Many countries around the world have abolished entry formalities such as visas for Russians. Under certain circumstances, our citizens can visit China without a visa. The uniqueness of the Celestial Empire is that different migration rules apply in its different territories.
Residents of Russian border regions can enter some areas of China without a visa
If you are planning a trip to the largest country in East Asia, find out in advance whether you can visit the areas of your choice without first going to the country's embassy or visa center.
The Chinese side is loyal to Russians entering its territory. However, the presence of concessions does not mean that you will be lenient if you violate migration rules. Therefore, before you start packing your bags, carefully read the rules for visiting various regions of the PRC so that, while there, you do not become a violator of state laws.
The most popular option for travelers is to obtain a visa on arrival. This option is possible in cases where a pre-formed group is sent to the Celestial Empire. Travel agencies handle paperwork for groups. Even before tourists are sent to China, their lists are sent to the border zones. To get to China this way, you need to travel in a group of more than 2 people.
This route is suitable only for Beijing and Hainan Island, where high-quality tourist services and the opportunity not only to relax, but also to receive treatment are offered. As part of a group formed by travel agencies, you can stay on the territory of these parts of the state for no more than 21 days. You can't leave them. You can leave, just like you arrived, only as part of a group.
Even if you do not plan to purchase a tourist package, it makes sense to contact a travel agency. Many of them include additional people in the formed groups for a fee.
If your area borders China
Citizens of the Russian Federation living in regions sharing the border with China can freely stay in China without a visa:
- Amur region,
- Primorsky Krai,
- Irkutsk region,
- Khabarovsk region,
- Transbaikal region.
If you live in one of the listed regions, you will need a visa issued by the Chinese side to pass border control. You also need a foreign passport and a document indicating where you are registered. With these documents, you will receive permission at the border control point.
The period of stay in China varies from 15 to 180 days.
Before heading to the Celestial Empire in this way, check which points at that time have the right to admit Russians with invitations. There are crossing points where such permits are not issued.
Transit travelers
Those traveling to other countries who have purchased connecting flights in China need to be aware of the country's immigration rules regarding transit guests.
Without visa documents, you have the right to stay in the country for 72 hours, provided that the transfer point is the following international airports: Harbin, Guangzhou, Guilin, Chongqing, Xi'an and Shenyang. In Shanghai, Xiamen, Qingdao, Chengdu, Wuhan, Kunming, Beijing, Tianjin, Dalian, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Qinhuangdao, Shijiazhuang and Shenyani, the transit time can be 144 hours in 2020.
It is important that you depart from the same airport you arrived at. This rule can only be bypassed in the following cases:
- Your flights are served by one carrier.
- The airline changes airports due to the need to refuel the aircraft.
- You are contacted by different companies, but you have a single reservation form with one code.
Not all transit passengers can travel smoothly within China. For example, if your drop-off point is Chongqing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu or , you are allowed to admire the beauty of the city, but leaving its borders is strictly prohibited.
No matter what airport you arrive at, you cannot change to any means of transport other than an airplane to continue your trip.
Where a visa is not required
If you are thinking about how to travel to China on your own, without contacting a travel agency to buy a trip or join a group, consider various options for visiting the country.
For example, you have the opportunity to travel to Heihe without obtaining a visa. This is a city located very close to the Russian border. You can go to it from Blagoveshchensk, located just one kilometer away. It is enough to cross the Amur, and you are in China. 
When traveling, you only need to take your international passport for presentation at the border. Since 2004, Chinese migration legislation has allowed Russians to stay in Heihe for 30 days.
The trip from Blagoveshchensk to Heihe takes from 15 to 20 minutes. The choice of transport depends on the season. In the off-season, Puma ships equipped with air cushions are transported from Blagoveshchensk across the river to the Chinese side. Departures every 20 minutes. This crossing method is relevant for December, November and April.
When in the region during the winter months, you can travel from Blagoveshchensk on one of the buses that travel across the Amur River on temporary pontoon bridges. The availability of this type of travel to Chinese borders depends on weather conditions.
In the summer, once an hour along the Amur River to Heihe, a ship carrying 200 passengers carries people.
The Blagoveshchensk route is extremely popular, so to get through security, you need to stand in a rather impressive line. To go to the other side, you need to fill out a migration card, half of which is returned after verification. It should be stored for the return crossing of the border. There is a fee for crossing to the Chinese side.
Suifenhe City
An excellent holiday destination is the city of Suifenhe, located in Heilongjiang Province. Since 2013, Russian citizens can stay in it without a visa for 15 days.
Macau
In order to travel to the listed areas without a visa stamp in your passport, you need to have return tickets and a passport with you.
Before you travel, check which areas may require proof of financial solvency and hotel reservations at the time of your trip. But it’s better to stock up on both the first and the second, just in case. This guarantees you unhindered passage.
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 the Russian Federation. The rich cultural heritage of 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.
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Route around China: where is the best place to go?
Popular tourist destinations include modern and traditional holidays:
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 of the ski resorts of Baidahe, Jinguetan and Yabuli. Modern tracks that meet international standards allow both professionals and amateurs to actively engage in sports.
Ecotourism
On the territory of the People's Republic of China there are numerous historical architectural monuments, ancient temples, places of pilgrimage on the Sacred Mountain of Huashan, national parks in the Sanqingshan and Jade Mountain area with a huge variety of rare plants and animals, Wolong National Park with the natural habitat of giant pandas. Most areas are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Dive resorts
For exciting diving, the surroundings of the city of Sanya are suitable - Xiaodonghai, Yalongwan and Dadonghai bays, Wuzhizhou and Sidao islands. Among the diversity of marine fauna you can find starfish, many fancy fish, large jellyfish, and more than 50 varieties of corals. The water of the South China Sea is so clear 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. An ideal place for a relaxing beach holiday with white sandy shores and crystal clear waters. Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts will be able to admire the beauty of the underwater world with vibrant landscapes, unusual fauna and coral thickets.
Nantian thermal springs. There are more than 40 warm water pools on the territory of the health complex; the available temperature range allows everyone to find their own 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. A cultural and historical center with many galleries, exhibitions and museums: horse racing, police, medical sciences, Madame Tussauds wax figures, Tsui Art Museum, Lau Uk Folk 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, and restaurants, bank cards of almost all payment systems are accepted. 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 using 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, as well as appreciate local cuisine that has preserved thousand-year-old traditions and secrets .
Last year, several familiar bloggers visited Blagoveshchensk. They wrote a lot about the capital of the Amur region, but for some reason almost nothing about the Chinese side. When I asked why, everyone gave different reasons, but I was even afraid that flash drives were forcibly formatted on the road and the memory was erased. After all, it can’t be that when a person finds himself in another country for the first time, he won’t write anything about it!
Fear is fear, but interest is stronger. I captured the stages of crossing the border, despite the fact that photography is strictly prohibited there.
Residents of Blagoveshchensk constantly travel to China; they do not need a visa. Previously, it was every weekend, but now it has become more difficult due to the increased exchange rate of the yuan. For some reason, Russians in other regions are convinced that only those with Amur registration in their passport can travel without a visa.
In fact, any resident of Russia can enter the border city of Heihe if he has a foreign passport. Theoretically, you can even get to Beijing without a visa or arrange a trip throughout China. In practice, this adventure will most likely end in failure - when boarding a train or plane, your documents will be checked by border guards. But Heihe will have enough color for you, especially if you have never been to China.
1 When getting ready to travel, the first thing I did was exchange rubles for yuan. I did this in Blagoveshchensk, fearing that the exchange rate on the Chinese side would be worse. Don’t repeat my mistake: for now the situation is such that the Chinese will give you more: the ruble has become worth twice as much, they are happy to come to us to buy their own goods. In general, if we are talking about a small one, change it wherever you want.
2 The trip to China starts from the river port. In winter and summer, the only difference is what will transport you to the other side: in winter it’s a bus, in summer it’s a boat.
3 Prices are steep. A regular ticket costs 2150 rubles. In summer it’s not much cheaper, maybe 200 rubles. The whole embarrassment of the situation is that the trip will take a maximum of five minutes; the bus will simply transport you to the other side of the river and drop you off at Chinese customs.
4 This is still on our shore. Chinese beauty doesn't freeze at -25!
5 The waiting rooms of the river station could certainly be renovated, with the money they receive for travel. And now there are so few people; before the exchange rate jump, large crowds were rushing to China, people missed two or three buses, they couldn’t get in. The income is huge. There is duty free, where the cat cried.
6 Buses run every 15 minutes. It is, of course, made in China. But the numbers are Russian. And the driver is Russian. And I, with a Russian passport, also get on this bus.
7 For some reason, the Chinese have their own transport. Apartheid in the Far East. They say that travel with a Chinese transport company is several times cheaper. But we can't go there.
8 Hovercraft are not used. Apparently, they are simply not needed; the flow of people moving is minimal. After all, if I haven’t messed something up, these ships can also move on ice?
9 We go down to the floating bridge. These are five barges coupled together. In winter, they block the Amur River, and people can drive along them. Private transport is prohibited, only buses and occasionally Chinese trucks.
10 Actually, with such passenger traffic and active trade, a normal bridge suggests itself. In addition, our neighbor is China, which is famous for its ability to build roads and bridges in the shortest possible time. The first shuttles began to travel en masse in the early nineties, twenty years ago. And ten years ago, in 2004, our countries agreed on visa-free entry through this border crossing. There are even more people. Time to build a bridge? No, it's time to buy new boats and buses.
They say that every time people in Moscow wonder why there is still no bridge across the Amur in Blagoveshchensk, representatives of local authorities go to the capital and somehow settle the issue. It’s too profitable a business to charge two thousand rubles for five hundred meters of road. This is what people call it - the “golden mile”.
Perhaps things will move forward by next year, when they promise to build a cable car here. Although this is also not an easy path at all, and you can charge the same two thousand for travel. Isn't it easier to build a bridge? No, we have a special path.
11 The arrival hall is very smoky. This is the first thing that catches your eye. They smoke inside the station and are not shy. The interior looks like a small airport, everything is much more decent than in the port of Blagoveshchensk.
Border formalities are completed quickly, but you still need to pay a little. On their side, the Chinese are asking for another 100 yuan (today about a thousand rubles) for two coupons. One appears to be the visa fee and the other is the entrance fee. Yes, a ticket to enter China.
12 As soon as you leave the border zone, a million Chinese rush towards you, who begin intrusively offering their taxi services and assistance with accommodation. If you imagine Domodedovo Airport at rush hour, you should understand what I mean. Only here they bombed ten times more, and they pestered ten times more actively. I didn’t even know how to fight them off.
Suddenly the hall was filled with uniformed men armed with shields and batons. Military police. The coolest guys from Chinese law enforcement. They began to run circles around the room, knocking their boots on the tiled floor and their batons on their asses. This is how you need to fight obsessive bombers, learn!- I thought.
In fact, they simply walked in a circle and went to another room. Chinese authorities introduced such security measures after a bloody attack at a train station last year. They have no frames at the entrance.
13 Here I am free. The Ferris wheel, which so beckoned from Blagoveshchensk, turned out to be unfinished nearby. The builders made a mistake, and he was not accepted due to safety regulations. Or maybe on purpose? Is this a Potemkin village?
14 The city, which lives entirely on trade with Russia, is now going through hard times. We need to change the schemes: Heihe is the very north, and by the standards of China, a distant province. And they brought a lot of goods.
15 The building closest to the customs office is the Ostrov shopping center, the hottest place in the city. By the way, we really are on an island; moreover, it once belonged to Russia. I don’t know at what point and how the Chinese ended up there, tell me. After all, they fought for the uninhabited Damansky in the sixties, but this one was given away without a fight?
16 Inside, at first glance, there is an ordinary shopping center with all sorts of junk. The main thing, as I understand it, is not to rise above the first floor. They say that they can beat up a tourist there if you stop to look at the window and then don’t buy anything. It’s especially dangerous now when there are no Russians in the city. Or maybe they're pushing it.
17 Funny Chinese signs in Russian start here.
18 Although what awaits us in the city itself is much cooler. There will even be a separate post about them!
19 Vodka store is my favorite!
21 There is another shopping center just behind the Island. The same Yuan Dong that is so clearly visible from the Blagoveshchensk shore. Near it there are buses that go to the center. Usually everyone uses taxi services: it’s inexpensive even now, within a hundred rubles around the city. But the bus costs ten.
22 What is the first thing to do in China? It's time for breakfast. In the morning the stomach is empty. Even if the noodle shop is not open yet, but is open, come in, they won’t leave you hungry.
23 Igor met me in Heihe. He lives in China, speaks the language fluently and is involved in business, helping to transport goods across the border, and then sending them by transport companies throughout Russia. Igor is the king of shuttles :) And I, dumbass, will never learn how to take normal photographs on goPro - people don’t turn out the same as they are in life.
24 Now I’ll tell you about the way back, it’s also interesting. I’ll definitely tell you about the two days I spent with the Chinese.
25 The border guards will ask for 35 yuan. This is the ticket out of China, yes. Not a bribe, an official fee. I seem to like taking photos with my phone - the quality is poor, but it's not as bad as it used to be. But secrecy is the best weapon of a spy and photoblogger. In the summer, you can even shoot border guards if you put your phone in your shirt pocket.
26 The same “Russian” bus and the cheerful driver, who said that the cable car, it seems, will really be built, and then he won’t have a job. Because in the summer the same driver is the captain of the boat.
27 I was driving back in good weather and was able to photograph this miracle bridge. This is a normal bridge. You can’t drive along it quickly, but it’s also several hundred meters long. The pontoons were built half from Chinese barges, half from Russian ones. This is the Chinese part.
28 And this is ours. Noticeable difference, right? And the point is not that the barges themselves are older and narrower, although that too. But couldn't the road be cleaned properly? No you can not. Just like you can't build a bridge.
29 Such is the trip. Nothing extreme, as you can see. But I’ll tell you how scary China is, how it’s portrayed, in the next report.
You can enjoy your holiday in China, regardless of the season. A country with such a rich history and culture is sure to have 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.
On the island, service is at the highest level, as in all 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
The cost of a ticket to this unique place will cost about 800 rubles. The park area includes 67 thermal water baths, 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.
The most popular place in the park area is worth noting the pool with small fish. When immersing the body in water, you can feel them nibbling 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, in the Yalongwan resort area in Hainan province on 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 is an excellent 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 the suspension bridge, and ride a 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. In Hainan, you can buy luxurious, top-quality silk products from bed linens 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 the 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 should I 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.
After visiting the 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 St.), 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 among tourists are the hot springs, 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
The price range of the 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, Adventure Mountain, 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 is October 1, Chinese New Year (May 1). 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 the chronic failure to comply with traffic rules, it is important for tourists to be extremely careful on the roads. Therefore, one 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 the national dish of the country. 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 calling cards of 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 a safe country if you follow the necessary rules. For example, for a crime committed (murder or rape), the death penalty is provided here.
You should not enter into conflicts with the local population, as tougher penalties apply 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 in English. 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.
So, you are planning to go to China. And they did it right! This country is famous for its centuries-old culture, inventions, natural landscapes, food and much more. Now there are many offers on the tourism market, but they are all of the same type and run along the same well-trodden routes. Besides, they don’t give you freedom: look to the right, look to the left... How about entering a country where they look at you with genuine childish interest, like an alien, where the whole carriage stands up when they see you)). Or chat with local residents and get to know the life of the country from the inside. Independent travel provides all this.
Below we discuss the main practical issues related to independent travel in China.
1. Visa to China
The first thing you will need for such a trip is a Chinese visa. There are several types of visas, which require different documents and different costs. The simplest one is a one-time tourist trip. You can register with a travel agency, which will naturally charge an additional fee for their work. You can apply for a visa yourself by taking the documents to one of the Chinese consulates: in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk and Vladivostok.
2. How to get to China and travel within the country?
There are several ways to get to the Celestial Empire from Russia: by plane, by train or by bus, and by hitchhiking. It all depends on your budget, where you are going from and what places in China you are going to visit. China, as you know, borders Russia in the Far East, and from there the route to Beijing is the closest. You can cover this distance by train. The easiest way to travel from Moscow, St. Petersburg, and the European part of Russia is by plane. There are both direct flights and with transfers in Astana, Almaty, Dubai, depending on the airline. Cheap tickets can be found on the website .
Inside China, you can also travel in different ways, whichever suits your taste. We traveled by train, buying tickets ourselves at the ticket office a few days before departure.
3. How much money to take to China?
It’s difficult to give a definite answer here - everyone has their own requirements and preferences. I can only give a link to our
It is better to exchange cash in Russia for dollars in advance, since rubles are not exchanged in China. Dollars are exchanged for yuan mainly by the Bank of China; the rate in the spring of 2013 was 6.1 yuan per 1 dollar. You can also use Visa and MasterCard bank cards. A fee will be charged for withdrawing money from the card. It varies from bank to bank, check with your bank before traveling.
Anya and I applied for ISIC youth cards; in some places they give a good discount. For example, we saved 90 yuan (450 rubles) on Mount Emeishan.
4. What to take with you to China?
Experience is the son of difficult mistakes)) It’s unclear why we were dragging sleeping bags with us, but it turned out that China is full of cheap and comfortable housing.
When packing, pay attention to what kind of weather awaits you in China. For example, in the spring there is a lot of rain and dampness in the southwestern regions, while in Xinjiang it can be cool but dry. From here, choose what to take. For independent travel, a backpack is an irreplaceable and convenient thing that you must have =).
As a last resort, buy what you need in China, all the clothes are made there anyway!
5. Accommodation in China - where to spend the night?
As mentioned above, the choice of accommodation is huge, especially in places popular with tourists. And competition makes prices reasonable. You can book a hotel or inn in advance - this is easy to do on the website. If you prefer to improvise, you can decide on housing on the spot. I just strongly advise against doing this if you are traveling on holidays: at the beginning of May and in the first half of October.
If you want to stay in an apartment or rent a room from the owners (often this works out cheaper than a hotel), try Airbnb (go to and get $25 as a gift for your first booking).
6. Where to go in China, attractions
The choice here is simply endless, China is an amazing country! Discovery awaits at every step =).
We visited 4 provinces, or rather , and the province , Yunnan and Manchuria. We simply passed by the rest of the districts by train.
7. Food
People in China love and know how to eat! Local residents adopted the rule “War is war, and lunch is on schedule”)). The choice of food is very large, although the main products for the Chinese are rice and noodles, as well as additives for them. You can have a snack at local chifans or buy food at the market or supermarkets.
It should be noted that Chinese food is very spicy - be careful, especially in the first days.
When organizing an independent trip, mobile applications are very helpful. We wrote .
That's all I wanted to say about traveling to China on your own. Come to the Celestial Empire, you will definitely be satisfied! Easy roads!