When is it cheaper to fly to China. Travel to China on your own - what you need to know. What documents are needed for the trip

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

Before asking yourself where is the best place 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 flight and accommodation for two will cost about $ 2,000.

On the island, service is at the highest level, as at all expensive resorts... But it is here that you can experience the highest service and splendid rest, and everything for a reasonable 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 the bathtub dotted with rose petals, or indulge in relaxation in a pond infused with Chinese herbs and coconut milk. On the territory there is a swimming pool with clear water, in which it is so pleasant to swim on a hot day.

The most popular place in the park area is the pool with small fish. When the body is immersed in water, you can feel how they bite off microscopic particles of dead skin. As a result, the skin is cleansed, becomes smooth and tender, as if after going to a beauty salon.

Tropical paradise

Not far from Sanya, in the resort area of \u200b\u200bYalongwan in the Hainan province, 15 sq. Km. a unique tropical park is located. It was designed to meet the technical requirements of the National Forest Parks in China.

Here you can not only relax and breathe plenty of fresh clean air. This is a great place for climbers and green tourism enthusiasts.

On the territory of the park, you can find semi-deciduous and evergreen forests, among which there are at least 100 tree species and twice as many plants. A unique world fauna is striking in its diversity. The dense jungle opens up to the traveler in all its glory, showing all the power of the wild.

If you wish, you can ride ostriches here, visit the suspension bridge, ride the cable car. For the convenience of movement, tourists are offered eco-vehicles that allow them to spend time comfortably while traveling in the park.

Li and Miao people village

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

Those who are not indifferent to high-quality alcoholic drinks are given the opportunity to buy original vodka.

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

An interesting theatrical show allows you to better understand the traditions and customs of nationalities. An ideal production that you cannot get tired or bored of.

A tour of the village will cost about 220 yuan.

Shopping

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

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

For exotic fruits, you should visit the Honggang Fruit Market.

Those who are not averse to eating delicious fish can visit Lao Yong Gai Fish Market. It is best to shop in the morning when the fishing vessels are just unloading. Here tourists can not only buy fish and seafood, but also try them in restaurants and eateries. At the same time, pleasure is available even to the most budget traveler.

What to bring from the trip?

• Given the large deposits of crystal, it is simply necessary to purchase goods from it in Hainan. If you wish, you can visit the Crystal Museum, which offers a unique opportunity to buy not only crystal objects, but also jade and precious stones.
• It is unforgivable to visit China and not buy silk. In Hainan, one can buy luxurious silk products of the 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 out without residue, exuding the smell of burnt hair. A conscientious manufacturer has nothing to hide and he will gladly not refuse such a trifle.
• Pearl products. "Pearl Hainan diamond" - this is how local residents call pearls. It is Hainan that is China's leading exporter of superior quality pearls. It is better to make a purchase in a specialized store.
• Fans of a strong aromatic drink can purchase tea of \u200b\u200bvarious varieties. Thanks to the excellent climate, the experts grow the highest quality tea. It is worth making a purchase in numerous teahouses. Here a tourist can attend a tea ceremony, taste various varieties of aromatic tea, buy a beautiful tea set or souvenir products.

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 seething with extraordinary power.

Mount Sheshan

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

Every year the government arranges at the top of the mountain interesting events... One of the most interesting is considered the festival of sand figures, which runs from September to the end of October.

What to bring?

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

This is a place for those who dream of taking a break from the hustle and bustle of a huge metropolis, reuniting with nature and restoring mental strength.

Entrance to the parks is not paid.

Car museum

On the territory, more than 1 hectare, there is a car park that 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. A total of 22 brands, represented by 80 cars. In the museum, you can follow the path of cars from the origins to the most recent ultra-modern cars. For convenience, you can travel with a comfortable transfer. For those who are interested in the topic of car production, you can familiarize yourself with the process of creating cars from videos that are projected onto the wall of the hall.

Longhua Pagoda

A tourist traveling in Shanghai should visit the Longhua Pagoda, which is considered one of the finest religious buildings. it mysterious place was built two thousand years ago and because of its antiquity, it is strictly forbidden to enter its territory. It is separated from the park by a special path.

The pagoda is regularly renovated so that it does not lose its wonderful appearance.

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

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

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

Shopping

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

• Those who love antiques can visit numerous antique shops, where the most polar Chinese porcelain figurines are considered at reasonable prices. One of the most 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 and 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 great prices.
• The center of shopping in Shanghai is Nanjing Street, which every tourist must visit. There are more than 600 stores with world brands here. But the price category of goods is relatively large.
• Those who are planning to buy clothes from world brands at reasonable prices should visit the three-story Sunshine shopping center.
• You can buy exotic animals at the zoo market (Tibetskaya st.), Where the abundance of birds, fish and animals surprises with its quantity.

Beijing

Also worth a visit to Beijing - the famous capital of China. Here is the largest square in the world - Tian An Men. You cannot ignore the Great Wall of china... It's long enough to get to her, but not one has regretted it yet. And, of course, do not forget to taste the well-known Peking duck.

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

A two-week vacation in Beijing for 2 people will cost about $ 1000, in Shanghai about $ 1100.

The 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 considered among tourists, which locals have been using for 1000 years. The stable temperature allows both taking a bath and drinking from the spring. Water will improve the health of those who suffer from diseases of the digestive tract, nervous system.

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

Happy Valley of Beijing

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

Shopping

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

Having visited Wangfujin Street, which is concentrated on many different supermarkets and shopping centers, you can buy whatever your heart desires at the most pleasant prices.

For large public holidays most of the shops in Beijing are announcing a sale. Basically, it is October 1st, Chinese New Year (May 1st). You can also count on seasonal discounts, which can be up to 90%.

Sometimes sellers indicate a double price on the price tag, separated by a line. The top amount is the true price of the product, the second number indicates the discount for 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 preparations, tinctures and various drugs, for which Chinese specialists are famous, are especially popular. A tourist should pay attention to ginseng, antlers, as well as 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 planning to strengthen the immune system 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 visited here once, you will certainly want to return. At the very least, visit those places that have already been visited and, at the maximum, look at something new and unusual.

4 "not allowed" in China

1. In China, you cannot pay with euros or dollars. Only Chinese currency is acceptable. Violating laws can lead to criminal liability. By offering a merchant to pay in European currency, he has the right to call a police squad.
2. Criticism of the government and the Chinese Communist Party is regarded as an insult. Such a person will be urgently deported from the country. The government does not take the tourist's ignorance into account and takes advantage of it.
3. Given the chronic non-observance of traffic rules, it is important for a tourist to be extremely careful on the roads. Therefore, you cannot be careless, relying only on the rules.
4. You can't stick chopsticks into rice, as this is a memorial tradition of the people. Visiting the Chinese, this act is regarded as a death wish to the owner.

What should I take with me?

• It is worth noting the fact that in many Chinese establishments, cutlery, familiar to Europeans, may not be available. A budget tourist who has not taken 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. These items must be checked in baggage prior to the flight, as getting on board the aircraft can be problematic when checking your bag.
• 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-allergic medications.
• A phrasebook or a special application in a smartphone that allows a tourist to move freely will be extremely useful during travel. In the second case, it is worth giving preference to a program that is not interconnected with the network, since a lot of money will have to be paid for it.

Chinese cuisine

Peking duck

One of the most popular dishes in China is Peking Duck. Most people imagine a crispy, fragrant bird in front of them. In fact, after a long marinating process, the duck is baked and cut into thin slices. In addition to meat, rice cakes, green onions, several sauces and cucumber slices are served with the dish. He eats the dish with his hands. They take a rice cake, put a slice of meat, onions and cucumber into it. Thus, a mini-shawarma is obtained. In a decent establishment, this procedure can be performed by a waiter. At the same time, no tips are accepted.

Fruit in caramel

This dessert is the country's national dish. Having bought a sweet on the street, it will differ significantly from the restaurant counterpart.

On the street, you can buy tangerines and apples from vendors. In the restaurant - slices, melon, pineapple.

Hubei hot dry noodles

One of the gastronomic business cards China, not inferior to the Peking duck, is dry Hubei noodles. The dish is long pasta reminiscent of spaghetti. The basis of the noodles is 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 a safe country if the necessary rules are followed. For example, for a crime committed (murder or rape), the death penalty is provided here.

Do not get into conflicts with local population, as more severe penalties are applied for tourists.

It should be understood that a long term or even the death penalty is assigned for theft in the country. They can only be robbed in cheap hotels or secluded and noisy areas.

In case of illness, the traveler can contact the clinic, where tourists are often served in English. You can pay for services in cash or purchase a voucher allowing you to consult a doctor. It is worth noting that guests of the country must carefully monitor the sterility of the instruments. Otherwise, you can get hepatitis instead of rest.

Dozens of chinese cities... The road from the border with the Russian city of Zabaikalsk, which I crossed by train, to Laos, where I entered on foot. (Don't worry, then took the bus.)

It was experimentally found that, firstly, China - wonderful country for independent travel, and secondly, it is possible to travel abroad without even knowing the language, although it is still not clear how I managed it. The golden rule of any business “take and do” also works for free travel “take and go”.

Don't let the language factor bother you (they don't speak English in China), but you shouldn't relax either. Phrasebooks, travel guides, the basics of English (at least in order to communicate with other foreign travelers) will be useful to you. And the rest is details.

How to travel to China on your own?

Visa

Personally, I made a Chinese visa through an agency, simply giving my passport to specially trained people, while still in Russia. I won't say that it was very difficult to submit the documents myself (although at that moment I lived in Kamchatka and the agents, among other things, sent documents to Vladivostok, to the representative office), but I had one rule - the start should be easy. China is the first country of the first trip, and even an independent one, even alone. I decided to free myself in some way. Therefore, a passport, a photo and money were all it took for the 30 days to the People's Republic of China. But she extended it herself, on the spot. The next 30 days were marked by the filing of the same documents.

Weather

China is a country so large that you can't get off with generalized conclusions about the weather. Decide on the exact location, and then check with eyewitness testimony for that region. Where are you planning to: the Himalayas or Hainan? By the way, I have been to Hainan twice, and both times in October. Rumors about local typhoons are not exaggerated. I witnessed flying coconuts and uprooted palms the next morning. Although, if now someone asks whether it is possible to go to Hainan in October, I will not dissuade. I had a great rest both times. The hardworking Chinese planted all the palm trees in place literally the very next day after the hurricane.

Where to live

In hostels. This will provide you with pleasant (read "low") checks for accommodation, excellent acquaintances from among foreigners from all over the world and people who do speak and understand English, which is very important during a long stay in the country. According to my personal observations, hostels in China are some of the best in Asia, with the right atmosphere of the general drive of life and new discoveries. Stories like “I worked as a lawyer and then decided to change everything” or “we sold the car and drove around the world” are the norm in them. Plus, your travel colleagues have missed white faces and English as much as you. In China, a white person is a close friend to a white person, if not a relative. And do not even worry about nonsense in the style of "how to live in a room for four?", The main thing is not to be fourteen (anything can happen), but otherwise you even like it. I guarantee.

Popular destinations

Also a limitless topic, so I will highlight my TOP places in the "other" asian country: Beijing and Shanghai - a look at the world from the top floors of skyscrapers sets you in the right mood; (Huangshan and others), Hainan is the same banal tropical island that you dream about from home; Guilin and Yangshuo, with their karst hills and lulling rivers, as well as the entire Yunnan province.

Transport

The experience of riding Chinese trains can be inserted into your resume as a proof of courage and fortitude. How in Chinese, namely in hieroglyphs, can you read where your train is and when it departs, if you are at a Beijing railway station the size of a small city and the wrong direction can lead you very far not only from the place of departure, but also from the truth in general? One fact - you can travel on Chinese trains no matter what, I would even say: in spite of it. Each time I was the only white face for the whole car and they constantly brought me some kind of food, trying to somehow satisfy my curiosity and gawk at the white girl, without being able to compensate for the language barrier otherwise.

To survive

To survive in China, and by survival, you guessed it, I mean getting to the required station and the required train, you need to clearly remember the rule of "three people", which sounds like this: "If you ask a Chinese how to get to the place you need (and , it doesn't matter if he suddenly answers you in English or reads your phrasebook and shows with gestures), do not go in the indicated direction until at least three people point in the same direction. " Simply put, ask at least three people "how to get through", even if the first one knows exactly where you need to and is ready to take you personally. To say “I don’t know” in China means to lose face, this is a traditional feature. It is better to show it incorrectly, especially to some foreigner, than to go wrong and show your ignorance. Ask again always and in everything, especially if you are in a hurry.

Otherwise, the safety rules are no different from other countries - stay vigilant and you will be happy on Chinese soil.

Do you want to confess? I still don't understand how I managed to drive through the whole of China with a backpack on my shoulders. Consequently, the longer I lived in hospitable countries South-East Asia, the more mysterious this Chinese "phenomenon" became for me. It's just that everything in life is easier than it seems. But this can only be found out experimentally. Good luck!

A trip abroad planned with your own hand can be much more interesting than the offers of travel agencies. The main problem is the lack of knowledge of the language, so at the stage of preparation it is worth considering all the nuances of the trip.

An independent trip on a tourist visa to China is made out in advance so that the traveler is confident that his vacation will be as comfortable as possible.

Officially, Russian citizens need a visa to travel to China on their own. The cheapest single entry visa will cost the 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 from a corridor of 90. Similar conditions apply when processing documents at the consulate.

To obtain a visa, you will have to provide:

• a passport with a 6 month reserve before the expiration date;
• a copy of the internal passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation;
• a questionnaire with a 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 host state or by a travel agency. In the case of a personal invitation, you will need to provide the data of the receiving party (copy of the passport and ID). An invitation from a travel agency is confirmed by a hotel reservation for the entire stay in the country.

An exception to the official rules for issuing a visa is made for residents of border areas who can apply for 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, however, it is worth clarifying whether there is such an opportunity at all. Without a visa, you can visit only Suifenhe and the border trade zone for up to 15 days, with the obligation not to leave the city limits. This is where many entrepreneurs go to buy goods.

For those who have already visited the Celestial Empire, it is additionally required to provide a copy of the old passport with the appropriate marks. And confirmation of financial solvency is in the account statement. Regardless of the expected expenses, the account must have an amount not less than $ 100 per day of stay in a foreign country.

Transport to destination and within the country

Most travelers prefer to get to China from Russia using airlines, although you can cross the border by any means of transport. Buses often run from Vladivostok, as well as border areas, which provide a fairly quick border crossing for residents of the respective regions.

Before buying 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 at the end of the visit can be returned and a cash deposit returned for it. The travel card is a plastic card that needs to be refilled periodically. The cost of one trip for public transport will be about 30-50 cents.

An experienced traveler's advice! There is a fairly cheap taxi in China, and tourists who come here for the first time prefer to use this particular type of transport. However, after about a month of life, residents of Russia often realize that they have to spend too much on transport. In many cities it is more convenient to get around on foot or with a rented bike.

How to find accommodation?

When applying for a visa through a travel agency, a hotel reservation is required for the entire period of stay in the PRC. But often hotels do not meet the expectations of the traveler, so long-term reservations have unpredictable consequences. It is much more convenient to arrange it for just 1-2 nights. This will ensure an overnight stay at the hotel, but it can be changed if the conditions are not pleasant.

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

Poor soundproofing

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

Poor location. Often the point is not that the hotel is not located in the center or is difficult to find. The problem is that it is in the immediate vicinity, for example, you can find a hotel opposite a landfill.

Room conditions

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 may be much smaller than indicated and there is sometimes only a bed inside.

Those who do not want to face such inconveniences are advised to pay attention to the reputation of the institution before booking. Best Service Provide network companiesthat operate in several cities. However, their housing costs will be much higher, so it is necessary to prioritize: price or quality.

For most citizens, booking a hotel is the only available accommodation option if you are planning an independent trip to China. If there are no restrictions in this direction, you can look for an alternative. Short-term apartment rentals in Asian countries are not practiced, since a 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.

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

This column of expenses most of all affects how much it costs to go to the PRC. The final amount of the vacation will vary from $ 1,000 to $ 2,000 for two adults for 10 days. In this case, the difference lies mainly in the payment for housing.

Nutrition

It's important to know! Chinese food is very different from what is ordered in Russia with home delivery. Be prepared for a bright and very unusual taste that will lead to an upset stomach. The aroma from most street cafes is quite unpleasant without habit.

Be prepared for Chinese food to be different in many ways.

There are several food options:

• in establishments under a well-known brand;
• in local cafes;
• self-preparation of food from products purchased in the supermarket.

In the Middle Kingdom, you can easily find world-famous establishments. Take McDonald's, for example. Many tourists are accustomed to food in such restaurants, since the staff 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 at eateries for as little as $ 1.50. However, in contrast to food chains, the language barrier should be mentioned here. Not all cafes have menus with names written in Latin characters or photographs, so ordering food is at your own risk. In addition, small restaurants with local cuisine hardly adhere to hygiene standards, which has a bad effect on the health of a visiting person.

There are many street cafes in all Chinese cities. 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. You can even buy amazingly beautiful and interesting snacks from street vendors. And if you have concerns about your health, you should find out about the restaurants run by Muslim Chinese. These are the cleanest establishments. Having decided to go 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 meals are only served for two.

Tourists who are unsuitable for these methods need to take care of their own meals. Buying groceries in Chinese supermarkets without knowing the language will turn out to be a difficult quest, so it is recommended to go for food with a dictionary loaded on your phone. Only certain types of fruits can be identified without prompts. By the way, vegetables and fruits may differ depending on the area, because the territory is very large. Tourists should try exotic fruits, especially from the southern part of the state. Some of them cannot be tried in Russia as they cannot stand transportation. It is not advisable to buy sausages or sausages, as they are made from soybeans and taste completely different from the usual food.

Outwardly, Chinese supermarkets differ little from ours. But buying something without a dictionary is difficult.

Not all travelers have the opportunity to cook hot meals on their own. Even not all apartments are equipped with a kitchen. Most ordinary residents use portable stoves that run on gas or electricity.

By the way, the price of travel to China from travel companies hotel food is not always included. Because of this, a solo trip can be much more profitable than sky-high agency prices.

Additional costs: mentality of local residents

All Chinese are very emotional and noisy, so the rumble on the streets of cities and towns does not subside for a minute. You can get used to this pretty quickly, especially since often visitors are happy to connect to the general shouts.

Chinese streets are always very crowded and noisy by our standards

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

The best way to pay is cash, as Visa or Maestro cards are not accepted in all shops and cafes. Here is another system that simply cannot complete a transaction with a foreign card. You can withdraw money at ATMs. It is necessary to constantly look after cash and valuables, as petty theft is very common here.

Yuan - national currency

In the Middle Kingdom, there are not often Chinese people who speak English well, so it is imperative to 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 phrasebooks, 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 communication when traveling for several days will be too expensive with both a native SIM card and a local one. The purchase of 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 SIM only in specialized communication shops.

A self-prepared trip to China with children or a loved one will be an interesting experience. This is the only way to truly see the country from the inside, so there is no need to be afraid of experiments!

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How much does a trip to China cost? Sasha and Katya - Trip4cent editors traveled for two weeks in South China and we calculated our travel expenses. Everyone's spending is different and we wrote this article only on the basis of personal experience.

How much does a trip to China from Russia cost in 2020

How much does a visa to China cost

RUB 3.400 - RUB 4.800 per person

For us, getting a Chinese visa was a headache. There is a general consulate of the Republic of China in St. Petersburg, but at the right moment they had a problem with issuing visas. Suddenly, they began to refuse to issue a visa to everyone without explanation. Only business visas were issued.
Katya was leaving for a month and she had to overpay and get a business visa. I left later and managed to get my visa 3 days before departure.

You can apply for a visa yourself at the consulate for 3.300 rubles. + 2.5% for payment and collecting a package of documents. We applied for a visa through a travel agency and I paid 4.800 rubles. for a single entry visa.

It is more convenient to register through a travel agency, because you do not need to collect a complete package of documents and you can apply at a convenient time for you.

How much are tickets to China

20.000 - 35.000 rubles. per person

There are often promotions and sales on tickets to China. We failed to catch them - the flights were on the May holidays. We bought direct Aeroflot flights from Moscow to Guangzhou for about RUB 26.500 in two directions. Still approximately 7.000 rub. spent on tickets to Moscow and back.

Travel insurance to China

RUB 900 per person for 14 days

Insurance was required to obtain a visa. We already had insurance from credit card and she came up for a visa.
You can pre-order insurance online, print it and provide it with a package of documents.
You can get insurance for the requirements of the Chinese Consulate on the website.

How much is housing in China

RUB 10,000 - RUB 20,000 per person when traveling together

Our hotels were one of the small cost items. In just 2 weeks, we spent about RUB 17,000 for two... We did not have an exact plan of the trip - only the initial and final stages. We booked hotels on or through the site - sometimes there were cheaper offers on it.
We are in the period may holidays and in the ancient city of Fenhuang, they could not find a place to live. The minimum price for Booking per room was 4.400 rubles. at night. We found a room for 2,700 rubles.

You can also buy train tickets in China through the app.

• IN Yangshuo we lived for 3 nights in a hostel at the language school where Katya studied. 80 RMB per night. Total 2.400 RUB for 3 nights.
• On the Longsheng Rice Terraces we lived in. Total 3.000 RUB for 2 nights... Also highly praised. The receptionists there speak English, which is rare, and helped us book bus tickets to Fenghuang.
  By the way, our rooms were modest everywhere, but with their own bathroom. For an example of a room on the terraces, see the video below.
• IN Fenhuane we stayed one night in a last minute hotel booked through the Trip.com app. We will not advise him. We chose this option out of despair. Paid for the night 2.700 rbl.
• Next to Avatar Park in Zhangjiajie, or rather in its suburbs Wulinyuan, we lived in a great room with a private bathroom. For just 3 nights paid 4.500 rubles.
• We spent one night on the train from Zhangjiajie to Guangzhou and this cost was taken into account in transport
• In Guangzhou on the way back we stayed in a budget but great hotel near the center. It was the only place in China where breakfast was included. Paid for 2 nights 4.300 rbl.

Food prices in China

8.000 - 15.000 rubles. per person when traveling together

We ate quite cheaply at the local food service chufalny. To a large extent, locals eat there and the staff speaks only Chinese. Katya is studying Chinese, so we managed to understand each other. We eat a little, sometimes it so happened that only 2 times a day.

• Breakfast is not served in China, so we usually asked to fry eggs, ordered rice and a popular dish - eggs with tomatoes. Such breakfast for two was worth about 350 rubles.
• For lunch and dinner we ordered what we could understand from the menu. Often these were fried or boiled dumplings, fried rice, or noodles. The appetizers were eggplant, cucumber salad, spinach salad, cabbage salad. Average cost of lunch or dinner 350-500 rub. for two.
• European food is much more expensive. We went to Pizza Hut in Guangzhou... Ordered average pizza, coffee and dessert. It worked out in 1300 rubles... Order European food at small towns often impossible or difficult to find.
• Often bought fruits - mango and bananas... Bananas about 15-20 rubles. per piece, mango about 100 rubles. per piece of medium size.
• Choice in stores familiar products for Europeans is sharply limited. There are practically no dairy products. Drinkable yoghurt we bought only one item and they cost 90-150 rub. per packing. But I liked it ice cream for 50-100 rub. per packing.

Transport prices in China

12,000 - 20,000 rubles. per person

Domestic transport in China is quite expensive and the distances are long. On the way back from Avatar Park to Guangzhou (980 km), we chose between train and plane. The plane cost 8.000 rub., reserved bed night car RUB 3.500, compartment carriage about 6.000 rbl... As a result, we decided to go in a reserved seat carriage for 14 hours.

Our other transportation costs... Costs per person:

• High speed train (2.5 hours) from Guangzhou to Yangshuo 1.500 RUB.
• Near RUB 500 on trips to Guangzhou and Shenzhen metro
• Bus (3 hours) from Yangshuo to Longsheng Rice Terraces RUB 900
• 400 rbl.
• Bicycle rental in Yangshuo (2 times) RUB 300
• Bus from Longsheng to Fenghuang (4 hours) RUB 1.500
• Bus from Fenghuang to Zhandjazde (3 hours) 800 RUB
• Train from Zhandjiaze to Guangzhou (14 hours) 3.500 rbl.
• High speed train from Guangzhou to Shenzhen (40 minutes) and back RUB 1.500

There were still many crossings on small buses, a couple of times we took a taxi. As a result, the total cost of transport has resulted in a significant part of the cost of the trip.

Prices for entrance tickets, entertainment

5.000 - 10.000 rubles. per person

China itself is one big entertainment, so we have not been to museums or excursions. We paid only to enter national park Chandzyadze and to the rice terraces Longsheng.
Our costs for entry tickets per person:

• 800 RUB entrance fees to the territory of rice terraces Longsheng
• 2250 RUB entrance tickets for 4 days to enter the national park Chandzyadze
• 650 RUB Bailun elevator lift Chandzyadze one way
• 1440 RUB cable car Tyandzi in two directions Chandzyadze

Communication prices in China

1.000 - 2.000 rubles. per person

In China, you can buy a local SIM card with internet. Katya did so. Upon arrival in Guangzhou, she bought a SIM card for 1.800 rbl... The price included 3Gb the Internet. This was enough for the entire trip. The card is valid for 3 months.

I used a travel SIM card. The SIM card worked fine, but the card is charged for each Mband I didn't use it unnecessarily. As a result, I spent about 10€ from the balance sheet. Communication rates in China:

Now, when connected to, you can get 7€ to the account when replenishing from 25€. To do this, you need to order a card according to our link , activate and top up your account.

I also had to spend money on a VPN service... In China, many sites do not work well and Google, Facebook, Instagram and many others do not work at all. I installed the application on my work computer Express VPN and it all worked. The downside is that you had to connect the connection every time. The monthly rate is more expensive than six months and a year and cost 830 rubles.

Other expenses in China

3.000 - 5.000 rubles. per person

There are always some additional costs. I would like to buy souvenirs, have something to eat. Sometimes there are unforeseen expenses. During the trip to Zhandzyadze it rained for two days in a row and we twice bought sets of raincoats and comfortable shoe covers for walking.

How much do tours to China cost

In some countries, we compare the cost of a package tour and an independent travel. Package tours to China are sold mainly in Hainan. This is island China and does not require a visa. If you find it difficult to organize an independent trip, then you can start with a package tour to Hainan.

The cost of a package tour can be more expensive than an independent trip and cheaper. It depends on the hotel and your travel expenses.

Estimate the cost of a package tour to China:

Total cost of independent travel

So, let's calculate how much money may be required for a trip to China per person when traveling alone.

1. Visa from 3.400 to 4.800 rub.
2. Flights from 20.000 rub. up to 35,000 rubles
3. Insurance RUB 900
4. Housing RUB 10,000 - RUB 20,000
5. Food 8.000 - 15.000 rubles.
6. Transport 12,000 - 20,000 rubles
7. Entertainment and excursions 5.000 - 10.000 rubles.
8. Communication 1.000-2.000 rubles
9. other expenses 3.000-5.000 rubles.

How much does a trip to China cost on your own in the end: from 63.300 rubles. up to 112.700 rubles. per person when purchasing more expensive tickets, hotels, domestic flights and enhanced meals.

The prices shown are indicative and may change for your trip, but you can use them for budgeting.

It might be interesting:

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Several years ago, I had the opportunity to travel to China on my own. In this article I will tell you about all the intricacies of this way of visiting this wonderful country. Of course, if you already have a paid tourist voucher to China, then you shouldn't make a fence. In this case, feel free to go with a tour group.

If you don't have a lot of money…. Or the spirit of adventurism lives in you…. Or you just happened to be by the will of fate not far from China…. Then .. Then it might be worth trying to go on your own. So read this article. I hope it helps you ..

How I decided to go to China

As a matter of fact, the idea to visit this interesting country came to me a long time ago. There are several reasons for this.

First, I have been to Europe quite a lot, but I have never been to Asia. I wanted to compare.

The second - when I was on military service (for a very long time :) I served literally on the border with China and ... of course I also wanted to see it ever since.

Well, the third kind of work. At that time, our company transported a lot of goods from China. And I had to communicate a lot with the Chinese. I even started learning Chinese a little bit :). Well, the Chinese were actively invited to visit.

By the way, all the photos in the series of articles about China are mine :) And they are clickable (increase by clicking).

Well, now ... The bosses (and then I was still an employee), instructed me to open branches on The Far East... Vladivostok. Khabarovsk. Blagoveshchensk. And again the old idea of \u200b\u200ban independent trip to China was revived. Why not? After all, here he is - near ..

Options for "getting" to China

In general, if you live in the European part of Russia. Or, like me, in the Urals, a trip to China will be quite expensive. Of course, the main expense item is air tickets. Anyway, any tickets to China. What are the options to get to China on your own?

and. Train Moscow-Beijing... This is the most exotic option. For those who don't have a lot to do, it is interesting to travel a lot. The train goes only across Russia for about a week. And even in China then for a few days. To be honest, I don't know who in their right mind would make such a trip :).

b. Direct plane to China... Well, or with transfers. This is probably the best option for most independent travel lovers in China. Despite the fact that the air ticket is quite expensive, sometimes there are very good discounts. And you can fly (or arrive) from China two or three times cheaper than the usual price. By the way, I flew back from Beijing. For such a sale ticket. Also look for flights not to Beijing, but to other cities in China. Sometimes (sooooo rarely) it is more profitable to fly to other cities and then get there by train or buses. But there are ambushes, about which below ...

Flights are very inexpensive - tynts here!

in. If you somehow ended up in Kazakhstan, then try to drive from Almaty to Urumqi. You can get there by a regular minibus. I myself saw how Chinese migrant workers got into a minibus (by the way, a stop next to the main market in Almaty) and left for China. Most likely there are more civilized buses and trains. But then you have to go to Guangzhou. And from there to Beijing. I myself have not traveled that way, so see similar options elsewhere.

g. Well, if you somehow ended up in the Far East or near... That's bingo! From here opens the easiest way to China for independent travel! Simple enough cut the barbed wire at the border, put on shoes with hoof prints and under cover of night ... drive just a few kilometers and you are in China!

Yes. And I am considering just a tourist trip. And it basically assumes that you will somehow get to Beijing. At the beginning of the journey or at the end. I do not consider options for rest on Hainan Island…. This one is from another opera :)

How did I get to China?

At the expense of the company where I worked, I had a chance to get to Blagoveshchensk. Again, for the business. I came to Blagoveshchensk from Khabarovsk. By the way, you can get to China directly from Khabarovsk. As far as I remember, there is a bus from Khabarovsk to a local Chinese border town (I forgot the name, it seems to start at F). But he travels about another hundred kilometers. It was uncomfortable for me then.

So that's it. For a trip to China, I myself chose the border crossing in the Blagoveshchensk-Heihe region. Fortunately, these cities stand on two opposite banks of the river at a distance of 5 kilometers from each other. In summer, small boats go there. In winter ... I don't know. I was in the fall. And we were transported by hovercraft. But that was three years ago. Now they say that the bridge has already been built.

From Heihe, I took the train to Harbin. And from there by train to Beijing. From Beijing I flew directly to Yekaterinburg by plane. This is in brief. I will tell you more about each stage further….

3. A little about China ... Tedious necessary info

So. Read some information about China before you travel. I will write here "all in a heap". What will I remember. So, don't scold me great :)

Car rights.

As far as I know, European rights to China are invalid. Although, of course, I can and inadvertently lie. Better check it yourself. But ... I would not advise you to drive on the roads of the Middle Kingdom on a rented car on your own, even you will have such an opportunity. Why? It's all about traffic ..

Road traffic.

For the independent traveler to China, traffic at first glance will resemble hell! A huge number of cars and everyone is going somewhere! Everyone honks with or without ... Veselukh! And, oddly enough, there are no accidents. A European driver in such a "mess" will be uncomfortable.

By the way, pedestrians are also cool. The fact is that Chinese car owners are NOT required to let pedestrians pass at pedestrian intersections. That is, first cars pass, and then pedestrians in small dashes .... :). Despite this, I have not seen pedestrians injured. Moreover, several times I had to cross a huge road of 10 lanes with no traffic light. And nothing ... Cars honk, but let ...

Yuan

During my trip, the RMB exchange rate was 5: 1. Now .. now higher. You can change Yuan for a trip to China on your own without any problems right at the border. I don’t know about airports, but in Heihe city they change right at customs without any problems. The course is much more profitable than in Russia. By the way, in Russia it is still often not possible to find yuan in exchangers.

About using bank cards... And cash withdrawals. I have not used. But acquaintances who tried to pay for purchases with Russian Visa cards complained that there were ambushes. So, it is better to look for information on this topic on other resources.

Tongue.

The Chinese language, oddly enough, is quite easy to learn. More on this below. More precisely, in another article ... I recommend ... highly recommend ... stock up on cards on which the main "tourist" phrases will be written in hieroglyphs on one side (and in Russian words on the other, so you don't get confused :)). And the name of the cities where you will go (to buy tickets).

Yes. The Russian language is perfectly understood and is spoken in the border towns. The Chinese will no longer understand you further from the border. And even in Beijing, very few people speak English. In Russian - and even less. So, independent travelers to China, learn Chinese!

Mentality

The Chinese are mostly simple open people. They helped me constantly. Prompted. They are very polite. In general, the Chinese are quite clean :). What they think is what they say. Of course, if you are not bargaining with you at this time!

By the way, if the Chinese is an official, then be ready to express your respect and respect to him. It is necessary! Even if it seems that he (the official) is talking to you a little condescendingly, do not pay attention. This is such a "bureaucratic" style of conversation. How to find out an official? Very simple! He will be dressed “in full dress”. Even the train conductors look like our generals :).

Well and more. There are many Chinese! There are a lot of them! Even where it seems that they should not be - they are! And they move in small groups of 100-200 people! :) But oddly enough, even if there is a large (in the opinion of a European) queue, it moves very quickly!

Attitude towards Russians

Very good. But ... Many Chinese of the older generation did not fail to express to me their negative attitude to what is happening in Russia now. Like: "We looked up to you as older brothers, and you ...". Young people are increasingly focused on America and Europe. And tries to teach english language, not Russian.

In cities where there are not many "white people", many will come up to take a picture with you :). So it was with me in Harbin. In the "Russian village". But more on that later.

But .. all the same, remember that the Chinese consider themselves to be "center". That is, "the most important." No wonder that the self-name of China is translated as "Central State"! And other foreigners will still be, let's say, less equal than the Chinese ...

Prices

After the appreciation of the yuan, prices in China are not that low. And especially in Beijing. I would say that prices there are at the level of Russia. Maybe just a little bit lower. There are, of course, options to save money, but ... Don't expect to buy an ultra-modern smartphone much cheaper ... Or clothes and shoes. It is cheaper, but practically at the same price you can buy it in Russia ...

Or buy it very cheap - that's bullshit! :) As well as with us!

But ... keep in mind that you can and should bargain with the Chinese! Especially in the markets. As a result, you can bring down the price several times!

Chinese salary

This is not surprising, given that wages in China have caught up and surpassed the average wages in Russia. The days when a Chinese lived for $ 1 a day are long gone! Pensions in China are also commonplace. And they are constantly growing. And the retirement age is going down!

Trains

There are several categories of trains. Please note that there are no seats available! At the same time, over sufficiently long distances! In a bad scenario, you can stand on your feet for 8-10 hours! Therefore, buy in a regular reserved seat or compartment. Such tickets cost about 30% less than ours.

By the way, there are also high-speed trains. Very comfortable and confortable. But also quite expensive!

Please note that the train stations are usually soooooo crowded. And you will not always find a seat. So, if possible, come to the station as close to the train departure as possible. By the way, sometimes some dark personalities sell seats :) at a not very expensive price. I didn't use these "services", so I can't say anything ...

You will be released to the platform literally 10-15 minutes before the train departure. Hurry up to get into the car! For orientation, right at the exit, the board shows where the head and where the tail of the train is. Very comfortably!

Buses

For independent trip to China (more precisely in China), you can consider the option of traveling by bus. Unlike our buses, there are reclining seats in the Chinese buses. It turns out the bus option reserved seat car.

Aircraft

I won't say anything about them. I don’t know ... I didn’t fly on the internal Chinese airlines. Better look elsewhere

Timezone

China is located in 5 time zones. But the time is the same everywhere - Beijing time! The difference with Moscow is + 5 hours.

Help

Often in border towns after you have passed customs, so-called "help" can approach you. They speak Russian well and are ready to take you wherever you want. Well, tell me what and where. In principle, there is nothing wrong with that. I myself used the services of one "helping" to find the right address. The prices are not very high (although, of course, it will be cheaper for you to get there by yourself in a "regular" taxi). But then there are no problems with the language barrier. Just before using their services, you need to discuss the price in detail! Otherwise, you can "hit"!

Communication

No one from Russia called me (and I did not call) during the trip. But in China, I had to make several calls. To do this, they bought me (more on this later) a local SIM card for 200 rubles. That was enough.

the Internet

With the Internet for those who went to China on their own, an ambush. The fact is that wi-fi is everywhere, but only registered users can enter it. And you can register only with your passport. The registration interface is only in Chinese ... In short, I was only able to access the Internet at the hotel. There they gave a password to Wi-Fi and I was able to connect.

But this is not everywhere.

By the way. Some of the "foreign" sites (not Chinese) can be blocked. For example, facebook. Or YouTube. Please keep this in mind.!

Food

There is no problem with food in China for the independent traveler! There is a lot of it. It's cheap! And there are eateries wherever you can have a snack! The food is delicious! I recommend the Chinese beer! Very cool and cheap!

Don't worry about exotic things like fried grasshoppers or dog meat! The overwhelming majority of "canteens" do not have them. Unless you want to try it yourself. Although I still recommend learning the hieroglyph "dog"…. For everyone ...

By the way, not far from where I spent the night (more on that in the next article), there is a large exotic food market. I would not recommend eating it. But it's interesting to see!

I draw your attention to the fact that you can often find very spicy food. Learn these hieroglyphs too. I was saved several times by locals from ordering such dishes!

By the way. It is in the order of things to bring your own water to the "cafe" and order only food.

In cafes and restaurants, it is customary to take an advance payment from a visitor, so don't be surprised ... About tips ... Fig knows him. I read, before the trip, that like you can't leave a tip, otherwise the Chinese will be offended. Other sources wrote that on the contrary, you need to leave. But only to waiters and porters. In Harbin, I left no tip for fun. And nothing ... Nobody said anything. In Beijing, on the contrary, I left it. We took it without any problems ...

Well ... there are no forks anywhere! Learn to eat with chopsticks!

By the way, all kinds of McDonald's appeared in China. So if you want, you can eat there too. But why do this, you can go there at home!

Buying tickets

If you are an extreme in life, and a trip to China on your own is a common thing for you, then you can try to buy tickets at the box office on the spot. At the same time, you should not be confused by the huge (really huge!) Queues and the lack of knowledge of the Chinese language. In this case, be prepared either not to buy tickets at all or to go to hell :)

I have acted wisely. More expensive though. But not much. I ordered tickets in advance from a Chinese "assistant" through a travel agency in Blagoveshchensk. The Chinese "assistant" bought tickets in advance and handed them over to me in Heihe. That's all! But more on this in my other article ...

Crime

I have never even met hooligans. I didn't notice that the Chinese were disturbing the order at all. In general, there are a lot of police in China. And it is not particularly noticeable. But if there is some bad-boom, then they are right there ....

Toilets

Concluding this enchanting article, I could not ignore such a "delicate" topic. But ... I will note a couple of points.

First, there are many toilets in China. They are everywhere! And they are free .. And clean enough! That is, in China, an independent traveler can easily eat and…. on the contrary ...

The second - in many toilets there is no toilet bowl :) How can I put it mildly ... "Toilet-type toilet" :) Just a hole in the floor. Well, I am writing this so that it would not be a surprise. :) Although in hotels and hostels "for foreigners" everything is fine! Toilets are there!

Fuh. Okay. You can continue indefinitely. Like the main thing I told. Well, if you have more questions - just write to me .. I will answer.

Your Traveler Online
Alexander Bessonov