All about car tuning

How to travel to China without a visa and return alive. Independent travel to China When is it cheaper to go to China?

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

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

If you're planning a solo holiday to China in 2016, you'll want to visit some of the main sites of power, including the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, as well as the Terracotta Army, the Chengdu Nature Reserve with its giant pandas, and the Guilin region with its tranquil landscapes.

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 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 in the country have been completely developed, feel free to go to China on your own.

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

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

Another characteristic point is the country’s public transport. 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 here is well developed, and you can get to the desired place both by rail and by highway in a rented car or taxi.

Travel plan

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

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

Flights

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

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

It is convenient to fly to Hong Kong from Moscow and St. Petersburg non-stop with the same Aeroflot, Transaero and Cathay Pacific or with Qatar Airlines and Emirates with one transfer. You can buy tickets (roundtrip) from 20,000 rubles. By the way, Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok International Airport, which is located on an artificial island, is considered one of the most comfortable air hubs in the world. You can travel from one terminal to another in a few minutes by Aeroexpress.

In addition to Chek Lap Kok, there are 5 dozen airports in China, so your choice will depend on which city you want to see first. The most convenient way would be to arrive in 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 air tickets to China is the portal. To search for an advantageous offer, enter the codes of the departure and arrival airports in the query line, select your 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 distributed 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 returns more results. If you wish, you can save the request data and subscribe to constant price updates from aviasales for the destination you need.

Calendar of low prices for air tickets

The State of China is located on an area of ​​more than 9 million square meters. km and in terms of scale confidently ranks 3rd in the world, behind Canada and the Russian Federation. The rich cultural heritage of the PRC attracts travelers from all over the world and does not leave any tourist indifferent.

    Sights of China

How to travel to China on your own

China for a tourist is a world of contrasts, a combination of the splendor of a modern metropolis, a carefree and expensive life with the modest life of farmers and market traders of trinkets. Here the fast pace of modern life is best combined with ancient history.

You can go to the Celestial Empire as part of a group, and then some of the organizational issues will be resolved by the travel agent. Sophisticated tourists who prefer to travel independently should take into account some simple details of the trip:

    Book accommodation or hotel rooms in advance.

    Apply for a visa and buy insurance.

    Buy plane tickets.

When traveling to China on your own, you need to understand that 80% of the population does not speak foreign languages. To avoid problems with the language barrier, it is advisable to raise your level of Chinese to at least HSK1.

Registration for training

Free Trial Lessons

Every week we offer free trial lessons for adults and children. During the lesson you will become familiar with the basics of the Chinese language, its phonetics, hieroglyphs and learn your first phrase. We regularly conduct program presentations for parents of students.

Level determination

If you or your child have already learned Chinese before, then before starting classes you must undergo an interview to determine the level. Then we will select a suitable group and schedule a trial lesson in it.

We have received your application. Thank you!

Something went wrong! try again

Route around China: where is the best place to go?

Popular tourist destinations include modern and traditional holidays:

    SPA resorts
    There are many professional health centers on the territory of the People's Republic of China, where the developments of modern Western medicine are effectively combined with unique methods of Chinese therapy. You will be offered therapeutic mud baths, aromatherapy, acupuncture, herbal treatments, wraps, moxibustion, balneotherapy, acupuncture, inhalations, and various massages. People go to China to improve the functions of the musculoskeletal system, to treat cardiovascular and gastrointestinal pathologies, the respiratory and nervous systems, rheumatism and arthritis.

    Ski resorts
    Fans of active pastime will appreciate the infrastructure and high service of the ski resorts of Baidahe, Jinguetan and Yabuli. Modern tracks that meet international standards allow both professionals and amateurs to actively engage in sports.

    Ecotourism
    On the territory of the People's Republic of China there are numerous historical architectural monuments, ancient temples, places of pilgrimage on the Sacred Mountain of Huashan, national parks in the Sanqingshan and Jade Mountain area with a huge variety of rare plants and animals, Wolong National Park with the natural habitat of giant pandas. Most areas are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

    Dive resorts
    For exciting diving, the surroundings of the city of Sanya are suitable - Xiaodonghai, Yalongwan and Dadonghai bays, Wuzhizhou and Sidao islands. Among the diversity of marine fauna you can find starfish, many fancy fish, large jellyfish, and more than 50 varieties of corals. The water of the South China Sea is so clear that underwater landscapes can be viewed at a depth of up to 25 meters.

Sights of China

    the great Wall of China- one of the seven modern wonders of the world, the largest structure on the planet. Climbing the wall will seem like an exciting walk only for physically prepared tourists. Assess your body's capabilities in advance, as a large number of steps can take all your strength, and the excursion will not be enjoyable. An alternative could be a funicular.

    Shaolin Monastery. Here you can observe with your own eyes the life of the monks, see their daily hours-long training of strength and spirit, as well as demonstrations of martial arts.

    Tropical island of Hainan. An ideal place for a relaxing beach holiday with white sandy shores and crystal clear waters. Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts will be able to admire the beauty of the underwater world with vibrant landscapes, unusual fauna and coral thickets.

    Nantian thermal springs. There are more than 40 warm water pools on the territory of the health complex; the available temperature range allows everyone to find their own comfort zone.

    Oceanarium on Henkin Island. The world's largest aquarium houses the rarest specimens of the deep sea. Here tourists can feed crocodiles and look at the most terrible and unusual animals up close.

    Monkey Island. The trip to the island along the longest and most picturesque cable car in China can already be considered an additional excursion. And on the island, tourists will find a sparkling pearl museum and jewelry stores.

    Shanghai. Arriving in Shanghai, tourists should definitely see the Temple of the Guardian God of the city and the Temple of the Jade Buddha, as well as take a walk along Nanjing Street (Shanghai Arbat).

    Hong Kong. A cultural and historical center with many galleries, exhibitions and museums: horse racing, police, medical sciences, Madame Tussauds wax figures, Tsui Art Museum, Lau Uk Folk House Museum, Pao Art Center and other attractions.

Important and useful little things for tourists

Additional information will make your stay in the country easier and help avoid embarrassing situations for both beginners and experienced tourists:

    Time. The difference with the Moscow time zone is +5 hours.

    Payment system. In modern shopping centers, hotels, and restaurants, bank cards of almost all payment systems are accepted. For small purchases, it is best to have cash in national currency. The most profitable currency converter is located at the airport.

    Transport. Traveling around China is quite easy using high-speed trains (350 km/h); tickets should be purchased in advance, especially if the planned trip falls on a weekend or holiday. Car rental is only possible with a driver, as international driving licenses are not valid here. To travel short distances, you can use taxi services; prices are reasonable. It is important to have an address written in Chinese with you; almost no one speaks English.

    Shopping. The finest natural silk and world-famous Chinese porcelain are among the most popular and expensive souvenirs. Exclusive gifts include pearl jewelry, healing tinctures of ants, snakes, scorpions, and Chinese Maotai vodka. Expensive gifts should only be purchased in stores or factories. You can bargain and talk about reducing prices not only in the market, but even in large stores.

    Weather. When planning a trip to China, you must take into account that the weather in different areas can vary significantly, even at the same time of year. Depending on the location, some provinces may experience freezing temperatures while other areas may be exposed to the scorching sun.

A trip to China will allow you to immerse yourself in the ancient traditions and unusual culture of this country, see the stunning landscapes of national parks and mountain ranges, visit the largest architectural monuments, palaces of emperors, ancient temples, pagodas and museums, as well as appreciate local cuisine that has preserved thousand-year-old traditions and secrets .

The best places to stay in China for beginner independent travelers and those who have seen everything, but walked past the Great Wall of China.
Throughout China's history, which spans more than 5,000 years, the country has developed one of the richest and most enigmatic cultures on our planet, with magnificent monuments, a great emperor, amazing evidence of religious worship and works of culture and art that remain one of a kind to this day. one of the most remarkable evidence of the flight of creative thought of mankind.
Empires succeeded each other, China's borders expanded, but the traditional Chinese lands in the heart of China - Beijing and Xian - remained unchanged; the majesty of the Yangtze River and the Guilin region, as well as the modern wonders of Shanghai and Hong Kong. In these lands, the great philosophers - Confucius, Lao Tzu and Zhuang Zhou, expounded their teachings about life and the laws of the universe, shaping not only Chinese society, but also the society of the entire South Asian region as a whole. Many of the traditional China tours available to travelers involve these places and the world's most famous Chinese landmarks, such as the Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Army and the Forbidden City. There is also always the opportunity to see giant pandas in the Chengdu Nature Reserve, take a cruise on the great Yangtze River, or relax among the karst landscapes of the Guilin region.

8 reasons to go on an independent trip to China

BEIJING
A visit to the Forbidden City gives an insight into the limitless power and wealth of generations of Chinese emperors.
THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA
For many, the Great Wall of China is a symbol of China and one of the most outstanding evidence of the design thought of antiquity.
TERRACOTTA ARMY
The Terracotta Army, consisting of 8,099 life-size figures of warriors, servants and horses, is believed to have protected Chinese Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. The man-made necropolis was accidentally discovered by a farmer in 1974 near the city of Xi'an.
SHANGHAI
Shanghai, amazing with its scale and speed of technological progress, is one of the most amazing cities in the world that you should definitely visit.
YANGZE RIVER
A cruise along the Yangtze River promises to be a relaxing and highly entertaining event.
CHENGDU RESERVE
Chengdu is a sacred place for panda worship. Seeing pandas in the wild is almost impossible these days, but in Chengdu you can safely observe them in conditions that are as close as possible to their natural habitat.
HONG KONG
Cosmopolitan Hong Kong is a great place to start or end your trip - see for yourself with our.
CHINESE CUISINE
Chinese cuisine is as varied as life itself; it has countless national dishes, and they are prepared differently in each region.

How to get to China

The country has more than 50 international and local airports. From Russia to China you can fly either on direct flights of Air China or Aeroflot, or with a transfer in Dubai (Emirates), Almaty (Air Astana) and other airlines, depending on which city is the first on your travel route to China. By the way, the best idea would be to land in Hong Kong and start your journey from there, for example, to Hainan or Chengdu.

From Shanghai it is convenient to travel to Hangzhou, the Yellow Mountains, Guilin and Longzi.

When to go. Best time to visit China

Variations are possible with the weather in China - the country is large. Depending on where you plan to go, focus on that region. In the north and south of the country, summers are hot and humid, with frequent rain. At the same time, winter in the northern regions of China (with suffocatingly hot summers) is very cold and the thermometer often drops below -40 degrees Celsius. In the northwest, summers are less humid but drier; the air temperature during this season can reach +47 degrees Celsius. In central China, located in the Yangtze River basin, it is hot in summer and quite cool in winter.
Therefore, the best time to visit China would be spring – from March to April or autumn – in September and October, when, despite the cool nights, the day is quite comfortable and the weather is excellent for excursions throughout the country. But still, just in case, it’s worth taking an umbrella with you so as not to be caught off guard in the rain. Season for a beach holiday on Hainan Island begins in October and lasts I'm at home.
China is worth visiting in winter, despite the cold in most areas, for the spectacular Chinese New Year and Spring Festival celebrations that fall on end of January – February.

Visa to China

Russian citizens need a visa to travel to China.
1. international passport, which is valid for at least 6 months from the end of the trip; the passport must have at least one blank page;
2. completed application form in Russian, English or Chinese V.2011A, signed by the applicant. The form must be filled out in block letters (on a computer or by hand) without corrections or blots;
3. photograph 3×4 or 3.5×4.5 cm on a light background. The photo must be attached to the application form;
4. an invitation from a Chinese travel agency or hotel with a red stamp. If the inviting party is a private person - an invitation in free form, certified by the seal of the local police department, and a copy of the ID of the inviting person.
5. hotel reservation for the entire stay;
6. original and copy of the medical insurance policy for the entire duration of the trip, insurance coverage - at least $15,000;
7. air tickets;
IMPORTANT! If you are visiting China for the first time, you must provide a proof of employment. When applying for a visa at the Chinese consulate in Irkutsk, you must provide a certificate from the bank confirming the availability of funds in the account. Visa-free transit visa-free transit allowed allowed in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou And Chengdu. In this case, tourists must have permission to enter the third country and a booked ticket with a departure date within the next 72 hours.
IN Hong Kong without a visa You can stay for 14 days. Macau visa on arrival and allows you to stay in Macau for no more than 30 days.
Visa on arrival you can also get on Hainan Island, if you are arriving on a direct international flight (Moscow - Sanya), or traveling with a transfer in Hong Kong (Moscow - Hong Kong, Hong Kong - Sanya). The visa gives the right to stay on the island for no more than 15 days. In all other cases, you must obtain a visa in advance from the Chinese consulate.

Features of planning a trip to China

We warn you right away that we are talking about an independent trip to China - a country not for the faint of heart, spoiled by all-inclusive tourists. If one day on the beach of Egypt, Turkey or Montenegro, that’s not the point, the thought came to mind: shouldn’t we go to China ourselves for two weeks to see everything? We answer: don’t wave! Don't ruin your vacation and don't waste your money. What to do if you really want to? Or contact a travel agency, but it’s better to listen to our advice.
First, the study of China must be done progressively. First, go to, for example, passing through or somewhere else in Southeast Asia. Then purposefully try your luck and see Chinese Las Vegas, perhaps compare it with its original in the USA. For the third time, going on vacation, again to Southeast Asia, book air tickets with long layovers in. Relax on the beaches of Hainan. And then, when the most “loyal” cities of China to tourists have been explored far and wide, you can think about a long trip, two or three weeks, and even visit the country on a romantic visit, traveling from Harbin to Sanya - along.
Secondly, why, in fact, do we warn and almost dissuade people from China: be prepared for the fact that not everyone in China speaks English; to be honest, almost no one, of course, except for schoolchildren and expats. You will have to explain yourself on your fingers.
Thirdly, food, hotels, transport... If you have already visited India, at least Goa, then you should complete this quest easily and naturally. To order something in a cafe, point your finger at the picture; if there is no picture, then point at the plate of the Chinese sitting at the next table. You can ask the waiter to give you a tour of other people's plates - you walk along the tables and again point your finger at what you like best.
Hotels need to be booked well in advance. The Chinese love to travel always and everywhere, and they also love their homeland.
Transport in China is very specific. There will be smoking on the buses. Smoking is allowed on trains. There is no smoking on airplanes. And thanks to the convenience, it is always better to choose an airplane. It's fast. simple and cheap. There are airports accepting international and domestic flights in almost every major city in China. Transport links in China are very well developed, and where the plane does not fly, there is always a train, if there are no railways, then there is a bus, there are no flights - there is some taxi driver or private driver who is ready to take you to your destination for reasonable sums . Have patience and a philosophical attitude towards everything that is happening around you, and then your independent trip to China will work out in the best possible way.

Cities and attractions in China that everyone should see

BEIJING

The modern capital of China, Beijing is a true microcosm of this amazing country with its intriguing contradictions and a great place to begin exploring China's rich history, landscapes and attractions. The majestic Tiananmen Square with monolithic monuments from the era of the greatness of communism faces one of the most impressive sights of China - the Forbidden City, and crowds of people in the bustle of the city dissolve into the serene expanses of the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace. The traditional "hatongs" - the narrow, crowded streets of the city that are rapidly disappearing from the map of the modern city - illustrate the more traditional side of Chinese life, while the Olympic Park, the city's restaurants and hotels eloquently testify to a different side of Chinese life. In both cases, travelers have the chance to lose themselves in this diverse and complex community - to experience its flavor, it is worth spending at least three days here.
One of your days in Beijing is worth spending on an excursion to the Forbidden City. This place served as the residence of several dynasties of Chinese emperors. The palace, known to us as the “Forbidden City,” was named so because anyone other than the emperor himself, his family and courtesans were forbidden to enter this territory. Anyone who violated this rule and entered there without the permission of the emperor was supposed to be executed immediately. Today, the Forbidden City is one of the main attractions of the capital, allowing visitors to glimpse into the world of unlimited power and wealth of the rulers of the Middle Empire. This architectural ensemble, which includes about 1,000 buildings, is the largest and best preserved in China.
Two more attractions of Beijing deserve attention and are worth seeing at least once in your life, no matter how much of a “tourist attraction” they may seem - the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace.
Built in a strict Confucian style, the Temple of Heaven, completely restored for the opening of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, served as a huge arena for ceremonial ceremonies designed to ensure a bountiful harvest. The exquisite decoration of its halls and altars is permeated with symbolism. The Summer Palace, a beautiful oasis of palaces, temples, lakes and decorative bridges, served as a resting place for the emperor and his family during the dry and dusty summer season. Its vast recreational park and classical gardens, so popular among visitors and locals alike, have been called "a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design" by UNESCO. The temple was built over a number of years; At the same time, more than 100,000 workers worked to dig a huge artificial lake, which today can be crossed by boat.
And of course, while in Beijing, do not miss the opportunity to appreciate one of the “new” wonders of the world – the Great Wall of China. Stretching along the borders of northern China, the Great Wall of China remains the country's most powerful symbol and one of the world's most impressive landmarks. Construction of its first sections began in the 4th century BC, and continued, along with constant reconstruction, until the 16th century.
The wall was built to hold back the onslaught of warlike tribes and prevent them from entering northern China; it is estimated that more than two million people died during its construction.
Nowadays, everyone can walk along the wall quite calmly, enjoying the fabulous views that open to the gaze of the traveler. The section of the Great Wall of China closest to Beijing is Badaling, which served as a kind of “gateway to the capital”. If you want to see one of the most peaceful and spectacular places, you need to go to Jinshanlin. Due to the fact that this section of the wall is located away from Beijing, there are no large tourist groups that fill other sections of the wall.

WHERE TO LIVE. BEST HOTELS IN BEIJING
Located next to the East Gate of the Imperial Summer Palace, it offers relaxation in one of Beijing's most luxurious and impressive settings. Most rooms are furnished in the style of a century ago. There is a private entrance to the territory of the Summer Palace, so this is the first thing that hotel guests can visit right in the morning.
More budget option The Haoyuan Guesthouse. Nestled between two lovely courtyards, Haoyuan is the former residence of a wealthy Beijing banker. It is located away from the noisy crowd of the city; however, Tiananmen Square is only a 15-20 minute walk from the hotel. The hotel's 16 rooms are decorated in traditional Chinese style, and in the hotel's backyard you can easily immerse yourself in peace and quiet, truly feeling like you are in real China.

  • DISCOUNTS AND SPECIAL OFFERS FOR ACCOMMODATION IN BEIJING HOTELS

CHENGDU

The calm city of Chengdu, the capital of the “fiery” province of Sichuan, is reliably isolated from the rest of the country by mountain peaks that surround it in a kind of ring. Spicy local cuisine, friendly locals, and numerous temples and teahouses provide some of the best local life experiences in all of China. In the west, the misty mountains stretch hundreds of miles towards the Tibetan plateau, while in the north, covered in dense bamboo forests, lives one of China's most famous national symbols - the giant panda, which leads an almost reclusive lifestyle. They are extremely rare in the wild, but a visit to a panda sanctuary or research center located near the city of Chengdu guarantees the opportunity to get up close and personal with these magnificent animals.

HAINAN

The Chinese call the sunny island with magnificent beaches and hotels their Hawaii. The island is located at the same latitude as northern Vietnam. Therefore, the climate in Hainan is very warm most of the year, and the days are sunny and clear. It has clean sandy beaches and a number of high-end hotels and resorts, many with their own private beaches.
Away from the coast, you can spend a day hiking through the rainforest, or visiting a monkey sanctuary, although most people come here simply to relax by the sea. Hainan Island is easily accessible from most major cities in China. It is developing at a breakneck speed, as a result of which it has lost some of its charm; but, nevertheless, this is a wonderful place for those who want to relax and combine excursions with a beach holiday while traveling around China.

  • DISCOUNTS AND SPECIAL OFFERS FOR ACCOMMODATION IN HOTELS IN HAINAN

SHANGHAI

Shanghai is a vivid illustration of the well-known phrase about the city of contrasts. He is the embodiment of self-confident 21st century China. The atmosphere of cosmopolitanism here is very far from that which reigns in most other cities in the country. Surrounded by colonial buildings inspired by 1930s architecture, stroll along the waterfront, a glittering jewel in East Asia's pre-war crown with views of Pudong's towering skyscrapers.
New Shanghai is made of glass and metal. Futuristic buildings can be found literally everywhere here, and they grow like mushrooms after rain. Further along the river is the French Concession - with streets dotted with shady alleys and an excellent selection of bars and restaurants; this part of the city is calmer than others. This area brings to life the history of the city from the time when Shanghai was an unremarkable fishing village, even before the rapid development of Western trade with China in the 19th century. As a result of the infamous Opium Wars, a weakened China allowed a number of foreign governments, including the French, to open concessions with free trade. At the beginning of the 20th century, the concession became one of the first residential areas of the city with luxurious villas and green boulevards. Those days are long gone, but the area still exudes tranquility and is a great place for an evening stroll.
The area crossed by canals and exquisite flowering gardens also deserves the attention of travelers. Suzhou, a beautiful place located just an hour by train from Shanghai. Water channels and tree-lined squares frame this area, which is famous for its weaving tradition, with techniques that led to the opening of the famous Silk Museum. In the vicinity of Suzhou there are picturesque villages on the water such as Tongli, Zhouzhuang And Zhu Jia Jiao, where ancient stone bridges cross winding canals and old merchant houses line narrow cobbled streets. The best thing that these small villages have to offer is a rare chance to get acquainted with the era of a bygone China; however, during peak season it can get quite crowded; Therefore, if you are visiting the Suzhou area, it is better to plan to leave your hotel early in the morning to avoid crowding.

WHERE TO LIVE. BEST HOTELS IN SHANGHAI
Located in the heart of Shanghai's French Concession, the villa Anting offers excellent quality accommodation at an excellent price. The hotel is housed in a building that blends well with the surrounding colonial-era buildings; numbers in Anting very conveniently located and comfortably furnished. There is both a traditional Chinese restaurant and a restaurant serving familiar Western dishes. But one of the best features of this hotel is the lush green gardens, which provide travelers with a welcome break away from the endless bustle of Shanghai.
For those who prefer to live in the heart of the city, it is better to choose a hotel conveniently located near the embankment Peninsula- one of the largest and most luxurious hotels in Shanghai. Peninsula located in an Art Deco building. The hotel's rooms are some of the most spacious in the city, some with stunning views of the river and Pudong's glittering buildings.

  • DISCOUNTS AND SPECIAL OFFERS FOR ACCOMMODATION IN SHANGHAI HOTELS

HANGZHOU

The Chinese consider their former capital Hangzhou one of the best places in the country and most of the population prefers to relax here. Hangzhou has earned the love of millions largely for its scenic views of the West Lake, a landscape immortalized over the centuries by countless Chinese artists. Although Hangzhou's waterscape has become less attractive than elsewhere these days, the city's tranquil atmosphere and greenery set it apart from other more famous destinations. After the mad rush of Shanghai and Beijing, this is a great place to rent a bike and go for a walk by the river and into the nearby hills. You can also visit the local tea plantation, which produces tea of ​​such high quality that it is regularly presented during visits by various heads of state, including Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. All this, combined with the newly introduced choice of very authentic and comfortable hotels, makes Hangzhou the ideal place to stay towards the end of your trip.
In addition to walking around the city and exploring local attractions, from Hangzhou you can travel to one of the most sacred mountains in China - Huangshan - Yellow Mountain, located three hours from Hangzhou; so a visit to this place goes well with a visit to this part of China, which is often underestimated or simply overlooked by tourists.
The mountain is very popular among the Chinese population, but if you experiment and spend the night in one of the local hotels, you may find that its peak is all yours. Sunrises here are stunning, with the sun slowly rising to reveal a series of jagged peaks melting into a sea of ​​clouds. So if you want something mind-blowing and amazing where you can take hundreds of “no filter” photos, be sure to get to Huangshan and climb it.

WHERE TO LIVE. BEST HOTELS AROUND HANGZHOU
Surrounded by tea plantations and tiny villages, untouched by the excesses of civilization, Amanfayun– an ideal place to relax and pamper yourself. Designed in a traditional village style, each of the 47 rooms at this hotel are housed in typical village houses, some of which are over 100 years old. There is a tea room, several restaurants and a SPA salon. Temples, lakes and other delights of Hangzhou are just 20 minutes' drive away.

  • DISCOUNTS AND SPECIAL OFFERS FOR ACCOMMODATION IN HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS IN HANGZHOU

GUILIN

Guilin, a city located in the south of China, evokes a feeling of peace and has a more relaxing effect on travelers than the more developed cities in the north of the country. The sheer limestone peaks located behind the flat plain around the city form a stunning landscape that has served as one of the main motifs of Chinese art and literature since time immemorial. Guilin itself is a pretty nice town, but it mostly serves as the gateway to the region. Yangshuo and Lushen are places you can easily reach to enjoy the views. A little further there are several charming villages untouched by civilization, where you can see interesting festivals of local small ethnic groups.

YANSHO

A river cruise from Guilin to the small market town of Yangshuo is a popular and very affordable way to see the jagged limestone mountain peaks. As you float downstream, you'll see classic scenes from provincial China: herds of buffalo grazing, farmers cultivating their fields, and fishermen unloading their day's catch. Even though Yangshuo has become more and more popular with travelers in recent years, it still remains calm and welcoming. A trip to Yangshuo is also a great excuse to explore the countryside by bike, car or, more modestly, on foot. On many tributaries of the river there is the opportunity to go rafting.
Evenings in Yangshuo are best spent with fishermen, who use specially trained cormorants rather than fishing rods, or while having dinner at one of the many local restaurants in the city. There is also the opportunity to see the spectacular Yangshou Impressions sound and light show directed by Zhang Yimou, who directed the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

LONGJI

Located two hours north of Guilin, the Longji Dragon's Spine Ancient Rice Terraces offer a delightful opportunity to learn more about the traditions of the Zhuang people who live in the area. An overnight stay in a hotel surrounded by terraces is a great opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of modern China and experience a traditional rural way of life. You can spend hours walking through the villages scattered along the surrounding slopes, either independently or accompanied by a guide. Although the local peasants are already quite accustomed to travelers from the West, it is still a great way to see a different side of life in China, different from the frantic rhythms of the modern cities of this country.
Beyond Longji, the terrain becomes more mountainous and the roads rougher. This part of China is considered one of the least industrialized in the country. Those who can put up with modest accommodations and rough roads will be rewarded with fantastic scenery, a variety of minority cultures and visits to modest, largely untouched villages such as Chengyang. For those who are interested in the culture and traditions of China, the vicinity of Longji provides a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the local festivities that take place here throughout the year. One of such interesting celebrations is the Lushen festival in honor of a wind musical instrument made from reeds, which is held in early October. The festival program includes performances by musicians, as well as various performances, dances, bullfights and horse racing.

An article about ways to get to China from Russia.

One of the first questions when planning an independent trip around the Middle Kingdom is how to get to China. Transport costs often account for up to half of the total cost of the trip. First of all, you should decide for yourself which region of China you are going to visit. Based on this, you can plan how to get there. There are several options for getting to China from Russia: by plane, by train, by bus.

How to get to China from Russia on your own?

1. By plane from Russia to China

Aeroflot, S7, Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern Airlines fly regularly from Russia to China. Flights operate from many Russian cities. The largest selection is, of course, from Moscow: you can fly to Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Urumqi and many other cities. Round-trip prices start from 17,000 rubles. for a flight with a transfer, and from 19,000 rubles. for direct flights. You can also fly from Novosibirsk to Urumqi for 11,000 rubles, to Beijing for 19,000 rubles. The cheapest flights to China from Khabarovsk and Vladivostok: to Beijing - 12,000 rubles. round trip, to Harbin - 9,000 rubles, to Shanghai - 16,000 rubles.

There are promotions and sales - you can get a ticket even cheaper. At the height of the tourist season, on the contrary, prices rise. So it’s better to buy a plane ticket in advance or on special offer. You can find the cheapest plane tickets to China by searching in the form below. The system itself will select air tickets for more than 700 airlines and many reservation systems.

To buy the cheapest plane tickets, read where the main ways to save on buying an air ticket are discussed.

Airplanes fly within China very often and in any direction, so you can always quickly fly even to a small town by making a transfer in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, etc.

2. By train from Russia to China

Getting to China by train is quite easy, but long. There are two trains from Moscow to Beijing. Train No. 043 transits through Mongolia, so you will need a transit visa for this country. It runs once a week on Tuesdays, travel time is 132 hours, cost is about 9,000 rubles. for a reserved seat and this price is growing. Another train No. 020 travels through Zabaikalsk directly to China (i.e., bypassing Mongolia). It runs once a week on Saturdays, travel time is 145 hours, the cost is even more expensive than the previous one.

A train runs from Almaty to Urumqi once a week, travel time is 35 hours, cost is 5,000 rubles.

3. By bus from Russia to China

Several buses run from Russia's Far Eastern border cities to China.

To summarize, we can say that for residents of Moscow, St. Petersburg and the central regions of Russia, the best option to get to China is by plane. You can save money only by hitchhiking to Zabaikalsk or Blagoveshchensk)). For residents of the Urals and Western Siberia, a bus from the cities of Kazakhstan is a good option. For residents of the Far East, it is also most convenient to cross the border with China by bus, and then by train across China.

How to get to China from Kazakhstan?

Now let's look at how to get to China from Kazakhstan, because many people from this country read us.

1. By plane from Kazakhstan to China

You can take a direct flight to China from Almaty and Astana using Air Astana and China Southern. The event is quite expensive, but it’s quick - just an hour and a half and you’re in Urumqi. Flights to Beijing, Guangzhou, Nanjing are also available, but with a transfer to Urumqi.

It is best to search for air tickets on metasearch engines, for example or.

I also advise you to look and subscribe to, sometimes you can catch good prices!

2. By train from Kazakhstan to China

The train from Kazakhstan to China runs from Astana and Almaty. Moreover, I was unable to find out the exact price for these trains; the Kazakhstan Railways website does not show them and, unfortunately, you cannot buy tickets for these trains there.

Train No. 54C runs from Astana to Urumqi on Saturdays; the journey takes a little over 40 hours.

There are two trains from Almaty: No. 014C on Tuesdays (travel time 31 hours) and No. 014 T on Sundays (travel time 31 hours). The cost for them is 20,000 tenge. This is what they told me at the Almaty railway station information desk. Not very budget friendly!

3. By bus from Kazakhstan to China

As mentioned above, many buses run from the cities of eastern Kazakhstan to Urumqi and some other cities of the XUAR.

From Semey (Semipalatinsk) the bus to Urumqi runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, travel time is 30 hours, cost is 9,000 tenge.

From Ust-Kamenogorsk the schedule and price are the same.

From Almaty The bus to Urumqi runs every day except Saturday. The fare is also about 9,000 tenge.

Back from China you can get to Almaty, Semipalatinsk, Ust-Kamenogorsk, as well as to Zyryanovsk, Ridder, Taldykurgan, Chundzhi and even Karaganda! But for the last cities the information is not accurate, we just saw the prices at the bus station in Urumqi.

4. Combined way to get from Kazakhstan to China

From Almaty you can take a bus to the border town of Zharkent, not far from the Khorgos border crossing, and then cross the border on a special bus. Then you need to get to any smaller city, for example to Yining, and from there to Urumqi. This is the hard way to get to China.

But the cost will be inexpensive: the Almaty-Zharkent bus is about 1000 tenge, from the border to Yining about 50 yuan, and then by train Ying-Urumqi (about 100 yuan).

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 Xinpin 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.