Where is the best place to go on holiday in China? Where to go in China

China is located in the East and has the largest population in the world - about 1.4 billion in an area of 9.6 million square kilometers. km (3rd place in the world). The country is in the top five in terms of international tourist flow. Tourists are attracted by local culture and traditions, beach holidays, a lot of attractions and shopping.

The best resorts and beaches in China

China is attractive to tourists for many reasons. To make your vacation truly unforgettable, you should give preference to the best resorts countries:

Yalunwan Bay (Yalong Bay, 25 km from Sanya, Hainan)

The advantage of this place in the climate is that here it is mild, the average temperature is 27 degrees. This resort is quite fashionable, therefore it is rich in 5-star hotels, but there are also budget accommodation options. An important advantage of Yalunwan Bay is 7.5 km of white quartz sand (Yalong Bay) and clear water.

Wanning (Hainan)

This place attracts wildlife, white sand, sparsely populated. Here is one of the best places for surfing. There are few hotels and restaurants on the island, most of the tourists visit it during excursions, after which few people remain on the beaches.

This city was a Portuguese colony, so in addition to Chinese, Portuguese is used here. The resort attracts with a combination of Asian and European culture - this can be seen from the local population, the architecture of the city. This is a very fashionable resort and it primarily attracts gamblers, as it has the highest concentration of gambling establishments in the world. A distinctive feature of Macau is its own currency - the pataca (less than the yuan). Beach holidays are also good here. The beaches are well equipped. For families with children, Coloane beach is better suited. White sand can be found on Cheok Wan, and black volcanic sand can be found on Macau Hak-Sa.

This major financial, tourist and transport center of the country used to belong to Japan and Russia, which was reflected in its culture and architecture. There are beautiful sea beaches, a 118-meter underwater tunnel, the largest oceanarium in the country. One of the best beaches for walks, the one on the territory of Laohutan Scenic Park is considered.

Xinghai Square

Another resort on the Yellow Sea. This is 25 km of the coastal zone (width 3 km), pure water, a lot of historical sights and attractive shopping.

Beidaihe

This resort is located on the Yellow Sea and attracts with its beautiful bays and coastline, which stretches for 11 km. The infrastructure is developed here, there are a lot of attractions and entertainment.

It is in Beidaihe that the end of the Great Wall of China is located.

This island has great religious significance among Buddhists, and tourists are also attracted by its magnificent beaches. Local sunsets are especially appreciated by romantic couples.

Sanya

This city is the main tourist center Hainan Islands, so the prices here are quite high. There are a lot of sandy beaches, a warm climate and a very developed infrastructure. This option is great for Russian tourists, as many inscriptions are duplicated in Russian.

Video story about the rest, hotel, attractions in the city of Sanya on the island of Hainan:

There are a lot of beaches in China - the length of the coastline is more than 18 thousand kilometers.

Holiday prices

Holiday prices in China vary widely. You need to pay here in the local currency - yuan (CNY). There are about 10 Russian rubles in one Chinese yuan.

Flights

Airfare to China depends on the points of departure and arrival. The cost of tickets from Moscow to different Chinese provinces may differ by two or more times. Round-trip flights will cost the following amounts:

from 53 thousand rubles to Sanya;
from 29 thousand rubles to Dalian;
from 28 thousand rubles to Qingdao;
from 27 thousand rubles to Shanghai;
from 24 thousand rubles to Beijing.

In total, there are more than 150 destinations, so you can choose the most convenient option for arriving anywhere in China.

Housing

In China, you can find both expensive luxury hotels and budget accommodation where you can spend the night at minimal cost. Prices depend on the city (resort), the chosen level of comfort and the status of the institution:

Beijing. A 5-star hotel in the capital will cost from 505 CNY (4924 rubles), a 4* room - from 141 CNY (1375 rubles), and a bed in an 8-bed dormitory room - from 54 CNY (527 rubles).

Sanya and Yalunvan. A 2-bed room in a 5-star hotel will cost from 270 CNY (2632 rubles), a 4-bed double room - from 190 CNY (1853 rubles), a bed in an 8-bed shared room - from 34 CNY (331.5 rubles) . A one-bedroom villa costs from 335 CNY (3266 rubles).

Wanning. A 5* hotel room here costs from 305 CNY (2974 rubles), a bed in a dormitory room will cost from 60 CNY (585 rubles), and a standard double room from 245 CNY (2389 rubles).

Macau. A room in a 5-star hotel will cost from 895 Patacas (7213 rubles), a double room 4 * - from 715 Patacas (5763 rubles). There are no hostels here, so the cheapest option is a 2-star hotel. A 2-bed room in it will cost from 520 pataka (4191 rubles).

Caravel Hotel 2* in Macau

Dalyan. A room in a 5-star hotel here will cost from 335 CNY (3266 rubles), a 2-bed 4 * room - from 281 CNY (2740 rubles), a bed in a 6-bed shared room - from 34 CNY (331.5 rubles).
Qingdao. A 5* room will cost from 420 CNY (4095 rubles), 4* from 168 CNY (1638 rubles), a bed in a 6-bed dormitory room - from 35 CNY (341 rubles).

Baidaihe. A 5* hotel room will cost here from 405 CNY (3949 rubles), 4* - from 141 CNY (1375 rubles), a budget single room - from 100 CNY (975 rubles).
Putuo. A room in a 5-star hotel will cost here from 420 CNY (4095 rubles), in a 4-star hotel - from 170 CNY (1658 rubles), a bed in a dormitory room - from 34 CNY (331.5 rubles).

Food

China is a large and tourist-oriented country, so here you can find the cuisine of different peoples of the world. Some of the local dishes worth trying are:

Peking duck is a masterpiece of Chinese cuisine: the duck is grown in a special way, it is pickled for a day, and then it is also cooked according to a special technology;
tofu - bean curd, it has a peculiar smell, but it is not felt in various dishes;
Chinese dumplings - wanton and jiao-tzu, several thousand variations of fillings;
ko yu bin - fried flatbread with green onions;
century eggs - in fact, they are aged for no more than 100 days, duck eggs are used, which are coated with a special composition and kept in the ground or in a special vat;
laziji - fried chicken breast with spices;
yu xiang rou si - sliced pork with spicy garlic sauce, vegetables and mushrooms;
tribute-dan noodles - noodles with minced pork, herbs, pickled vegetables and chili;
dongmo - lard and meat, which is first fried and then stewed;
drunken scorpion - used as a snack for beer: the scorpion is drowned in wine, and then deep-fried (the poison is neutralized);
gongbao - chicken pieces fried with peanuts and chili.

Gongbao chicken

special attention fruits deserve in China, many of which are exotic:

durian;
mango;
mangosteen;
jackfruit;
kumquat;
longan;
litchi;
pitahaya;
pomelo;
Goji berries;
more famous fruits: watermelons and melons, apricots, peaches, bananas, kiwi, grapes, pears, cherries, persimmons, plums.

A mandatory attribute and the beginning of any meal is tea, mostly green. You should also try oolong, especially te guan yin. It is worth getting acquainted with the Chinese tea ceremony - it is no less interesting than in Japan.

Food in China is cheaper compared to Europe. You can have lunch together in a cafe for an average of 70 CNY (683 rubles), in a restaurant - from 200 CNY (1950 rubles). The prices for individual meals are as follows:

Peking duck - 17 CNY (166 rubles);
0.5 l of tea (in a teapot) - from 10 CNY (98 rubles);
dumplings - from 8 CNY per serving (78 rubles);
spicy fish soup - 25 CNY (244 rubles);
hamburger - 12 CNY (117 rubles);
cappuccino - from 15 CNY per cup (146 rubles).

Fast food is cheap. You can buy it on the street. A serving of rice will cost 1 CNY (~10 rubles), rice noodle soup - 5 CNY (49 rubles), meat skewers - 1.5 CNY (15 rubles), rice cake with filling - 2.5 CNY (25 rubles).

You can buy products in stores at the following prices:

a dozen eggs - from 11 CNY (107 rubles);
1 liter of milk - from 12 CNY (117 rubles);
1 kg of cheese - from 85 CNY (829 rubles);
1 kg of fish or shrimp - from 15 CNY (146 rubles);
1 kg of minced meat - from 20 CNY (195 rubles);
1 kg of fruit - 3-7 CNY (29-68 rubles);
1 kg of potatoes - 3 CNY (29 rubles);
1.5 liters of water - 2 CNY (20 rubles);
Chinese beer - from 2 CNY (20 rubles) per 0.5 l, imported - from 2 CNY per 0.33 l;
wine - from 90 CNY (878 rubles) for 0.7 liters.

Transport

Transport system quite developed in China. You can move around the city here in the following ways:

Bus- one of the most popular and cheapest option. The cost of the trip depends on the distance. A short trip will cost 1 CNY (10 rubles), an air-conditioned bus is twice as expensive. A Beijing or Shanghai bus will cost 2-3 CNY (20-29 rubles). At long stay it is advisable to buy a monthly pass - it costs 200 CNY (1950 rubles).
Metro and trains. The average ticket price is 2 CNY (20 rubles), and in large cities it depends on the number of stops.
Taxi. The cost of landing is from 13 CNY (127 rubles), the cost of 1 km depends on the city and starts from 2.5 CNY (24 rubles).
Cycle rickshaws and motor rickshaws. This is one of the cheapest and most unusual transportation option. The trip will cost 1.5-3 CNY (15-29 rubles).
Bike. Such transport in China can be inexpensively bought or rented. In Beijing, rental will cost 5 CNY (49 rubles) per hour or 40 CNY (390 rubles) per day. You can rent a mountain or speed bike for 8 CNY (78 rubles) per hour or 50 CNY (488 rubles) per day.

For intercity trips, you can choose a bus, railway(the longest in Asia and the third in the world), river transport.

shopping

Shopping in China deserves special attention. The goods of this country are known all over the world. Factory items are of the best quality. You can also buy famous brands here.

In addition to standard souvenirs from China, it is worth bringing:

good porcelain - from 11 thousand CNY (107 thousand rubles) for a hand-painted vase, but memorabilia can be found many times cheaper;
products made of pearls, jade;
silk clothes;
cheap clothes - jeans can be bought from 50 CNY (488 rubles), a T-shirt - 2-4 times cheaper;
watch;
Chinese tea;
medicines from natural ingredients - ginseng, antlers, gelatin from donkey skin, medicinal plants;
household appliances and electronics - mainly smartphones and tablets Xiaomi, Meizu;
cosmetics: HerborisT, Bioaqua, Angel Xuewei, Dong Gia, Doctor Li, Laikou.

The direction of shopping in China depends only on the preferences of the tourist and his financial capabilities. The following deserve special attention:

In various stores and clothing markets, you can find fakes of famous brands. Not all of them are of the best quality, but if you spend enough time looking, you can find good options.

For profitable shopping it is important to choose the right time. Discounts and sales are timed to the following periods:

on the eve of October 1 (Foundation Day of the People's Republic of China);
on the eve of the Chinese New Year;
in mid-December before the European New Year and Christmas;
out of seasons: in spring, in June-July, September.

Discounts in China are indicated in a special way. Prices are written in fractions. The first number is the starting price, and the second is the discount amount. Subtracting the second number from the first number, we get the cost of the goods.

Attractions, entertainment

China occupies a large territory with many attractions. The following items deserve special attention:

The great Wall of China ( Northern China) - more than 8.85 thousand km. It was built of brick (most) and natural mountain range. This magnificent building began to be erected in the 4th century BC. e. The wall is the largest architectural monument on the planet.
. This is the largest palace complex on the planet and one of the largest wooden buildings on the UNESCO list. The palace was built in the 15th century, but has undergone many changes over the past centuries.
Terracotta Army (Xi'an)- the burial of more than 8 thousand full-size terracotta statues of Chinese warriors and horses.
Burial Tombs of Ancient China- the tombs of Chinese rulers of different dynasties. The oldest of them date back to the 5th century BC. e, the latter - by the 17th century. These tombs are called pyramids. They are located in different parts of the country, but are especially remarkable in Xi'an, Liaoning province (the oldest mausoleums).
- one of 5 sacred mountains Taoism. There are more than 20 temples, 800 slabs and thousands of rock paintings and inscriptions on its territory. You can get to the top by stairs, having overcome 72 steps. the largest and ancient complex on the mountain is the Temple of the Deity of Mount Tai.
Mogao Cave (Gansu)- refers to the earliest Buddhist temples in the country and is the largest cave Qianfodong (early Buddhist cave temple complex). The area of the cave is 42 thousand square meters. m, fresco painting prevails in it. The temple was founded in the IV century.
Confucian shrines (Qufu)- the temple of worship of Confucius, his family estate, the Forest of Kunov (family cemetery).
Potala Palace (Lhasa)- the royal palace and the Buddhist temple complex. The palace complex occupies 360 thousand square meters. m and is located on a high hill that rises above the city.
Summer Imperial Palace (Beijing)- a park that includes more than 3 thousand buildings. It was the residence of the emperors of the Qing Dynasty. Particularly noteworthy is the longest painted corridor in the world (listed in the Guinness Book of Records) - the 728-meter Long Corridor, on the walls of which there are more than 8 thousand paintings.
Temple of Heaven (Dongcheng, central Beijing)- a temple and monastery complex with a round Temple of the Harvest (the only one in the city of this form). The territory covers almost 280 hectares.
- a complex of ancient rock reliefs (VII-X century). These are 75 protected areas and more than 50 thousand statues of various subjects: Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism. More than a hundred thousand hieroglyphs are carved on the statues.
Yungang Caves (Shanxi)- more than 250 man-made caves and niches with statues. The complex includes more than 50 thousand statues.
- a navigable canal, which belongs to the oldest hydraulic structures in the world. Its length with branches is about 2.5 thousand km.

While on holiday in China, you should definitely visit one of its amusement parks. It will be interesting there not only for children, but also for adults. The following items deserve special attention:

Chimalun Safari Park - more than 50 species of animals
Guangzhou crocodile park - about 100 thousand crocodiles
Chimaloon Paradise - one of the best roller coasters in the world (listed in the Guinness Book of Records)
Ocean Kingdom (Chimalun) - one of the world's largest marine animal theme parks, includes 4 theaters, an arts center
Happy Valley (Beijing) - dozens of landscape themes, themed shows and attractions, game objects
Happy Valley (Shenzhen) - a theme park with an area of more than 350 thousand square meters. m, the oldest attractions of the country are noteworthy
Valley of Happiness (Shanghai) - a theme park on 863.5 thousand square meters. m, noteworthy Hurricane Bay, Kingdom of ants, attractions
Happy Valley (Wuhan) - 13 sq. km
Dinosaur Park (Changzhou) - more than 20 attractions, including Dinosaur Island, water park, green gardens, hot springs, attractions
Disneyland (Hong Kong) - the smallest Disneyland, occupies 1.1 sq. km

There are a lot of attractions and entertainment in China. You can find them in almost every city or at a short distance from it. This country impresses with its scale in everything.

An interesting story about rides, carousels and emotions during and after visiting the Hong Kong fairytale town Disneyland:

What is the best time of year to visit China?

The territory of China is large, and therefore climatic conditions on it are varied. This is a sharply continental arid (desert) climate in the northeast of the country, temperate in its central part (most of the territory) and subtropical in the southeast.

The weather in different Chinese provinces is strikingly different. In the northernmost province of Heilongjiang (temperate climate) average temperature in July 20 degrees, and in winter 0 degrees, but in January it can even reach -30 degrees. At the same time, in the southern regions of Guangdong in July, the average temperature is 28 degrees, and in January 10 degrees.

In terms of precipitation in China, there are also significant differences. The rainiest are southern regions countries where the maximum precipitation occurs in the summer seasons. To the northwestern part of China, the amount of precipitation decreases, the driest areas are the Gobi, Takla Makan, Ordos deserts.

In the southern and eastern regions of the country, natural disasters are observed every year - devastating typhoons, floods, tsunamis, droughts. The northern part of China suffers from yellow dust storms in the spring, which are brought by winds from the northern deserts.

When going to China, you need to consider climatic features specific region. When traveling across the country, you will need clothes and shoes for different weather.

When choosing when to travel to China, you should also consider the following points:

winter makes it possible to visit ski resorts and ride on the mountain slopes;
in the northern and northeastern regions of the country, winter is in November-April, due to the severe cold, it is better to exclude visiting these places;
spring is well suited for exploring the country, especially on the islands and the coast;
summer is hot and rainy season, it is better to spend this time on the islands, the coast, visit Beijing;
in July, due to the intense heat, preference should be given to the northern regions;
it gets cooler in autumn, so it’s good to relax on the coast, you should go to the northern regions with warm clothes, autumn is a great time for excursions to any part of the country.

China is one of the most popular countries in tourism. Here you can find a holiday for every taste: sandy beaches, historical and cultural attractions, entertainment of various levels, shopping. Tourists are also interested in the life and culture of the country's inhabitants.

China is famous for the beauty and well-being of its resorts. This country receives a huge flow of foreign tourists from year to year, 10% of which are Russians. And that's about a million people. Based on these data, one can understand that the popularity of Chinese resorts is not far-fetched, and everyone will be able to choose a place that he likes for his vacation. Helping you make the final choice this review by popular resort centers China.

Do I need a visa	Currency	How long is the flight from Moscow

Need	CNY	On average - 7-9 hours

Where to go in China

hainan island. It can be called paradise. The name of this city literally translates as "island south of the sea", and in fact, Hainan is located in the south of the country. This one is popular tropical island, both among Russians and among representatives of other diverse countries. Therefore, if you choose it for recreation, you will need to get used to the huge noisy crowd of tourists and locals.
Beijing. The city has a large number of historical and cultural attractions. Also, the demand for this resort is provided by the presence of huge beautiful beaches. Many begin their acquaintance with China from its capital, Beijing.
Guangzhou. It has a humid subtropical climate. It is a city with unique architecture and interesting historical heritage. Guangzhou is quite important for its country, because it is the largest commercial, industrial, scientific, educational, transport and tourist center of southern China, as well as a major seaport foreign trade.
Shanghai. This city also enjoys an important status, despite being relatively young. Historical and cultural heritage in view of its age is not particularly different. But it has many other advantages: while relaxing in Shanghai, you can catch the peach blossom festival, get to the performance of the Shanghai circus group, visit the famous hot thermal source and many others interesting places.
Guilin. This mysterious city attracts tourists who will be interested in visiting among amazing mountains and caves. Guilin is an incredible cluster of natural attractions, in this picturesque corner you will be able to relax both soul and body.
Xi'an. It has a temperate continental climate. The air temperature, on average, reaches a maximum of 15ºC. The most favorable weather conditions in Xian can be found in the intervals from March to June and from October to mid-December. This resort is located on the Wei River, so it surprises with a variety of flora. From beautiful places also worth noting is the ancient Guanzhong Plain.
Harbin. The largest city in northeast China. It strikes with the richness and beauty of flora and fauna. Initially, Harbin had the status of a traditional ancient Chinese settlement, and later, not without reason, began to be considered a multinational city. From here began the activities of the two famous Chinese dynasties Jin and Qing.
hangzhou. Picturesque nature, a variety of cultural and historical heritage, extensive beautiful beaches, comfortable service - all this at the same time brought together major resort city Hangzhou. In addition, if you wish, you can learn the traditions and life of the indigenous population.
Datong. Datong has historical importance, in ancient times it was considered the second capital of China for a long time. Therefore, this resort meets tourists with an abundance of historical sights. Natural treasures are also very varied. It is possible to distinguish Yungang Buddhist cave temples located outside the city. They are known as the epitome of ancient Chinese architecture and have an incomparable atmosphere.
Beidaihe. Peace and tranquility reign in this resort. It is often chosen for recreation by the top leaders of the Chinese Communist Party. Beidaihe is located on the coast of the Yellow Sea. In it you can find many historical and natural attractions, picturesque parks, beaches and health resorts. It is also possible to get cheap access to the capital.
Weihai. This resort accepts guests only during the warm season. It is interesting in that amazing sandy rookeries are located in it. Weihai is also well-liked by tourists for its high-quality service. One by one in this city lined up shopping centers, shops, cafes, restaurants, cinemas, beauty salons and many other diverse establishments.
Yantai. Yantai is a health resort town. For vacationers, there is a great opportunity to try many types of marine entertainment. Can ride on water scooter, banana boat, fly on a water parachute. The sea does not have sharp transitions to depth, it is shallow in itself. Numerous cafes and restaurants with European cuisine are also very popular.

When is the best time to go to China?

Many tourists are wondering when is the best time to go to China, it is very difficult to answer it. It all depends on the purpose pursued by the tourist. You can go to see all the sights of the region, you can go on a beach holiday to lie on the beach under the rays of the warm sun, or you can go shopping or spend a relaxing family holiday no noise. To decide at what time of the year it is better to make this or that trip, you need to decide on the purpose of the trip and get acquainted with all the resorts in China.

Usually the hotel is selected taking into account the location of the resort. For example, adherents beach holiday they spend most of their holidays on the seashore, or sunbathe on a sun lounger by the pool. This type of vacation involves the frequent presence of vacationers in a hotel room. Therefore, high demands are placed on comfort and service.

In the event that tourists prefer active recreation, they are interested in excursions, sightseeing tours, learning a new culture, hiking in the mountains, then the requirements for the hotel are not so high. As a rule, for this type of tourists, accommodation and showers matter. Travelers are not so much demanding of hotel service.

Before choosing a hotel in China, you should find out about the level of development of local infrastructure. Try to find out approximate prices for breakfasts and lunches in local restaurants and cafes. If their cost is satisfactory, then you can save money on the hotel by excluding breakfast in the room from the list of services. Almost in all resort towns the world transport interchange is quite developed. Runs every hour public transport: buses, minibuses and trams. Knowing this, you can choose a hotel not only in the city center, where prices are too high, but also on the outskirts.

To facilitate the task of choosing a suitable hotel in China, you need to focus on the following points:

Star level;
Age;
Landscape and well-groomed territory;
Distance from attractions and the beach;
Nearby restaurants and cafes;
The quality of the services provided;
Kitchen;
Entertainment program for children;
Availability of fitness rooms;
Leisure organization.

For convenience, when choosing a hotel in China, there are special ratings that are compiled by users on websites on the Internet. The rating is formed thanks to the points given by tourists who have visited that hotel. The highest score is five points. This will help to form the right opinion about the hotel. It is worth noting that not only the hotel is evaluated, but also other factors (price list, service, leisure for children, room cleaning, kitchen, and so on). This helps a lot when choosing, as a holistic picture is created. Naturally, hotels with a score below three points should not be considered at all as possible options for staying at the resort.

Before booking rooms in China, carefully study the official website of the hotel. Explore the full range of services provided. Real reviews about the hotel from your friends and acquaintances will be very useful. If you have planned a family vacation with children, then pay attention to family-type hotels. They create a cozy and calm atmosphere. For a friendly company, the hotel is better suited, near which numerous clubs and restaurants are located. Therefore, it is so important to get acquainted not only with the hotel, but also with nearby establishments in the perimeter.

After you decide on exactly how you want to relax, you need to find out the pricing policy of the hotel, with the existing types of rooms and the level of service. Service will play the most important role. Take your time to look at the photos inside the rooms and the facade of the hotel in China, which are posted on the official website. You should be alerted if there is no photo of a shower or bath, it is probably a shared bathroom.

If you like seaside resort, then an important criterion for selecting hotel rooms in China will be the availability of air conditioning. Be sure to ask the hotel manager about the type of air conditioner. Since many hotels use centralized cooling, and this is not always convenient. Much better when you personally choose the desired temperature. Tourists cannot do without valuable gadgets and documents, and therefore an important criterion for choosing a hotel will be the presence of a safe in the room. After all, you can’t always take valuables with you to the beach, but you shouldn’t leave valuables in plain sight in your room either.

Holidays abroad are becoming more and more popular every year not only in the world, but also in Russia. To 106 countries Russian tourists can enter without special permission. There are only 193 states in the world: to visit other Russians, you will need an entry permit, namely a visa. There are several types of visas, but the most popular and desirable is the tourist visa. It is a tourist visa that gives the right to enter the country for a pleasant pastime. It does not give the right to permission to work, study and so on. Is a visa required for China?

Russians need to apply for a tourist visa to visit China. Exceptions are the cities of Hong Kong and Macau, where you can enter for 14 and 30 days without prior permission.

Local cuisine in China

“How many peoples, the same number of traditions” - every traveler will sign this phrase. Each of the nations has its own history and its own unique features of the national cuisine. Tasting local cuisine is an integral part of getting to know a new country. However, not all guests manage to taste original and high-quality local dishes in China. Despite the fact that the World Wide Web of the Internet allows you to get acquainted in advance with reviews about establishments anywhere in the world, most tourists repeat the mistakes of their predecessors, wanting to reveal the originality of the gastronomic delights of other nations as clearly as possible. We will try to help you taste the world while avoiding the most common misconceptions.

Popular doesn't mean good. Cafés, eateries, pubs and restaurants close to landmarks are designed to cater quickly to a large stream of people, often neglecting the taste and quality of the food. At the same time, prices in such establishments are above average. Look for places in China outside the tourist area or ask the locals.
It is preferable to give preference to the choice of dishes not of national cuisine in China, but of regional ones. National cuisine in different regions acquires its subtle, flavoring accents. So, for example, when going to Italy, do not try to comprehend all the delights of Italian cuisine, but learn about the cuisine of a particular region in which you will be.
You can most clearly reveal the features of local cuisine not in a cafe near the hotel or even in expensive restaurants, but at an ordinary dinner with a local family in China. This will allow you to feel the flavor of foreign cuisine as much as possible. By the way, this is not as difficult as it initially seems. Most residents are happy to host foreign guests.
Acquaintance with national cuisine should not be hindered by the language barrier. Lack of knowledge of the local language often prevents you from choosing the best dishes. Misunderstanding of the names of the ingredients does not allow to imagine the flavor composition. Perhaps that is why among tourists in Japan the most popular sushi and rolls, Peking duck and noodles. At the same time, the gastronomic research of these countries is much more diverse and extensive. Therefore, do not be afraid to experiment by tasting unfamiliar dishes.
When choosing a national dish in China, it is recommended to take into account the seasonality of its main ingredients. The flavor saturation and aromatic composition of the dish depends on this. So, for example, in Greece the best sardines are served in the summer, and in Uzbekistan the most milky and juicy lamb is served in the spring.
It is recommended to read reviews about institutions in specialized services. You should not rely only on the subjective opinions of visitors, they do not always correspond to reality. Reviews of specialized publications and objective comments of independent culinary critics are much more priority. Pay attention to the relevance of the information, it should be less than six months old.
The stars don't lie, but they cost a lot. Many people know Michelin stars, but this is by no means the only authoritative world gastronomic guide. Thus, the American quality mark is represented by the Gayot mark, and the Italian one by Gambero Rosso. Please note that this status not only indicates the quality of service and the talent of the chef, but also allows the establishment to increase the cost of its dishes several times.
Local guides and hotel staff in China are often interested in the recommendations of a particular establishment, so you should not completely trust them. More plausible information can be obtained at local farmers' markets. And, looking at private wineries and farms, you will have the opportunity to taste the products of the first freshness.
Taste the national dishes of China, following the local rules for their use. This will maximize their gastronomic features. So, in Austria, it is customary to drink coffee with water, and in Italy, pizza is not poured abundantly with sauce and ketchup.

Chinese tea. Traditional green tea without sugar.
Peking Duck. This is probably the most popular dish, the recipe of which has remained unchanged since 1330 and it is quite expensive.
Tofu. Soy curd.
Tofu stuffed with fish.
Poor chicken. The chicken is stuffed with herbs, cabbage, champignons.
Swallow's nest soup. It is made from seafood.
Chinese hot samovar. The chef prepares before your eyes and with your participation. It includes: meat, mushrooms, vegetables, fish, giblets, noodles.
Duck eggs canned in an unusual way.
Drunk scorpion. A live scorpion is drowned in wine, then deep-fried at a very high temperature.
Shao Kao. Chinese barbecue with seafood, vegetables and meat.
Delicacies here are mainly rice: sweet rice balls, niangao cookies, hunguigo cakes.

The next trip is unthinkable without the purchase of various souvenirs, for their purchase we even allocate separate funds in the budget of the tour. This is explained by the desire to please relatives and dear people who are looking forward to a beautiful souvenir as a gift. By replenishing the collection of souvenirs from different places of rest, in a few years you can collect an excellent collection of crafts that will be a great reminder of travel and adventure.

Only often we buy souvenirs in China, not paying attention to the usefulness and usefulness of things. This is not surprising, because when you go to a souvenir shop, you want to buy all these beautiful little things. At this time, the visual effect wins over the mind and you want to buy as much as possible. An experienced seller will easily notice such confusion of a tourist and will do everything so that the traveler leaves an impressive amount of cash in his shop. Impressive women often fall into this situation, although men also often succumb to this temptation.

Electronics. Acquisition of electronic products of famous brands.
Watch. China sells good watches for women and men of well-known brands. Don't miss the chance to buy original products.
Pearl jewelry. Yes, they serve mainly products with pearls, which are grown on special plantations.
Nephritis. China is a country of jade, and therefore there are a lot of original jade products (pendants, bracelets, and so on).
Silk. In ancient times, China was also called the land of silk. After all, it was here that the best silk in the world was. You can buy any product from it (scarf, clothes, scarves, and so on).
Bamboo products. Bamboo products are not the cheapest gifts, but you can only buy them here.
Chinese dishes. Here you can buy a tea set made of porcelain, siladon and stone. Clay dishes are best discarded.
Paintings with hieroglyphs and landscapes. You can buy them in any park, there are a lot of them here.
Tea. Teas of different varieties for every taste and budget. Many of them are very beneficial for health.
Fan. The Chinese fan is another useful and beautiful present.
Seeds. You can purchase seeds for your garden with various varieties of flowers and vegetables: persimmon, lychee, longan and others.

How to avoid rash purchases?

In order not to become a “victim” of rash purchases and not spoil your vacation in China, you should be smart about choosing souvenirs and various memorable gifts.

No need to rush shopping on the last day. During this period of time, the main efforts should be directed to collecting suitcases, checking out from the hotel and flying, and not to trips to souvenir shops.
No need to purchase souvenirs on the first day of rest. Being under the first impression of new country, a tourist cannot objectively approach the choice of gifts and their quality.
Hotel China staff can provide advice, so it's a good idea to talk to the hotel staff before shopping for souvenirs.
Of course, buying handicraft goods on the street from local residents will not cost much. But the question is whether these goods will be of high quality. It would be wiser to ask the staff of hotels or other tourists where there are proven souvenir shops and visit them.
A beautiful craft chosen with care and love will bring much more pleasant emotions than a hastily bought magnet, which the future owner may not remember at all soon.

Tours to China have long been popular among travelers. Many come here for work, some go shopping. Outdoor enthusiasts fly to ski resorts and conquer Everest. Excursion tours no less in demand - the Celestial Empire is famous for its mysterious story of all existing, which left its mark on the formation cultural heritage and architectural trends. Many Russians visit health resorts and sanatoriums with the purest air and medical places for various therapies during their holidays. But the bulk of travelers go on vacation to China by the sea, where resorts, climate and landscapes are in no way inferior to the Maldives or the Caribbean.

Resorts of China

The tourist infrastructure of the country is developing like mushrooms after the rain and already offers a high level of service, entertainment, local excursions, exciting shopping, equipped sandy beaches for every taste and budget.

This popular resort in southern China, where long beaches with golden sands are washed by the waters of the Yellow Sea. From the land it is surrounded high mountains, densely overgrown with needles. For the crystal air, the fame of a medical resort has turned out. Here you can swim in warm water and do colorful photo against the background of unsurpassed landscapes. The area has long been chosen by our compatriots. beach area is divided into two parts: in the east you can find completely deserted places and enjoy the silence, and West Side more cultured and developed. There is something to do for both adults and children. Dolphinariums and water parks are open for small family members, excursions to the peaks are organized for extreme people, where you can walk through caves and narrow, hidden paths.

Hong Kong

This is the entertainment center of China, a large-scale city where life does not stop even at night. The conditions here are characterized by English good quality and chic service. is no different from the hot sea of Hainan, so tourists rush here all year round.

The best beaches of the resort are concentrated in the Bay of Resistance, which got its name thanks to the courage of the locals who once repelled the offensive sea pirates. The promenade in this place is dotted with restaurants, cafes, entertainment for vacationers and numerous hotels. One of the interesting sights is also located here: the statues of the Goddesses, patronizing the fishermen, whose junks glide daily on the surface of the South China Sea.

Guangzhou, or as it is used to be called by European residents - Canton, has many historical and architectural monuments. The subtropical climate of the area influenced the formation of flora and fauna: the resort is buried in an abundance of flowering shrubs, green parks and squares. It is famous for the 5 stone goats that adorn the south gate and the orchid garden where hundreds of species can be found in their natural habitat. An exotic but modern metropolis with an Asian soul will impress any traveler.

Lhasa

Capital and Cultural Center Tibet, located high in the mountains. The sun's rays here illuminate the territory for 3000 hours a year, for which Lhasa received the nickname. The region is characterized by temperature fluctuations, and if during the day the thermometer can show +30, then at night the marks often drop to 0. For centuries, the area has attracted hundreds of pilgrims, as a result of which the culture and traditions of different peoples are closely mixed here. calling card is the palace of the Dalai Lama, which is visible from all corners. It is he who serves as a guide for tourists.

Manchuria

The main land artery of China is located on the border with Russia. Most of our compatriots from Siberia go for grand shopping in a large developed center, which was once a small village. Large shopping malls and stores over the past ten years have been replaced by small markets and pavilions with a limited range. The metropolis is developing rapidly, fish products, furniture from local woodworking factories, coal, clothing and household items are exported to many countries of the world. Hundreds of windmills are built in a small area. The energy of the wind, the sun, and the earth is melted down by Manchuria into capital—economic, human, and cultural. You will have places to go and go. What is Matryoshka Square worth, strewn with points of sale, cafes, restaurants, centers.

Nanking

During the Ming Dynasty, it was the capital of China. Located " South Capital» 300 kilometers from . The symbolic name was introduced in 1421, when the entire imperial court was moved to Beijing, which became the main seat of the country. surrounded by high mountains and the Yangtze River. Modern development trends, historical and cultural traditions are combined here. Tombs, mausoleums, temples and monasteries adorn the area and attract tourists. Ruin imperial palace Ming and Confucius Temple are some of the main attractions.

Beijing

The capital of China is one of the most visited resorts, where vast beach areas and dozens of interesting, architectural and historical places. Sunbathing and swimming are easy to combine with sightseeing and hiking along the city streets. What is the famous Great Wall of China worth - the only human creation that is clearly visible from near-Earth orbit. It is informative to see and - a unique complex of 800 buildings. In Beijing, there is also a symbol of the whole of China - the Temple of Heaven. After the city, the infrastructure of the metropolis has changed significantly for the better - tourists with any budget can easily find accommodation, food and entertainment here.

Hainan

Hainan Island is called the Chinese "Maldives". Its actual name is translated as "the land beyond south sea". This is a territory with a tropical climate, many hotels, chic service. A resort filled with greenery of palm trees, white sandy beaches, exotic fruits and washed by turquoise water, where you can swim all day long, is ready.

Shanghai

A relatively young metropolis was formed in the 15th century, which is why there are few historical and architectural monuments of nature here. Its active development fell on 1930-1950, when many foreign investments and investments merged here. The transport system is one of the most advanced in the world, and the choice of hotels allows tourists with any budget to have a comfortable rest. The road from the very center to the beach coast will not take you more than an hour, so here you can successfully combine swimming in the East China Sea and an overview of interesting places in the depths of Shanghai. The sunbathing season here lasts from June to September. Every year, during the holiday seasons, hundreds are held here, so if you guess the time of the visit, you can visit the very center of events.

Yabuli

Yabuli is the largest and best ski resort in China, where it will be interesting to spend a vacation. It is located in the north of the map, in the province of Manzhou. The season for skiing and winter sports here lasts almost the entire year. For lovers of active sports, there are trails of varying difficulty, cross-country skiing trails, jumping hills, etc. In the hot months, tourists are offered at least interesting entertainment- riding a toboggan - a useless sleigh.

Climate

It is impossible to say something general about it, since the territory is huge, spread over several climatic zones, the regions of residence are located both in flat areas and high in the mountains, so the temperature varies by more than a dozen degrees and can change significantly even during days. In general, the country has a pronounced change of seasons, winter is characterized by a low level of precipitation, and summer is characterized by rare monsoon showers. It is warmest in Hainan and Hong Kong, colder by a couple of degrees in Gangzhou, and Beidaihe and Manchuria are even characterized by negative temperatures in winter.

Visa and customs

To travel to China, a visa is required, which is issued at the consulate upon prior application. For visiting Hong Kong and Hainan Island as part of a tourist group for up to 2 weeks. When visiting Xijiao and Macau through Manchuria airport, a visa can be obtained directly on the spot upon arrival. In a number major cities countries, including the resorts of Guangzhou and Shanghai, do not need a visa if you stay up to 72 hours, in a situation where you arrived in the metropolis for a connecting flight.

How to get to China

The most convenient way to get to China is by air. Air communication between the major cities of China and Russia has been established, flights are provided in all directions. The train journey from the European part of our homeland will take at least 130 hours, bypassing the territory of Mongolia. From the regions of Siberia and the Far Eastern regions, buses regularly go to Manchuria and other northern regions. settlements China, but for travel up to southern points still preferable air traffic, the road on land can be unreasonably tiring.

Transport

You can travel around the country by planes, buses and trains. The Chinese themselves prefer buses, which are equipped with toilets, folding beds and other amenities for routes between major cities.

Cars are not suitable for transportation. Under the laws of the country, you can manage vehicles only in the presence of a guide with rights, which may not be very convenient and unreasonably expensive. In this case, it is better to use a taxi or a car with a personal driver.

There are always a lot of people on the trains, in all directions they eat exclusively modern, equipped with everything necessary, passenger trains. They move clearly on schedule and the best are Z-class express trains.

Buses are often crowded local residents and stand in massive traffic jams. If you are in big cities, it is better to use the subway.

Currency

The official currency of China is . It is better to go on a trip with dollars and change them into the national currency on the spot, but there are exchange offices for rubles and euros everywhere.

Interesting! At the border in Suifenhe, as an experiment, they were allowed to pay in rubles, and many of our tourists travel around the country using only a ruble card.

Beaches

Several seas, it has a coastline stretching for tens of kilometers, divided into many wild and equipped places for water and solar procedures.

Guangxi

In the province of Gunaxi, in the vastness of the town of Beihai, the beaches are no less picturesque than in the resorts of heavenly Hainan. The 2-kilometer snow-white private beach is especially famous, but you will have to pay 25 yuan to enter its territory.

The town of Dayan is located on political map in Liaoning province and is famous not only for many interesting places, but also for a large selection of beaches on the coast. Visit Tigra Beach, where you can slide down the slides of a large water park and admire the stone statues. Tourists also prefer Bangchuidao Juggu and Golden Stone Beach.

Hainan

Hainan is the best place for coastal relaxation in China. The tropical green island is dotted along and across with the most beautiful coastal zone, immersed in snow-white sands and the shade of sprawling palm trees. The beach loved by many is located in the city of Sanya. No less popular is Yalong Bay.

Shandong

Shandong is a city with a fascinating history and unique architecture. Favorite recreation area for members of the Communist Party. The coastal zone is divided into 6 beaches, each of which is numbered. The last one is the most comfortable, and the second one is the cleanest and quietest.

Shenzhen is famous for some of the best, but also some of the most beautiful and picturesque in the whole world. Dameisha and Hioameisha are recognized as the most visited. The infrastructure of the area is developed and allows you to relax in comfort, and not far from the coast you can see a number of islands, where you can also swim successfully and have fun.

The beaches of the Xiamen resort stretch for many kilometers, which allows you to wander for hours on clear warm water and enjoy the salty air, surrounded by snow-white sand embankments. A feature of the zone is that all the beaches there are free and you can stay on them as long as you like.

shopping

It is customary to bring porcelain, silk products, jade accessories, pearls, lanterns, jewelry boxes and cosmetics from China. Among the wide range of products it is not easy to choose a worthy and high-quality one. That is why many people prefer shopping tours to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hankong and other major cities, where a specially trained guide will take you to the best selling points and is guaranteed to show you the main attractions and places for the best beach holiday in China.

The capital has a whole market Street, focused on buyers from Russia, where everyone communicates in Russian, and the goods are directed to our regions. The Silk Market is also a good place for shopping, where tourists can buy inexpensive, but shoes, accessories and the Panjiayun Antiques Bazaar. It is also profitable to go to China for fur coats. A similar product is sold in all metropolitan areas, without exception, where the foot of a European tourist sets foot.

Kitchen

It has not been a novelty for a long time and has already won the hearts and stomachs of people from all over the world. Since the country is huge in its size, each of its regions has its own cooking highlights:

Beijing cuisine consists of vegetables, lamb, pork and poultry, generously supplemented with rice. The most common dishes are dandelion salad, clay chicken, Chinese samovar and Chinese dumplings.
Shanghai cuisine. Seafood, fish, rice vodka and richly spiced treats make up the national cuisine of Shanghai. Cabbage and mushroom soups, noodles with tiger prawns, squid, crabs according to various recipes, soy pie with fish filling are the main dishes of this region.
Cantonese cuisine is very original. Its ingredients are not always familiar to Russian tourists. Often the composition of dishes includes turtles, snakes, dogs or shark fins. Be sure to try the noodle rolls, fish treats, rice, dumplings and dumplings.
Sichuan cuisine. The food here is mostly smoked or steamed. A feature is the abundant use of herbs and spices: red pepper, chili, coriander, anise, garlic and sesame without fail complement all the main treats. Soybean oil tofu, sour soy doufu, seafood, chicken and noodles melt on your lips.

Landmarks of China

China is replete with its color and cultural heritage, to list all the numerous significant places won't come out. They are represented by both natural and architectural sights, which are scattered throughout the country.

Beijing

This is a metropolis that embodies all the power of the Middle Kingdom. It is not the most ancient city, but one of the most interesting. Some of the buildings are located in its vicinity, and in the very center there is a beautiful palace complex - which has acquired the status of a national museum.

Xi'an

This ancient city notable for its museum, which houses the famous collection of terracotta sculptures from the tomb of the Chinese ruler Qin Shi Huang. On the territory there are also many garden and park museums that store exotic plant species from around the world.

This unique and colorful point on the map of China's sights is presented in the form of a picturesque mountain. It is a place of worship and a shrine for the religious direction of Taoism. In its vicinity is the temple of Confucius and the Yangshengong complex.

This is a historically significant territory, which was founded in the 7th-8th centuries BC. and preserved many ancient buildings. Also here is a 6-kilometer wall, famous throughout the world.

Interesting! Almost all objects are included in the list of world architectural and cultural heritage of UNESCO.

Tibet

This is an area of unsurpassed temples and monasteries, distinguished by its originality and the grandeur of mountain ranges. Connoisseurs of Asian culture should definitely visit the center of Tibetan customs and philosophy.

Amusement parks

Interesting for children and adults, extreme, frightening, exciting and unusual amusement parks with large-scale and Beijing. They are equipped with zoos and hotels, restaurants and cafes, which will allow you to have fun with the whole family.

Skiing

Recently ski views sports were unpopular among the Chinese. After a special government program aimed at maintaining such sports areas, interest in them began to grow rapidly and now the country has all the conditions for skiing. The season starts already in September, but it is better to plan your arrival in early November, when the slopes are mostly covered with a thick snow cover. The temperature in winter is rarely recorded below -10, which makes the climate mild and comfortable to stay.

Resorts for winter pastime are dispersed throughout the country. Wanlun is always the first to open, then the Tien Shan bases, where there are both elite conditions for recreation and budget ones, for tourists with an average income. largest center Yabuli offers many trails of varying levels of sleepiness for beginners and professionals. Modern Xilin is called the second Alps, and NanShan is better equipped for snowboarding. Chinabaishan is distinguished by long 3 and 5-kilometer snow-covered slopes.

Leisure

Thanks to the landscape features of China, everyone can find something to their liking. The mountains attract more than one million tourists. If you have passed more than a dozen descents - mountain range will be a discovery for you and will bring a lot of positive emotions. Tibet is attractive, but without a guide and basic training, they are not allowed to go there. Skiing developed throughout the country, surfing and diving - only in the South of Hainan Island and if the waves bring you unforgettable experience, That undersea world sparse and not much to see.

Hotels

The territory of the Celestial Empire has more than 10,000 hotels, about 700 of which are of the highest class. Stars here are assigned only to hotels of international chains, and local houses for temporary residence have their own specific status: an inn - 1 star, a guest house - 2-3 stars, a wine house - 3-4 stars. The best in terms of accommodation are only foreign chain hotels. lower level of service compared to other states.

A night in a 2-star apartment will cost 25-50 conventional units, 3-star up to 70 euros. Prices are slightly lower in small towns.

It is also possible to rent rooms and apartments from the local population, however, due to the language barrier, this can be a difficult task. There are special sites on the Internet where, knowing a minimum level of English, you can agree on renting a house. If you pay at once for a month, it will be a little cheaper. Renting an apartment starts at $25. It is advisable to pre-specify how much it costs to rent square meters.

Advantages and disadvantages of holidays in China

Connoisseurs of the tourism industry have long summed up the results of a vacation in China, highlighting the main advantages and disadvantages.

diverse, versatile vacation for every taste and cats;
many architectural and historical monuments architecture;
pleasant climate;
picturesque nature;
effective medicine;
reasonable prices for expensive goods.

the language barrier. Few people speak English, you can’t even think about Russian;
a huge number of Chinese on the beaches, in transport, in the markets;
lack of infrastructure in small towns;
dirt and debris;
unremarkable terrain of small settlements;
not always an adequate attitude towards tourists from Russia.

From the above, it is easy to understand that the main thing for a holiday in China is to choose the right resort and destination. Here you will find ideal conditions for everyone: eat you do outdoor activities, lazily sunbathing on the shore or improve their health.

When deciding where to go on vacation in China, choose a direction. It all depends on what you expect from the trip. It can be a rich acquaintance with history, active or sightseeing vacation, relaxed relaxation at seaside or spa resort. In China, there are wonderful shopping tours, meditation trips to Tibet, even ski resorts. First of all, China is considered a country for long, thoughtful excursions, but the matter is not limited to them.

China - ancient country from the very rich history which can only be imagined. Almost every city largest metropolitan areas with tens of millions of inhabitants and to exotic villages with rice fields on colorful slopes, has at least one ancient temple, section of the Great Wall of China or monument. I must say that the resorts listed below still remain only a small fraction of China's opportunities in terms of excursions. And it depends only on you where you will go and what you include in the list of plans:

Guangzhou
Macau
Xi'an
Lhasa
Pingyao
Suzhou
Taipei
Tianjin
Urumqi
hangzhou
Harbin
Chengdu
Shenzhen

Read more about excursions in China in this section.

Popular beach resorts in China

All beach resorts China is still little known in our latitudes. Except that south island Hainan is still well-known, but the rest are rarely mentioned. And absolutely in vain, because the diversity of China includes a good opportunity to relax on the shores of its southern part.

Hainan Island (Dadonghai, Sanya, Haikou, Yalunwan)
Dalian

You can read more about holidays in China at sea in a separate section.

Current ski resorts in China

IN last years There are many ski resorts in China. It would be strange if in the country with the highest mountains in the world it would have happened differently. For example, you can go to the following resorts:

Wanglun
Nanshan
Yabuli
Ping Tian
Chengbaishan, or Chenbai
Erlonshan

Popular thermal resorts in China

Don't be surprised when you see references to spa resorts in Beijing or Shanghai. This only says that the structure of tourism is constantly evolving, and if there are no hot springs on site, then a modern center with massages, mud and other procedures can be found. We will list a small list of cities where there are good spa resorts. But, for example, near the city of Nanjing there are Lingshan mountains, and they have quite decent hot springs.