Where is the best place to relax in China? Where to go in China. Holidays in Beidaihe
When deciding where to go on holiday in China, choose a direction. It all depends on what you expect from the trip. This can be an intense introduction to history, an active or excursion holiday, relaxed relaxation at a seaside or spa resort. China has wonderful shopping tours, meditative trips to Tibet, even ski resorts. First of all, China is considered a country for long, thoughtful excursions, but the matter does not end there.
China is the oldest country with the richest history imaginable. Almost every city, from the largest metropolises with tens of millions of inhabitants to exotic villages with rice fields on colorful slopes, has at least one ancient temple, section of the Great Wall of China or monument. It must be said that the resorts listed below still remain only a small fraction of China's possibilities in terms of excursions. And it’s up to you where you go and what you include in your 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 in China are still little known in our latitudes. Perhaps the southern island of Hainan is still widely known, but the rest are rarely mentioned. And it’s completely in vain, because the diversity of China also includes a good opportunity to relax on the shores of its southern part.
- Hainan Island (Dadonghai, Sanya, Haikou, Yalongwan)
- Dalian
You can read more about holidays in China at sea in a separate section.
Current ski resorts in China
In recent years, many ski resorts have appeared in China. It would be strange if things were different in a country with the world's highest mountains. For example, you can go to the following resorts:
- Wanglun
- Nanshan
- Yabuli
- Ping-Tian
- Chenbai Shan, or Chenbai
- Erlonshan
Read more about ski holidays in China.
Popular thermal resorts in China
Don't be surprised when you see references to spa resorts in Beijing or Shanghai. This only means that the structure of tourism is constantly evolving, and if there are no hot springs on site, then there is a modern center with massages, mud and other procedures. We will list a small list of cities where there are good spa resorts. But, for example, near the city of Nanjing there are the Lingshan Mountains, and they have quite decent hot springs.
Souvenirs and shopping, rare sights and exotica. But this huge country has access to the sea, which means that a beach holiday in China may well compete with other eastern destinations. Read about the benefits and benefits of such a vacation in our review.
Swimming season
In most of China there is a familiar division into four seasons, and swimming is possible mainly in the summer, from May-June to September. If you are planning a winter trip, or came to China in October, the tropical island of Hainan will offer you a beach holiday. The climate here is pleasant all year round, although it is a little cold for swimming in winter. From May to September it is a little humid and rainy, but this does not stop tourists.
Hainan Island
When it comes to a beach holiday in China on the islands, tropical Hainan immediately comes to mind. For a long time, guilty Chinese officials were exiled here, and now it is the center of the country’s beach and health tourism.
The island is famous for its excellent ecology and pleasant climate with air temperatures not lower than +22 °C even in winter. The water temperature also ranges from +22 °C to +29 °C. There are more than 300 sunny days a year; it rains quite rarely and ends quickly.
The island is large and accommodates several popular resorts that are located in the bays of the Sanya city district.
Yalongwan
The most prestigious and expensive holiday destination near Sanya, with clean water, calm sea and slightly cool water. It is famous for its rich underwater world, which is why popular dive centers are located here. Along the coast there are expensive hotel complexes, mostly five-star. The Ritz Carlton hotel is considered the most prestigious.
The coastline is fully equipped; guests at each hotel are offered sunbeds and umbrellas. There are all water activities, many fields for football and beach volleyball.
Dadonghai
This is a crowded, cheerful and noisy bay almost near the center of Sanya. It is considered a more budget-friendly and youth-oriented place - there are many inexpensive hotels, prices in cafes and entertainment are lower. At the same time, the infrastructure is no worse; there are sun loungers and umbrellas on the beaches, and there are rentals of bananas and other attractions.
The bay is famous for its fairly strong, stable waves, which make swimming here less comfortable. But it is precisely because of the waves that surfers love the bay - here you can ride on your own or rent a board and find a Russian instructor for training.
Sanyawan
Convenient cove not far from the city airport. The infrastructure here is still poorly developed, so prices are also low. The sea is not very clear, but this is compensated by the surrounding landscapes - snow-white sand and spreading coconut palms. Overall, the place is truly heavenly; the atmosphere here is no worse than in Yalunwan. Families with children or couples in love especially like to stay here.
There are many sanatoriums open in all the bays, as well as in other resorts on the island. They treat with mineral water, mud and simply a favorable climate and sea air.
A beach holiday in China on the island of Hainan is rightfully considered the best, because it successfully combines a warm climate, beautiful nature, developed infrastructure and an atmosphere of relaxation.
Other resorts
If you come to China in November, you will only enjoy a beach holiday in Hainan. But in the summer you can visit one of the other numerous resorts on the shores of the Yellow Sea.
Beidaihe
This is a fairly famous, but at the same time calm and quiet resort, popular among the Chinese themselves. It is only 300 kilometers away from Beijing, so getting here will not be difficult.
The resort's eleven-kilometer coastline is divided into three beach areas.
The western beach is very developed, there are many umbrellas and sun loungers, and there are coastal restaurants and cafes. There are few tourists, mostly foreigners, so the place is easy to find even at the height of the day.
The sand is yellowish, there are shallows here and there. In general, the difference between the ebb and flow of the tides in Beidaihe is strong, this must be taken into account when you are vacationing with children.
The central beach is popular with Chinese tourists. The infrastructure is very well developed. In addition to regular sun loungers, boat and banana boat rentals are available. There are even areas for snorkeling and scuba diving, although the underwater world here cannot be called too diverse.
The eastern beach is considered wild. There is no need to talk about infrastructure, but it is very picturesque and there are no tourists at all. The best place for those who like to just swim and relax.
Among other things, Beidaihe is known as a center for Qigong therapy - various chronic diseases are treated here using traditional Chinese medicine.
Weihai
Weihai is first and foremost a health resort. There are a lot of healing springs here, and the air is saturated with the aromas of coniferous trees.
You can complement your therapeutic relaxation with swimming. The beaches here are clean, not too crowded - it’s good and pleasant to relax, including with children. There are vacationing Chinese and Koreans. There are many cafes, shops and shopping centers in the city and along the coast. The beach infrastructure is not the most developed, but sufficient for a comfortable, relaxing holiday.
Qingdao
This large industrial city is not famous for its clean air and sea, but you can still get some good swimming here. In addition, it is good to combine a beach holiday in Qingdao with an excursion - the city was a German colony for a long time, so the architecture here is very unusual. Local breweries also brew excellent beer.
Yantai
According to reviews from tourists, it is only possible at the Yantai resort, near Weihai. There is a shallow sea here, the entrance to the water is smooth - a real “paddling pool” for kids. Adults also don't get bored thanks to the rental of scooters, bananas and water parachutes.
The resort is very popular among foreign tourists, so there are many cafes and restaurants serving European cuisine - you can feed your child food that is familiar to him.
China is famous for the beauty and amenities of its resorts. This country receives a huge flow of foreign tourists from year to year, 10% of which are Russians. And this is 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 they like for their vacation. This review of popular resort centers in China will help you make your final choice.
Do I need a visa | Currency | How long does it take to fly from Moscow? |
Need | CNY | On average – 7-9 hours |
Where is the best place to go in China?
Resorts in China: Hainan Island | Beijing | Guangzhou | Shanghai | Guilin | Xi'an | Harbin | Hangzhou | Datong | Beidaihe | Weihai | Yantai
- Hainan Island. It can be called a piece of 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 tropical island is popular both among Russians and among representatives of other diverse countries. Therefore, if you choose it for your holiday, 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 ensured by the presence of huge beautiful beaches. Many people begin their acquaintance with China from its capital, Beijing.
- Guangzhou. It has a humid subtropical climate. This 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 tourism center of southern China, as well as a major seaport for foreign trade.
- Shanghai. This city also enjoys an important status, despite the fact that it is relatively young. Due to its age, it is not particularly distinguished by its historical and cultural heritage. But it has many other advantages: while relaxing in Shanghai, you can catch the peach blossom festival, attend a performance by a Shanghai circus group, visit the famous hot thermal spring and many other interesting places.
- Guilin. This mysterious city attracts tourists who will be interested in visiting the amazing mountains and caves. Guilin is an incredible collection of natural attractions; in this picturesque corner you can 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 Xi'an can be found between March and June and from October to mid-December. This resort is located on the Wei River, so it surprises with the variety of flora. Among the beautiful places, it is also worth noting the ancient Guanzhong Plain.
- Harbin. The largest city in northeast China. It amazes with the richness and beauty of flora and fauna. Initially, Harbin had the status of a traditional ancient Chinese settlement, and later, not unreasonably, it began to be considered a multinational city. From here began the activities of two famous Chinese dynasties, Jin and Qing.
- Hangzhou. Picturesque nature, a variety of cultural and historical heritage sites, vast beautiful beaches, comfortable service - all this is simultaneously gathered in the large resort city of Hangzhou. In addition, if you wish, you can get to know 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 welcomes tourists with an abundance of historical attractions. Natural resources are also very diverse. You can highlight the Yungan Buddhist cave temples located outside the city. They are known as the embodiment of ancient Chinese architecture, and have an incomparable atmosphere.
- Beidaihe. Peace and tranquility reign at this resort. It is often chosen as a holiday destination by senior leaders of the Chinese Communist Party. Beidaihe is located on the shores of the Yellow Sea. Here you can find many historical and natural attractions, picturesque parks, beaches and health resorts. It is also possible to get to the capital inexpensively.
- Weihai. This resort welcomes guests only in the warm season. It is interesting because it contains amazing sandy rookeries. Weihai is also loved by tourists for its high-quality service sector. One by one, shopping centers, shops, cafes, restaurants, cinemas, beauty salons and many other diverse establishments lined up in this city.
- Yantai. Yantai is a health resort city. Vacationers have a great opportunity to try many types of marine entertainment. You can ride a water scooter, a banana boat, or fly on a water parachute. The sea does not have sharp transitions to depth; it itself is shallow. Numerous cafes and restaurants serving European cuisine are also very popular.
When is the best time to go to China?
Many tourists wonder when is the best time to go to China; it is very difficult to answer. It all depends on the goal pursued by the tourist. You can go to see all the attractions of the region, you can go on a beach holiday to lie on the beach under the warm sun, or you can go shopping or have a quiet family holiday without noise. To decide what time of year is best to make a particular 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, fans of beach holidays spend most of their vacation on the seashore, or sunbathe on a sun lounger by the pool. This type of vacation involves frequent stays of vacationers in a hotel room. Therefore, high demands are placed on comfort and service.
If tourists prefer active recreation, they are interested in excursions, sightseeing, learning a new culture, hiking in the mountains, then the requirements for the hotel are not so high. As a rule, what matters for this type of tourist are overnight accommodation and shower. Travelers are not so much demanding of hotel service.
Before choosing a hotel in China, it is worth finding out about the level of development of the local infrastructure. Try to find out approximate prices for breakfast and lunch in local restaurants and cafes. If their cost is satisfactory, then you can save money on the hotel by excluding breakfast in your room from the list of services. In almost all resort towns in the world, transport links are quite developed. Public transport runs every hour: buses, minibuses and trams. Knowing this, you can choose a hotel not only in the city center, where prices are inflated, but also on the outskirts.
To make the task of choosing a suitable hotel in China easier, you need to focus on the following points:
- Star level;
- Age;
- Landscape and grooming of the territory;
- Distance from attractions and the beach;
- Availability of restaurants and cafes nearby;
- Quality of services provided;
- Kitchen;
- Entertainment program for children;
- Availability of fitness rooms;
- Organization of leisure time.
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 you 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 complete 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 are planning a family vacation with children, then pay attention to family-type hotels. They create a cozy and calm atmosphere. For a friendly company, the best hotel is one that has numerous clubs and restaurants nearby. Therefore, it is so important to familiarize yourself not only with the hotel, but also with nearby establishments in the perimeter.
Once you have decided exactly how you want to relax, you need to find out the hotel’s pricing policy, the existing room types and level of service. The most important role will be played by the service. Slowly 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 wary if there is no photo of the shower or bathtub, it is probably a shared bathroom.
If you like a seaside resort, then an important criterion for selecting hotel rooms in China will be the presence 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. It is much better when you personally choose the desired temperature regime. 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 won’t be able to always take valuables with you to the beach, but you shouldn’t leave valuables in plain sight in your room.
Holidays abroad are becoming increasingly popular every year not only in the world, but also in Russia. Russian tourists can enter 106 countries without special permits. There are only 193 states in the world: to visit others, Russians will need entry permission, 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 you 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 obtain 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
“As many peoples, as many traditions” – every traveler will subscribe to this phrase. Each nation has its own history and its own unique characteristics of national cuisine. Tasting local cuisine is an integral part of getting to know a new country. However, not all guests get to try original and high-quality local dishes in China. Despite the fact that the World Wide Web of the Internet allows you to get acquainted with reviews of establishments anywhere in the world in advance, most tourists repeat the mistakes of their predecessors, wanting to reveal as clearly as possible the originality of the gastronomic delights of other peoples. We will try to help you get a taste of the world, avoiding the most common erroneous beliefs.
- Popular doesn't necessarily mean good. Cafes, snack bars, pubs and restaurants located close to attractions expect to quickly serve a large flow of people, often neglecting the taste and quality of the dishes. Moreover, prices in such establishments are above average. Look for establishments in China outside the tourist area or ask the locals.
- It is preferable to give preference to the choice of dishes not from national cuisine in China, but from regional cuisine. National cuisine in different regions acquires its own subtle, tasteful 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 the specific region in which you will be.
- The unique features of local cuisine can be most clearly revealed 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 fully experience the flavor of foreign cuisine. By the way, this is not as difficult as it initially seems. Most residents are happy to host foreign guests.
- The language barrier should not prevent you from getting to know the national cuisine. Lack of knowledge of the local language often prevents you from choosing the best dishes. Misunderstanding the names of the ingredients does not allow one to imagine the flavor composition. This is probably why the most popular among tourists in Japan are sushi and rolls, Peking duck and noodles. At the same time, the gastronomic explorations of these countries are 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 richness and aromatic composition of the dish depend on this. For example, in Greece the best sardines are served in the summer, and in Uzbekistan the milkiest and juiciest lamb is served in the spring.
- It is recommended to read reviews about establishments in specialized services. You should not rely only on the subjective opinions of visitors; they do not always correspond to reality. Much higher priority is given to reviews from specialized publications and objective comments from independent culinary critics. Pay attention to the relevance of the information; it should be less than six months old.
- The stars don't lie, but they don't cost much either. Many people know Michelin stars, but this is not 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 recommendations for a specific establishment, so you should not trust them entirely. More reliable information can be obtained at local farmers' markets. And by visiting private wineries and farms, you will have the opportunity to taste the freshest products.
- Taste national dishes of China, following local rules for their consumption. This will allow you to fully reveal their gastronomic features. So, in Austria it is customary to drink coffee with water, and in Italy pizza is not generously poured with sauce and ketchup.
- Chinese tea. Traditional green tea without sugar.
- Peking duck. This is probably the most popular dish, the recipe for which has remained unchanged since 1330 and is quite expensive.
- Tofu. Bean curd.
- Tofu stuffed with fish.
- Beggar chicken. The chicken is stuffed with herbs, cabbage, and champignons.
- Swallow's nest soup. It is prepared from seafood.
- Chinese hot samovar. The chef cooks before your eyes and with your participation. It includes: meat, mushrooms, vegetables, fish, giblets, noodles.
- Duck eggs preserved in an unusual way.
- Drunk Scorpio. A live scorpion is drowned in wine and then deep-fried at a very high temperature.
- Shao Kao. Chinese kebab with seafood, vegetables and meat.
- The delicacies here are mainly made from rice: sweet rice balls, niangao cookies, hongguo cakes.
Another trip is unthinkable without purchasing various souvenirs; we even allocate separate funds in the budget of the trip for their purchase. This is explained by the desire to please relatives and dear people who are looking forward to a beautiful souvenir as a gift. By adding to your collection of souvenirs from different vacation spots, over the course of a few years you can collect a wonderful collection of crafts that will be an excellent reminder of your travels and adventures.
Only often we buy souvenirs in China, not paying attention to the usefulness and necessity of the item. This is not surprising, because when you go to a souvenir shop, you want to buy all these beautiful things. At this time, the visual effect overcomes 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 to ensure that the traveler leaves an impressive amount of cash in his shop. Impressionable women often find themselves in this situation, although men also often succumb to this temptation.
- Electronics. Purchasing electronic products from famous brands.
- Watch. China sells good watches for women and men from 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 the 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 found. You can purchase any product made from it (scarf, clothes, scarves, etc.).
- 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. It is best to avoid using clay dishes.
- Paintings with hieroglyphs and landscapes. You can buy them in any park; there are a great variety of them here.
- Tea. Teas of different varieties for every taste and budget. Many of them are very healthy.
- Fan. A Chinese fan is another useful and beautiful gift.
- Seeds. You can buy seeds for your garden with different varieties of flowers and vegetables: persimmon, lychee, longan and others.
How to avoid thoughtless purchases?
In order not to become a “victim” of thoughtless purchases and not to spoil your holiday in China, you should approach the choice of souvenirs and various memorable gifts wisely.
- No need to rush shopping on the last day. During this period of time, the main efforts should be directed to packing your suitcases, checking out of the hotel and flying, and not to going to souvenir shops.
- There is no need to purchase souvenirs on the first day of your vacation. Being under the first impression of a new country, a tourist cannot objectively approach the choice of gifts and their quality.
- The hotel staff in China can provide consulting services, so it is worth talking to the hotel staff before going for souvenirs.
- Of course, buying handicrafts on the street from local residents will not cost much. But the question is whether these products will be of high quality. It would be wiser to ask hotel staff or other tourists where proven souvenir shops are located and visit them.
- A beautiful craft chosen with wisdom and love will bring much more pleasant emotions than a hastily purchased magnet, which the future owner may soon not remember at all.
You can enjoy your holiday in China, regardless of the season. A country with such a rich history and culture is sure to have something to offer even the most demanding tourist. Holidays in China in 2020 – where is the best place to go?
Before you ask yourself where to go, think carefully about what you want to see.
Hainan Island
A hotel room on Hainan Island will cost from $28 per night per person. A 15-day vacation with flights and accommodation for two will cost about $2,000.
On the island, service is at the highest level, as in all expensive resorts. But it is here that you can experience the highest service and a wonderful vacation, and all for an affordable price.
Zhujiang Nantian Hot Springs
The cost of a ticket to this unique place will cost about 800 rubles. The park area includes 67 thermal water baths, the temperature of which ranges from 40 to 60 degrees. This is where you can improve your health and relax.
Baths with original filling will be a pleasant surprise for any tourist. If you wish, you can soak in a bathtub strewn with rose petals or enjoy relaxation in a pond with the addition of Chinese herbs and coconut milk. On the territory there is a swimming pool with clean water, which is so pleasant to swim in on a hot day.
The most popular place in the park area is worth noting the pool with small fish. When immersing the body in water, you can feel them nibbling microscopic particles of dead skin. As a result, the skin is cleansed, becomes smooth and soft, as if after a trip to a beauty salon.
Tropical paradise
Not far from Sanya, in the Yalongwan resort area in Hainan province on 15 sq. km. There is a unique tropical park. It was designed to meet the technical requirements of National Forest Parks in China.
Here you can not only relax and breathe in plenty of fresh, clean air. This is an excellent place for climbers and lovers of green tourism.
In the park you can find semi-deciduous and evergreen forests, including at least 100 species of trees and twice as many plants. The unique world of fauna amazes with its diversity. The dense jungle opens up to the traveler in all its glory, showing the full power of wild nature.
If you wish, here you can ride ostriches, visit the suspension bridge, and ride a cable car. For ease of movement, tourists are offered eco-mobiles, which allow them to comfortably spend time traveling through the park.
Village of Li and Miao ethnic groups
A place that is especially popular among tourists. There is a huge historical complex on the territory where you can visit temples, a theater, museums, restaurants with excellent cuisine and well-kept huts.
Those who are not indifferent to quality alcoholic drinks have the opportunity to buy original vodka.
If you wish, you can ask the ticket office for a map of the village, this will make it easier to move around and not miss a single attraction.
An interesting theatrical show allows you to better understand the traditions and rituals of nationalities. An ideal production from which you will not get tired or bored.
An excursion to the village will cost about 220 yuan.
Shopping
Shopping enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to purchase high-quality, authentic goods. All kinds of shopping centers, supermarkets, shops, private shops and markets are at the service of a shopaholic.
It is appropriate to bargain at the market and in individual retail stores, thanks to which the discount can reach 50%. If you purchase more than one item, it is also worth asking for a discount.
To enjoy exotic fruits, it is worth visiting the Hong Gan Fruit Market.
Those who don't mind eating delicious fish can visit the Lao Yong Gai fish market. It is better to make a purchase in the morning, when fishing boats are just unloading. Here tourists can not only buy fish and seafood, but also try them in restaurants and eateries. At the same time, even the most budget traveler can enjoy this pleasure.
What to bring from your trip?
- Considering the large deposits of crystal, it is simply necessary to purchase goods made from it in Hainan. If you wish, you can visit the Crystal Museum, where you have a unique opportunity to buy not only crystal objects, but also items made of jade and precious stones.
- It is unforgivable to visit China and not buy silk. In Hainan, you can buy luxurious, top-quality silk products from bed linens to household items. To check the quality of the fabric, one of the threads of the fabric is set on fire. At the same time, it burns without a trace, emitting the smell of burnt hair. A conscientious manufacturer has nothing to hide and will gladly not refuse such a trifle.
- Pearl products. “Mother-of-pearl Hainan diamond” is what the locals call pearls. Hainan is the leading Chinese exporter of top quality pearls. It is better to make a purchase in a specialized store.
- Lovers of a strong aromatic drink can purchase tea of various varieties. Thanks to the excellent climate, specialists grow tea of the highest quality. It is worth making a purchase in numerous tea houses. Here a tourist can attend a tea ceremony, taste different types of aromatic tea, buy a beautiful tea set or souvenirs.
Shanghai
If you are an avid shopaholic, you urgently need to go to Shanghai. In it, mirrored skyscrapers intertwine with cozy streets. The rhythm of life in this city is vibrant with extraordinary force.
Mount Sheshan
Anyone who loves to contemplate the wonderful nature and fabulous landscapes should visit Sheshan Mountain, which attracts travelers from all over the globe. This place attracts travelers from all over the globe with its wonderful mountains, thickets of bamboo forests and original structures at the peak of the mountain. There are many attractions and temples located in the forested area. At the peak, you can visit the Bird Garden, Xiaokunshan Park and Oriental Park. For a comfortable stay of tourists in the forest, you can have a great rest in comfortable hotels.
Every year the government organizes interesting events at the top of the mountain. One of the most interesting is the sand figure festival, which takes place from September until the end of October.
What should I bring?
When planning to visit the mountains, sophisticated tourists recommend purchasing blue tea, lovely orchid or bamboo sprouts.
This is a place for those who want to take a break from the bustle of a huge metropolis, reunite with nature and restore mental strength.
There is no entrance fee to the parks.
Car Museum
On the territory of more than 1 hectare there is a car park, which will appeal to everyone who is not indifferent to the automotive theme.
Rare retro cars are located in five halls, each of which is dedicated to a different theme. There are 22 brands in total, represented by 80 cars. In the museum you can follow the path of cars from the origins to the latest ultra-modern cars. For convenience, you can travel on a comfortable transfer. Those who are interested in the topic of car production can familiarize themselves with the process of creating cars and their videos, which are projected on the wall of the hall.
Longhua Pagoda
A tourist traveling around Shanghai should visit the Longhua Pagoda, which is considered one of the most beautiful religious buildings. This mysterious place was built two thousand years ago and due to its antiquity, entering its territory is strictly prohibited. It is separated from the park by a special path.
The pagoda is regularly restored, so it does not lose its wonderful appearance.
The basis of the pagoda is stone and wood. A 40-meter structure with a high spire of seven floors, each of which is luxuriously decorated with animal figurines. The design of the pagoda according to the Chinese concept does not allow evil spirits to descend to earth.
After visiting the temple complex, you can enjoy the scenery of the peach garden. The garden is especially pleasing to the eye in spring, when the flowers bloom.
If you wish, after your walk you can have a snack at a vegetarian restaurant. The price category of a ticket to the temple territory is just over 10 yuan.
Shopping
In Shanghai, shopaholics have the opportunity to visit ultra-modern shopping centers, brand boutiques, shopping towns and cozy shops.
- Those who love antiques can visit numerous antique shops, where Chinese porcelain figurines at reasonable prices are considered the most popular. One of the popular markets is Xizang Nan Road, where it is convenient to buy both original items and high-quality fakes. Here you can buy jade, bronze, porcelain figurines.
- Lovers of pearls and jewelry made from semi-precious stones will be happy to visit the Fu Eu shopping center, where you can purchase goods in bulk and at excellent prices.
- The shopping center in Shanghai is Nanjing Street, which every tourist must visit. There are more than 600 stores selling goods from world brands. But the price category of the goods is relatively high.
- Those who plan to purchase clothes from world brands at reasonable prices should visit the three-story Sunshine shopping center.
- You can buy exotic animals at the pet market (Tibetskaya St.), where the abundance of birds, fish and animals is surprising in its quantity.
Beijing
It is also worth visiting Beijing, the famous capital of China. Here is the largest square in the world - Tian An Men. You can't ignore the Great Wall of China. It takes a long time to get there, but no one has regretted it yet. And, of course, don’t forget to try the well-known Peking duck.
The summer season is just the time to visit the beaches. The air temperature varies around 40°C, but the humid wind makes the holiday more comfortable.
A two-week vacation in Beijing for 2 people will cost about $1,000, in Shanghai about $1,100.
Mountains
Lovers of fresh air and breathtaking beauty will certainly enjoy the city of Huangshan, where you can visit the mountain of the same name. Only here you can enjoy the magnificent landscapes, including 72 peaks.
One of the most popular places in the mountains among tourists are the hot springs, which local residents have been using for 1000 years. Stable temperature allows you to both take a bath and drink from the source. Water will improve the health of those who suffer from diseases of the digestive tract and nervous system.
Rare species of birds and animals living in the mountain range, as well as an abundance of natural resources, provide an opportunity to enjoy an excellent vacation and restore not only physical, but also spiritual strength.
Happy Valley of Beijing
The price range of the entrance ticket ranges from 260 yuan per person. Happiness Park is located on an area of 350,000 sq. km. A distinctive feature of the park is its division into zones. There are 9 of them in total. You can have a great time in the Spanish Zone, City of Gold, Adventure Mountain, Sunny Beach, Cartoon City, Shengri-La Forest, Happiness Train and Water Park. Thanks to qualified specialists, here you can enjoy your holiday on modern attractions.
Shopping
One of the features of shopping in Beijing is bargaining. This is not only a fun activity, but also an integral part of it. You should start bidding with the lowest price, gradually increasing it, reaching the desired compromise with the seller. A good mood and a smile will allow you to achieve maximum results.
By visiting Wangfujin Street, where many different supermarkets and shopping centers are concentrated, you can buy whatever your heart desires at the best prices.
On major public holidays, most stores in Beijing announce sales. Basically, it is October 1, Chinese New Year (May 1). You can also count on seasonal discounts that can reach 90%.
Sometimes sellers indicate a double price on the price tag, separated by a line. The upper amount is the true price of the product, the second figure indicates the amount of the discount on another product. That is, the next time you buy an item in this store, you will receive the discount indicated on the price tag earlier in the bottom line.
What to buy?
In Beijing, medicinal mixtures, tinctures and various potions, for which Chinese specialists are famous, are especially popular. Tourists should pay attention to ginseng, antlers, and gelatin, which is extracted from donkey skin. Thanks to ginseng, according to Chinese belief, vital energy is maintained. Antlers help cleanse the blood, strengthen bones and improve visual acuity. Those who plan to strengthen their immunity should purchase gelatin.
Silk
Lovers of high-quality silk fabrics should take a look at Xiushuijie Street, where the best fabric manufacturers are located. You can also visit the silk market.
Most likely, one vacation is not enough to appreciate all the sights of China. Having been here once, you will definitely want to return. At a minimum, visit places that have already been visited and, at a maximum, look at something new and unusual.
4 “don’ts” in China
- In China you cannot pay in euros or dollars. Only Chinese currency is acceptable. If you break the laws, you may be subject to criminal liability. By offering a merchant to pay in European currency, he has the right to call the police.
- Criticism of the Chinese government and Communist Party is considered an insult. Such a person will be immediately deported from the country. The government does not take into account the tourist’s ignorance and takes advantage of it.
- Given the chronic failure to comply with traffic rules, it is important for tourists to be extremely careful on the roads. Therefore, you cannot be careless, relying only on the rules.
- You cannot stick chopsticks into the rice, as this is a funeral tradition of the people. When visiting the Chinese, this act is regarded as wishing death to the owner.
What to take with you?
- It is worth noting the fact that in many Chinese establishments, cutlery familiar to Europeans may not be available. A budget tourist who did not take care of their availability will have to eat with Chinese chopsticks. If this option does not suit you, it is better to take a fork, spoon and knife with you. Before the flight, these items must be transferred to your luggage, since if your handbag is checked, getting on board the plane can be problematic.
- Medicines. In particular, this applies to drugs that improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Some Chinese dishes that are not familiar to Europeans can create problems. It is also important to take anti-allergy medications.
- A phrase book or a special application on a smartphone that allows a tourist to move freely will be extremely useful when traveling. In the second case, you should give preference to a program that is not interconnected with the network, since you will have to pay a lot of money for it.
Chinese cuisine
Peking duck
One of the most popular dishes in China is Peking duck. Most people imagine a fragrant, crispy-skinned bird. In fact, after a long marinating process, the duck is baked and cut into thin pieces. In addition to meat, the dish is served with rice cakes, green onions, several sauces and cucumber slices. He eats the dish with his hands. Take a rice cake, put a slice of meat, onion and cucumber into it. Thus, you get a mini-shawarma. In a decent establishment, this procedure can be performed by a waiter. However, it is not customary to give any tips.
Fruits in caramel
This dessert is the national dish of the country. If you buy a sweet on the street, it will be significantly different from its restaurant counterpart.
You can buy tangerines and apples from vendors on the street. In the restaurant there are pieces of melon and pineapple.
Hubei hot dry noodles
One of the gastronomic calling cards of China, not inferior to Peking duck, is dry Hubei noodles. The dish consists of long pasta, reminiscent of spaghetti. The noodles are based on sesame paste, various spices, and soy sauce. Sometimes herbs and vegetables are added to dishes. A tourist who prefers to try original Chinese dishes should pay attention to dry hot noodles, which have a great taste and a golden hue.
A little about security
China is considered a safe country if you follow the necessary rules. For example, for a crime committed (murder or rape), the death penalty is provided here.
You should not enter into conflicts with the local population, as tougher penalties apply to tourists.
It is worth understanding that theft in the country is punishable by a long sentence or even the death penalty. People can only be robbed in cheap hotels or secluded and lively areas.
In case of illness, a traveler can go to a clinic, where tourists are often served in English. You can pay for services in cash or purchase a coupon that allows you to consult with a doctor. It is worth noting the fact that guests of the country must carefully monitor the sterility of instruments. Otherwise, instead of resting, you can get hepatitis.
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Holidays in China
Holidays in China
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 Chengbai- 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.