelain vases and ivory souvenirs. Almost any shop sells various colorful souvenirs such as lanterns and boxes.

Kitchen

Beijing cuisine

The cuisine of this region is based on rice. It is served here as a separate dish, added to meat, vegetables and fish. Lamb, pork and poultry are preferred here. Here are the typical dishes of Peking, Northern or Imperial cuisine:

Peking duck;

Beggar Chicken - clay-baked chicken stuffed with cabbage, herbs, onions and mushrooms and wrapped in lotus leaves;

Pork in sweet and sour sauce;

Chinese samovar from many components;

Chinese dumplings, can be both vegetables and meat;

Dandelion salad.

Shanghai cuisine

In the provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang, it is customary to add rice vodka and a large amount of spices to meat, and many dishes contain fish and seafood:

Shanghai duck;

Soy fish pie - tofu;

Shaggy freshwater crab;

Cabbage soup with pork;

Mushroom noodle soup;

Squid in a spicy garlic sauce;

Eel with garlic in wine;

Fried noodles with shrimps.

Cantonese cuisine

Very sophisticated, the dishes are prepared in unusual ways with unusual ingredients. When cooking, they use the meat of turtles, snakes, dogs, cats and other animals. Light snacks are very popular with local residents. Even if you don't like exotic things, it's worth trying:

Daikon pies;

Chinese dumplings, fried in oil;

Steamed fish;

Rice noodle rolls;

Shark fin soup;

Dumplings for a couple of dim sum;

Rice in Cantonese.

Sichuan cuisine

It is famous all over the world for spicy and spicy dishes - garlic, red pepper, anise, coriander, sesame and many other spices are always used in cooking. Foods are most often steamed or smoked. Worth trying:

Sichuan style pork stew;

Little tofu, a meat-free soy dish;

Sichuan noodles, tribute to mian;

Chicken gongbao - spicy, with peanuts;

Duck baked in green tea;

Garlic-flavored king prawns;

Doufu is a cheese made from fermented soybeans.

In general, Chinese cuisine is very interesting and varied, so you should definitely try it in all the regions you visit.

China landmarks

There are really a lot of sights in China, and it's impossible to list them all. From natural attractions include the Yunnan Guizhou Highlands, Mount Taishan, Dongbhuang Caves with examples of ancient art, stone forest in Wansheng, caves near Guangxi and much more. However, many people value not natural, but architectural sights of China much more, which are mainly concentrated in cities.

Beijing

Beijing is not the oldest city in China, but perhaps the most interesting. To the northwest of it, there are some sections of the Great Wall of china, in the city itself, the Forbidden City deserves special attention - a unique palace complex, an architectural landmark that has now been turned into the most interesting museum.

Xi'an

In that ancient city there is a museum of terracotta figures, which houses figures from the tomb of the famous emperor Qin Shi Huang.

Taishan

This unique picturesque mountain- a highly revered shrine of Taoism. Not far from it is the Confucius Temple and the Yanshenggong residence.

Pingyao

Many of the sights and cities listed above are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Tibet

In this region there are a huge number of monasteries, Buddhist temples and monuments of ancient culture. The center of Tibet is Lhasa, which is definitely worth a visit to all connoisseurs of oriental culture and philosophy.

Amusement parks

China is famous not only for its sights and beaches - there are a lot of big, interesting and extreme amusement parks... One of them, for example, is located in the city of Guangzhou. There is also a zoo and a unique eco-hotel.

Beijing park Happy valley also deserves attention, as there are many world-class attractions and interesting thematic zones. By the way, there are parks with the same name in other cities of China, and in all of them you can have a good rest with the whole family.

In Changzhou, open during the summer amazing island Dinosaurs, with interactive exhibits and attractions for both children and adults.

Skiing

Some time ago, alpine skiing in China was very unpopular. However, the government decided to support local ski resorts, and their level has skyrocketed, so now China has excellent conditions for skiing. alpine skiing Oh. The season here and there opens in September, although it is better to come in November, so that the snow is already everywhere. The snow cover lasts until April. At the same time, there are practically no abnormal frosts, the temperature does not drop below -10 degrees Celsius, which is very comfortable.

Mountain ranges there are a lot in China, so that resorts are scattered almost all over the country. The first season opens at the resort Wanglun... There are good resorts in Tien Shan, both elite and very economical.

Many ski lovers stop at Chengbai- the snow for skiing here is just perfect, and since the resort is located in a nature reserve, all the tracks pass through a very scenic spots... In addition, the resort has hot springs.

The resort is popular with beginners and experienced skiers Alshan, on which, by the way, are also the best tracks for cross-country skis.

The largest ski resort China is Yabuli... Tourists like it for its varied terrain, numerous tracks of different lengths and difficulty, trampolines, as well as a large freestyle area. The landscapes here are also very picturesque.

There are not very many opportunities for diving in China - it is mainly available in Hainan or Zhejiang, but in general the underwater world here is rather scarce;

Surfing... For surfing, the tropical island of Hainan with fairly high waves is best suited. Beginners will love Houhai Bay Beach.

As you can see, holidays in China are really extremely diverse, and everyone can find something to their liking.

Hotels

In total, there are about ten thousand hotels of various levels in China, and about seven hundred of them are five-star. Local hotels are classified separately here, only representatives of international hotel chains have a star rating. A Chinese inn is an analogue of a one-star accommodation, a guest house is a two-three-star accommodation, a wine house is about 3-4 stars. Five-star hotels are only chain hotels. In general, tourists note that the level of service in China is often lower than in other countries.

• Really varied vacation;
• There are a lot of interesting cultural sights and architectural monuments;
• Pleasant climate, especially on the islands;
• Many people like local traditional medicine;
• Low prices, especially for fairly expensive goods;
• Interesting nature.

• Very dirty in places;
• Some resorts and districts are not interesting, more like ordinary Russian cities;
• There is a very strong language barrier - almost no one speaks English, and one cannot even dream of Russian;
• Some are unlucky with the attitude of the Chinese towards tourists;
• Municipal equipped beaches are often crowded with Chinese;
• Large cities such as Beijing or Shanghai are very crowded;
• Some resorts have almost no infrastructure.

WikiHow works like a wiki, which means that many of our articles are written by multiple authors. To create this article, 41 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time.

Visiting China will bring many delicious and unforgettable experience... To take the maximum from the visit program, you need to take into account local peculiarities, and the following tips will help you pack your bags for a successful trip.

Steps

Collect all the documents you need to travel to China - passport, all required visas, international air tickets, etc.

Take everything you need to China. Although there will be shops on every corner, they will not always sell the things that you are used to at home. Most toilets do not have toilet paper, so it is best to have your own stock on hand. Large rolls are inconvenient to carry, so even before the trip, you need to put aside part of the roll that has been used more than half. For a family of four, 6-8 of these mini-rolls will be enough for a two-week trip. Of course, in 5-star hotels, the toilets are decorated in a European style, and in international airports there are necessarily Western-style toilets. Stock up on what you need. It is better to take only one key to the house and the car with you.

• Having your own toilet paper is especially important for those traveling by train.
• Railway toilets in China can only be used in the "countryside", outside the urban area.

1. Take Pepto Bismol and Loperamide in a chewable dish. The quality of tap water in China is terrible. Problems can arise even if you brush your teeth by rinsing the toothpaste off with tap water, or eat vegetables that have been washed and uncooked. To prevent bowel problems, chew 2 tablets before meals.

   • Poor water quality is characteristic mainly of rural areas rather than “urban” areas.

2. Prepare clothes for the season. It is very hot in summer in China and very cold in winter. Bring plenty of clothes, and remember that you can always use the hotel's laundry or self-service laundry service if parts of your wardrobe need cleaning. However, some laundries use detergents that can cause allergies, so it is safer to use dry cleaning.

   • China is a lot like the United States. Summers in the south are very hot and humid, while winters in the north are frosty and dry.

3. In most Chinese establishments, the dress code can be described as reasonable informal but if you are planning formal meetings, it is better to wear a suit or formal outfit.

   Make sure that no water gets into your mouth when you shower. Her taste is normal, but there is a danger of picking up some kind of infection. Therefore, it is best to use bottled table water for rinsing your mouth and brushing your teeth.

   • V small towns can sell cheap table water, which has passed only coarse filtration treatment. It is safer to use supermarket water when buying well-known brands.

4. Visit your GP (s) or travel clinic. Experts can help you determine which vaccinations you need based on your health condition, vaccination history, the region you plan to visit, and the activities you are planning to do during your trip. All of these prescriptions must be followed before traveling. To buy any psychotropic drugs in China, you must show a prescription certified by a doctor. Bring any antibiotics and other prescription drugs you may need during your trip so that you can last for your entire stay in China (plus a few pills in reserve). Transport medicines in their original packaging. US travelers can get all the information they need about medicines in China at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

5. Prepare a small travel kit for each family member. Place a mini roll of toilet paper and a bottle of hand sanitizer in your hip bag. It is better to choose a non-alcoholic antiseptic, since in some provinces (especially Guangzhou) it can be confiscated at customs. Add in a high-calorie sweet cereal nut bar, cough drops, and chewing gum. It is also worth putting a flashlight down so you don't end up in the dark during the blackouts that happen in China.

   • Don't forget that you are in China and not anywhere else! To reduce environmental pollution, toilet paper is usually not available in toilets. Always have paper napkins on hand, which can be purchased at any store for 1-2 yuan.

6. Always carry some cash and travelers checks as most restaurants and shops credit cards do not accept. Prepare a purse with money, traveller's checks, air and train tickets. It must be firmly and safely fixed on itself, and it is advisable to cover it with clothing. This will be safer than leaving these items in your hotel room.

   • The main banks in large and medium-sized cities have ATMs that accept debit cards. You can use your USAA Federal Saving Bank and North American East Asia Bank cards without any problems. V small towns some banks do not even exchange dollars for Chinese yuan.

7. Other must-have items include a raincoat and / or an umbrella, a hat, in the summertime - sunscreen and glasses, insect repellent, as well as a power adapter (power converter) required for powering and recharging electrical appliances.

   • Always carry with you business card the hotel you are staying at. This will transport you back in the event of any unforeseen situations. In case of emergency, you must have a copy of your passport, the original of which can be left in a safe place at the hotel.
   • Don't eat everything. It is better to know what is being offered to you and how this dish was prepared. In places like the Wanwujing Market in Beijing, light meals are often prepared in violation of technology. If you are not sure about the quality of the food you eat, drink beer - it will help you digest incompatible foods, as long as you do not overuse it.
   • If you are African, European or Latino, don't be surprised if the Chinese ask permission to take a photo with you.
   • Once you've decided where you are going, do some research. Learn about the climatic conditions in the area. There is nothing worse than being dressed for the weather. At the same time, a certain conservatism is needed. Long pants and tidy shirts / jackets are great for any terrain.
   • Take the time to study maps of the places you are staying or plan to visit. This will help you stay on course while walking around town. You are also unlikely to get lost if you equip yourself with a handheld GPS navigator.
   • Before traveling, it is worth preparing a listing of all hotels in the areas where you will be traveling. Be sure to prepare a printout in Chinese as well (you can use the Chinese pages of the websites of these hotels or translate the text using an online translator). This will make it easier for you to communicate with taxi drivers who often do not speak English. For the same purpose, you can ask the hotel concierge to write in Chinese the name of the attractions you plan to visit.
   • Even cheap hotels have a drinking water heater on every floor. Use a clean bottle to chill the 97.22 C boiling water to an acceptable temperature.
   • Control the amount of cash you have with you. Just in case, you should have a NZ, which is enough to return to the hotel by taxi. Most airports have ATM machines and it is best to collect cash immediately upon arrival.
   • Read a few reports from other travelers to get a better understanding of the attractions and what to look out for. Find a travel brochure to review during your flight or in your hotel room.
   • Internet censorship has been introduced in China. To access Facebook or YouTube you will need a proxy address replacement service.
   • Chinese mobile operators operate on different standards. If you want to use the same device in China and the USA, you will need a phone with a quadraphonic frequency range. Also make sure you don't have a local sim card. To work in China, it must be nationwide.
   • Find an audio course Chinese and also grab a dictionary. Knowledge of the Chinese language is essential, but there is no need to be upset about its difficulty. You just need to memorize a few key phrases and general grammar rules. Remember, outside of 5-star hotels and upmarket restaurants, people's knowledge of English language are usually limited to the word "hello!" If you want to move freely, you need to learn the basic phrases. You can also ask the concierge to write down the names of the places you plan to visit during the day on paper. Thanks to this, you will be able to explain to the taxi driver where you need to get. In urban areas, the chances of finding someone speaking English are higher.
   • Chinese currency is sold only in China, so you need to find out where the exchange offices are. Add information about major banks to the list of major hotels that you prepare for your trip. This will allow you to find the nearest location as soon as you need to exchange dollars or travelers checks for yuan.

A nice bonus only for our readers is a discount coupon when paying for tours on the site before January 31:

• AF500guruturizma - a promo code for 500 rubles for tours from 40,000 rubles
• AFTA2000Guru - a promo code for 2,000 rubles. for tours to Thailand from 100,000 rubles.
• AF2000KGuruturizma - promo code for 2,000 rubles. for tours to Cuba from 100,000 rubles.

V mobile application Travelata promo code is AF600GuruMOB. He gives a discount of 600 rubles for all tours from 50,000 rubles. Download the app for and

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

The first day. By yourself to Xi'an

Xi'an is an amazing city with over 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 begin our tour of the city with the most famous sights.

We catch a taxi and go to the Big Goose Pagoda, which is located in the Qien Temple. Here you will see the most beautiful gardens and unique architectural buildings... Many of which have been rebuilt 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 attractions are concentrated. An observant tourist will notice that the Pagoda is at an angle that increases with time. This is how the pagoda got the unspoken name "Chinese Leaning Tower of Pisa".

Big Goose Pagoda is a great place to walk and contemplate the beauty. Be sure to check out the Peony Pavilion. Near the Pagoda, the fountain show starts in the evening. A very beautiful sight. Not far from the fountains there is a shopping center "Narru New Year", where you can have a bite to eat in the "Hot Pot" restaurant. In such restaurants, food is prepared right at your table, in which a heating element is mounted.

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

We recommend starting your tour from the south gate. Here you can see the Drums show, which takes place daily. After the show, you can take pictures with its participants dressed in national costumes and even knock on these very drums. Tourists are treated with respect here.

The wall is 12 km long, so a bike can be rented on site. Paid entrance. In close proximity to South Gate the Bell and Drum Towers are located. The Muslim Quarter is also close. The Silk Road directly influenced the fact that there are two religions - Islam and Buddhism.

In the Muslim Quarter, you will see the Grand Mosque, which is one of the four largest in China and 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, will be simply an unforgivable mistake. You can get from Xi'an by one of the buses that leave from the railway station every five minutes. Look for the sign on the "Terracotta army" bus. The road will take no more than an hour. The bus will stop near the ticket offices, which is what you need. Also here their services are offered by local guides who speak passable English.

Before you get to the entrance, you will have to walk past souvenir shops, eateries and other places that will be all possible ways make you spend.

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

After seeing the eighth wonder of the world, go to the bus stop, get on the bus and after three stops ask the driver to stop in Lintong. Huaqing Hot Springs will be interesting here, so be sure to prepare a note with hieroglyphs for the driver or explain in English. Just inform 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 an honorable place in the top hundred in the PRC.

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

Today, next to the Lotus Pond, you can see the Tree of Love, to which thousands of ribbons are tied. Hot springs are also functioning, so you can wash yourself with healing water. Now is the time to appreciate the place from the observation deck on Lishan Mountain, 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 located between the Bell and Drum Towers. You will definitely not 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.

Third day. By yourself to Guilin

How to get there

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

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

Where to stay

From budget options accommodation, hotels can be noted:

• Guilin Ling Hong Express Hotel ($ 6 per night)
• Guilin 68 ° Hotel North Train Station Branch (£ 6 per night)
• Guilin Muslim Hotel ($ 10 per night)
• Yu Long Hotel ($ 9 per night)
• Guilin Hetai Hotel ($ 8 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 (£ 53 per night)
• Guilin Golden Oriole Hotel ($ 53 per night)
• Sheraton Guilin Hotel ($ 60 per night)
• Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin ($ 67)
• The White House Hotel Guilin ($ 99)

Now that you have settled in the hotel and have rested a little, we recommend visiting iconic place Guilin - Elephant Trunk Mountain (Xiangbishan), which is located in the southern part of the city center. This place, which is 100 meters high, got its name because the shape of the mountain resembles an elephant, which seems to have lowered its trunk into the river. Highly interesting place... It is here that the Li River joins with 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 amazed the elephants that they wanted to stay here, but by doing so provoked the wrath of the Jade Emperor, who ordered them to return immediately. The herd returned, but the emperor was missing one elephant.

Enraged, he drew his sword and stabbed it in the back of the animal. The elephant turned to stone. Today, tourists can visit this place by getting to the place by ferry. The ferry departs from the terminal at ul. Nanhuanlu. At the top of the hill, you can see a brick pagoda. Its shape resembles the hilt of that very sword.

Near the park you can see Hezhong tourism travel agency. We recommend that you look here to purchase a tour of the rice terraces. Of course, you can get to them on your own, but then you have to make a change, and the road itself takes more than three hours. In general, many tourists prefer organized excursions. 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, since English will not help you here.

Lijiang Waterfall Hotel

Take your time to leave the park, because an evening walk through the picturesque complex of ponds and unusual bridges will give a lot of pleasure. Be sure to walk to the hotel
Lijiang Waterfall Hotel, which is located in the center. In the evening, 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 are planning to extend your stay here for a couple of days, be sure to visit the Reed Flute Cave and Seven Stars Park. In the cave, you can contemplate not only magnificent halls, the beauty of which is difficult to describe, but also one of the most beautiful underground lakes.

Fourth day

Today we go to Yangshuo to see with our own eyes all the beauty of the karst hills and take a walk along the Li River. To get to the city, you can purchase a cruise for 420 yuan per person. You will not find cheaper, as only one firm is engaged in their organization. The journey will take four hours.

By bus, independent tourists can 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 mesmerizing. 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 for Yangshuo. The fare is about 15 yuan. Having reached the city, you will need to change to a bus at the same bus station, which will go to Xinpin or Yangdi.

A bus to Yangdi will take you to the pier where you can rent a raft specially designed for tourist walks. Such an alloy will cost a tourist about 300 yuan.

Be careful, as for less money, cunning guides reduce the walking time from one and a half hours to 30-40 minutes and drop off far from the final point. So, having fallen for a "divorce" you will have to get to Xinpin 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 Xinping Pier to the bus station.

Also, the guide can make a stop for lunch in one of the local cafes... Nobody promises that it will be presentable, but they will feed you tasty and inexpensive. In general, if you are feeling light or not very hungry, then agree.

The 3-hour walk from Yangdi to Xinping will delight you with beautiful scenery and a unique atmosphere. To return to Yangshuo, take a regular bus, the fare is about 7 RMB.

Moon Hill

Before leaving for Guilin, do not deny yourself the pleasure of seeing the natural wonder - 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 RMB.

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

The fifth day

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

We use this day to see Longji's rice terraces, especially since we thought of everything in advance and bought a tour from the Hezhong tourism agency. In the morning, a bus will drive up to you, which will go to the Huanglo ethnic village, where 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 a rich hair color can be found even among the elderly representatives of Yao, they have not heard of gray hair here. One can only envy this.

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 to this village, envy in silence, and sometimes do not even restrain their emotions.

Previously, traditions were strictly observed here, so only the girl's spouse could see her loose hair. Today, hardly anyone remembers this tradition, so for a separate fee, the villagers will not only let their hair down for you, but will also happily pose for 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 rice fields.

Drive to Pinh An Village (rice terraces)

The next village to visit is called Pinh An. If you are driving on your own, you will have to pay to enter. As part of organized tourists entrance, as a rule, is included in the price of the voucher, 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 change to another bus, designed specifically for driving along the mountain serpentine, 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 follows to Kepin. Finding one is easy at the bus station. You can get to the village entrance from Kepin by car. When you find yourself at the entrance, you will have a difficult choice between the two routes.

The "packers" have only one option - transfer to the bus, which goes to the rice terraces of Ping An. The locals gave them the name Dragon Ridge. Land for rice fields began to be cultivated more than 800 years ago. At that time, the Yuan dynasty ruled.

To say that it was a titanic work is to say nothing. It took centuries to implement the plan, and today travelers discover a unique landscape. There is even something unearthly in this. 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 under its own power, overcoming the rise of the stairs.

In addition to rice, tea is grown here, so do not deny yourself the pleasure of purchasing it at the local booth. Freshly picked tea leaves will be dried and packaged right in front of you. After viewing 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. By yourself to Shanghai

How to get there

It's time to go to Shanghai. It is better to buy tickets in advance. You can get there without any problems aboard 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 a speed of up to 430 km / h. Maglev continues to LongYang Road Line 2 Subway Station. Perhaps this is the best option. The fare is 50 yuan, but there is an opportunity to save money.

Show tickets when buying, and you will be given a 20% discount. You will be on site in 7 minutes. After you arrive at the final stop, you will need to change to the metro or take a taxi to get to the very center. If you choose the metro, after 5 meters you will see metro line 2. 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 $ 15 per night
• Shanghai Amersino Hotel 3 * from £ 15 per night
• Jitai Hotel (Shanghai Train Station South Square) 3 * from £ 15 per night
• FX Shanghai Liuying 4 * from 2006 rub. per night
• Golden River-view Hotel Shanghai from £ 35 per night
• Grand Mercure Shanghai Central (Formerly. Grand Mercure Shanghai Zhongya) 5 * from 4500 rub. per night
• JI Hotel Shanghai Railway Station West Tianmu Road 4 * from £ 89 per night

These hotels are located very well. Shanghai Railway Station and Central Railway Station are nearby.

After accommodation at the hotel and a short rest, we recommend going to Old city(Old Town). Take the metro to get to the site. You need purple line 10, Yuyuan Garden. In the Old City, we recommend visiting the Yuyuan Garden. The entrance fee is from 30 to 40 yuan, depending on the time of year.

This garden, located in the old part of Shanghai, was founded more than 400 years ago by the Pan Yundan family, or rather by their 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 bought by the guild of Shanghai merchants. Today, this park is one of the main attractions of Shanghai and causes an indescribable delight among visitors.

In the park, you can leisurely enjoy the pond with blooming lotuses, gazebos, terraces and, of course, the picturesque "Bridge of Nine Turns". According to legend, walking along it, you will be able to cleanse of evil spirits, whose entrance to the bridge is prohibited. The Usintin Tea House is located right on the bridge itself. We also recommend visiting the Temple of the City Gods.

Dive into this park today and enjoy its charm, beauty and splendor at a leisurely pace. Near the park you will find many cafes and souvenir shops.

The Bund and the Pearl of the East TV Tower

If time permits and there is a desire, you can drive to The Bund and the Pearl of the East TV tower. On the waterfront, you can take stunning photographs of the city's skyscrapers. It is located near the 10th subway line, East Nanjing Rd station. From the metro move towards the river. Huangpu.

The Pearl of the East TV Tower is located one metro stop from the waterfront, near Lujiazui Station, line 2. You can also visit the famous Aquarium here. On the way back, we recommend to stop at the railway station in the ticket pre-sale hall, especially since the hotel is located in the immediate vicinity.

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

Seventh day. In Suzhou on your 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 16-17 centuries. Today there are much less of them, 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 be impressed with. Also Suzhou is the center of silk. Well, how can you resist?

After arriving at the station in Suzhou, we change to bus number 5, which departs from the station and follows to the Panmen Gate ("Gate of the coiled dragon"). Travel time is about 50 minutes, ticket price is 1 RMB. The Panmen were once part of the wall. Today we can see the landmark, which has already been restored.

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

Fisherman's Garden and Wangshiyuan

Wangshiyuan is one of the most popular gardens in Suzhou. Here architecture and nature, perfection and grace are combined. In the pavilions, you can see the interiors of the past centuries, and in the center of the garden, visitors can admire the beauty of a picturesque pond, which is framed by beautiful plants and stones. In Wanshiyuan, beautiful photographs can also be taken in the bansai tree garden, on the arched bridge, which has the lyrical title "Leading to Serenity." In summer, the garden can be visited even at night, so do not miss this opportunity.

The next must-see garden is the Lion Grove, a distinctive feature of which is a pile of stones of a certain type (taihushi). It takes several decades 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 took on very unusual shapes. In general, there is something to see and something to be surprised at. Lion Grove Garden is definitely 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, several hours are not enough for its inspection, it is better to lay 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 more than 600 years ago by an official removed from public affairs for corruption. He worked on its creation for about 20 years, and today he will cut with a unique design and unique beauty... If you visit the garden in summer, you will see the lotus festival and the azalea festival in spring. The entrance ticket costs 70 RMB.

If you are in no hurry to get to the train, you can walk to the railway station and be sure to drop by the 85 pastry shop to brighten up your day with delicious pastries and aromatic coffee.

Eighth day

Self-guided to Chinese Venice - Zhouzhuang

Today we will go to explore the Chinese Venice - the city of Zhouzhuang, which has almost a thousand-year history. You can get to it by bus from Suzhou, so first we will use the comfortable train G. Not far from the railway station there is a bus 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 you can walk from the final stop to the Old Town or take a taxi, if you do not consider this option. 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 boats sailing by are run by local women.

We recommend you do not miss the opportunity and see the city from the water. The local gondola rental price is 100 RMB. So much is a 25-minute walk. If you're lucky, they'll even give you a wheel and sing something folk and very sad, about love, probably. But for love, or rather for singing, you will have to pay extra. No romance.

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

If you are looking for a bite to eat, you will find many places to eat, but whether you dare to try something is another question. Keep in mind that cooking water is taken from the same channel, where the laundry is washed and other household chores are done. 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 examined everything and do not want to stay overnight to see a stunning sunset, we recommend that you hurry up, because the last bus to Suzhou leaves at 17.10, and to Shanghai 40 minutes earlier.

Ninth day. Shanghai self-guided walks

Today you can take a walk in the French Quarter. You can get to it via Red Line 1, Shanxi Road. This place is very atypical for a metropolis, here you can safely walk and feel its romantic atmosphere. If you have been to Europe, then you will recognize its appearance - cozy cafes with cutlery we are used to, and pastry shops, paved roads and pretty design of balconies. Despite the name, not only Frenchmen lived in the quarter, but also Russian emigrants.

The remaining time can be devoted to sightseeing, which you have noted for yourself, but have not yet had time to see or go shopping. Recommended for viewing and visiting the Shanghai Circus and Zoo, the Temple of the Jade Buddha, a monument to Pushkin, a museum of the Chinese Communist Party.

If you are interested in fashionable world and local brands, we recommend the Grand Mall. On 7 floors, you will surely 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. The Grand Mall is close to the Lujiazui Subway Station.

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

Several bloggers I know visited Blagoveshchensk last year. They wrote a lot about the capital of the Amur Region, but for some reason almost nothing about the Chinese side. When I asked why, each named different reasons, but I was even scared that the flash drives were forcibly formatted on the road and the memory was erased. After all, it can’t be so that a person, who is in another country for the first time, will not write anything about it!

Fear is fear, but interest is stronger. I captured the stages of crossing the border, despite the fact that photography is strictly prohibited there.

Residents of Blagoveshchensk constantly travel to China, they do not need a visa. Previously, and at all for every weekend, now it has become more difficult due to the increased yuan exchange rate. For some reason, Russians from other regions are convinced that only those who have Amur registration in their passports can travel without a visa.

In fact, any resident of Russia can enter the border town of Heihe if he has a passport. In theory, you can even get to Beijing without a visa or arrange a trip throughout China. In practice, this gamble will most likely end in failure - when you board a train or plane, your documents will be checked by border guards. But Heihe will have enough color for you, especially if you have never been to China.

1 Getting ready to go, the first thing I did was to change rubles for yuan. I did this in Blagoveshchensk, fearing that the course on the Chinese side would be worse. Do not repeat my mistake: while the situation is such that the Chinese will give you more: the ruble has become twice as cheap, they are happy to come to us to buy their own goods. In general, if we are talking about a small one - change where you want.

2 A trip to China starts from river port... In winter and in summer, the only difference is on what you will be transported to the other side: in winter it is a bus, in summer a boat.

3 Prices bite. Regular ticket costs 2150 rubles. Not much cheaper in summer, maybe 200 rubles. The whole embarrassment of the situation is that the trip will take a maximum of five minutes, the bus will simply be transported to the other side of the river and dropped off at the Chinese customs.

4 It's still on our shore. Chinese beauty does not freeze at -25!

5 The waiting rooms of the river station could certainly be repaired, with the money they receive for travel. And now there are so few people, before the jump in the course to China large crowds roamed, people missed two or three buses, they could not get there. The income is huge. There is duty free where the cat cried.

6 Buses run every 15 minutes. It is Chinese, of course, made. But the numbers are Russian. And the driver is Russian. And me with a Russian passport, too, on this bus.

7 For some reason, the Chinese have their own transport. Apartheid in the Far East. They say that in a Chinese transport company travel is several times cheaper. But we can't go there.

8 Hovercraft are not used. Apparently, they are simply not needed, the flow of people moving is minimal. After all, if I have not confused anything, can these ships move on the ice?

9 We go down to the floating bridge. These are five barges chained together. In winter, they block the Cupid with themselves, and people can ride on them. Private transport is prohibited, only buses and occasionally Chinese trucks.

10 Actually, with such a flow of passengers and active trade, a normal bridge suggests itself. In addition, our neighbor is China, which is famous for its ability to build roads and bridges in the shortest possible time. The first shuttles began to travel en masse in the early nineties, twenty years ago. And ten years ago, in 2004, our countries agreed on visa-free entry through this border crossing. There are even more people. Time to build a bridge? No, it's time to buy new boats and buses.

They say that every time Moscow asks why there is still no bridge across the Amur in Blagoveshchensk, representatives of the local authorities go to the capital and somehow settle the issue. Too profitable business, to take two thousand rubles for five hundred meters of the road. This is what the people call her - “the golden mile”.

Perhaps the matter will get off the ground by next year, when they promise to build a cable car here. Although this, too, is not at all an easy way, and you can take the same two thousand for a journey. Isn't it easier to build a bridge? No, we have a special path.

11 The arrivals hall is very smoky. This is the first thing that catches your eye. They smoke inside the station and are not shy. The interior looks like a small airport, everything is much more decent than in the port of Blagoveshchensk.

Border formalities are quick, but you have to pay a little more. On their side, the Chinese are asking for another 100 yuan (today about a thousand rubles) for two tickets. One seems to be the visa fee and the other is the entrance ticket. Yes, a ticket for entering China.

12 As soon as you leave the border zone, a million Chinese rush to you, who begin to compulsively offer their taxi services, assistance in accommodation. If you are Domodedovo airport at rush hour, then you must understand what I mean. Only here they bombed ten times more, and they stick ten times more actively. I didn't even know how to fight them off.

Suddenly, the hall was filled with uniformed men armed with shields and clubs. Military police. The coolest guys from Chinese law enforcement. They began to cut circles around the room, banging their boots on the tiled floor and batons on their asses. So it is necessary to fight with obsessive bombing, learn!- I thought.

In fact, they just walked in a circle and went into another room. Such security measures were introduced by the Chinese authorities after a bloody attack on railway station In the past year. They have no frames at the entrance.

13 Here I am free. The Ferris wheel, which so attracted from Blagoveshchensk, turned out to be unfinished nearby. The builders screwed up, and he was not accepted for safety reasons. Or maybe on purpose? Is this a Potemkin village?

14 The city, which fully lives on trade with Russia, is now experiencing not better times... We need to change the schemes: Heihe is the very north, and by the standards of China, a distant province. And they brought in a lot of goods.

15 The building closest to the customs office is shopping center"Island", the hottest place in the city. By the way, we are really on the island, moreover, it once belonged to Russia. At what point and how the Chinese got there, I don't know, tell us. After all, they fought for the uninhabited Damansky in the sixties, and this one was given without a fight?

16 Inside, at first glance, is an ordinary shopping center with all sorts of junk. The main thing, as I understand it, is not to rise above the first floor. They say that a tourist can be beaten there if you stop to look at the window and then buy nothing. It is especially dangerous now when there are no Russians in the city. Or maybe they do it.

17 Funny Chinese signs in Russian start here.

18 Although what awaits us in the city itself is much more fun. There will even be a separate post about them!

19 Vodka shop is my favorite!

21 There is another shopping center just outside the Island. The same Yuan dong that is so clearly visible from the Annunciation bank. There are buses near it that go to the center. Usually everyone uses taxi services: it is inexpensive even now, within a hundred rubles in the city. But the bus costs ten.

22 What is the first thing to do in China? It's time to have breakfast. In the morning the stomach is empty. Even if the noodle shop is not working yet, but is open - come in, you will not be left hungry.

23 Igor met me in Heihe. He lives in China, is fluent in the language and is engaged in business, helps to transport goods across the border, and then send them by transport companies throughout Russia. Igor is the king of shuttles :) And I, a cudgel, will never learn how to photograph normally with goPro - people turn out differently from what they are in life.

24 Now I'll tell you about the way back, it is also interesting. I will definitely tell you about the two days that I spent with the Chinese.

25 The border guards will ask for 35 yuan. It's a ticket to get out of China, yes. Not a bribe, an official fee. I think I like taking pictures with my phone - the quality is lame, but it's not as bad as it used to be. But stealth is the best weapon of a spy and photoblogger. In summer, you can even take pictures of border guards if you put your phone in your shirt pocket.

26 The same “Russian” bus and cheerful driver, who said that the cable car, it seems, would really be built, and then he would not have work. Because in the summer the same driver is the captain of the boat.

27 I was driving back in good weather, I was able to take pictures of this wonderful bridge. Such a normal bridge. You can't go fast on it, but it is also several hundred meters long. The pontoons were built half of Chinese barges, half of Russian. This is the Chinese part.

28 And this is ours. The difference is noticeable, right? And the point is not that the barges themselves are older and narrower, although this is also. But couldn't the road be cleaned normally? No. Just like you can't build a bridge.

29 Such is the trip. Nothing extreme, as you can see. But how terrible China is, how it is painted - I will tell you in the next report.