In this article, we will tell you how to organize an independent trip to the Middle Kingdom so that it is inexpensive.

China is a magical country that beckons with its ancient culture and rich history dating back more than 5 thousand years. These are picturesque places and works of art, magnificent monuments and majestic temples ...

When planning an independent vacation in China in 2016, you will surely want to visit the main "places of power", including the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City, as well as see the Terracotta Army, Chengdu Wildlife Sanctuary with its huge pandas and the Guilin region with its tranquil landscapes.

A self-guided trip to China is not a two-week tour to Egypt, so be prepared for a variety of surprises and Asian specifics. It is best to explore China consistently, starting with, for example, cosmopolitan Hong Kong and local Las Vegas Macau, and then visiting the Philippine Islands, Guangzhou and Hainan. And only when the most tourist places of the country are completely mastered, feel free to go to China on your own.

Remember that most Chinese people do not speak English, except for educational workers and students, so be prepared for the worst - you may have to use sign language.

And, finally, the food here is quite specific, so if you are not a fan of spicy cuisine, it will not be easy for you in China. In addition, the menu of a typical cafe may not have an English version of the names of the dishes, and then you will have to order at random from the picture or by pointing to a neighbor's plate.

Another characteristic moment - public transport countries. In China, people smoke almost everywhere, including buses and trains. They don't smoke except on airplanes, so if you are not a heavy smoker, choose air travel. But in general, transport is well developed here, and you can get to the desired place both by railroad, and on the highway in a rented car or taxi.

Travel organization plan

The price of a tour to China in agencies will be higher than the cost independent trip To China. So, if you want to save money, it is better to be patient and develop a clear plan for a trip to China:

1. Determine exact travel dates
2. Calculate your travel budget
3. Decide on a destination
4. Book a hotel or house
5. Buy plane tickets to China
6. Checkout required documents(visa and insurance)
7. Pack your suitcase and hit the road.

Flights

Before you go to China on your own, you need to buy a plane ticket. You can fly to China directly with Aeroflot or Air China, or you can get there with transfers on Emirates, Air Astana and other airlines.

Aeroflot has regular flights from Moscow to Beijing and Shanghai. The flight duration is from 8 to 10 hours. The planes of China Eastern also fly to Shanghai, and the capital of China can be visited on regular flights by Hainan Airlines, Air China, Transaero and S7.

It is convenient to fly to Hong Kong from Moscow and St. Petersburg directly with the same Aeroflot, Transaero and Cathay Pacific, or with the help of Qatar Airlines and Emirates with one change. You can buy tickets (there / back) from 20,000 rubles. By the way, Hong Kong's Chek Lap Kok International Airport, which is located on artificial island, is considered one of the most comfortable air hubs in the world. You can get from one terminal to another in a few minutes by Aeroexpress.

In addition to Chek Lap Kok, there are 5 dozen airports in China, so their choice will depend on which city you want to see first. It will be most convenient to come to Hong Kong, and then continue an independent journey towards Chengdu or Hainan. Or you can fly to Shanghai, and from there go to Guilin, Hangzhou and Longzi.

The most convenient way to book cheap flights to China is through the portal. To search for an advantageous offer, enter the codes of the airports of departure and arrival in the request line, select the dates of the trip, click on "search" and wait for the result. In a couple of seconds, you will see all available flights to China on the days you specified, which can be divided by the number of connections, ticket prices and other criteria.

If you know English, be sure to activate the search function for "English-speaking agencies" in the settings so that the system will return more results. If you wish, you can save the request data and subscribe to a constant price update from aviasales in the direction you need.

The calendar low prices for air tickets

You can enjoy your holiday 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 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.

The service on the island is at the highest level, as in all expensive resorts. But it is here that you can experience the highest service and great rest, and everything at a reasonable price.

Zhujiang Nantian Hot Springs

Ticket price for 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 the bathtub covered 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 the 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 ​​Yalongwan in the Hainan province, 15 square kilometers. a unique tropical park is located. It has been 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, here you can ride ostriches, visit the suspension bridge, ride cable car... For the convenience of movement, tourists are offered eco-cars 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, theaters, 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 to miss a single attraction.

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

A tour of the village will cost about RMB 220.

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 better to make a purchase 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, you 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 the locals 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.
• Lovers of a strong aromatic drink can purchase tea of ​​various varieties. Thanks to the excellent climate, the specialists 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 teas, 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 globe... This place attracts travelers from all over the world with its wonderful mountains, thickets of bamboo forests and original designs at the peak of the mountain. There are many attractions 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 organizes interesting events at the top of the mountain. 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.

Automobile 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 automobiles from the origins to the most recent super-modern automobiles. 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 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. This is 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 restored, so that it does not lose its wonderful appearance.

The pagoda is based on stone and wood. It is a 40-meter high spire structure 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.

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 territory of the temple 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 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 they 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 purchase clothes of world brands at reasonable prices should visit the three-storey 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 - famous capital China. The largest square in the world is located here - Tian An Men. You cannot ignore the Great Chinese Wall... It's long enough to get to her, but not one has yet regretted it. 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 $ 1,000, in Shanghai about $ 1,100.

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 magnificent landscapes, including 72 peaks.

One of the most popular places in the mountains, hot springs are considered among tourists, which the locals have used for 1000 years. The stable temperature allows both taking a bath and drinking from the source. 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 great 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 in total. You can have a great time in the Spanish zone, the 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 vacation 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 trading with 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.

After visiting Wangfujin Street, which is a concentration of 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's October 1st, Chinese New Year(1st of May). 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, which Chinese specialists are famous for, are especially popular. Tourists 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 a minimum, 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 the 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. The 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 ignorance of the tourist 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 cannot 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 bring 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 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. These items must be checked in your baggage prior to your 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 become 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, aromatic bird in front of them. In fact, after a long marinating process, the duck is baked and cut into thin pieces. In addition to meat, rice cakes, green onions, several sauces and cucumber slices are served along with the dish. She eats the dish with her 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, it is not customary to give any tips.

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, melons, pineapple.

Hubei hot dry noodles

One of the gastronomic calling cards of China, which is 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 the dishes. A tourist who prefers to try original Chinese dishes should pay attention to dry hot noodles, which have a great taste and a golden hue.

A little about security

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

You should not enter into conflicts with the local population, as more severe penalties are applied for tourists.

It should be understood that a long term or even the death penalty is imposed in the country for theft. 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 the fact that guests of the country must carefully monitor the sterility of the instruments. Otherwise, you can get hepatitis instead of rest.

If you decide to explore the culture of Asia and spend your vacation in China, then the surest way to do it on a budget is to go on your own, without the help of tour operators. We have compiled interesting route for 9 days, which will allow you to see all the most interesting.

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From Russia, the cheapest way is to fly to Beijing, and then to Xi'an.

As a rule, the first and second terminals are used for domestic flights, but the departure can also be from the third. It is better to buy tickets in advance. The flights are operated by Air China. If you are not very fond of flying, then you can get from Beijing to Xi'an by train. Tickets can be purchased at chinatraintickets.net.

You shouldn't waste time trying to buy tickets at the train station, as you will have to take the queue even in the evening. You can use the services of a travel agency, whose offices are not difficult to find. Let the tickets be sold to you with a small mark-up, but this way you can save a lot of time. The cheapest way to get from Beijing to Xi'an is by bus that departs from the Liuliqiao bus station.

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

The first day. By yourself to Xi'an

Xi'an amazing city which has more than 3000 years of history. He is rightfully considered one of the most oldest cities China. It was here that the Great Silk Road began. Here you have to spend two days. We begin our tour of the city with the most famous sights.

We catch a taxi and go to the Big Goose Pagoda, which is located in the Qien Temple. Here you will see the most beautiful gardens and unique architectural buildings... Many of which have been rebuilt after repeated destruction. The Pagoda itself, 64 meters high, has 7 tiers. From the very top, there is an excellent panoramic view of the entire city, where many other unique attractions are concentrated. An observant tourist will notice that the Pagoda is at an angle that increases with time. This is how the pagoda got the unspoken name "Chinese Leaning Tower of Pisa".

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

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

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

The wall is 12 km long, so you can rent a bike on site. Paid entrance. The Bell and Drum Towers are located in the immediate vicinity of the South Gate. The Muslim Quarter is also close. The Silk Road directly influenced the fact that there are two religions - Islam and Buddhism.

In the Muslim Quarter, you will see the Grand Mosque, which is one of the four largest in China and was built in the 18th century. The Muslim Quarter is a fantastic, colorful and must-see place.

The shopping streets in the quarter deserve special attention. Here you can buy souvenirs made of stone, wood, silk.

Second day

To visit Xi'an and not see the eighth wonder of the world - the Terracotta Army, will be simply an unforgivable mistake. You can get from Xi'an by one of the buses that leave from the railway station every five minutes. Look for the sign on the "Terracotta army" bus. The road will take no more than an hour. The bus will stop near the ticket offices, and you need them. Also here their services are offered by local guides who speak passable English.

Before you get to the entrance, you will have to pass by souvenir shops, eateries and other places that will make you spend money in every possible way.

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

After seeing the eighth wonder of the world, go to the bus stop, get on the bus and after three stops ask the driver to stop in Lintong. Huaqing Hot Springs will be interesting here, so be sure to prepare a note with hieroglyphs for the driver or explain in English. Just inform that you need Hot springs. Why is this place a must visit? It is here that the Garden and Park Assembly is located, which occupies an honorable place in the top hundred in the PRC.

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

Today, next to the Lotus Pond, you can see the Tree of Love, to which thousands of ribbons are tied. Hot springs are also functioning, so you can wash yourself with healing water. Now is the time to appreciate the place from the observation deck on Lishan Mountain, which is located close to the park.

Now, with a sense of accomplishment, you can return to Xi'an to taste the famous local dumplings. We recommend visiting the restaurant located between the Bell and Drum Towers. You will definitely not pass by this place, because at the entrance you can see a huge dumpling.

You should not stay up late, because tomorrow you will have a flight to Guilin.

The third day. By yourself to Guilin

How to get there

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

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

Where to stay

Of the budget accommodation options, hotels can be noted:

• Guilin Ling Hong Express Hotel ($ 6 per night)
• Guilin 68 ° Hotel North Train Station Branch (£ 6 per night)
• Guilin Muslim Hotel ($ 10 per night)
• Yu Long Hotel ($ 9 per night)
• Guilin Hetai Hotel ($ 8 per night)

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

• Grand Bravo Hotel (£ 53 per night)
• Guilin Golden Oriole Hotel ($ 53 per night)
• Sheraton Guilin Hotel ($ 60 per night)
• Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin ($ 67)
• The White House Hotel Guilin ($ 99)

Now that you have settled in the hotel and have rested a little, we recommend visiting iconic place Guilin - Elephant Trunk Mountain (Xiangbishan), which is located in the southern part of the city center. This place, which is 100 meters high, got its name because the shape of the mountain resembles an elephant, which seems to have lowered its trunk into the river. Very interesting place... It is here that the Li River joins with the Peach Blossom River.

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

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

Near the park you can see Hezhong tourism travel agency. We recommend that you look here to purchase a tour of the rice terraces. Of course, you can get to them on your own, but then you have to make a change, and the road itself takes more than three hours. In general, many tourists prefer organized excursions. You will have to pay about 170-180 yuan. The bus will pick you up from your hotel and then take you back. Do not forget to leave the hotel business card to the employee so that there are no misunderstandings, since English will not help you here.

Lijiang Waterfall Hotel

Take your time to leave the park, because an evening walk through the picturesque complex of ponds and unusual bridges will give a lot of pleasure. Be sure to walk to the hotel
Lijiang Waterfall Hotel, which is located in the center. In the evening, crowds of tourists and locals gather here to see how the wall turns into an amazing waterfall for ten minutes. Another moment and the waterfall again becomes the wall of a five-star hotel.

If you are planning to extend your stay here for a couple of days, be sure to visit the Reed Flute Cave and Seven Stars Park. In the cave, you can contemplate not only magnificent halls, the beauty of which is difficult to describe, but also one of the most beautiful underground lakes.

Fourth day

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

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

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

To get to the place, go to the bus station to buy tickets for Yangshuo. The fare is about 15 yuan. Having reached the city, you will need to change to a bus at the same bus station, which will go to Xinpin or Yangdi.

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

Be careful, because for less money, cunning guides reduce the walking time from one and a half hours to 30-40 minutes and drop off far from the final point. So, having fallen for a "divorce" you will have to get to Xinpin on your own and spend a lot of time and effort on it. In general, we recommend not to save much on a walk and pay money for a full-fledged rafting. The price usually includes a transfer from Xinping Pier to the bus station.

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

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

Moon Hill

Before leaving for Guilin, do not deny yourself the pleasure of seeing the natural wonder - Moon Hill, which has a unique shape. You can get to Moon Hill by bus, just 15 minutes and you are there. A ticket to Moon Hill costs 15 RMB.

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

Fifth day

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

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

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

Representatives of the Guinness Book of Records recorded the maximum hair length of one lady living in Juanlo, which was 2.1 meters. In general, travelers, getting to this village, envy in silence, and sometimes do not even restrain their emotions.

Previously, traditions were strictly observed here, so only the girl's spouse could see her loose hair. Today, hardly anyone remembers this tradition, so for a separate fee, the villagers will not only let their hair down for you, but will also happily pose for the camera. No wonder they say that money spoils people.

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

Drive to Pinh An Village (rice terraces)

The next village to visit is called Pinh An. If you are driving on your own, you will have to pay to enter. As a part of organized tourists, the entrance is usually included in the price of the voucher, so you do not need to pay anything extra. The distance from Guilin to the village is about 100 km. To get to the place, you will have to change to another bus, designed specifically for driving along the mountain serpentine, a specially trained driver is attached to the bus.

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

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

To say that it was a titanic work is to say nothing. It took centuries to implement the plan, and today travelers discover a unique landscape. There is even something unearthly in this. On the terraces, you can find two viewing platforms - Nine Dragons and Five Tigers and the Landscape of Seven Stars accompanying the Moon. Get to viewing platforms will have to under its own power, overcoming the rise of the stairs.

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

Sixth day. By yourself to Shanghai

How to get there

It's time to go to Shanghai. It is better to buy tickets in advance. You can get there without any problems aboard a Shanghai Airlines plane. There are several ways to get from Pudong Airport to the city center: taxi, bus, Maglev Train, which speeds up to 430 km / h. Maglev continues to LongYang Road Line 2 Subway Station. Perhaps this is the best option. The fare is 50 yuan, but there is an opportunity to save money.

Show tickets when buying, and you will be given a 20% discount. You will be on site in 7 minutes. After you arrive at the final stop, you will need to change to the metro or take a taxi to get to the very center. If you choose the metro, after 5 meters you will see metro line 2. The journey will take about 10 minutes. If you prefer a taxi, then ask the driver to turn on the meter, it will be much cheaper. If the meter refuses to turn on, then the fixed amount should not exceed 80 yuan.

Where to stay

• Baolong Homelike Hotel (Zhongshan Branch) 2 * from $ 15 per night
• Shanghai Amersino Hotel 3 * from £ 15 per night
• Jitai Hotel (Shanghai Train Station South Square) 3 * from £ 15 per night
• FX Shanghai Liuying 4 * from 2006 rub. per night
• Golden River-view Hotel Shanghai from £ 35 per night
• Grand Mercure Shanghai Central (Formerly. Grand Mercure Shanghai Zhongya) 5 * from 4500 rub. per night
• JI Hotel Shanghai Railway Station West Tianmu Road 4 * from £ 89 per night

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

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

This garden, located in the old part of Shanghai, was founded more than 400 years ago by the Pan Yundan family, or rather by their son, who wanted his parents to spend their days in complete peace and happiness. The rich have their own quirks, but the idea was a success, though it took more than 20 years and all the savings. Later this garden will be bought by the guild of Shanghai merchants. Today, this park is one of the main attractions of Shanghai and causes an indescribable delight among visitors.

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

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

The Bund and the Pearl of the East TV Tower

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

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

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

Seventh day. In Suzhou on your own

Why is Suzhou a must visit? Yes, because here you can enjoy the splendor of the famous gardens, of which there were about 280 in the 16-17 centuries. Today there are much less of them, about 69, but this is more than enough for one day. The city itself is more than 2.5 thousand years old, and its historical part is part of the monuments World heritage... In general, there is something to see and be impressed with. Also Suzhou is the center of silk. Well, how can you resist?

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

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

Fisherman's Garden and Wangshiyuan

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

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

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

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

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

Eighth day

Self-guided to Chinese Venice - Zhouzhuang

Today we will go to explore the Chinese Venice - the city of Zhouzhuang, which has almost a thousand-year history. You can get to it by bus from Suzhou, so first we will use the comfortable train G. Not far from the railway station there is a bus station. The fare is 17 yuan. Travel time from Suzhou to Zhouzhuang is about an hour.

If the road is not tired and you are full of energy, then from the final stop to the Old Town you can walk on foot or take a taxi, if you are not considering this option. You have to pay 100 yuan to get to the attraction. The old city, after the noisy and dynamic Shanghai, will surprise you with its regularity and silence, especially if your trip takes place on a weekday. Unlike Venice, the local canals are narrower, and the boats sailing by are run by local women.

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

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

If you are looking for a bite to eat, you will find many places to eat, but whether you dare to try something is another question. Keep in mind that cooking water is taken from the same channel, where the laundry is washed and other household chores are done. No, of course, the water is pre-boiled, and, as the locals assure, after that it acquires a unique taste (who would doubt it), but the choice is always yours.

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

Ninth day. Shanghai self-guided walks

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

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

If you are interested in fashionable world and local brands, we recommend the Grand Mall. On 7 floors, you will surely find something for yourself and your loved ones. There is also a supermarket where you can buy delicious fruits and vegetables, while the choice is simply huge. The Grand Mall is close to the Lujiazui Subway Station.

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

Steps

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Other must-have items include a raincoat and / or umbrella, a hat, sunscreen and glasses in summer, insect repellent, and a power adapter (power converter) needed to power and recharge electrical appliances.

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

So, you are about to go to China. And they did the right thing! This country is famous for its centuries-old culture, inventions, natural landscapes, food and much more. Now there are many offers on the tourist market, but they are all of the same type and follow the same well-trodden routes. In addition, they do not give freedom: look to the right, look to the left ... How about entering the country where they look at you with genuine childish interest, like an alien, where the whole car gets up when they see you)). Or chat with locals and get to know the life of the country from the inside. All this is provided by independent travel.

Below are the main practical issues related to independent travel in China.

1. Visa to China

The first thing you need for such a trip is a PRC visa. There are several types of visas, respectively, they require different documents, different costs. The simplest one is a one-time tourist one. You can register at a travel agency, which will naturally take an additional fee for its work. You can make a visa yourself by taking the documents to one of the consulates of the PRC: 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 Middle Kingdom from Russia: by plane, by train or by bus, or by hitchhiking. It all depends on your budget, where you are going from and which places in China you are going to visit. China, as you know, borders with Russia in the Far East, from there the path to Beijing is the closest. You can cover this distance by train. The easiest way to fly from Moscow, St. Petersburg and the European part of Russia is by plane. There are both direct flights and with a transfer in Astana, Almaty, Dubai, depending on the airline. Cheap tickets can be found on the website .

Within China, you can also move in different ways, which is more to your liking. We traveled by train, bought tickets ourselves at the box office a few days before departure.

3. How much money to take to China?

It is difficult to give an unambiguous answer - everyone has their own requirements and preferences. I can only give a link to our

It is better to exchange cash in advance in Russia for dollars, since rubles are not changed in China. Dollars to yuan are changed mainly by the Bank of China, the exchange rate in the spring of 2013 was 6.1 yuan per dollar. You can also use bank cards Visa and MasterCard. A commission will be charged for withdrawing money from the card. It is different for different banks, check with your bank before traveling.

Anya and I issued ISIC youth cards, and 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)) We did not understand 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 spring, the southwestern regions have a lot of rain and dampness, while Xinjiang can be cool but dry. From here and choose what to take. For independent travel, a backpack is an indispensable and convenient thing that must be =).

In extreme cases, buy what you need in China, all the same, all the clothes are made there!

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 acceptable. You can book a hotel or hotel in advance - it is easy to do on the website. If you prefer to improvise, you can decide on the housing already on the spot. But I strongly advise against doing this if you are traveling on holidays: in early May and in the first half of October.

If you want to stay in an apartment or rent a room from the owners (often it is cheaper than a hotel) - try Airbnb (go to and get a gift for your first booking - $ 25).

6. Where to go in China, attractions

Here the choice is simply endless, China is an amazing country! Opening is waiting at every step =).

We visited 4 provinces, or rather , and the province , Yunnan and Manchuria. They just drove past the rest of the districts by train.

7. Food

They love and know how to eat in China! Local residents have 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 to them. You can grab a bite to eat at local chifans or by purchasing groceries at the market or supermarkets.

It should be noted that Chinese food is very spicy - be careful, especially in the early days.

When organizing an independent travel, mobile applications are very helpful. We wrote .

That's all I wanted to say about traveling to China on my own. Come to the Celestial Empire, you will definitely be satisfied! Easy roads!