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

China is Wonderland, alluring 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…

planning independent rest in China in 2016, you will definitely 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, the Chengdu nature reserve with its giant pandas, and the Guilin region with its tranquil scenery.

An independent trip to China is not a two-week tour to Egypt, so be prepared for various surprises and the specifics of Asia. It is best to explore China sequentially, starting, for example, with the cosmopolitan Hong Kong and the local Las Vegas of Macau, and then visiting the Philippine Islands, Guangzhou and Hainan. And only when the most tourist places countries will be mastered completely, feel free to go to China on your own.

Keep in mind that most Chinese do not speak English, with the exception of educators 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, you will have a hard time in China. In addition, the menu of a typical cafe may not have the English version of the names of the dishes, in which case you will have to order at random from the picture or by pointing to your neighbor's plate.

Another characteristic point 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 right place as railway, and along the highway in a rented car or taxi.

Travel plan

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

1. Determine exact travel dates
2. Estimated travel budget
3. Decide on a destination
4. Book a hotel or home
5. Buy plane tickets to China
6. Design 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 duration of the flight is from 8 to 10 hours. China Eastern Airlines also fly to Shanghai, and you can fly to the Chinese capital on regular flights by Hainan Airlines, Air China, Transaero and S7.

It is convenient to fly to Hong Kong from Moscow and St. Petersburg without transfers by the same Aeroflot, Transaero and Cathay Pacific or by Qatar Airlines and Emirates with one change. You can buy tickets (round trip) from 20,000 rubles. By the way, Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok International Airport, which is located on artificial island, is considered one of the most comfortable air hubs in the world. From one terminal to another, you can take the Aeroexpress in a few minutes.

In addition to Chek Lap Kok, there are 5 dozen airports in China, so your choice will depend on which city you want to see first. It will be most convenient to come to Hong Kong, and then continue your 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 the portal. To search for a profitable offer, enter the codes of the departure and arrival airports in the query string, select the travel dates, 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 transfers, 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 gives more results. If you wish, you can save the request data and subscribe to constant price updates from aviasales for the direction you need.

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 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 person per night. A 15-day vacation with a flight and accommodation for two will cost about $ 2,000.

On the island the service itself high level, as in all expensive resorts. But it is here that you can experience the highest service and great rest, and all at an affordable price.

Hot springs "Zhujiang Nantian"

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

Baths with original filling will be a pleasant surprise for any tourist. If you wish, you can pamper yourself in a bathtub dotted 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 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, on the territory of the Yalunvan resort area in Hainan province, 15 sq. km. located a unique tropical park. It was designed to meet the technical requirements of the National Forest Parks in China.

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

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

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

Li and Miao Village

A place that is very popular with tourists. On the territory there is a huge historical complex, where you can visit temples, a theater, museums, restaurants with excellent cuisine and well-maintained 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 box office, so it will be easier to move around and not miss a single attraction.

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

An excursion to the village will cost about 220 yuan.

shopping

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

It is appropriate to bargain on the market and in individual retail shops, so that the discount can reach 50%. If you purchase more than one item, you should also ask for a discount.

To enjoy exotic fruits, you should visit the Honggang Fruit Market.

Those who are not averse to eating delicious fish can visit the Lao Yun 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, pleasure is available even to the most budget traveler.

What to bring from the trip?

• Considering 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 products made from jade and precious stones.
• Visiting China and not buying silk is unforgivable. In Hainan, you can buy luxurious silk products of the highest quality from bed linen to household items. To check the fabric for quality, one of the threads of the fabric is set on fire. At the same time, it burns without residue, exuding the smell of burnt hair. A conscientious manufacturer has nothing to hide and he will not refuse such a trifle with pleasure.
• Pearl products. Hainan mother-of-pearl diamond is what the locals call pearls. Hainan is China's leading exporter of top quality pearls. It is better to make a purchase in a specialized store.
• Fans of a strong aromatic drink can purchase tea of ​​various varieties. Thanks to the excellent climate, experts 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 various varieties of fragrant 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 are intertwined with cozy streets. The rhythm of life in this city seethes with extraordinary force.

Mount Sheshan

Whom, who loves to contemplate the wonderful nature and fabulous landscapes, it is worth visiting 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 structures on the peak of the mountain. On the territory of the forest park zone there are many sights and temples. 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 arranges interesting events on the top of the mountain. One of the most interesting is 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 purchasing blue tea, lovely orchid or bamboo sprouts.

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

There is no entrance fee to the parks.

car museum

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

Rare vintage cars are located in five halls, each of which is dedicated to a particular topic. 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 get acquainted with the process of creating cars from their videos, which are projected on the wall of the hall.

Longhua Pagoda

A tourist traveling in Shanghai should visit the Longhua Pagoda, which is considered one of the most beautiful religious buildings. This mysterious place It 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, thanks to which it does not lose its wonderful appearance.

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

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

If desired, after a walk you can have a bite to eat in a vegetarian restaurant. The price category of a ticket to the temple grounds is just over 10 yuan.

shopping

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

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

Beijing

Also worth a visit to Beijing - famous capital China. Here is the largest square in the world - Tian An Men. Can't miss the Great Chinese Wall. It takes a long time to get to her, but no one has regretted it yet. And, of course, do not forget to taste the well-known Peking duck.

The 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.

Mountains

Fans of fresh air and breathtaking beauty will definitely like Huangshan, where you can visit the mountain of the same name. Only here you can enjoy the magnificent landscapes, which include 72 peaks.

One of the most popular places in the mountains among tourists are considered hot springs, which the locals have been using for 1000 years. The stable temperature allows both bathing and drinking from the spring. Water will improve the health of those who suffer from diseases of the digestive tract, nervous system.

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

Happy Valley of Beijing

The price category 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 in total. You can have a great time in the Spanish zone, the City of Gold, the 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. Bidding should start from the lowest price, gradually overestimating it, reaching the necessary compromise with the seller. A good mood and a smile will allow you to achieve maximum results.

Visiting Wangfujin Street, where many different supermarkets and shopping centers, you can buy, behold, whatever your heart desires at the most pleasant prices.

For big public holidays most shops in Beijing announce a sale. Basically, it's October 1, Chinese New Year(1st of May). You can also count on seasonal discounts that can reach 90%.

Sometimes on the price tag, sellers indicate a double price, separated by a line. The upper amount is the true price of the product, the second figure indicates the size of 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 are famous for Chinese specialists, 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, life energy is maintained. Panty helps cleanse the blood, strengthen bones and improve visual acuity. Those who plan to strengthen the immune system should purchase gelatin.

Silk

Fans of high-quality silk fabrics should stop by Xiushuijie Street, where the best fabric manufacturers are located. You can also visit the silk market.

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

4 do's and don'ts in China

1. In China, you cannot pay with euros or dollars. Only Chinese currency is acceptable. Breaking the law can result in criminal liability. Offering the merchant to pay with European currency, he has the right to call a police squad.
2. Criticism of the government and the Chinese Communist Party is regarded as an insult. Such a person will be urgently deported from the country. The government does not take into account the ignorance of the tourist and uses it.
3. Given the chronic non-compliance 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.
4. You can not stick chopsticks into rice, as this is a funeral tradition of the people. While visiting the Chinese, this act is regarded as a death wish to the owner.

What to take with you?

• It is worth noting the fact that in many establishments in China, cutlery familiar to Europeans may not be available. A budget tourist who did not take care of their presence 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 the luggage, since, when checking the handbag, getting on board the aircraft 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 a European can create problems. It is also important to take antiallergic medicines.
• A phrasebook 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 fragrant with a crispy crust and a 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, onion greens, several sauces and slices of cucumber are served with the dish. He eats the dish with his hands. They take a cake of rice, put a slice of meat, onion and cucumber into it. Thus, it turns out a mini-shawarma. In a decent institution, this procedure can be performed by a waiter. However, no tipping is accepted.

Fruits in caramel

This dessert is the national dish of the country. 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 - pieces, melon, pineapple.

Hubei hot dry noodles

One of the gastronomic calling cards of China, which is not inferior to Peking duck, is dry Hubei noodles. The dish is a long spaghetti-like pasta. 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 the necessary rules are followed. 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 to tourists.

It should be understood that for theft in the country a long term or even the death penalty is assigned. Robbery can only be in cheap hotels or secluded and lush 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 coupon that allows you to consult a doctor. It is worth noting the fact that guests of the country should carefully monitor the sterility of instruments. Otherwise, instead of rest, you can get hepatitis.

If you decide to study 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.

A nice bonus only for our readers - a discount coupon when paying for tours on the site until August 31:

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

And you will find many more advantageous offers from all tour operators on the website. Compare, choose and book tours at the best prices!

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 air tickets in advance. 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 should not waste time and try to buy tickets at the station, as you will have to queue up 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 markup, but this way you can save a lot of time. The cheapest way to get from Beijing to Xi'an is by bus, which departs from the Liuliqiao bus station.

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

The first day. On your own in Xi'an

Xi'an amazing city, which has more than 3000 years of history. It is considered to be one of the most oldest cities China. It was here that the Great Silk Road began. Here you have to spend two days. We start 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 Qian Temple. Here you will see the most beautiful gardens and unique architectural buildings. Many of which have been restored 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 sights are concentrated. The observant tourist will notice that the Pagoda is at an angle that increases over time. So the pagoda received the unspoken name "Chinese Leaning Tower of Pisa".

The Big Goose Pagoda is a great place for walking and contemplating the beauty. Be sure to check out the Peony Pavilion. Next to the Pagoda, the fountain show begins in the evening. A very beautiful sight. Not far from the ort of fountains is the Narru New Year shopping center, where you can have a bite to eat at the Hot Pot restaurant. In such a restaurant, food is cooked right at your table, which has a built-in heating element.

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

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

The length of the wall is 12 km, so you can rent a bicycle on the spot. Paid entrance. In the immediate vicinity of the South Gate are the Bell and Drum Towers. The Muslim quarter is also close. The Silk Road directly influenced the fact that two religions are practiced here - 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, would be just an unforgivable mistake. You can get from Xian by one of the buses that leave from the railway station every five minutes. Look for the inscription on the bus "Terracotta army". The journey will take no more than an hour. The bus will stop near the ticket office, you need them. Also here, local guides offer their services, who speak tolerably English.

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

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

After visiting the eighth wonder of the world, go to the stop, get on the bus and after three stops, ask the driver to stop in Lintong. Huaqing hot springs will be interesting here. Do not forget to prepare a note with hieroglyphs for the driver or explain yourself in English. Just say that you need Hot springs. Why is this place a must visit? It is here that the garden and park assembly is located, which takes pride of place in the top 100 in China.

You will have to pay about 110 yuan for entry. This place is associated with a romantic, but sad story the love of the beautiful 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 also function, so you can wash yourself with healing water. Now is the time to appreciate the place from the observation deck on Mount Lishan, 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, which is located between the Bell and Drum Towers. You definitely won’t 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. On your own in Guilin

How to get there

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

From Guilin Airport to the city can be reached by express bus. If your hotel is further than the final stop, then after the bus change into a taxi.

Where to stay

From budget accommodation options, hotels can be noted:

• Guilin Ling Hong Express Hotel (427 rubles per night)
• Guilin 68° Hotel North Train Station Branch (517 RUB per night)
• Guilin Muslim Hotel (662 rubles per night)
• Yu Long Hotel (669 rubles per night)
• Guilin Hetai Hotel (675 rubles 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 (4,045 rubles per night)
• Guilin Golden Oriole Hotel (4,052 rubles per night)
• Sheraton Guilin Hotel (4,390 rubles per night)
• Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin (RUR 4,587)
• The White House Hotel Guilin (8 442 rubles)

Now that you have checked into your hotel and rested a bit, we recommend visiting iconic place Guilin - Elephant Trunk Mountain (Xiangbishan), which is located in the southern part of the city center. This place, whose height is 100 meters, got its name, because the outlines of the mountain resemble an elephant, which seemed to lower its trunk into the river. Very interesting place. This is where the Li River joins 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 impressed the elephants that they wanted to stay here, but this caused the wrath of the Jade Emperor, who ordered them to return immediately. The herd returned, but the emperor missed one elephant.

Enraged, he drew his sword and stabbed it in the animal's back. The elephant is petrified. Today, this place can be visited by tourists, having reached the place by ferry. The ferry departs from the terminal at St. Nanhuanlu. At the top of the hill you can see a brick pagoda. Its shape resembles the hilt of that same sword.

Near the park, you can see the Hezhong tourism agency. We recommend that you look here to purchase a tour to the rice terraces. Of course, you can get to them on your own, but then you have to make a transfer, and the journey 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, as English will not help you here.

Waterfall at Lijiang Waterfall Hotel

Do not rush to leave the park, because an evening walk through the picturesque complex of ponds and unusual bridges will bring a lot of pleasure. Make sure you get to the hotel
Lijiang Waterfall Hotel, which is located in the center. In the evening, whole 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 plan to extend your stay here for a couple of days, then by all means visit the Reed Flute Cave and Seven Star Park. In the cave you can contemplate not only the 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 the beauty of the karst hills with our own eyes 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 company 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 fascinating. 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 to Yangshuo. The fare is about 15 yuan. Upon reaching the city, you will need to transfer to the bus at the same bus station, which will go to Xinping or Yangdi.

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

Be careful, because for less money cunning guides reduce the walking time from an hour and a half to 30-40 minutes and drop off far from the end point. So, having fallen for a “divorce”, you will have to get to Xinping 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 Xingping Wharf to the bus station.

The guide can also stop for lunch at one of the local cafes. No one promises that it will be presentable, but they will feed you deliciously and inexpensively. In general, if you experience a feeling of light or not very hunger, then agree.

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

Moon Hill

Before leaving for Guilin, indulge in the pleasure of seeing the wonder of nature - 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 yuan.

You will have to make the ascent yourself, as there is no lift provided, but for this money at the very top of the hill you will find a bewitching view. It's worth it! Also prepare 5 yuan for the grandmothers who will accompany you until you buy water or any other drink from them. Now return to the station and take the bus to Guilin.

Fifth day

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

We use this day to see the Longzhi rice terraces, especially since we thought of everything in advance and bought a tour from the Hezhong tourism agency. In the morning you will be picked up by a bus that will go to the Huanglo ethnic village, where the 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 rich hair color can be found even in older representatives of Yao, they have not heard of gray hair here. This can only be envied.

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 into this village, envy silently, and sometimes do not even restrain their emotions.

Previously, traditions were strictly observed here, so only the girl’s husband could see her loose hair. Today, this tradition is rarely remembered, so for a fee, the villagers will not only let their hair down for you, but also pose with pleasure in front of the camera. No wonder they say that money spoils people.

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

Drive to Ping An village (rice terraces)

The next village you will visit is called Ping An. If you are driving on your own, you will have to pay an entrance fee. As part of organized tourists, the entrance, as a rule, is included in the price of the tour, 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 transfer to another bus, designed specifically for driving along 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 goes to Heping. It is easy to find one at the bus station. From Hepin you can get to the entrance to the village by car. When you get to the entrance, you will have a difficult choice between the two routes.

The “packets” have only one option - to transfer to the bus, which follows to rice terraces Ping An. locals gave them the name Dragon's Backbone. The land under 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 a unique landscape opens up to travelers. There is even something unearthly about it. 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 be on their own, overcoming the ascent of the stairs.

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

Sixth day. On my own in Shanghai

How to get there

It's time to go to Shanghai. Tickets are best purchased in advance. You can get there without any problems on board a Shanghai Airlines plane. There are several ways to get from Pudong Airport to the city center: taxi, bus, high-speed train Maglev (Maglev Train), which develops speed up to 430 km/h. Maglev follows to the metro station of the 2nd line of LongYang Road. Perhaps this is the best option. The fare is 50 yuan, but there is an opportunity to save.

Present your air tickets when buying and you will get a 20% discount. You will be there in 7 minutes. After you arrive at the final stop, you will need to transfer to the metro or take a taxi to get to the very center. If you choose the metro, you will see metro line 2 after 5 meters. 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 1039 rub. per night
• Shanghai Amersino Hotel 3* from RUB 1240 per night
• Jitai Hotel (Shanghai Train Station South Square) 3* from 1353 RUB. per night
• FX Shanghai Liuying 4* from 2006 rub. per night
• Golden River-view Hotel Shanghai from 2884 RUB. per night
• Grand Mercure Shanghai Central (Formerly.Grand Mercure Shanghai Zhongya) 5 * from 4500 rubles. per night
• JI Hotel Shanghai Railway Station West Tianmu Road 4 * from 7153 rubles. per night

These hotels are very well located. It is close to Shanghai Railway Station and Central Station.

After check-in at the hotel and a short rest, we recommend going to Old city(Old Town). To get to the place, use the subway. You need purple line 10, Yuyuan Garden. In the Old City, we recommend visiting the Yuyuan Garden. The entrance ticket costs from 30 to 40 yuan, depending on the season.

This garden, located in the old part of Shanghai, was founded over 400 years ago by the Pan Yundan family, or rather the 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 redeemed by the Guild of Shanghai Merchants. Today, this park is one of the main attractions of Shanghai and causes indescribable delight among visitors.

In the park, you can leisurely enjoy a pond with blooming lotuses, gazebos, terraces and, of course, the picturesque Nine Turns Bridge. According to the legend, by walking on it, you will be able to cleanse from evil spirits, whose entry to the bridge is prohibited. Directly on the bridge is the Usintin Tea House. We also recommend that you definitely visit the Temple of the City Gods.

Shine a light on this park today and slowly enjoy its charm, beauty and magnificence. Near the park you will find many cafes and souvenir shops.

Embankment The Bund and TV tower Pearl of the East

If time permits and there is a desire, then you can get to The Bund embankment and the Pearl of the East TV tower. On the waterfront, you can take stunning photos of the city's skyscrapers. It is located near Subway Line 10, East Nanjing Rd Station. From the metro, move towards the river. Huangpu.

Oriental Pearl TV Tower is located one stop from the promenade by metro, near Lujiazui Station, line 2. You can also visit the famous aquarium here. On the way back, we recommend stopping at the railway station in the advance ticket sales hall, especially since the hotel is in close proximity.

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

Seventh day. In Suzhou on my 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 16th and 17th centuries. Today there are much fewer, 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 what to be impressed with. Suzhou is also the center of silk. Well, how can you resist?

After arriving at the station in Suzhou, we transfer to bus number 5, which leaves the station and goes to the Panmen Gate (“Curled Dragon Gate”). Travel time is about 50 minutes, ticket price is 1 yuan. Once the Panmen were part of the wall. Today we can see the already restored attraction.

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

Fisherman's Garden and Wangshiyuan

Wangshiyuan is one of the most popular gardens in Suzhou. Architecture and nature, impeccability and elegance are united here. In the pavilions, you can see the interiors of past centuries, and in the center of the garden, visitors can admire the beauty of the picturesque pond, which is framed by beautiful plants and stones. In Wanshiyuan, you can also take beautiful photos in the bansai tree garden, on the arched bridge, which has the lyrical name "Leading to serenity." In summer, the garden can be visited even at night, do not miss this opportunity.

The next must-see garden is the Lion Grove, a distinctive feature of which is a heap of stones that have a certain type (taikhushi). Several decades are needed 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 acquired very unusual shapes. In general, there is something to see and something to be surprised at. The 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, a few hours are not enough to inspect it, it is better to book 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 over 600 years ago by an official removed from public affairs for corruption. He worked on its creation for about 20 years, and today it will cut with a unique design and inimitable beauty. If you visit the garden in the summer, you will find the lotus festival and the azaleas festival in the spring. Admission ticket costs 70 yuan.

If you are not in a hurry to get to the train, then you can walk to the railway station and be sure to visit the 85 confectionery to brighten up the day with delicious pastries and aromatic coffee.

eighth day

On your own to the Venice of China - Zhouzhuang

Let's go see today Chinese Venice- the city of Zhouzhuang, which has almost a thousand years of history. You can get to it by bus from Suzhou, so first we will use the comfortable G train. There is a bus station not far from the railway station. The fare is 17 yuan. Travel time from Suzhou to Zhouzhuang is about an hour.

If the road is not tiring 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 do not consider this option. You have to pay 100 yuan to get to the attraction. The old city, after the noisy and dynamic Shanghai, will surprise you with its regularity and silence, especially if your trip takes place on a weekday. Unlike Venice, the local canals are narrower, and the passing boats are run by local women.

We recommend not to miss the opportunity and explore the city from the water. The cost of renting a local gondola is 100 RMB. So much for a 25 minute walk. If you are lucky, they will even let you steer and sing something folk and very sad, probably about love. 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 life of local residents. Be sure to inspect the bridge "Key". If you are observant, you will understand that the locals receive the main income from private transportation through the canals, restaurant and souvenir business. The most interesting thing is that men here are engaged exclusively in intellectual work. Women get the most difficult - physical work. Maybe that's why they sing such sad songs?

If you're looking to grab a bite to eat, you'll find plenty of establishments, but whether you dare to try something is another matter. Keep in mind that water for cooking is taken from the same channel, where they wash clothes and do other household chores. 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 seen everything and do not want to stay overnight to see a stunning sunset, then we recommend you hurry up, because the last bus to Suzhou leaves at 17.10, and to Shanghai 40 minutes earlier.

Ninth day. Shanghai solo walks

Today you can walk in the French Quarter. You can get to it by the red line 1, Shanxi Road. This place is very atypical for a metropolis, here you can walk quietly and feel its romantic atmosphere. If you have been to Europe, you will recognize its appearance - cozy cafes, with cutlery familiar to us, and pastry shops, paving stones roads and nice decoration of balconies. Despite the name, not only the French, but also Russian emigrants lived in the quarter.

The remaining time can be devoted to sightseeing that you have noted for yourself, but have not yet had time to see or go shopping. We recommend viewing and visiting the Shanghai Circus and Zoo, the Jade Buddha Temple, the Pushkin Monument, the Museum of the Chinese Communist Party.

If you are interested in world and local fashion brands, then we recommend the Grand Mall. On 7 floors you are sure to 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. Grand Mall is close to Lujiazui Subway Station.

WikiHow is a wiki, which means that many of our articles are written by multiple authors. When creating this article, 41 people worked on editing and improving it, including anonymously.

A visit to China will provide many delightful and unforgettable experience. To get the most out of the visit program, you need to take into account local features, and the following tips will help you pack your bags for a successful trip.

Steps

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

Take everything you need to China. Although shops will be found on every corner, they will not always sell the things that you are used to at home. Most toilets don't have toilet paper, so it's best to have your own stock on hand. Large rolls are inconvenient to carry, so even before the trip you need to set aside a part of the roll that is more than half used. 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 European style, and in international airports there are definitely western-style toilets. Stock up on only what you need. It is better to take only one key from the house and from the car with you.

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

1. Take Pepto Bismol and loperamide in a chewable form. In China, the quality of tap water is terrible. Problems can arise even if you brush your teeth by rinsing off the paste with tap water or eat vegetables that have been washed and not cooked. To prevent bowel problems, chew 2 tablets before meals.

   • Poor water quality is predominantly found in rural areas rather than "urban" areas.

2. Prepare your clothes according to the season. It is very hot in China in summer and very cold in winter. Take a lot of clothes, and remember that you can always use the laundry service in the hotel or self-service laundry if any parts of the wardrobe need to be cleaned. True, some laundries use detergents that can cause allergies, so dry cleaning is safer.

   • China is a lot like the US. 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 sensible informal, but if you are planning formal meetings, it is better to wear a suit or formal attire.

   Make sure that water does not get into your mouth while taking a shower. Her taste is normal, but there is a danger of picking up some kind of infection. Therefore, it is better to use bottled table water for rinsing your mouth and brushing your teeth.

   • In small towns, they can sell cheap table water that has only undergone coarse filtration. It is safer to use water from supermarkets by buying well-known brands.

4. Visit your general practitioner(s) or travel clinic. Experts can help you determine which vaccinations you need based on your health status, vaccination history, specific regions you plan to visit, and activities you plan to do during your trip. Before the trip you need to fulfill all these requirements. To purchase any psychotropic drugs in China, you must show a prescription certified by a doctor. Bring along any antibiotics and other prescription medications you may need during your trip to make sure you have enough for the duration of your stay in China (plus a few extra pills). Transport medicines in their original packaging. Travelers from the US can get all the information they need about medicines in China from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

5. Prepare a small camping kit for each family member. Place a mini toilet paper roll and a bottle of hand sanitizer in your hip pouch. It is better to choose an antiseptic that is not alcohol-based, since in some provinces (especially Guangzhou) it can be confiscated at customs. Add a high-calorie sweet cereal bar with nuts, cough drops, and chewing gum. It's also a good idea to bring a flashlight so you don't end up in the dark during power outages that happen in China.

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

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

   • The main banks of large and medium cities have ATMs that accept debit cards. You can easily use your USAA Federal Saving Bank and North American East Asia Bank cards. 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, in the summertime sunscreen and goggles, insect repellant, and a power adapter (power converter) needed to power and recharge electrical appliances.

   • Always carry the business card of the hotel where you are staying. This will take you back in case of any unforeseen situations. In case of an emergency, you should have a copy of your passport, the original of which can be left at safe place In a hotel.
   • Don't eat everything. It is better to know what is offered to you and how this dish was prepared. In places like Beijing's Wanwujing Market, it's not uncommon for light snacks to be prepared in a non-technological way. If you are not sure about the quality of the food you eat, drink beer - it will help digest incompatible food, the main thing is not to abuse it.
   • If you are African, European, or Hispanic, don't be surprised if the Chinese ask permission to take pictures with you.
   • Once you've decided where you're going, do some research. Find out about the climate conditions in the area. There is nothing worse than being dressed for the wrong weather. At the same time, a certain conservatism is needed. Long pants and neat shirts/blazers will do for any terrain.
   • Take the time to study the maps of places where you are staying or planning to visit. This will help you stay on course while walking around the city. You are also unlikely to get lost if you arm yourself with a handheld GPS navigator.
   • Before traveling, it is worth preparing a listing of all the hotels in the areas where you will go. 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 that you plan to visit.
   • Even cheap hotels have a drinking water heater on every floor. Use a clean bottle to cool 97.22 C boiling water to an acceptable temperature.
   • Control the amount of cash you have with you. Just in case, it is worth having an NZ, which is enough to return to the hotel by taxi. Most airports have ATMs and it's best to get cash as soon as you arrive.
   • Read a few reports from other travelers to better understand the sights and what to look out for. Find a travel booklet to read on a flight or in a hotel room.
   • China censors the internet. To access Facebook or YouTube, you will need an address replacement proxy service.
   • Chinese mobile operators operate on other standards. If you want to use the same phone in China and the USA, you will need a phone with a quadraphonic frequency range. Also make sure you don't have a local sim card. To work in China, it must be nationwide.
   • Find an audio course Chinese and also grab a dictionary. Knowledge of the Chinese language is necessary, but there is no need to be upset about its complexity. You just need to remember a few key phrases and general grammar rules. Remember that outside of 5-star hotels and fancy restaurants, people's knowledge of English is usually limited to the word "hello!". If you want to roam freely, you need to learn basic phrases. You can also ask the concierge to write down on paper the names of the places you plan to visit during the day. Thanks to this, you will be able to explain to the taxi driver where you need to get. In urban regions, the chances of finding someone who owns English language rise.
   • Chinese currency is only sold in China, so you need to find out where the exchange offices are. Add information about major banks to the list of major hotels you prepare for your trip. This will allow you to find the nearest place as soon as you need to change dollars or travelers checks into yuan.

So, you are going 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 tourist market, but they are all of the same type and run along the same well-trodden routes. In addition, they don’t give 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 car gets up when they see you)). Or chat with the 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 Chinese visa. There are several types of visas, respectively, require different documents, different cost. The simplest is a one-time tourist. You can issue in a travel agency, which naturally will take an additional fee for their 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 move around within the country?

There are several ways to get to the Celestial Empire from Russia: by plane, train or bus, and 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 on Russia in the Far East, from there the path to Beijing is the closest. You can cover this distance by train. From Moscow, St. Petersburg, the European part of Russia, the easiest way is to fly 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 move in different ways, which is more to your liking. We traveled on trains, 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 here - everyone has their own requirements and preferences. I can only provide a link to our

It is better to exchange cash in advance in Russia for dollars, since rubles in China are not changed. Dollars to yuan are changed mainly by the Bank of China, the exchange 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 is different for different banks, check with your bank before traveling.

Anya and I applied for 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)) It’s not clear why we dragged sleeping bags with us, but it turned out that China is full of cheap and comfortable housing.

When collecting, pay attention to what kind of weather awaits you in China. For example, in the spring in the southwestern regions there is a lot of rain and dampness, while in Xinjiang it can be cool but dry. From here, choose what to take. For an independent trip, a backpack is an indispensable and convenient thing that you must have =).

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

5. Accommodation in China - where to sleep?

As mentioned above, the choice of accommodation is huge, especially in places popular with tourists. And competition keeps prices affordable. You can book a hotel or inn in advance - this is easy to do on the site. If you prefer to improvise, you can decide on housing already on the spot. I just strongly advise you not to do 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 hosts (often cheaper than a hotel), try Airbnb (follow and get a free $25 on your first booking).

6. Where to go in China, attractions

Here the choice is simply endless, China is an amazing country! At every step waiting for the discovery =).

We visited 4 provinces, or rather , and province , Yunnan and Manchuria. The rest of the districts were simply passed by train.

7. Food

People in China love and know how to eat! Local residents have adopted the rule "War is war, but 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 have a bite to eat in local chifans or by buying products in the market or in supermarkets.

It should be noted that Chinese food is very spicy - be careful, especially in the early 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 my own. Come to China, you will definitely be satisfied! Easy roads!