Tips for tourists in China. What you need to know when traveling to China: useful tips, necessary documents, advice and recommendations for tourists Useful information for tourists traveling to China

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Holidays in China in 2019

Holidays in China in 2019

Holidays in China

China is an amazing country that attracts tourists with its culture and ample opportunities for varied recreation. Vacations in China appeal to very different people, as everyone can find something of their own here - attractions, bustling nightlife, exotic cuisine, beaches, shopping and much more.

Resorts

China is a fairly large country with a huge number of resorts. We will try to describe the most popular of them.

Beidaihe

Hong Kong

Entertainment center in China. It is famous for its vibrant nightlife and low prices for local goods.

Guangzhou

The city of flowers with numerous cultural attractions.

Lhasa

A resort in Tibet, the main religious center of China with many monuments of Buddhist architecture.

Manchuria

A city on the border of Russia and China, with great shopping opportunities.

Nanking

A large cultural and business center in southern China, very popular among tourists.

Beijing

The capital of China, with numerous cultural and historical attractions and very wide opportunities for active and interesting recreation.

Hainan

A tropical island in southern China, a great place for beach holidays and diving.

Shanghai

A resort with a very vibrant nightlife and excellent opportunities for inexpensive shopping.

Yabuli

The best ski resort in China, which also has all the conditions for various types of winter and active recreation.

Climate

IMPORTANT: It is most comfortable to vacation in China in autumn and spring, when there is no sweltering heat or cold, and there are not very many tourists.

Visa and customs

To obtain a visa to China, you must contact the embassy or consulate. However You can visit Hong Kong or Hainan for two weeks with a tour group without a visa, and in Xijiao and Macau (this is the airport in Manchuria), a visa is issued right at the border. You can also stay 72 hours without a visa in Harbin, Wuhan, Guilin, Dalian, Shenyang, Chongqing, Chengdu, Guangzhou and Shanghai, but only if you fly through these countries to others.

How to get to China

By plane

Planes fly from different cities of Russia to Beijing, Harbin, Urumqi, Guangzhou and several other places. The journey by train will take much longer - from the European part of Russia the journey will take approximately 130-140 hours, sometimes in transit through Mongolia. From the cities of the Asian part of our country, of course, you will have to travel less.

By bus or taxi

Buses regularly depart from some southern cities of Siberia and the Far East, for example, to Manchuria and some other cities. But it is still much more convenient and cheaper to get to Beijing and the southern cities of China by plane.

Transport

You can travel around China by plane, train and bus. Aircraft Not very popular with local residents, but there are airports in almost all major cities, so this method is quite convenient.

Buses are quite popular, some have beds, and routes between large cities are even equipped with toilets. Sometimes the buses can be noisy due to the TVs constantly on.

IN trains There are always a lot of passengers in China, the trains are mostly modern and run on schedule. Class Z express trains are especially good.

In cities you can ride buses, but they are always very crowded. There are subways in Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Nanjing and Tianjin, and it is better to give preference to it, since traffic jams are always terrible in the cities.

Currency

China's main currency is CNY. It is best to travel to China with dollars, although you can exchange rubles and euros almost everywhere. Often people pay on a trip with a regular ruble card.

Suifenhe, located on the border, recently officially allowed payments in Russian rubles as an experiment.

Beaches

Guangxi

The beaches of Beihai town in Guangxi province are no worse than the beaches of Hainan. Of particular interest is the long two-kilometer white sand beach. True, this beach is paid, and entry costs 25 yuan.

Liaoning

In Liaoning province, in the city of Dalian, there are many not only attractions, but also beaches. For example, on the rocky Tigris beach you can admire interesting marble statues and visit the local water park. Tourists also love Bangchuidao Juggu, Fujiashuang Beach and Golden Stone Beach.

Hainan

This island is located in a tropical climate zone, so you can relax here all year round. There are a lot of beaches on the island, but tourists especially love the city of Sanya for its white sand beaches and amazing palm trees. Yalong Bay Beach is also very beautiful. Hainan's secluded beaches can be found on the Lihuitou Peninsula.

Shandong

Shandong is a city with interesting architecture and amazing beaches. Members of the Communist Party like to relax here. There are six numbered beaches in total. The sixth is located most conveniently, and the second is much cleaner and quieter. However, it is best to relax on Huang Dao.

Guangdong

The city of Shenzhen has some of the best beaches in all of China. The most popular beaches are Dameisha and Hioameixa. The beaches are well equipped, and a short distance from the coast there are picturesque islands where you can also have a good rest.

Fujian

Xiamen's coastline stretches for miles, providing nearly endless opportunities for swimming and sunbathing. What’s nice is that the white sand beaches are absolutely free.

Shopping

People who understand have no longer associated China with something low-quality and cheap, because here you can buy excellent quality goods of various kinds at fairly reasonable prices. However, going to China on your own for shopping is not so easy, since you can end up significantly overpaying for purchases. That's why it's so popular shopping tours to Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai or, for example, Guangzhou, because they allow you not only to shop at a guaranteed low price, but also to explore local attractions.

Buying something is especially pleasant in Beijing - after all, there is even a Russian street, Ya Bao Lu, where sellers speak Russian, and all goods are adapted for us. Inexpensive clothes, shoes and accessories can be bought at the Silk Market, while souvenirs and antiques are worth buying at the Panjiayuan Market.

IMPORTANT: It is customary to import tea, porcelain, silk products and pearls from China. Many people like porcelain vases and ivory souvenirs. Almost every shop sells various colorful souvenirs such as lanterns and boxes.

Kitchen

Beijing cuisine

The cuisine of this region is based on rice. It is served here as a separate dish and added to meat, vegetables and fish. The preferred meat here is lamb, pork, and poultry. Here are the dishes typical for Beijing, northern or imperial cuisine:

Peking duck;

Beggar's chicken - clay-baked chicken stuffed with cabbage, herbs, onions and mushrooms and wrapped in lotus leaves;

Pork in sweet and sour sauce;

Chinese samovar made from many components;

Chinese dumplings can be made with either vegetables or meat;

Dandelion salad.

Shanghai cuisine

In the provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang, it is customary to add rice vodka and a large amount of spices to meat, and many dishes contain fish and seafood:

Shanghai duck;

Soy fish cake - tofu;

Hairy freshwater crab;

Cabbage soup with pork;

Mushroom noodle soup;

Squid in spicy garlic sauce;

Eel with garlic in wine;

Noodles fried with shrimp.

Cantonese cuisine

Very sophisticated, the dishes here are prepared in unusual ways from unusual ingredients. When cooking, they use the meat of turtles, snakes, dogs, cats and other animals. Light snacks are very popular among locals. Even if you don't like exotic things, it's worth a try:

Pies with daikon;

Chinese dumplings fried in oil;

Steamed fish;

Rolls with rice noodles;

Shark fin soup;

Steamed dumplings dim sum;

Cantonese rice.

Sichuan cuisine

It is famous throughout the world for its spicy and spicy dishes - garlic, red pepper, anise, coriander, sesame and many other spices are always used in cooking. Products are most often steamed or smoked. Worth a try:

Sichuan braised pork;

Little tofu, a meatless soybean dish;

Szechuan noodles, dan dan mian;

Gongbao chicken - spicy, with peanuts;

Duck baked in green tea;

King prawns seasoned with garlic;

Doufu is a cheese made from fermented soybeans.

In general, Chinese cuisine is very interesting and varied, so it is definitely worth trying in all the regions you visit.

Sights of China

There are really a lot of attractions in China, and it’s impossible to list them all. From natural attractions You can note the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, Mount Taishan, Dongbhuang Caves with examples of ancient art, the stone forest in Wansheng, caves near Guangxi and much more. However, many value much more not the natural, but the architectural sights of China, which are mainly concentrated in cities.

Beijing

Beijing is not the oldest city in China, but perhaps the most interesting. To the north-west of it there are some sections of the Great Wall of China. In the city itself, the Forbidden City deserves special attention - a unique palace complex, an architectural landmark, which has now been turned into an interesting museum.

Xi'an

This ancient city is home to the Terracotta Figure Museum, which houses figures from the tomb of the famous Emperor Qin Shi Huang.

Taishan

This unique picturesque mountain is a highly revered shrine of Taoism. Not far from it is the Confucius Temple and the Yanshenggong Residence.

Pingyao

Many of the attractions and cities listed above are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Tibet

This region is home to a huge number of monasteries, Buddhist temples and ancient cultural monuments. Lhasa is considered the center of Tibet, which is a must-visit for all lovers of Eastern culture and philosophy.

Amusement parks

China is famous not only for its sights and beaches - there are many large, interesting and extreme amusement parks. One of them, for example, is located in the city of Guangzhou. There is also a zoo and a unique eco-hotel.

Beijing Park Happy Valley also deserves attention, as there are many world-class attractions and interesting thematic areas. By the way, there are parks with the same name in other cities of China, and in all of them you can have a good rest with the whole family.

In Changzhou, the amazing Dinosaur Island is open in the summer, with interactive exhibits and attractions for both children and adults.

Skiing

Some time ago, alpine skiing was very unpopular in China. However, the government decided to support local ski resorts, and their level has grown rapidly, so that China now has excellent conditions for skiing. The season here in some places opens already in September, although it is better to come in November so that there is definitely snow everywhere. Snow cover lasts until April. At the same time, there are practically no abnormal frosts; the temperature does not drop below -10 degrees Celsius, which is very comfortable.

There are a lot of mountain ranges in China, so resorts are scattered almost throughout the country. The season opens early at the resort Wanglun. There are good resorts in Tien Shan, both elite and very economical.

Many ski lovers stop at Chengbae- the snow for skiing here is simply perfect, and since the resort is located in a nature reserve, all the trails pass through very picturesque places. In addition, the resort has hot springs.

The resort is popular among beginners and experienced skiers Alshan, which, by the way, also has the best cross-country ski trails.

The largest ski resort in China is Yabuli. Tourists like it due to its varied terrain, numerous trails of varying lengths and difficulties, jumps, and a large freestyle area. The landscapes here are also very picturesque.

There are not many opportunities for diving in China - it is mainly available in Hainan or Zhejiang, but in general the underwater world here is quite sparse;

Surfing. The tropical island of Hainan with fairly high waves is best suited for surfing. Beginners will love Houhai Bay Beach.

As you can see, holidays in China are truly extremely varied, and everyone can find something to their liking.

Hotels

In total, there are approximately ten thousand hotels of various levels in China, and approximately seven hundred of them are five-star. Local hotels here are classified separately; only representatives of international hotel chains have star ratings. A Chinese inn is the equivalent of one-star accommodation, a guest house is two or three stars, and a wine house is approximately 3-4 stars. Only chain hotels are five-star. In general, tourists note that the level of service in China is often lower than that accepted in other countries.

• A truly varied holiday;
• There are a lot of interesting cultural attractions and architectural monuments;
• Pleasant climate, especially on the islands;
• Many people like local traditional medicine;
• Low prices, especially for fairly expensive goods;
• Interesting nature.

• Very dirty in places;
• Some resorts and areas are not interesting, more like ordinary Russian cities;
• There is a very strong language barrier - almost no one speaks English, you can’t even dream of Russian;
• Some people are unlucky with the Chinese attitude towards tourists;
• Municipal equipped beaches are often filled with Chinese;
• Large cities like Beijing and Shanghai are very crowded;
• Some resorts have almost no infrastructure.

Before traveling to any country, tourists ask typical questions about how much money to take with them, whether vaccinations are needed, whether to take medications, etc. And if everything is more or less clear with European countries, then distant and mysterious China raises many more questions.

Tickets and visas

The most convenient way to get to China from Russia is by plane. There are regular non-stop flights from Moscow to Beijing lasting about seven and a half hours. The cost of round trip economy class tickets per person is about 20,750-0_bgblur_000 rubles. Flights to Hong Kong also operate from Moscow, and the travel time is ten hours. Direct flights have also been established between the Chinese capital and Russian cities such as Irkutsk, Novosibirsk and Vladivostok. From these Siberian cities you can also get to the less popular Dalian, Shenyang and Urumqi. In addition, two trains run weekly from Moscow to Beijing - one through Zabaikalsk, and the second through Ulaanbaatar. You can get to China by rail in about six days. As for the CIS countries, as of the beginning of 2750-0_bgblur_014 there were no direct flights to China from Belarus and Ukraine - many airlines carry tourists with one or two transfers through Dubai, Astana, Rome, Istanbul.

Russian citizens can vacation in China without a visa only in Hong Kong, provided that their stay there does not exceed 14 calendar days. To visit the rest of China, you need to apply for a visa by submitting documents to the embassy in Moscow or the consulate in Irkutsk, Vladivostok, Khabarovsk or St. Petersburg. The average visa processing time is one week, but documents can be processed faster by presenting an air ticket and paying an additional fee. It is worth keeping in mind that the package of documents is quite extensive and they are checked very carefully. However, there are also a number of concessions - for example, tourists going to bask in the sun on Hainan Island as part of a tourist group do not need a visa for up to 14 days. In Macau, a visa can be issued at the border, and in Beijing, Dalian, Shanghai and a number of other cities, Russians can stay in transit without a visa for up to 72 hours. However, on the first day of stay, the tourist must register with the local police.

Health and Safety

In addition to buying tours and obtaining visas, many tourists going to China are seriously wondering about the necessary vaccinations, especially after some time ago the issue of a bird flu epidemic was acute in the Celestial Empire. As of the spring of 2750-0_bgblur_014, compulsory vaccination was not required to visit China. However, doctors advise getting vaccinated against typhoid fever, hepatitis A, tetanus and diphtheria. In addition, those entering China from regions where there have been cases of yellow fever need a certificate that confirms appropriate vaccination.

Regardless of the vaccinations received, in China it is recommended to follow some safety rules so as not to undermine your health. The first of these rules concerns drinking water. In China, drinking tap water is strongly discouraged. It is worth either buying bottled drinking water or using an electric kettle or thermos, which are available in every, even the most budget, Chinese hotel. As for the quality of food, as experienced travelers to the Middle Kingdom say, the most delicious food here can be found not in tourist areas, but in those places where excursions do not take place and where locals eat. Most often, such establishments turn out to be small, not very tidy cafes by the road. It is obvious that the sanitary condition of such establishments is not always at the proper level. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid such places, and if you really want something exotic, then experienced travelers advise in such cases not to neglect local strong alcohol “for disinfection.” More traditional advice is to take the necessary medications from home just in case. There are no special restrictions on the import of medicines in China if these drugs are not narcotic or psychotropic.

People suffering from diseases of the lungs, respiratory organs and various types of allergies should especially carefully assemble their first aid kit. The fact is that in China they do not particularly care about the environment, and even outside the city the air cannot be called clean and fresh. As for big cities, the sky is often clouded with smog, and the smell of burning is clearly felt on the streets - this is why many Chinese wear special masks that cover their mouth and nose, or simply tie a scarf over half their face. It is worth adding that in China smoking is allowed almost everywhere - this cannot but please smokers, but gives little pleasure to others, and especially to those suffering from pulmonary diseases.

As for safety, the advice here is quite familiar and traditional. Valuables and money should be left not in bags and suitcases, but in safes in your room or at the hotel reception. Before traveling to China, it is recommended to make copies of your foreign passport and write down the telephone number of the Russian consulate in case of unforeseen situations. In the event of a domestic conflict situation, for example, with inspectors in transport, you should say the word “budun”, which means “I don’t understand.” This often helps, and tourists are left alone, even if they did something wrong.

During excursions, shopping and walking around the city, you should always have a hotel business card with the address written in Chinese. It is worth remembering this and also understanding that knowledge of English, French and other European languages ​​will not help when traveling to China. Outside of large cities like Beijing and Shanghai, no one here speaks English, even hotel employees in most cases do not understand a few words of English. Trying to reproduce Chinese names and pronounce phrases on your own will also be useless, since the country has many dialects and even local residents do not always understand each other. In addition, each Chinese word can be pronounced with different intonations, changing its meaning. You shouldn’t expect help from taxi drivers in China either - outside of big cities, they generally prefer not to deal with strange foreigners, even if this foreigner shows a hotel business card and the location he needs on the map. That is why it would be better to first get into the car and after that hand the driver the address, not paying attention to his protests and exclamations, politely but persistently demanding to go to the specified address.

What to take with you to China

When going on a trip to distant and mysterious China, you should take with you such necessary items as sunglasses and sunscreens, a first aid kit with a minimum set of medications (broad-spectrum antibiotics, antipyretics and painkillers, remedies for allergies, gastrointestinal problems, etc.). etc.) and hygiene products, as well as comfortable clothes and shoes and a phrase book. With its help, you can communicate with the Chinese by showing the necessary hieroglyphs. As for clothing, it’s difficult to give any advice here, since, for example, most women take almost their entire wardrobe with them even on a week-long vacation. The only thing worth remembering is that even when going to hot climates, it won’t hurt to take at least one set of warm clothes (windbreaker, jacket, sweatshirt and jeans), a hat and an umbrella. It wouldn't hurt to wear an evening outfit in case you visit a restaurant with a dress code. You also need to take care of comfortable shoes in advance, especially if you are planning long excursions or hikes. It is better to choose durable sneakers with non-slip and grooved soles.

As for the amount of money needed when traveling to China, this point is very individual. For some, 50 US dollars per day is enough, and for others, 5750-0_bgblur_00 dollars will be enough. In general, China is considered an inexpensive country, but only if you don’t go to museums or visit attractions. Here you can live in inexpensive hotels and spend no more than 7 US dollars (about 250 rubles) on lunch, but most of your funds will be spent on excursions. In China, entrance to a museum costs from 5 to 15 US dollars (180 - 540 rubles), to national parks - 50 dollars (about 1,8750-0_bgblur_00 rubles), and to temples, which are also paid here, - 2 - 10 dollars (72 - 360 rubles). In order to roughly calculate your expenses, you should know that a taxi costs 3 - 10 yuan per trip (17 - 60 rubles), street pastries and sweets - 10 - 20 yuan (59 - 118 rubles), wine about 20 yuan (118 rubles), beer - 4 - 6 yuan (23 - 35 rubles). For all this you can spend about 50 - 1750-0_bgblur_00 yuan per day (approximately 296 - 590 rubles). If it is possible to take more, then with a paid hotel it is worth taking with a reserve - at the rate of 1750-0_bgblur_00 US dollars (about 3 6750-0_bgblur_00 rubles) per day. You can take with you a maximum of up to 3,750-0_bgblur_000 US dollars (approximately 108,750-0_bgblur_000 rubles) without documents and certificates and up to 10,750-0_bgblur_000 dollars (approximately 3,6750-0_bgblur_00 750-0_bgblur_000 rubles) with entry in the declaration. As for the currency that should be taken from Russia to China, it is recommended to convert the entire amount into dollars or yuan. The ideal option would be to bring 40% of the amount in dollars and 60% of the amount in yuan. By the way, it is worth keeping in mind that it is better to keep receipts for currency exchange in China until the end of the trip. Plastic cards in China can only be used to pay in shopping centers, hotels, restaurants and boutiques in large cities.

And finally...

China is truly an amazing, unique and amazing country. However, when going here on vacation, you need to be prepared for the fact that this country is strikingly different from Russia and European countries. Every day here you will come across things that, to put it mildly, will shock a person with traditional European perception. You should not focus on this and show local residents your surprise, dissatisfaction and similar emotions. We are talking, for example, about the fact that the Chinese really like high volumes. In China, it is customary to speak loudly, shout, sing, honk and swear. In addition, Chinese citizens sing often and a lot - they do it wherever and whenever they want. Here you can meet singing residents in shops, in transport or just on the street. Such things as, for example, the lack of habit of covering your mouth or turning away when coughing and sneezing can cause an unpleasant shock to unprepared tourists - this is simply not accepted here. In China, in general, any physiological manifestations are taken very lightly. An example of this is small children relieving themselves everywhere and admiring their “works.” However, if you ignore such things and try not to pay attention, then traveling to China will become one of the most memorable adventures.

Hong Kong, Shanghai, the Great Wall of China, incredibly delicious cuisine - all this can be seen and tasted in the Middle Kingdom.

China is an amazing country with its own unique style.

There is a sense of greatness in everything here: - a world leader in the production of most types of industrial products, half of the world's foreign exchange reserves are located here. It’s worth coming to China to try real tea, fall in love with Chinese cuisine (if you’re not already a fan), see the sights and definitely come back.

Flight

There are no direct flights from Ukraine to China. Many airlines offer transit flights with transfers, for example, Transaero, S7 and Aeroflot via Moscow, Air Astana via Astana, Flydubai via Dubai, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, Alitalia via Rome. The average cost of a flight from Kyiv to Beijing is about 550-650 USD, a flight to Shanghai will cost about the same, and a flight from Kyiv to Hong Kong will cost 650-750 USD.

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NB! The import of national currency is limited to 6,000 yuan. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited. If during his stay in China he has not used up all the local currency, before leaving he can exchange it back for the desired foreign currency by presenting a certificate of the original exchange.

Transport

For long distances in China, it is better to use an airplane: the country has three national and four regional carriers. A popular mode of transport is trains, ranging from high-speed (350 km/h) express trains to regular electric trains. Tickets can be purchased as a compartment (soft or hard), seated or standing. An alternative to trains are buses, which come in different comfort levels.

In Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Tianjin there are subways, buses and trolleybuses (operating from 5:00-5:30 to 22:00-23:00). Tickets for the metro are sold at the ticket office at the entrance, for buses and trolleybuses - from the conductor or driver, and on suburban lines - from the driver. In some cities, things are visible at the entrance to the subway.

Safety

No vaccinations are required before traveling to the country. You should definitely use a safe to store documents, money, or store them in another secret place. It is not recommended to drink raw tap water.

Currency

Yuan (CNY) is the only official means of payment in the PRC. Currency can be exchanged at Bank of China main branches, hotels, international airports, train stations and some major shopping malls. You should keep the receipts received during the exchange, since the return exchange of the remaining yuan at the end of the trip can only be done upon presentation.

American Express, Visa, Master Card and other credit cards are accepted in hotels and restaurants, and in large government department stores. You can withdraw cash from them only at Bank of China branches.

Climate

The climate in different parts of China varies significantly. The average temperature in the north of the country in winter is about −7 °C (sometimes −20 °C), in summer about +22 °C and quite dry. In the central part of China in winter from 0 °C to −5 °C, in summer - about +20 °C. In the southern regions in winter from +6 °C to +15 °C, in summer - above +25 °C.

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China is an amazing country

The best time to travel to China is late spring (April and May), as well as autumn from September to October (in the south from November to December). You can visit Hainan Island all year round. The average annual temperature there is +28 °C, the sea water temperature is +25.6 °C.

Shopping

Chopsticks, porcelain, cups, lacquer boxes, seals and scroll cases are brought from China as souvenirs. White and blue porcelain of the Ming Dynasty can be purchased in specialized stores, art and antique salons, where it is also worth looking for classical Chinese paintings - originals and reproductions, as well as copies of world-famous paintings at a reasonable price.

Hangzhou and Suzhou are famous for tea and silk. When purchasing tea and bulk products, you must remember that the measure of weight in China is “jin”, equal to approximately half a kilo, and the indicated price corresponds to exactly this measure of weight. It is also worth paying attention to jade products, carpets, silk fabrics, jewelry with pearls and silver coins.

In large state stores and grocery stores, prices are fixed. You should bargain in the markets. State stores are open seven days a week from 9:30 to 20:30, private stores from 9:00 to 21:00, and often even longer. Markets usually open at 7:00 (some even at 4:00) and are open until 10:00-12:00.

Accommodation

In China you can find hotels for any budget, be it a hostel for 5 USD per night or a room in a hotel in one of the world's chains for several hundred dollars. The level of service in 4-5 star hotels is good, the service staff speaks English, and in hotels in northern China you can find Russian-speaking employees.

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In China, the standard power supply voltage is 220 W. The rooms are equipped with universal sockets. In Hong Kong you will have to purchase an adapter if your hotel does not offer one, as British style plugs are commonly used in buildings.

Kitchen

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Chinese cuisine is very diverse

From questionable dumpling stalls to 4-5 star restaurants, Chinese cuisine is some of the most delicious in the world. Cultural traditions of Yin and Yang are evident throughout, and preference is given to balance and harmony among the constituent components of dishes.

There are four main “gastronomic regions” in China: Shandong, Sichuan, Canton (Guangdong) and Fujian. The differences between them are not always easy to find, but, for example, Shandong cuisine is more famous for salty dishes and an abundance of light sauces, Sichuan cuisine has a lot of seasonings, spicy and fiery, Canton is distinguished by light processing of dishes and a variety of ingredients.

It is difficult to describe any significant dishes of the Middle Kingdom - there are many of them and they all have variations. But we will look at the most popular ones that guests of China should try.

Peking duck This is the most famous tourist dish in China. It is prepared exclusively from birds weighing about 2.5 kg, raised on special farms. Everything about this dish is important: from the sauce to the wood on which the duck is fried. Duck, cut into pieces with a total weight of 100-120 g, is served along with sweet sauce, thin pancakes and green leeks.

Meat (usually pork) in sweet and sour sauce. At first glance, this unusual combination of sour, sweet and meat may seem... tasteless. But it’s worth trying this such a popular dish to appreciate the gastronomic preferences of the inhabitants of the Middle Kingdom, and then cook this unusual dish yourself.

Tofu- a very useful product that can be found everywhere in Chinese cafes and restaurants. Tofu has unique properties. It takes on the taste of the product with which it is prepared. There is tofu with meat, fish, shrimp, and vegetables. So, by ordering tofu with seafood, you will receive a whole plate of a delicious gourmet dish.

Chinese dumplings(jiaozi, wontons) are part of Chinese culture, depending on the area they differ in shape and filling. Wontons are one of the most popular types of dumplings in China. They resemble a knot in shape and are prepared from a fairly thin dough. Wontons are filled with minced pork, shrimp mixed with ginger, onion, sesame oil and soy sauce.

Tea is a symbol of China: it is grown in 18 provinces and autonomous regions of the country. And the hardworking Chinese can produce over 500 varieties from the fresh leaves of one bush. To learn how to drink tea correctly, you should attend a tea ceremony. But you should buy tea in the markets: in Beijing on Malyangdao Street (马连道, mǎliándào), in Guangzhou at the Fangcun Market (芳村, Fāngcūn). Good tea will be expensive.

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Hot Pot– this is not so much a dish as a whole ceremony of its preparation. They bring you a saucepan with water, which is placed on a heating element, and a set of products: vegetables, seafood or meat, sauces. Once the water boils, you put whatever you want in there and cook for yourself. The dish turns out without much effort (everything is cut) and according to your taste.

Attractions

China has something to offer even the most discerning tourist: famous monasteries, including the legendary Shaolin, the Great Wall of China, rice terraces, the Silk Road, Jiuzhaigou National Park with amazing cascades of waterfalls and uniquely colored lakes - the list goes on for a long time. We offer a list of the most popular places to visit in China.

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Beijing - cultural, economic, political center

Tibet: to visit this amazing place you need to carefully prepare, because foreigners are not allowed in without special permission, and besides, not everyone can withstand the changes in altitude. But whoever can get to this unique place will never regret it: Tibet has many magnificent religious and cultural monuments. The most revered temple of Tibetan Buddhism, Jokhang, the Drepung and Sera monasteries, the Norbulingka complex of residences of the Dalai Lamas and much more awaits you in Tibet.

The largest city in China and the first most populous city in the world. The Oriental Pearl Tower, the Shanghai television tower, is one of the tallest towers in China. The "Oriental Pearl", as it is often called, is located in the Pudong area and plays the role of a modern business center. Stroll along the Shanghai embankment, visit the former residence of the "Father of Modern China" Sun Yat-sen, do some shopping on Nanjing Road, relax in one of the parks - there is always something to do in Shanghai.

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Shanghai is the first most populous city in the world

Chengdu and Panda Breeding Center: If you want to see pandas and even hold a cub on your lap, then you should definitely visit the Panda Breeding Center. In this center, pandas live almost in natural conditions. It is recommended to visit early (around 8 - 10 am), because... For the rest of the day (starting from noon), pandas sleep.

Xi'an and the Terracotta Army: More than 7,000 clay copies of warriors were found near Xi'an. Moreover, all wars have individual characteristics, and their armor is also different. According to scientists' research, the Terracotta Army, along with the founder of the Qin dynasty, Emperor Qin Shi Huang, was buried in 210 BC.

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"Terracotta Army" - more than 7,000 clay copies of warriors

Rice terraces: Spectacular natural landscapes can be seen when you reach the rice terraces. Millions of tourists visit these remote places every year to witness the breathtaking scenery and hard work of the local people. Best time to visit: November – April.

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Rice terraces

Zhangjiajie National Park: in the Chinese province of Hunan there is an amazing park, the giant rocks of which formed the basis of Avatar. One of the most important mountains in the park is Tianmen Shan with the amazing Heavenly Gate cave - the highest in the world, 131.5 m high, 57 m wide at its widest point. There is a legend among local residents that the mountain has supernatural powers.

Hong Kong: mixing English gloss with Asian traditions. More recently (in 1997), Hong Kong came under the jurisdiction of China, but retained the spirit of Great Britain. The best views are from Victoria Peak. You should definitely visit the statue of the world's largest sitting Buddha, the picturesque Man Mao Temple, Aberdeen Harbour, Won Tai Sing Temple, the colonial-era Murray House... And, of course, the best shopping in China is here in Hong Kong.

China is still a socialist state in East Asia. It ranks third in the world, second only to Russia and Canada, in terms of territory. A people with a unique mentality and customs. With all that said, we recommend that you learn more about the characteristics and traditions of China before you travel.

Climate and weather in China

Situated on an area of ​​9.6 million square meters. km of our planet, China comprises seven climatic zones - from subtropical in the southeast to sharply continental in the northwest. At the same time there can be -40 in one part of the republic and +40 in the opposite.

China is characterized primarily by monsoon rains and a pronounced change of seasons. In winter, China will greet you with regular northerly winds with light precipitation, and in summer - heavy rain with frequent southerly winds.

Experienced guests of China advise new tourists to visit the Celestial Empire in spring and autumn, given that in the hot summer, hotels in China are crowded with tourists.

However, no matter when you decide to visit China, stock up on an umbrella, take warm and comfortable clothes with you if you suddenly decide to go to the mountains and take comfortable shoes for hiking.

The monetary unit of the People's Republic of China is the yuan. Banknotes in use are 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 yuan, there are also 10 and 50 fen, and also coins of 1, 2 and 5 fen and 1 yuan. One dollar USD = 7.5 yuan.

The pioneer tourist has a question: how much money should he take with him? There is an answer! If you are traveling from a tour operator, then the main expenses, usually breakfast, dinner and accommodation, are already included in the price of the tour. The rest of the costs - travel (3-10 yuan at a time), street food you like (from 10 to 20 yuan), drinks (on average 4-20 yuan), seafood (60 yuan) and others - depend on your choice, on average from 50 to 100 yuan per day. If you are not limited in finances, then we advise you to take it with a reserve, at the rate of 100 dollars. USA for one day, in case flights and accommodation have already been paid for.

All cash payments in China are made in local currency. You can exchange funds either at the main branches of the national bank or in hotels (you must have a passport with you to travel abroad). In hotels they will exchange money for you exactly at the official rate. We recommend keeping your currency exchange receipt until the end of your trip. If your holiday in China has come to an end and you have not completely spent your yuan, you can exchange it back for the cash currency you need, upon presentation of a certificate indicating the exchange of foreign funds into Chinese yuan. The certificate is valid for 6 months. The exchange is carried out at the branch of the state bank at the international airport.

In order not to worry about exchanging money on the territory of a foreign country, tourists in China are advised to transfer the required amount in advance into the desired currency. The ideal ratio is 60% in yuan and 40% in US dollars.

Tips for tourists in China regarding the choice of food and water are very important. Food in China is very varied and exotic. However, it is not always distinguished by a high level of clean preparation. Therefore, in China, tourists are recommended to visit trusted Chinese restaurants, which your guide will tell you about, or eat at the hotel.

Tourists are advised to use bottled water for drinking, or from thermoses located in hotel complexes.

Due to the unusual and specific food, tourists often experience stomach upsets, so be sure to take the necessary medications with you.

Another feature of Chinese catering that a tourist in China should know about is that the concept of “portion” does not exist, hence the advice: do not panic, but know that they are large enough here and you can order for one, but two can eat.

Due to the heavy traffic here, our advice for tourists is to use public transport in China. In addition, international driver's licenses are not valid here, so renting a car here is only possible with a driver.

The metro is the cheapest and safest transport. When entering the metro, you need to select a station and the machine will tell you the required amount for the trip. Keep your ticket until the end of your trip. The metro runs frequently and clearly, unlike ground transport, which can get stuck in traffic jams during rush hour.

Buses are usually overcrowded and less comfortable. Although when traveling by this particular transport, you will see China as it is, as the locals see it. If this is the purpose of your visit, we recommend traveling by bus.

Taxi is a comfortable and affordable transport in big cities of China. They are waiting for you at hotels, you can call them by phone or catch them on the street. Payment is made by meter and the cost of 1 km ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 yuan. At night, the tariff may be increased. If you are visiting China for the first time, we recommend using this type of transport.

What to bring for a tourist from China

China will greet you with a large selection of different goods and souvenirs. However, we advise you to bring from the Middle Kingdom something that will for a long time convey the atmosphere of the culture of the mysterious country of the Far East. Take with you beautiful china, cups, chopsticks, fans, scroll cases, and boxes. China is also known for its excellent tea and silk.

In government stores and shops the cost of goods is fixed, but in the markets do not forget to bargain.

As a rule, antiques are sold in government stores, but they are expensive. In the markets, most likely, they will offer a fake, if you are not an expert, it is safe to say that you will not notice it. Recommendations – don’t take risks.

The choice of souvenirs in China is very large, although these are not always high-quality goods.

• You cannot take pictures in churches;
• If you carry valuables with you, be careful, China has a problem with petty theft. Identity documents can also be valuable to thieves;
• take cash with you. You can pay with a credit card mainly in Beijing, banks and large department stores;
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