The long-awaited vacation has begun. Unexpectedly for myself, I was left without a travel companion - my companion was unable to participate in the planned trip at the last moment.
But I decided not to cancel anything and go to conquer China alone, a decision I didn’t regret for a minute.
And here I am with my two suitcases waiting for check-in to begin at the Minsk airport. Until I got on the plane, the boredom of waiting was stronger than the fear. I wasn’t worried about the plane ride, I was worried about whether I would be able to navigate the huge Beijing airport. I admit, once I was there, fear took over for a moment, but, having pulled myself together, I found a taxi rank. I stood in a short line, showed the taxi driver the address (I had booked the hotel in Beijing, as well as the air ticket, in advance on the website BiletyPlus.ru) and off I went. By the way, there are very good hotels in China: the price is quite low, and the atmosphere and service are at the highest level.
People call this skyscraper “Pants”
I spent my first day in Beijing in the Forbidden City, the largest palace complex in the world. After standing in a long line, I found myself in a place where mere mortals were once prohibited from entering. The retribution was terrible: their heads were cut off or boiled in a cauldron (unless, of course, mortals were servants of emperors or ministers). The tour took me about 4 hours, and to be honest, it wasn't much fun. It’s good that I downloaded the audio tours in Russian onto the player in advance, otherwise a tour in Chinese would have quickly tired me.
I also took a walk through Yiheyuan Park. Most of the territory there is occupied by water; visitors move along bridges. Since the borders are not fenced, and there are a lot of people, it was quite scary to walk. My random companion and I rented a boat. By the way, it is in this park that they organize legendary walks on a stone ship.
In Beijing, I visited the main street of the city. Here are the most expensive shops and boutiques, as well as the world's largest screen, located exactly above the heads of passers-by. In addition, fountains are built into the asphalt, which can work at any time.
I lived not far from the Silk Market and became a frequent witness to entire performances with pseudo-departures of buyers, their “comebacks” and long speeches convincing that it was still necessary to reduce the cost of goods. Here I have perfectly mastered the art of trading: they tell you the price, you lower it N times (depending on what you are fighting for, i.e. bargaining), then you listen to reproaches, say “bye-bye”, they catch up with you and sell you for your price.
But on the Yabaolu shopping street it is not customary to bargain until the last minute, they say, traders immediately set the minimum price. By the way, most of them speak Russian quite well.
Then it was time for the cultural program: I bought a ticket to the legendary Acrobats Show in Beijing. The ticket was not the cheapest (I sat on the 6th row and this event cost me $100). But it was an incredible spectacle: very expensive costumes, stunning scenery, and what can we say about the skills of the acrobats! A dozen dancers on one bicycle, incredible support, but most of all I liked the huge ball that was installed on the stage - three motorcyclists were spinning circles inside it at once! I saw with my own eyes the wonders of human grace and plasticity. It was an incredible spectacle that was worth the money. I really liked it! If fate ever brings me to Beijing again, I will definitely go again.
In Beijing I also visited the zoo. The vast territory contains hundreds of species of animals, but of course the panda bears touched me the most. By the way, you can even pick up baby pandas, of course, by paying. Near the zoo, on the same site, there is a dolphinarium.
At a tea ceremony in Beijing, I was offered 12 types of tea. For some reason the cups are not washed here, they were simply doused with boiling water right in front of us. This is probably an element of the local tea ceremony. We were seated at a special wooden table and took turns pouring the aromatic drink into tiny red clay cups. Despite the fact that the tea was steeped for a very short time, it was quite strong and tasty. What I liked most was the vanilla flavored tea.
By the way, about tea. In any public place in Beijing, guests are always served a cup of hot and invigorating drink.
And, of course, any lunch in a restaurant begins with tea and fruit. Restaurants in China have rotating hanging tables so that you don’t have to reach for your piece, knocking over all the salads along the way. Portions are small but filling. On my first day in Beijing, I ordered Peking duck. They cooked it right in front of me, there was little meat in it, and they chopped it up to boot. Leather is considered the most valuable; it is eaten with sugar, but I didn’t dare.
Perhaps what impressed me most was the restaurant where you only pay for the entrance (about 18 yuan). At the entrance, guests take off their shoes and are given slippers. Visitors dine in cozy gazebos, surrounded on all sides by water, and passage through the restaurant is carried out along small bridges. Moreover, you can curtain it in order to hide from prying eyes. And then the real feast of the belly begins: you can take food in any quantity, as much as your heart (but most importantly, your stomach) wants. They serve delicious sushi, seafood, sweets, beer, sake. The restaurant is open intermittently and you can’t sit there for more than two hours; of course, you can’t take takeaway food either.
Of course, I wanted to look at the building of the legendary Bolshoi National Theater. The entrance to the theater is underground, because it is surrounded on all sides by water. I didn’t go inside, I was impressed in absentia.
It’s not for nothing that China was called the healthiest nation: every morning (around 5 am) in city parks the Chinese do gymnastics, dance the waltz or their national dances. I didn’t take part in the exercises, but I took a couple of photos.
It was interesting to travel, especially since for the Chinese any “European face” is truly exotic; they often came up and asked to take a photo together.
From Beijing I went to Baidahe and Shanghai. But more on this in the second part of my note.
1) Bargaining in markets and with taxi drivers naturally comes from your fingers. The main thing to know is that the Chinese show numbers differently than Europeans - they show numbers from 1 to 9 on the fingers of one hand, not two.
2) At bus and railway stations, often no one speaks English. It is better to write in advance on a piece of paper the name of the final destination and the desired time period of departure; this is done with the help of an online translator or dictionary. Just stand in line at the cashier and hand over a piece of paper. The exact time and price will be shown to you on the computer screen or written on a piece of paper. Of course, they will be on the ticket - everything is in Chinese:
In this case, March 7, 14 at 15-40, seat 3, bus number K0935, price 17 yuan, goes to Mengla city
The most important words:
Today – 今天
Tomorrow – 明天
day – 天 (order execution time is 1 day) or 日 (day of the month)
month – 月
year – 年
morning – 上午
noon – 中午
evening – 黄昏
and cities: Guazhou (广州), Shenzhen (深圳), Hong Kong (香港), Guilin (桂林), Kunming (昆明), Beijing (北京), Shanghai (上海)
3) In China there is censorship on the Internet, to the point that messages on social networks are manually moderated!
Facebook and You tube are prohibited and inaccessible, RenRen is used instead of the first, Youku is used instead of the second. For instant messages they use the network and WeChat. Google may be available, but Baidu is much more popular. VKontakte works without problems.
4) Almost all public toilets will not have a traditional toilet. Instead, there will be a floor-standing toilet, familiar to many from our school toilets. You should also carry toilet paper with you. But tourist toilets have a star rating, like hotels.
By the way, you should also carry a supply of napkins with you. Cafes and restaurants do not have them or sell them for a fee.
5) 4 - purely unlucky, it comes to the point that sometimes houses do not have a 4th floor.
8 is a lucky number. Phone numbers of large companies often end in eight.
The main Chinese color is red.
6) Chinese is the name of a large group of languages, often mutually incomprehensible. Each city may have its own dialect. The government is trying to lead a campaign to popularize a common language - Putonghua or Mandarin. In Hong Kong, Macau, Canton (Guangzhou) and overseas diasporas, the vast majority of the population speaks Cantonese. One good thing is that all dialects use the same hieroglyphs, which, by the way, are partially used in the Japanese language. So the spelling of words is the same. If true, there are difficulties with having two writing systems: traditional Chinese characters and simplified Chinese characters. If you do not plan to read ancient texts, the latter will be enough for everyday needs.
This all works until you get into areas with Tibetan, Mongolian, Thai-Lao, Burmese or Arabic languages. On top of that, in some villages many people cannot read.
7) The most useful phone application is Waygo, which can translate inscriptions on the fly, without the Internet, using a camera.
Google maps help you not get lost, and the navigation mode can give you the best route for ground transport and tell you which bus to go where, although you need the Internet.
A SIM card can be purchased using your passport. Mobile Internet is very expensive: 300 MB for 96 yuan per month.
Hotels can be booked on Booking, but local players give better prices, it’s worth comparing on RoomGuru
8) A couple of years ago, there were a lot of counterfeit 100 yuan bills circulating in southern China. Until now, such banknotes are carefully checked in any store. Fraudsters may try to replace your real bill and return you a counterfeit one; they say the best defense against this is to wrinkle the corner or fold it so that the crooks do not have the opportunity to repeat the same thing with a fake quickly.
For the same reason, when paying in a taxi, transport cards are handed over in a case - there is no possibility of quickly replacing them with another card with a zero balance.
9) Speaking of transport. Entry to buses is through the front door. Payment at the entrance either by transport card or in cash without depositing in a special box. The fare can be fixed or stepped. For example 1 or 2 yuan in Kunming depending on the type of bus. The exact cost can be seen on the money box, although in Chinese: 一元 (one yuan) or 二元 (two yuan). While in Hong Kong you need to check the fare from stop to stop in advance at the stop, or if you are using a transport card, do not forget to lean it again at the exit, otherwise the maximum fare will be debited.
Transport cards can also often be used to pay in stores and to enter museums and parks (for example, 7-11 and McDonald's in Hong Kong)
10) Washing things in hotels is very expensive. Street laundries are not easy to find, but dry cleaners can sometimes be found. For urgent orders there is usually a double surcharge. You can also stay in an apartment - there is almost always a washing machine there, and you can buy powder at the nearest store.
We encourage experienced sinologists to add to the story in the comments. Indicate your experience of traveling or living in the country.
How to organize an independent trip to China in 2019! Visa, tickets, hotels, food, transport, security. How much does it cost to travel to China? Cost calculation, tips and observations.
The material was prepared based on the personal experience of the author of the text’s independent travel to China: three months of living in Shenzhen, as well as trips to Hong Kong and Guangzhou.
China is huge and very diverse, so it is impossible to clearly say where prices and conditions are. I will start from Shenzhen - the center of all electronics, a young and rapidly growing city in the very south of China, which borders on Hong Kong. I will tell you what a tourist can find useful when planning an independent trip to China in 2019, and I will also give my own observations about the country and tips for travelers.
How to get a visa to China yourself
A visa to China is required for Russians, except in rare cases. A regular single entry costs 1,500 rubles, a double entry costs 3,000, and a multiple entry costs 4,500 rubles. Plus a bank commission of 2.5% per person is charged.
Urgent single entry - 2400, urgent double entry - 3900, urgent multiple entry - 5400. There is also an express review, which costs more.
Airport in Beijing (Photo © Enzojz / flickr.com) How much do hotels cost in China in 2019?
When going to China on your own, you will have to decide where to live. Some choose the usual hotels, while others rent an apartment or room.
Hotels. Double rooms in hotels in the center of Beijing cost from $30 in the summer, and from $13 in the low season. In Shenzhen off-season - from $22. We recommend looking for hotels on Roomguru.
It is better to stay in chain hotels, as they care about their reputation. A night in such a hotel costs from $30-40 for a double room. Chain hotels in Shenzhen: Greentree Inn, Sheraton, Novotel, etc.
Adviсe:
- Look for a hotel with good soundproofing - the Chinese are noisy.
- Photos of hotels do not always correspond to reality.
- Sometimes a room may be clean and comfortable, but have foreign odors, such as dampness. Or the windows look out onto the courtyard, where there is a landfill or a Chinese street cafe (which produces odors no better).
Rent. If you want personal comfortable housing, look for a room, apartment or house on Airbnb. The choice of housing is huge. Renting an apartment in Beijing costs approximately $30-50 per day, in Shenzhen - from $27. You can rent an apartment on Airbnb for $600-$1,500 for a month (rooms cost $500-$900). The price depends on the city, area and condition of the house. For example, in Shenzhen, near the beach in a resort area, an excellent apartment was rented for $600. There are discounts for long-term rentals.
Entrance to Shenzhen Novotel Watergate (Photo © booking.com / Shenzhen Novotel Watergate) Food and cuisine of China
Another challenge you will face when traveling to China on your own in 2019 is food. It is very specific here, so going to a cafe can cause problems, especially if you don’t know the language. But here McDonald's and KFC come to the rescue. There are also many well-known European chains where you can order food from pictures. However, their prices are much higher - for example, a side dish with meat costs from $6. Sometimes tea is included in the price. At McDonald's, a Big Mac (potatoes, cola, double cheeseburger) will cost about $5.
In general, you can eat in a cafe for $5 or more; in restaurants, a simple dish costs from $10.
Where you can eat inexpensively and deliciously in China:
- Cafe for locals. You can eat a hearty meal there for $1.50, but no one guarantees the quality of the products and compliance with sanitary standards. The downside is that it is difficult to order dishes, since often there are no pictures or there are few of them, and if there are, it is not clear what it is.
- "Muslim women"- these are local cafes run by Chinese Muslims. The food there is prepared in compliance with all standards and is really very tasty. I really love their noodles and recommend you try them. They cook it in front of you, and it’s interesting to watch this process. Cost from $1.5 for a huge portion.
- Supermarket. A kilo of bananas costs $1-2, apples $2-3, tangerines $1-2. I do not recommend buying sausages. This is not at all what we expect: Chinese sausages are made from soy with a bunch of spices and additives. They taste sweet and have a specific smell, but for the sake of curiosity you can try them once.
(Photo © Jo@net / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY 2.0)
Internet and cellular communications in China
All SIM cards are sold only with a passport in specialized places. The cost of mobile communications is quite high - from $20 per month, plus the same amount is charged for purchasing a card and choosing a tariff plan. To purchase a normal tariff and understand everything, you need to know Chinese. If you need internet in China, it's easier to use Wi-Fi while traveling - in big cities it can be found everywhere.
There is another problem that many people face - blocking all Google services, YouTube, Instagram. To access them you need to install a special VPN program.
China Mobile is the largest mobile operator in the world (Photo © Open Grid Scheduler Grid Engine / flickr.com) Transport in China
Transport in China is excellent. The infrastructure is very developed. Planes, ferries, trains (including high-speed), buses, subways and taxis. You can get to any point without any problems. Travel on buses - from $0.3, in the metro - from $0.5.
If you are going to China for a month, buy a travel pass. The plastic card can be topped up and used in the metro and buses, and then returned and received money back. Cost $4. This is very convenient: you don’t need to find out the cost of tickets, buy tokens, or stand in lines. Accordingly, the problem of language disappears. For trips within one city, $10-30 per month is enough.
A very common type of transportation is electric mopeds. Essentially this is a taxi, only less comfortable, more extreme and cheaper - from $2. The main advantage is the absence of traffic jams, since mopeds go wherever they want. The only negative is the language. You need to agree on the price and destination.
(Photo © Lαin / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
ATMs and cards
Be prepared that many stores may not accept your Visa or MasterCard card, since in China there is another payment system - UnianPay. This card can be issued at any bank for free. If you need to withdraw money from yours, there are many ATMs for this.
Chinese mentality
Don't be surprised if in China you feel like a monkey that everyone wants to take a photo with. For a Chinese, having a photo with a European is an indicator of coolness and status, so you will always be the center of attention. They will always turn around at you and, without hesitation, look straight at you. In addition to increased interest, the Chinese will try to make money on the “white man”. For them, we are walking money, so bargain in all stores. For example, we once reduced the price of a shirt from $35 to $5.
We can talk for a long time about the culture and upbringing of the majority of Chinese. Giving way to a girl, letting her go ahead, letting people exit a vehicle, throwing garbage in the trash bin - this is not about them. They also have no sense of tact. Don’t be surprised if at the first meeting you are asked about your personal life, salary and health. The Chinese themselves are very cunning and enterprising, but at the same time good-natured.
Useful words in Chinese for a traveler:
Security in China
Do you know where the tradition of wearing a backpack on the front came from? From China. Petty theft is very common there. In big cities you can find a policeman everywhere who will gladly help in any situation. Also, there are cameras on all buses, subways, shopping centers, and even just on the street, so in big cities there is nothing to be afraid of when walking along the streets in the evening. From personal experience: I walked with photographic equipment, and not once did anyone try to pester me.
Also in China there is an unspoken rule that animals, children and laovayam(for foreigners) anything is possible.
(Photo © Today is a good day / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
How much does an independent trip to China from Russia cost?
Let's calculate how much a trip to China costs for two for 10 days when departing from Moscow:
- Single entry visa - $52.
- Flights from Moscow to Beijing and back - from $586. Find a ticket >>
- Hotel in the center of Beijing in low season - $130. Find a hotel >>
- Meals in eateries for locals - $120.
- Insurance - $23.
- Transport and attractions - approximately $200.
So, how much does it cost to travel to China on your own? The minimum cost of the trip, if you are ready to save, is approximately 1111$ for two for 10 days.
If you are used to living comfortably, then the trip will cost approximately 1711$ for two (accommodation in a 3* hotel - $250 and meals in cafes and restaurants - $600). We spent $1,500 a month for two of us.
Fragment of a 100 yuan bill (Photo © super.heavy / flickr.com) Check out our helpful tips for traveling to China on your own in 2019:
- Before you travel, watch how the Chinese count on their fingers. The match with our score is only up to 4, then everything is different.
- Be sure to download a translator to your phone.
- Take the necessary medications, as you are unlikely to find anything familiar in Chinese pharmacies. You are more likely to encounter dried toad than activated charcoal.
- Download the Baidu program and maps of the cities where you plan to live on your phone. This program will help you choose the route, time and type of transport, and determine the best route option. You won't get lost with her. I highly recommend it!
I hope you have a general idea of prices and conditions. And the problem of language, as you see, is not so terrible. Travel, because there are so many interesting things in the world!
(Photo © monkeylikemind / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Introductory image source: © mandylovefly / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
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 put together an interesting 9-day itinerary that will allow you to see all the interesting things.
A nice bonus only for our readers - a discount coupon when paying for tours on the website until August 31:
- AF500guruturizma - promotional code for 500 rubles for tours from 40,000 rubles
- AFTA2000Guru - promotional code for 2,000 rubles. for tours to Thailand from 100,000 rubles.
And you will find many more profitable 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 departures can also be from the third. It is better to purchase air tickets in advance. Flights are operated by Air China. If you are not a big fan of flying, 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 station, as you’ll have to wait in line in the evening. You can use the services of a travel agency, whose offices are not difficult to find. They may sell you tickets at a small markup, but this way you can save quite a lot of time. The cheapest way to get from Beijing to Xi'an is by bus, which departs from 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 the 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. On your own in Xi'an
Xi'an is an amazing city that has more than 3,000 years of history. It is rightfully considered one of the oldest cities in China. This is where the Great Silk Road began. You will spend two days here. 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 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 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 over time. This is how the pagoda received the unspoken name “Chinese Leaning Tower of Pisa”.
Big Goose Pagoda is a great place for walking and contemplating beauty. Be sure to check out the Peony Pavilion. Near the Pagoda, the fountain show begins in the evening. A very beautiful sight. Not far from the fountain garden is the Narru New Year shopping center, where you can have a snack at the Hot Pot restaurant. In these restaurants, food is prepared right at your table, which has a heating element built into it.
After a short rest, we again use a taxi and go to the inspection 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 - the Drum and Bell Towers, the Muslim Quarter, and the Great Mosque.
We recommend starting your inspection from the southern gate. Here you can see the Drum Show, which takes place daily. After the show, you will be able to take a photo 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 site. Paid entrance. In close proximity to the South Gate there 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 which was built in the 18th century. The Muslim Quarter is a fantastic place, colorful and a must-see.
The shopping streets in the quarter deserve special attention. Here you can buy souvenirs made of stone, wood, and silk.
Second day
To visit Xi'an and not see the eighth wonder of the world - the Terracotta Army - would be simply an unforgivable mistake. You can get there from Xi'an by one of the buses that depart 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, which is where you need it. Local guides who speak reasonable English also offer their services here.
Before you get to the entrance, you will have to pass by souvenir shops, eateries and other places that will try their best to get you to spend money.
Now that the path has been completed for you, three pavilions will be open on the territory of the museum. To see the Terracotta Army, go to the first pavilion. The height 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 bus stop, get on the bus and after three stops ask the driver to stop in Lintong. The Huaqing hot springs will be interesting here. Don't forget to prepare a note with hieroglyphs for the driver or explain yourself in English. Just let us know 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 among the hundred best in China.
You will have to pay about 110 yuan to enter. This place is associated with a romantic but sad love story between the beautiful Yang Guifei and Emperor Xuanzong. It was for his beloved that the emperor built a beautiful park and baths.
Today, next to the Lotus Pond, you can see the Tree of Love, to which thousands of ribbons are tied. The hot springs are also operational, so you can wash your face 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 you can return to Xi'an with a sense of accomplishment to taste the famous local dumplings. We recommend checking out 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.
Don't 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, it was here that the third episode of Star Wars and the film The Painted Veil were filmed.
From Guilin Airport you can take an express bus to the city. If your hotel is further away than the final stop, then after the bus, take a taxi.
Where to stay
Budget accommodation options include the following hotels:
- Guilin Ling Hong Express Hotel (RUB 427 per night)
- Guilin 68° Hotel North Train Station Branch (RUB 517 per night)
- Guilin Muslim Hotel (RUB 662 per night)
- Yu Long Hotel (RUB 669 per night)
- Guilin Hetai Hotel (RUB 675 per night)
If price doesn’t really matter to you and you don’t want to skimp on comfort, then we recommend the following hotels:
- Grand Bravo Hotel (RUB 4,045 per night)
- Guilin Golden Oriole Hotel (RUB 4,052 per night)
- Sheraton Guilin Hotel (RUB 4,390 per night)
- Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin (RUB 4,587)
- The White House Hotel Guilin (RUB 8,442)
Now that you have checked into your hotel and rested a little, we recommend visiting the iconic site of Guilin - Elephant Trunk Mountain (Xianbishan), which is located in the southern part of the city center. This place, whose height is 100 meters, received this name because the outline of the mountain resembles an elephant that seems to have lowered its trunk into the river. A very interesting place. This is where the Lee River joins the Peach Blossom River.
According to legend, in this place a herd of elephants descended from heaven to earth. The beautiful views and picturesque nature so impressed the elephants that they wanted to stay here, but this thereby angered the Jade Emperor, who ordered them to return immediately. The herd returned, but the emperor was missing one elephant.
Enraged, he took out his sword and stabbed the animal in the back. The elephant turned to stone. Today, tourists can visit this place by taking a ferry. The ferry departs from the terminal on the street. 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 travel agency. We recommend stopping by here to purchase a tour to the rice terraces. Of course, you can get to them on your own, but then you will have to make a transfer, and the journey itself takes more than three hours. In general, many tourists prefer an organized excursion. You will have to pay about 170-180 yuan. The bus will pick you up from your hotel and then take you back. Don't forget to leave the hotel's business card with the employee to avoid any misunderstandings, as English will not help you here.
Waterfall at the Lijiang Waterfall Hotel
Don’t rush to leave the park, because an evening walk along the picturesque complex of ponds and unusual bridges will bring a lot of pleasure. Be sure to go 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 are planning to extend your stay here for a couple of days, then be sure to visit the Reed Flute Cave and the Seven Stars Park. In the cave you will be able to 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 won’t find anything cheaper; there is only one company that organizes them. The journey will take four hours.
Independent tourists can get there by bus in an hour. We recommend not to waste your money and time and choose this option.
According to local residents, the area between Yangdi and another village of Xinping is the most picturesque and fascinating. If you look closely at the Chinese 20 yuan note, you will notice the Li River, karst hills and lush vegetation.
To get there, go to the bus station to buy tickets to Yangshuo. The fare is about 15 yuan. Having reached the city, you will need to change at the same bus station to a bus that will go to Xinping or Yangdi.
The bus that goes to Yangdi will take you to the pier, where you can rent a raft designed specifically for tourist trips. Such rafting 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 you off far from the end point. So, if you fall for a scam, you will have to get to Xinping on your own and spend a lot of time and effort on this. In general, we recommend not saving too much on your trip and paying money for a full-fledged rafting trip. 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. No one promises that it will be presentable, but they will feed you tasty and inexpensive. In general, if you feel slightly or not very hungry, then agree.
A three-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 yuan.
Moon Hill
Before leaving for Guilin, do not deny yourself the pleasure of seeing the miracle of nature - Moon Hill, which has a unique shape. You can get to Moon Hill by bus, just 15 minutes and you’re there. A ticket to Moon Hill costs 15 yuan.
You will have to make the climb yourself, since there is no lift, but for the money, a stunning view awaits you at the very top of the hill. 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 go back to the train station and take the bus to Guilin.
Fifth day
We are going to the ethno-village of Huanglo to the long-haired Yao
We use this day to see the Longji rice terraces, especially since we thought of everything in advance and bought a tour from the Hezhong tourism agency. In the morning, a bus will pick you up and go to the Huanglo ethno-village, where representatives of the Yao people live.
In this village, girls never cut their hair, and yet their hair is really beautiful and thick. For residents, this is the key to long life and wealth. What is also surprising is that rich hair color can be found even among elderly representatives of Yao; gray hair is unheard of here. One can only envy this.
Representatives of the Guinness Book of Records recorded the maximum hair length of one lady living in Huanglo, which was 2.1 meters. In general, when travelers get to this village, they envy silently, and sometimes they don’t 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, village residents will not only let your hair down for you, but will also happily pose for the camera. It’s not for nothing that 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 Juanluo, you can already see rice fields.
Trip to Ping An village (rice terraces)
The next village you will visit is called Ping An. If you go on your own, you will have to pay for entry. For organized tourists, admission is usually included in the price of the tour, so there is no need to pay anything additional. 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 roads; a specially trained driver is included with the bus.
This concerns the program of the purchased tour. If you are persistent and decide to explore the area on your own, then you need a bus that goes to Heping. It’s easy to find one at the bus station. From Heping you can get to the village entrance by car. When you reach the entrance, you will have a difficult choice between two routes.
Packet-goers have only one option - to transfer to a bus that goes to the Ping An rice terraces. Local residents gave them the name Dragon Ridge. The 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 for the plan to be realized, 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 the Seven Stars accompanying the Moon. You will have to get to the observation decks on your own, climbing the steps.
In addition to rice, tea is grown here, so do not deny yourself the pleasure of purchasing it at a local stall. Freshly picked tea leaves will be dried and packaged right in front of you. After exploring and purchasing souvenirs, you will be asked to board a bus and be taken back to the hotel in the evening.
Sixth day. On your own in Shanghai
How to get there
It's time to go to Shanghai. It is better to purchase tickets in advance. You can easily get there on board a Shanghai Airlines plane. There are several ways to get from Pudong Airport to the city center: taxi, bus, Maglev Train, which reaches speeds of up to 430 km/h. Maglev goes to LongYang Road Subway Station Line 2. Perhaps this is the best option. The fare is 50 yuan, but there is an opportunity to save.
Present your air tickets when purchasing and you will receive a 20% discount. You will be there in 7 minutes. Once you arrive at the final stop, you will need to change to the metro or take a taxi to get to the center itself. If you choose the metro, after 5 meters you will see metro line 2. The trip 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, the fixed amount should not exceed 80 yuan.
Where to stay
- Baolong Homelike Hotel (Zhongshan Branch) 2* from 1039 RUR. per night
- Shanghai Amersino Hotel 3* from RUB 1,240 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 RUB 2,884. 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 7153 rub. per night
These hotels are located very well. Nearby there is the Shanghai Railway Station metro stop and the central train station.
After checking into the hotel and some rest, we recommend heading to the Old Town. To get to the place, use the metro. You need purple line 10, Yuyuan Garden. In the Old City, we recommend visiting the Garden of Joy (Yuyuan Garden). The entrance ticket costs from 30 to 40 yuan, depending on the time of 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 a 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, although it took more than 20 years and all the savings. Later, the guild of Shanghai merchants would buy this garden. Today this park is one of the main attractions of Shanghai and causes indescribable delight among visitors.
In the park you can leisurely enjoy the pond with blooming lotuses, gazebos, terraces and, of course, the picturesque “Bridge of Nine Turns”. According to legend, by walking across it, you can cleanse yourself of evil spirits, whose entry to the bridge is prohibited. The Usintin Tea House is located right on the bridge. We also recommend visiting the Temple of the City Gods.
Spend today in this park and leisurely enjoy its charm, beauty and splendor. Near the park you will find many cafes and souvenir shops.
The Bund embankment and the Pearl of the East TV tower
If time permits and you have the desire, you can get to The Bund embankment and the Oriental Pearl TV tower. On the waterfront you can take stunning photos of the city's skyscrapers. It is located near metro line 10, East Nanjing Rd station. From the metro, move towards the river. Huangpu.
The Oriental Pearl Tower is located one subway stop from the embankment, near Lujiazui Station Line 2. You can also visit the famous aquarium here. On the way back, we recommend stopping by the railway station at the pre-sale ticket hall, especially since the hotel is located in close proximity.
You can buy tickets to Suzhou here tomorrow. Take the G train, it will get you there in just 25 minutes and the ticket costs about 40 yuan. There are cheaper options, but the journey will take longer than an hour. Keep in mind that you will need to present your passport at the ticket office, as tickets are issued in personal names.
Seventh day. To Suzhou on your own
Why is Suzhou a must-see? Yes, because here you can enjoy the splendor of the famous gardens, of which in the 16th and 17th centuries there were about 280. 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 World Heritage Sites. In general, there is a lot to see and be impressed by. Suzhou is also a silk center. Well, how can we resist here?
After arriving at the station in Suzhou, we transfer to bus No. 5, which departs from the station and goes to the Panmen Gate (“Gate of the Curled Dragon”). Travel time is about 50 minutes, ticket price is 1 yuan. Panmen was once part of the wall. Today we can see the already restored landmark.
A huge amount of work was done and at least $2 million was spent. Thanks to these investments, the area was also beautified: trees and flowers were planted, the pond where carp live today was cleaned, and lighting fixtures were installed. While walking, you will easily find the Ruiguant Pagoda, which in ancient times housed 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, impeccability and grace come together. In the pavilions you can see the interiors of previous 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 you can visit the garden even at night, so don’t miss this opportunity.
The next must-see garden is Lion Grove, the distinctive feature of which is a pile of stones that have a certain appearance (taikhushi). Several decades are needed to “grow” such stones. To achieve 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 be surprised by. The Lion Grove Garden is definitely a must see. Ticket price is 30 yuan.
Now is the time to go to the Garden of the Humble Official or Administrator, which covers an area of 5 hectares. Of course, a few hours are not enough to explore it; it’s better to set aside a whole day, but if you don’t have much time, then during this time you can see quite a lot here.
Construction of the garden was started more than 600 years ago by an official removed from government affairs for corruption. He worked on its creation for about 20 years, and today it has a unique design and unique beauty. If you visit the garden in summer, you will find a lotus festival, and in the spring, an azalea festival. The entrance ticket costs 70 yuan.
If you’re not in a hurry to catch the train, you can walk to the train station and be sure to stop by the “85” confectionery to brighten up your day with delicious pastries and aromatic coffee.
Eighth day
Travel to Chinese Venice on your own - Zhouzhuang
Today we will go to explore the Chinese Venice - the city of Zhouzhuang, which has a history of almost a thousand years. You can get to it by bus from Suzhou, so first we’ll take 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 or take a taxi if you are not considering this option. You need to pay 100 yuan for access 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 steered by local women.
We recommend not to miss the opportunity to explore the city from the water. The cost of renting a local gondola is 100 yuan. That's how much a 25 minute walk costs. If you're lucky, they'll even let you steer 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 explore the city and the life of the local residents. Be sure to check out the Key Bridge. If you are observant, you will understand that local residents receive their main income from private transportation along canals, the 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 want to eat, you will find many places, but whether you dare to try something is another question. Keep in mind that water for cooking is taken from the same canal where clothes are washed and other household chores are done. No, of course, the water is first boiled, and, as the locals say, after that it acquires a unique taste (who would doubt it), but the choice is always yours.
If you have already seen everything and don’t want to stay overnight to see the stunning sunset, we recommend that you hurry up, because the last bus to Suzhou leaves at 17.10, and to Shanghai 40 minutes earlier.
Ninth day. Self-guided walks in Shanghai
Today you can take a walk in the French Quarter. You can get there via Red Line 1, Shanxi Road. This place is very atypical for a metropolis; here you can stroll peacefully and feel its romantic atmosphere. If you have been to Europe, you will recognize its appearance - cozy cafes with the cutlery we are used to, and pastry shops, paving stone roads and nicely decorated balconies. Despite the name, not only the French lived in the quarter, but also Russian emigrants.
The remaining time can be spent exploring the sights 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 Temple of the Jade Buddha, the Pushkin monument, and the Museum of the Chinese Communist Party.
If you are interested in items from fashionable global and local brands, we recommend 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, and the choice is simply huge. Grand Mall is located nearby Lujiazui Subway Station.
WikiHow works like a wiki, which means that many of our articles are written by multiple authors. This article was produced by 41 people, including anonymously, to edit and improve it.
A visit to China will give you many delightful and unforgettable experiences. To make the most of your visit, you need to take into account local circumstances, and the following tips will help you pack your bags for a successful trip.
Steps
- Carrying 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.
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Take Pepto Bismol and loperamide in a chewable form. The quality of tap water in China is terrible. Problems can arise even if you brush your teeth, rinse the toothpaste off with tap water, or eat vegetables that have been washed and not cooked. To prevent intestinal problems, chew 2 tablets before meals.
- Poor water quality is characteristic mainly of rural areas, rather than “urban” areas.
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Prepare your clothes according to the season. China is very hot in summer and very cold in winter. Bring plenty of clothes, and remember that you can always use your hotel laundry or laundromat if any 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 US. Summers in the south are very hot and humid, while winters in the north are frosty and dry.
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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 attire.
Be careful not to get water into your mouth while showering. Her taste is normal, but there is a danger of getting 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 rough filtration. It is safer to use water from supermarkets, buying well-known brands.
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Visit your GP(s) or travel clinic. Specialists will help you determine which vaccinations you will need, taking into account your health status, vaccination history, the characteristics of the regions you plan to visit, as well as the expected activities during your trip. Before traveling, you must comply with all these requirements. To purchase any psychotropic drugs in China, you are required to show a prescription certified by a doctor. Bring enough antibiotics and other prescription medications you may need during your trip to last your entire stay in China (plus a few extra pills). Transport medications in their original packaging. US travelers can get all the information they need about medications in China from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Prepare a small camping kit for each family member. Keep a mini roll of toilet paper and a bottle of hand sanitizer in your hip pouch. It is better to choose a non-alcohol based antiseptic, since in some provinces (especially Guangzhou) it may be confiscated at customs. Add a high-calorie nutty cereal bar, cough drops, and chewing gum. It's also worth bringing 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 some other place! 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.
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Always have some cash and traveler's checks with you as most restaurants and shops do not accept credit cards. Prepare a handbag with money, traveler's checks, air and train tickets. It needs to be firmly and safely fixed on you, and it is advisable to cover it with clothing. This will be safer than leaving these things in the hotel room.
- Major 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.
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Other essential things include a raincoat and/or umbrella, a hat, in the summer - sunscreen and glasses, insect repellent, as well as a power adapter (power converter) necessary for powering and recharging electrical appliances.
- Always carry the business card of the hotel you are staying at. This will allow you to be brought back if any unforeseen situations arise. In case of emergency, you should have a copy of your passport, the original of which can be left in a safe place at 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 Beijing's Wanwujing Market, snacks are often prepared inappropriately. If you are not sure about the quality of the food you eat, drink beer - it will help you digest incompatible food, the main thing is not to abuse it.
- If you are African, European or Hispanic, don't be surprised if Chinese people ask permission to take photos with you.
- Once you've decided where you'll be going, do some research. Find out about the climate conditions in the area. There is nothing worse than being dressed inappropriately for the weather. At the same time, a certain conservatism is needed. Long pants and neat shirts/jackets will do for any terrain.
- Take the time to study maps of the places you are staying or planning to visit. This will help you stay on course while walking around the city. You're also less likely to get lost if you're armed with a handheld GPS navigator.
- Before traveling, you should prepare a printout of all the hotels in the areas where you will go. Be sure to prepare a printout in Chinese (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 hotel concierge to write in Chinese the name of the attractions you plan to visit.
- Even cheap hotels have a drinking water heater on each floor. Use a clean bottle to cool 97.22 C boiling water to a manageable temperature.
- Control the amount of cash you have on you. Just in case, it’s worth having a NZ that will be enough to take a taxi back to the hotel. Most airports have ATMs, and it's best to get cash as soon as you arrive.
- Read a few reports from other travelers to get a better idea of the attractions and what to look for. Find a travel brochure to study 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 need to use one device in China and the USA, you will need a phone with a quadraphonic frequency range. Also make sure that you do not have a local SIM card. To work in China, it must be nationwide.
- Find an audio Chinese course and also bring a dictionary. Knowledge of the Chinese language is necessary, but there is no need to be discouraged by 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 the English language is usually limited to the word "hello!" If you want to move freely, you need to learn the 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 can explain to the taxi driver where you need to go. In urban areas, the chances of finding someone who speaks English increase.
- 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 location whenever you need to change dollars or traveler's checks into yuan.
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 there will be shops on every corner, they will not always sell the same things that you are used to at home. Most toilets don't have toilet paper, so it's best to have your own supply on hand. Large rolls are inconvenient to carry, so even before the trip you need to put aside 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, 5-star hotels have European-style toilets, and international airports are sure to have Western-style toilets. Stock up only on what is necessary. It is better to take with you only one key to the house and to the car.
