Which regions of China can Russians enter without a visa? Independent travel to China From which city is it cheaper to fly to China?

An article about ways to get to China from Russia.

One of the first questions when planning an independent trip around the Middle Kingdom is how to get to China. Transport costs often account for up to half of the total cost of the trip. First of all, you should decide for yourself which region of China you are going to visit. Based on this, you can plan how to get there. There are several options for getting to China from Russia: by plane, by train, by bus.

How to get to China from Russia on your own?

1. By plane from Russia to China

Aeroflot, S7, Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern Airlines regularly fly from Russia to China. Flights operate from many cities in Russia. The largest selection is, of course, from Moscow: you can fly to Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Urumqi and many other cities. Round-trip prices start from 17,000 rubles. for a flight with a transfer, and from 19,000 rubles. for direct flights. You can also fly from Novosibirsk to Urumqi for 11,000 rubles, to Beijing for 19,000 rubles. The cheapest flights to China from Khabarovsk and Vladivostok: to Beijing - 12,000 rubles. round trip, to Harbin - 9,000 rubles, to Shanghai - 16,000 rubles.

There are promotions and sales - you can get a ticket even cheaper. In the midst tourist season On the contrary, the cost rises. So it’s better to buy a plane ticket in advance or on special offer. You can find the cheapest plane tickets to China by searching in the form below. The system itself will select air tickets for more than 700 airlines and many reservation systems.

To buy the cheapest plane tickets, read where the main ways to save on buying an air ticket are discussed.

Airplanes fly within China very often and in any direction, so you can always quickly fly even to a small town by making a transfer in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, etc.

2. By train from Russia to China

Getting to China by train is quite easy, but long. There are two trains from Moscow to Beijing. Train No. 043 transits through Mongolia, so you will need a transit visa for this country. It runs once a week on Tuesdays, travel time is 132 hours, cost is about 9,000 rubles. for a reserved seat and this price is growing. Another train No. 020 travels through Zabaikalsk directly to China (i.e., bypassing Mongolia). It runs once a week on Saturdays, travel time is 145 hours, the cost is even more expensive than the previous one.

A train runs from Almaty to Urumqi once a week, travel time is 35 hours, cost is 5,000 rubles.

3. By bus from Russia to China

Several buses run from Russia's Far Eastern border cities to China.

To summarize, we can say that for residents of Moscow, St. Petersburg and central regions The best option for Russia to get to China is by plane. You can save money only by hitchhiking to Zabaikalsk or Blagoveshchensk)). For residents of the Urals and Western Siberia, a bus from the cities of Kazakhstan is a good option. For residents of the Far East, it is also most convenient to cross the border with China by bus, and then by train across China.

How to get to China from Kazakhstan?

Now let's look at how to get to China from Kazakhstan, because many people from this country read us.

1. By plane from Kazakhstan to China

You can take a direct flight to China from Almaty and Astana Air airlines Astana and China Southern. The event is quite expensive, but it’s quick - just an hour and a half and you’re in Urumqi. Flights to Beijing, Guangzhou, Nanjing are also available, but with a transfer to Urumqi.

It is best to search for air tickets on metasearch engines, for example or.

I also advise you to look and subscribe to, sometimes you can catch good prices!

2. By train from Kazakhstan to China

The train from Kazakhstan to China runs from Astana and Almaty. Moreover, I was unable to find out the exact price for these trains; the Kazakhstan Railways website does not show them and, unfortunately, you cannot buy tickets for these trains there.

Train No. 54C runs from Astana to Urumqi on Saturdays; the journey takes a little over 40 hours.

There are two trains from Almaty: No. 014C on Tuesdays (travel time 31 hours) and No. 014 T on Sundays (travel time 31 hours). The cost for them is 20,000 tenge. This is what they told me at the Almaty railway station information desk. Not very budget friendly!

3. By bus from Kazakhstan to China

As mentioned above, many buses run from the cities of eastern Kazakhstan to Urumqi and some other cities of the XUAR.

From Semey (Semipalatinsk) the bus to Urumqi runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, travel time is 30 hours, cost is 9,000 tenge.

From Ust-Kamenogorsk the schedule and price are the same.

From Almaty The bus to Urumqi runs every day except Saturday. The fare is also about 9,000 tenge.

Back from China you can get to Almaty, Semipalatinsk, Ust-Kamenogorsk, as well as to Zyryanovsk, Ridder, Taldykurgan, Chundzhi and even Karaganda! But for the last cities the information is not accurate, we just saw the prices at the bus station in Urumqi.

4. Combined way to get from Kazakhstan to China

From Almaty you can take a bus to the border town of Zharkent, not far from the Khorgos border crossing, and then cross the border on a special bus. Then you need to get to any smaller city, for example to Yining, and from there to Urumqi. This is the hard way to get to China.

But the cost will be inexpensive: the Almaty-Zharkent bus is about 1000 tenge, from the border to Yining about 50 yuan, and then by train from Yining to Urumqi (about 100 yuan).

You can enjoy your holiday in China, regardless of the season. A country with such rich history and culture will definitely find something to offer even the most demanding tourist. Holidays in China in 2019 – where is the best place to go?

Before you ask yourself where to go, think carefully about what you want to see.

Hainan Island

A hotel room on Hainan Island will cost from $28 per night per person. A 15-day vacation with flights and accommodation for two will cost about $2,000.

The service on the island is at the highest level, like anywhere else expensive resorts. But it is here that you can experience the highest service and a wonderful vacation, and all for an affordable price.

Zhujiang Nantian Hot Springs

Ticket price for this unique place will cost about 800 rubles. The park area includes 67 baths with thermal water, the temperature of which ranges from 40 to 60 degrees. This is where you can improve your health and relax.

Baths with original filling will be a pleasant surprise for any tourist. If you wish, you can soak in a bathtub strewn with rose petals or enjoy relaxation in a pond with the addition of Chinese herbs and coconut milk. On the territory there is a swimming pool with clean water, which is so pleasant to swim in on a hot day.

Most popular place park area It is worth noting the pool with small fish. When you immerse your body in water, you can feel them nipping at microscopic particles of dead skin. As a result, the skin is cleansed, becomes smooth and soft, as if after a trip to a beauty salon.

Tropical paradise

Not far from Sanya, on the territory resort area Yalongwan in Hainan province is 15 sq. km. There is a unique tropical park. It was designed to meet the technical requirements of National Forest Parks in China.

Here you can not only relax and breathe in plenty of fresh, clean air. This perfect place for climbers and lovers of green tourism.

In the park you can find semi-deciduous and evergreen forests, including at least 100 species of trees and twice as many plants. The unique world of fauna amazes with its diversity. The dense jungle opens up to the traveler in all its glory, showing the full power of wild nature.

If you wish, here you can ride ostriches, visit suspension bridge, ride on cable car. For ease of movement, tourists are offered eco-mobiles, which allow them to comfortably spend time traveling through the park.

Village of Li and Miao ethnic groups

A place that is especially popular among tourists. There is a huge historical complex on the territory where you can visit temples, a theater, museums, restaurants with excellent cuisine and well-kept huts.

Those who are not indifferent to quality alcoholic drinks have the opportunity to buy original vodka.

If you wish, you can ask the ticket office for a map of the village, this will make it easier to move around and not miss a single attraction.

An interesting theatrical show allows you to better understand the traditions and rituals of nationalities. An ideal production from which you will not get tired or bored.

An excursion to the village will cost about 220 yuan.

Shopping

Shopping enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to purchase high-quality, authentic goods. All kinds of shopping centers, supermarkets, shops, private shops and markets are available to shopaholics.

It is appropriate to bargain at the market and in individual retail stores, thanks to which the discount can reach 50%. If you purchase more than one item, it is also worth asking for a discount.

To enjoy exotic fruits, it is worth visiting the Hong Gan Fruit Market.

Those who don't mind eating delicious fish can visit the Lao Yong Gai fish market. It is better to make a purchase in the morning, when fishing boats are just unloading. Here tourists can not only buy fish and seafood, but also try them in restaurants and eateries. At the same time, even the most budget traveler can enjoy this pleasure.

What to bring from your trip?

Considering the large deposits of crystal, it is simply necessary to purchase goods made from it in Hainan. If you wish, you can visit the Crystal Museum, where you have a unique opportunity to buy not only crystal objects, but also items made of jade and precious stones.
It is unforgivable to visit China and not buy silk. You can buy luxury silk products in Hainan highest quality from bed linen to household items. To check the quality of the fabric, one of the threads of the fabric is set on fire. At the same time, it burns without a trace, emitting the smell of burnt hair. A conscientious manufacturer has nothing to hide and will gladly not refuse such a trifle.
Pearl products. “Mother-of-pearl Hainan diamond” is what the locals call pearls. Hainan is the leading Chinese exporter of top quality pearls. It is better to make a purchase in a specialized store.
Lovers of a strong aromatic drink can purchase tea of various varieties. Thanks to excellent climate, specialists grow tea of the highest quality. It is worth making a purchase in numerous tea houses. Here a tourist can attend a tea ceremony, taste different types of aromatic tea, buy a beautiful tea set or souvenirs.

Shanghai

If you are an avid shopaholic, you urgently need to go to Shanghai. In it, mirrored skyscrapers intertwine with cozy streets. The rhythm of life in this city is vibrant with extraordinary force.

Mount Sheshan

Anyone who loves to contemplate the wonderful nature and fabulous landscapes should visit Sheshan Mountain, which attracts travelers from all over the globe. This place attracts travelers from all over the globe with its wonderful mountains, thickets of bamboo forests and original structures at the peak of the mountain. There are many attractions and temples located in the forested area. At the peak, you can visit the Bird Garden, Xiaokunshan Park and Oriental Park. For a comfortable stay of tourists in the forest, you can have a great rest in comfortable hotels.

Every year the government organizes interesting events at the top of the mountain. One of the most interesting is the sand figure festival, which takes place from September until the end of October.

What to bring?

When planning to visit the mountains, sophisticated tourists recommend purchasing blue tea, lovely orchid or bamboo sprouts.

This is a place for those who want to take a break from the bustle of a huge metropolis, reunite with nature and restore mental strength.

There is no entrance fee to the parks.

Car Museum

On the territory of more than 1 hectare there is a car park, which will appeal to everyone who is not indifferent to the automotive theme.

Rare retro cars are located in five halls, each of which is dedicated to a different theme. There are 22 brands in total, represented by 80 cars. In the museum you can follow the path of cars from the origins to the latest ultra-modern cars. For convenience, you can travel on a comfortable transfer. Those who are interested in the topic of car production can familiarize themselves with the process of creating cars and their videos, which are projected on the wall of the hall.

Longhua Pagoda

A tourist traveling around Shanghai should visit the Longhua Pagoda, which is considered one of the most beautiful religious buildings. This mysterious place was built two thousand years ago and due to its antiquity, entering its territory is strictly prohibited. It is separated from the park by a special path.

The pagoda is regularly restored, so it does not lose its wonderful appearance.

The basis of the pagoda is stone and wood. A 40-meter structure with a high spire of seven floors, each of which is luxuriously decorated with animal figurines. The design of the pagoda according to the Chinese concept does not allow evil spirits to descend to earth.

Having visited temple complex, you can enjoy the scenery of the peach garden. The garden is especially pleasing to the eye in spring, when the flowers bloom.

If you wish, after your walk you can have a snack at a vegetarian restaurant. The price category of a ticket to the temple territory is just over 10 yuan.

Shopping

In Shanghai, shopaholics have the opportunity to visit ultra-modern shopping centers, brand boutiques, shopping towns and cozy shops.

Those who love antiques can visit numerous antique shops, where Chinese porcelain figurines at reasonable prices are considered the most popular. One of the popular markets is Xizang Nan Road, where it is convenient to buy both original items and high-quality fakes. Here you can buy jade, bronze, porcelain figurines.
Lovers of pearls and jewelry made from semi-precious stones will be happy to visit the Fu Eu shopping center, where you can purchase goods in bulk and at excellent prices.
The shopping center in Shanghai is Nanjing Street, which every tourist must visit. There are more than 600 stores selling goods from world brands. But the price category of the goods is relatively high.
Those who plan to purchase clothes from world brands at reasonable prices should visit the three-story Sunshine shopping center.
You can buy exotic animals at the pet market (Tibetskaya Street), where the abundance of birds, fish and animals is surprising in its quantity.

Beijing

It is also worth visiting Beijing, the famous capital of China. Here is the largest square in the world - Tian An Men. You can't ignore the Great Wall of China. It takes a long time to get there, but no one has regretted it yet. And, of course, don’t forget to try the well-known Peking duck.

The summer season is just the time to visit the beaches. The air temperature varies around 40°C, but the humid wind makes the holiday more comfortable.

A two-week vacation in Beijing for 2 people will cost about $1,000, in Shanghai about $1,100.

Mountains

Lovers of fresh air and breathtaking beauty will certainly enjoy the city of Huangshan, where you can visit the mountain of the same name. Only here you can enjoy the magnificent landscapes, including 72 peaks.

One of the most popular places In the mountains, hot springs are popular among tourists, which local residents have been using for 1000 years. Stable temperature allows you to both take a bath and drink from the source. Water will improve the health of those who suffer from diseases of the digestive tract and nervous system.

Rare species of birds and animals living in the mountain range, as well as an abundance of natural resources, provide an opportunity to enjoy an excellent vacation and restore not only physical, but also spiritual strength.

Happy Valley of Beijing

Price category entrance ticket ranges from 260 yuan per person. Happiness Park is located on an area of 350,000 sq. km. A distinctive feature of the park is its division into zones. There are 9 of them in total. You can have a great time in the Spanish Zone, City of Gold, Mountain of Adventure, Sunny Beach, Cartoon City, Shengri-La Forest, Happiness Train and Water park. Thanks to qualified specialists, here you can enjoy your holiday on modern attractions.

Shopping

One of the features of shopping in Beijing is bargaining. This is not only a fun activity, but also an integral part of it. You should start bidding with the lowest price, gradually increasing it, reaching the desired compromise with the seller. A good mood and a smile will allow you to achieve maximum results.

By visiting Wangfujin Street, where many different supermarkets and shopping centers are concentrated, you can buy whatever your heart desires at the best prices.

On major public holidays, most stores in Beijing announce sales. Basically it's October 1st, Chinese New Year(1st of May). You can also count on seasonal discounts that can reach 90%.

Sometimes sellers indicate a double price on the price tag, separated by a line. The upper amount is the true price of the product, the second figure indicates the amount of the discount on another product. That is, the next time you buy an item in this store, you will receive the discount indicated on the price tag earlier in the bottom line.

What to buy?

In Beijing, medicinal mixtures, tinctures and various potions, for which Chinese specialists are famous, are especially popular. Tourists should pay attention to ginseng, antlers, and gelatin, which is extracted from donkey skin. Thanks to ginseng, according to Chinese belief, vital energy is maintained. Antlers help cleanse the blood, strengthen bones and improve visual acuity. Those who plan to strengthen their immunity should purchase gelatin.

Silk

Lovers of high-quality silk fabrics should take a look at Xiushuijie Street, where the best fabric manufacturers are located. You can also visit the silk market.

Most likely, one vacation is not enough to appreciate all the sights of China. Having been here once, you will definitely want to return. At a minimum, visit places that have already been visited and, at a maximum, look at something new and unusual.

4 “don’ts” in China

In China you cannot pay in euros or dollars. Only Chinese currency is acceptable. If you break the laws, you may be subject to criminal liability. By offering a merchant to pay in European currency, he has the right to call the police.
Criticism of the Chinese government and Communist Party is considered an insult. Such a person will be immediately deported from the country. The government does not take into account the tourist’s ignorance and takes advantage of it.
Given chronic non-compliance with rules traffic, it is important for a tourist to be extremely careful on the roads. Therefore, you cannot be careless, relying only on the rules.
You cannot stick chopsticks into the rice, as this is a funeral tradition of the people. When visiting the Chinese, this act is regarded as wishing death to the owner.

What to take with you?

It is worth noting the fact that in many Chinese establishments, cutlery familiar to Europeans may not be available. A budget tourist who did not take care of their availability will have to eat with Chinese chopsticks. If this option does not suit you, it is better to take a fork, spoon and knife with you. Before the flight, these items must be transferred to your luggage, since if your handbag is checked, getting on board the plane can be problematic.
Medicines. In particular, this applies to drugs that improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Some Chinese dishes that are not familiar to Europeans can create problems. It is also important to take anti-allergy medications.
A phrase book or a special application on a smartphone that allows a tourist to move freely will be extremely useful when traveling. In the second case, you should give preference to a program that is not interconnected with the network, since you will have to pay a lot of money for it.

Chinese cuisine

Peking duck

One of the most popular dishes in China is Peking duck. Most people imagine a fragrant, crispy-skinned bird. In fact, after a long marinating process, the duck is baked and cut into thin pieces. In addition to meat, the dish is served with rice cakes, green onions, several sauces and cucumber slices. He eats the dish with his hands. Take a rice cake, put a slice of meat, onion and cucumber into it. Thus, you get a mini-shawarma. In a decent establishment, this procedure can be performed by a waiter. However, it is not customary to give any tips.

Fruits in caramel

This dessert is national dish countries. If you buy a sweet on the street, it will be significantly different from its restaurant counterpart.

You can buy tangerines and apples from vendors on the street. In the restaurant there are pieces of melon and pineapple.

Hubei hot dry noodles

One of the gastronomic business cards In China, not inferior to Peking duck is dry Hubei noodles. The dish consists of long pasta, reminiscent of spaghetti. The noodles are based on sesame paste, various spices, and soy sauce. Sometimes herbs and vegetables are added to dishes. A tourist who prefers to try original Chinese dishes should pay attention to dry hot noodles, which have a great taste and a golden hue.

A little about security

China is considered safe country, if you follow the necessary rules. For example, for a crime committed (murder or rape) it provides the death penalty.

You should not enter into conflicts with the local population, as harsher penalties are applied to tourists.

It is worth understanding that theft in the country is punishable by a long sentence or even the death penalty. People can only be robbed in cheap hotels or secluded and lively areas.

In case of illness, a traveler can go to a clinic, where tourists are often served at English language. You can pay for services in cash or purchase a coupon that allows you to consult with a doctor. It is worth noting the fact that guests of the country must carefully monitor the sterility of instruments. Otherwise, instead of resting, you can get hepatitis.

The State of China is located on an area of more than 9 million square meters. km and in terms of scale confidently ranks 3rd in the world, behind Canada and Russian Federation. Rich cultural heritage The PRC attracts travelers from all over the world and does not leave any tourist indifferent.

Sights of China

How to travel to China on your own

China for a tourist is a world of contrasts, a combination of the splendor of a modern metropolis, a carefree and expensive life with the modest life of farmers and market traders of trinkets. Here the fast pace of modern life is best combined with ancient history.

You can go to the Celestial Empire as part of a group, and then some of the organizational issues will be resolved by the travel agent. Sophisticated tourists who prefer to travel independently should take into account some simple details of the trip:

Book accommodation or hotel rooms in advance.

Apply for a visa and buy insurance.

Buy plane tickets.

When traveling to China on your own, you need to understand that 80% of the population does not speak foreign languages. To avoid problems with the language barrier, it is advisable to raise your level of Chinese to at least HSK1.

Registration for training

Free Trial Lessons

Every week we offer free trial lessons for adults and children. During the lesson you will become familiar with the basics of the Chinese language, its phonetics, hieroglyphs and learn your first phrase. We regularly conduct program presentations for parents of students.

Level determination

If you or your child have already learned Chinese before, then before starting classes you must undergo an interview to determine the level. Then we will select a suitable group and schedule a trial lesson in it.

We have received your application. Thank you!

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

Popular tourist destinations include modern and traditional types of recreation:

SPA resorts
There are many professional health centers on the territory of the People's Republic of China, where the developments of modern Western medicine are effectively combined with unique methods of Chinese therapy. You will be offered therapeutic mud baths, aromatherapy, acupuncture, herbal treatments, wraps, moxibustion, balneotherapy, acupuncture, inhalations, and various massages. People go to China to improve the functions of the musculoskeletal system, to treat cardiovascular and gastrointestinal pathologies, the respiratory and nervous systems, rheumatism and arthritis.

Ski resorts
Fans of active pastime will appreciate the infrastructure and high service ski resorts Baidahe, Jinguetan and Yabuli. Modern tracks that meet international standards allow both professionals and amateurs to actively engage in sports.

Ecotourism
There are numerous historical monuments architecture, ancient temples, places of pilgrimage Sacred Mountain Huashan, national parks in the Sanqingshan and Jade Mountain area with a huge variety of rare plants and animals, National Park Volun with the natural habitat of giant pandas. Most areas are designated as World Heritage UNESCO.

Dive resorts
The surroundings of Sanya - Xiaodonghai, Yalongwan and Dadonghai bays, Wuzhizhou and Sidao islands - are suitable for exciting diving. Among the diversity of marine fauna you can find starfish, a lot of fancy fish, large jellyfish, more than 50 varieties of corals. Water South China Sea so transparent that underwater landscapes can be viewed at a depth of up to 25 meters.

Sights of China

the great Wall of China- one of the seven modern wonders of the world, the largest structure on the planet. Climbing the wall will seem like an exciting walk only for physically prepared tourists. Assess your body's capabilities in advance, as a large number of steps can take all your strength, and the excursion will not be enjoyable. An alternative could be a funicular.

Shaolin Monastery. Here you can observe with your own eyes the life of the monks, see their daily hours-long training of strength and spirit, as well as demonstrations of martial arts.

Tropical island of Hainan. Ideal place to relax beach holiday with a snow-white sandy shore and crystal clear water. Admire the beauty underwater world with bright landscapes, unusual representatives fauna and coral thickets will be available to lovers of diving and snorkeling.

Thermal springs Nantian. In the territory health complex more than 40 warm water pools, the available temperature range allows everyone to find their comfort zone.

Oceanarium on Henkin Island. The world's largest aquarium houses the rarest specimens of the deep sea. Here tourists can feed crocodiles and look at the most terrible and unusual animals up close.

Monkey Island. The trip to the island along the longest and most picturesque cable car in China can already be considered an additional excursion. And on the island, tourists will find a sparkling pearl museum and jewelry stores.

Shanghai. Arriving in Shanghai, tourists should definitely see the Temple of the Guardian God of the city and the Temple of the Jade Buddha, as well as take a walk along Nanjing Street (Shanghai Arbat).

Hong Kong. Cultural and historical center with many galleries, exhibitions and museums: horse racing, police, medical sciences, wax figures Madame Tussauds, Art Museum Tsui, Lau Uk Folklore House Museum, Pao Art Center and other attractions.

Important and useful little things for tourists

Additional information will make your stay in the country easier and help avoid embarrassing situations for both beginners and experienced tourists:

Time. The difference with the Moscow time zone is +5 hours.

Payment system. In modern shopping centers, hotels, restaurants accept payment bank cards almost all payment systems. For small purchases, it is best to have cash in national currency. The most profitable currency converter is located at the airport.

Transport. Traveling around China is quite easy with high speed trains(350 km/h), tickets should be purchased in advance, especially if the planned trip falls on a weekend or holiday. Car rental is only possible with a driver, as international driving licenses are not valid here. To travel short distances, you can use taxi services; prices are reasonable. It is important to have an address written in Chinese with you; almost no one speaks English.

Shopping. The finest natural silk and world-famous Chinese porcelain are among the most popular and expensive souvenirs. Exclusive gifts include pearl jewelry, healing tinctures of ants, snakes, scorpions, and Chinese Maotai vodka. Expensive gifts should only be purchased in stores or factories. You can bargain and talk about reducing prices not only in the market, but even in large stores.

Weather. When planning a trip to China, you must take into account that the weather in different areas can vary significantly, even at the same time of year. Depending on the location, some provinces may experience freezing temperatures while other areas may be exposed to the scorching sun.

A trip to China will allow you to immerse yourself in the ancient traditions and unusual culture of this country, see the stunning landscapes of national parks and mountain ranges, visit the largest architectural monuments, palaces of emperors, ancient temples, pagodas and museums, and also appreciate local cuisine that has preserved thousand-year-old traditions and secrets.

Despite the fact that China is becoming increasingly popular with tourists all over the world every year, reviews on the Internet from our compatriots about trips to China are, to put it mildly, ambiguous, so let's talk about those features of the country that may be unacceptable for some travelers.

1. If your passport is valid for less than 6 months from the end of the planned tour, choose another country

At the Chinese consulate, all documentary formalities are strictly observed, so in order to avoid problems with obtaining a visa and trip disruption, it is better not to take risks and take care of a new passport in advance.

2. If you are not ready for the additional hassle associated with obtaining a Chinese visa

There is nothing fundamentally difficult in preparing documents for obtaining a Chinese visa - no unnecessary certificates are required, only a foreign passport, an application form, copies of a Russian passport, a photograph and an invitation from the Chinese side. Consular fee under tourist trip- 1500 rubles. Moreover, if you are planning to vacation in Hainan, then when departing on a direct flight from Moscow, you do not need a visa at all!

Mountain lake in China

3. If you basically fly only on charter flights, then - alas!

You can only get to China regular flights airlines Hainan Airlines, Aeroflot, etc. Planes fly from St. Petersburg to Beijing on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Accordingly, the duration of the trip should be “adjusted” to the airline’s schedule. Flight time is about 7 hours.

China

4. If when traveling by train you are used to buying out the entire compartment in order to feel comfortable, then in China you will have to fly by plane

In China it is impossible to buy a coupe in whole or in part, that is, if the program excursion tour If you plan to travel by train between cities, you will have to share a four-seater compartment either with tourists from your group or with the Chinese. There are no two-seater coupes. As a rule, travel between cities is overnight and lasts approximately 12 hours, for example, between Beijing and Xi'an.

One of the entrances to Forbidden City

If this issue is of fundamental importance to you, the option remains to move to domestic flights. By the way, China has very developed air traffic and a fairly high level of flight safety. Baggage rules in hand luggage even more stringent than those accepted throughout the world.

China

5. If you cannot tolerate tobacco smoke, choose another country or stock up on a respirator

The Chinese smoke a lot. Accordingly, almost everywhere there is a smell of tobacco, there are smoky rooms in hotels, and guests also smoke in hotel lobbies. Smoking is prohibited in train compartments; in restaurants you can choose a room for non-smoking visitors.

Chinese outback

6. If you are on a special diet or are very picky about what you eat, take your favorite (preferred) foods with you.

A lot has been written and said about the fact that Chinese cuisine is very unique, but how suitable it is for you personally, you will only understand, so to speak, “on the spot.” Some people don't have enough meat - indeed, the basis of the Chinese diet is stewed, boiled, stewed vegetables, noodles and rice. Some people cannot tolerate spicy and salty foods. If in Beijing, Shanghai and others major cities You can still find food adapted for Europeans, but in the provinces this will be a problem. You will find the cutlery we are used to only in large cities; in the outback you will have to eat with chopsticks. Of course, in China there are places favored by the British and Americans, where the cuisine and other amenities are... top level, For example, nature reserve pandas, but this is rather an exception.

Giant statue Buddhas, Leshan

7. If you experienced culture shock visiting public restrooms in the former Soviet Union (or modern India) and never want to see them again, then choose another country to travel to.

All public toilets in China are free. Tourists who have seen Soviet “conveniences”, when they see Chinese ones, think “scoop”. Indeed, very similar: two soles and a metal bowl at floor level, no toilet paper and a corresponding smell. So for those tourists who do go to China, advice - take it with you toilet paper and wet wipes.

8. If you prefer silence and privacy, and your personal psychologically comfortable space is one and a half meters - choose another country

There are many people in China. Not even that - there are A LOT OF PEOPLE in China! This fact actually entails many different consequences, namely: everyone constantly touches each other with their elbows and other parts of the body, they talk quite loudly, therefore very noisily, they look with sincere, but completely unceremonious curiosity at everything interesting and unusual, for example - you

Against the backdrop of the Great Wall of China

9. If your travel budget involves an amount of less than 50 thousand rubles per person, then you need to choose another country or take out a loan

Most a budget option to get acquainted with China - a week-long tour to Beijing. Today it costs from 50 thousand rubles per person. If you want to see Xi’an (Terracotta Army) and Shanghai within a week’s stay, expect to pay at least 70 thousand rubles per person. To not only see the main cities, but also relax for a week on Hainan Island, budget from 100 thousand per person. Treatment in China is very popular among the stars of domestic and international show business - both in the central part and on the island of Hainan.

In order to feel comfortable when planning a tour and during the trip itself, you can use the installment payment service, which is offered, for example, by our company for up to 7 months at 0% per annum.

Village with rice fields, China

10. If your vacation falls during the Republic of China Day or Chinese New Year celebrations, travel to another country

There are two grandiose holidays in China - the founding day of the People's Republic of China and the Chinese New Year. During these periods - from 28.09 to 04.10 and the last ten days of February - early March (celebrated on lunar calendar, so there are no exact dates) - China has official public holidays, and all Chinese begin to travel within the country en masse. Hotel prices triple, and crowds begin at tourist sites. So it is better to plan your trip for other dates. Ideal time, especially for combined tours- this is spring and autumn, when it is warm on the mainland and not very hot on Hainan Island.

Among other tourists, China

In conclusion, I want to say: I am sure that a trip to China will not leave anyone indifferent. Our tourists return from this diverse country with invariably positive impressions.

Panda

If you have any questions, write to: [email protected]

A trip abroad planned by yourself can be much more interesting than offers from travel agencies. The main problem is lack of knowledge of the language, so at the preparation stage it is worth taking into account all the nuances of the trip.

An independent trip on a tourist visa to China must be arranged in advance so that the traveler has confidence that his vacation will be as comfortable as possible.

Officially, Russian citizens require a visa to travel to China on their own. The cheapest single-entry visa will cost a traveler 1,500 rubles for 2018. At the same time, he gets the opportunity to stay on the territory of the Celestial Empire for a total of 30 days out of a corridor of 90. Similar conditions apply when processing documents at the consulate.

To obtain a visa you will need to provide:

international passport with a reserve of 6 months before expiration;
a copy of the internal passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation;
application form with color photo;
insurance;
confirmation of financial solvency for citizens who do not work;
round trip tickets;
invitation.

The invitation can be issued by a citizen of the receiving state or a travel agency. In the case of a personal invitation, you will need to provide the details of the host party (copy of passport and ID). An invitation from a travel agency is confirmed by a hotel reservation for the entire duration of your stay in the country.

An exception to the official visa rules is made for residents border areas who can issue Required documents directly at the ground crossing point. Also, other conditions are provided when applying for a visa at the airport at the place of arrival, but it is worth checking whether this is possible at all. Without a visa, you can only visit Suifenhe and the border trade zone for up to 15 days, with the obligation not to leave the city. This is where many entrepreneurs go to buy goods.

For those who have previously visited the Celestial Empire, they are additionally required to provide a copy of their old passport with the appropriate notes. And confirmation of financial solvency consists of an account statement. Regardless of the expected expenses, the account must have an amount of no less than $100 per day of stay in a foreign country.

Transport to your destination and within the country

Most travelers prefer to travel to China from Russia using airlines, although you can cross the border by any means of transport. There are frequent buses from Vladivostok, as well as border areas, which provide fairly fast border crossing for residents of the respective regions.

Before purchasing a ticket, you need to roughly outline a travel plan if you need to visit several cities. However, it is best to enter and exit from the same airport.

You can travel within the country using any convenient transport: planes, trains, ferries, buses and even taxis. In large cities, the best way to get around is by bus or metro. To do this, it is enough to buy a travel card, which you can return at the end of the visit and get a cash deposit back for it. The travel card is a plastic card that needs to be topped up periodically. The cost of one trip on public transport will be about 30-50 cents.

Advice from an experienced traveler! Taxis are quite cheap in China, and tourists who come here for the first time prefer to use this type of transport. However, after about a month of living, Russian residents often realize that they have to spend too much on transport. In many cities it is more convenient to get around on foot or on a rented bicycle.

How to find housing?

When applying for a visa through a travel agency, a hotel reservation is required for the entire duration of your stay in China. But often hotels do not meet the traveler's expectations, so long-term bookings have unpredictable consequences. It is much more convenient to book it for just 1-2 nights. This will provide an overnight stay in a hotel, but it can be changed if the conditions are not to your liking.

Most often, travelers face the same problems when choosing a hotel:

Poor sound insulation

In some buildings, you can easily hear the conversation of people in the next room, even if they do not raise their voices.

Bad location. Often the point is not that the hotel is not located in the center or is difficult to find. The problem is what is in close proximity, for example, you can find a hotel opposite a landfill.

Conditions in the room

Foreigners choose their place of residence based on the room description and photographs, but they often do not correspond to the real state of affairs. Rooms can be much smaller than advertised and sometimes there is only a bed inside.

Those who do not want to face such inconveniences are advised to pay attention to the reputation of the establishment before booking. The best service is provided by network companies that operate in several cities. However, their housing costs will be an order of magnitude higher, so you need to prioritize: price or quality.

For most citizens, booking a hotel is the only available housing option if you plan to independent trip To China. If there are no restrictions in this direction, you can look for an alternative. Short-term rental of apartments is not practiced in Asian countries, since the standard contract is drawn up for a year. But if you wish, you can find specialized websites with intermediaries through which you can rent an apartment for a shorter period.

A double room in a mid to low quality hotel will cost around $10-$15 per night. In chain hotels, the minimum price tag is set at approximately $30. Renting an apartment for a month will cost approximately 400-500 dollars.

This expense column most influences how much it costs to travel to China. The final vacation amount will range from $1,000 to $2,000 for two adults for 10 days. The difference lies mainly in the payment for housing.

Nutrition

It is important to know! Chinese food is very different from what people in Russia order for home delivery. Be prepared for a bright and very unusual taste, which will lead to an upset stomach. The aroma from most street cafes is quite unpleasant without getting used to it.

Be prepared for the fact that Chinese food is very different from what we are used to.

There are several food options:

in establishments under a well-known brand;
in local cafes;
self-cooking from products purchased in the supermarket.

In the Celestial Empire, you can easily find world-famous establishments. For example, McDonald's. Many tourists are accustomed to eating in such restaurants, since the employees carefully monitor sanitary standards, and the menu is identical almost everywhere. The disadvantage of this method is the rather high prices.

You can have a hearty meal in eateries for just $1.50. However, unlike food chains, the language barrier needs to be mentioned here. Not all cafes have menus with names written in Latin or photographs, so ordering food is at your own peril and risk. In addition, small restaurants serving local cuisine hardly adhere to hygiene standards, which has a negative impact on the health of visitors.

In all Chinese cities many street cafes. But finding an English-speaking waiter is almost impossible.

However, try local cuisine worth it, since it is an integral attribute of the Celestial Empire. Surprisingly beautiful and interesting snacks can be bought even from street vendors. And if you have concerns about your health, you should find out about the restaurants run by Chinese Muslims. These are the cleanest establishments. If you decide to travel to China on your own, you first need to find out the address and reviews about them on the Internet.

Eateries sometimes provide an interesting form of serving dishes: as in buffet or in churrasco. However, even in a simple cafe the portions are very large. Some dishes are only served for two.

Tourists who are not suitable for these methods need to take care of their own nutrition. Buying groceries in Chinese supermarkets without knowing the language will be a difficult quest, so it is recommended to go food shopping with a dictionary downloaded to your phone. Without clues, only some types of fruit can be identified. By the way, vegetables and fruits may differ depending on the area, because the area is very large. Tourists should try exotic fruits, especially from the southern part of the state. Some of them cannot be tried in Russia, since they cannot be transported. It is not advisable to buy sausages or sausages, as they are made from soy and taste completely different from regular food.

Externally, Chinese supermarkets differ little from ours. But it is difficult to buy anything without a dictionary.

Not all travelers have the opportunity to prepare hot meals themselves. Not all apartments even have a kitchen. Most ordinary residents use portable stoves that run on gas or electricity.

By the way, the price of traveling to China from travel companies does not always include meals at the hotel. Because of this, an independent trip can be much more profitable than exorbitant prices in agencies.

Additional costs: the mentality of local residents

All Chinese are very emotional and noisy, so on the streets of big and small cities the rumble does not subside for a minute. You can get used to this quite quickly, especially since visitors often join in with everyone’s shouts with pleasure.

Chinese streets are always very crowded and noisy by our standards

The Chinese make the most noise in the markets, where even an inexperienced tourist can bargain. Locals They are in a hurry to cash in on foreigners, so do not hesitate to reduce the price several times. Such actions are the norm for all Chinese stores. The Chinese show numbers on their fingers differently than in other countries, which means you should familiarize yourself with the rules of the account before trading.

It is best to pay in cash, since Visa or Maestro cards are not accepted in all shops and cafes. There is a different system here that simply cannot complete a transaction with a foreign card. You can withdraw money from ATMs. Cash and valuables must be constantly monitored, as petty theft is very common here.

Yuan is the national currency

It’s rare to find Chinese people in the Middle Kingdom who speak English well, so you should definitely take a phrasebook with you and download several translation programs. Even without basic knowledge of the language, these tricks will help you communicate with other people. In addition to phrase books, it is worth downloading several applications with maps of the cities you plan to visit.

Visitors use the Internet only via Wi-Fi. It can be found everywhere. Mobile Internet and communications when traveling for several days will be too expensive, both with a native SIM card and a local one. Buying a foreign SIM card will cost more than $40 and will require knowledge of the language to understand its terms. If you wish, you can buy a SIM only in specialized communication stores.

A personally prepared trip to China with children or a loved one will be interesting experience. This is the only way to truly see the country from the inside, so don’t be afraid to experiment!

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