Holidays in China

China is a unique country, two worlds harmoniously coexist in it, where national Chinese houses with concave roofs stand next to grandiose skyscrapers, luxury Mercedes cars are inferior to carriages on the roads, and industrial enterprises are being built not far from the vast rice fields, which are still processed by hand. and provide half of the world with clothing and household appliances.

China landmarks

Great Celestial Empire - this is how the Chinese once called part of the land, which was under the rule of the emperor. China is actually "deeper" than many of us realize. This is not only a country of megalopolises and high technologies, it contains a huge number of ancient religious shrines, the traditions of local residents, especially from the hinterland, are amazing and worthy of attention. It is impossible to mention all the palaces, temples, parks and Buddhist statues, but we can make a rough route which is the most popular with tourists.

Without a doubt, the Great Wall of China is considered the most recognizable symbol of China; to the Chinese themselves, it resembles a giant flying dragon. The wall is about 2500 km long from edge to edge, it is the most grandiose and majestic defensive structure that the world has ever seen. It is not surprising that every tourist seeks first of all to get here, especially the sites that pass near Beijing are especially attractive. This section was built to protect the city from nomadic raids and was of very strategic importance. Its highest point is called Badalin.

The Great Wall of China was built over many centuries, the construction was completed only in 1640, while the external appearance of the structure changed over time to a more modern one - stone boulders were replaced by bricks and slabs.

The wall is not only a symbol of the country's greatness, but also a symbol of the suffering of the Chinese people, because during its construction thousands of people died of hunger, exhaustion and hard work, they were buried right there, as evidenced by archaeological finds.

The Forbidden City (Gugong) is located in the very center of Beijing and is surrounded by high walls on all sides. Gugun is the largest palace complex in the world, consists of 980 buildings and covers an area of ​​72 hectares.

The palace was named so for a reason, mere mortals were strictly forbidden to enter here, the city was hidden behind ten-meter walls. Now it houses a museum, and for five centuries it was home to the imperial families of the Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as their entourage and major statesmen.

The Potala Palace is the largest attraction in all of Tibet. The former residence of the Dalai Lama is located in his former historical capital - Lhasa.

The palace is a huge structure of 13 floors and a height of about 120 meters, which can be seen from anywhere in Tibet. From a distance, the Potal can be confused with a medieval castle because of its many towers and terraces. The use of two colors - red and white - symbolizes two powers. State power of the Dalai Lama - there is an administrative building in the white part of the palace. In the red part of the Potala, religious rituals and prayers were read, and the color itself signifies the spiritual power of the Dalai Lama.

A giant statue of Buddha, which for 1000 years was considered the most monumental sculpture in the world, because its height is 71 meters, is carved right into the thickness of the rock near the city of Leshan, Sichuan province.

The construction of the statue took about 90 years; thousands of workers and sculptors worked on it. As the legend says, Buddha was carved to appease the elements, because in this place three rivers meet and create dangerous whirlpools.

Pudong is a real architectural wonder of China, the main financial and economic center of Shanghai. It's hard to believe, but some 20 years ago there was farmland here, and now an amazing number of skyscrapers of all kinds are built on a small piece of land. Pudong is a great sight at night, when the lights of the skyscrapers sparkle and shimmer.

The latest and tallest skyscraper is the Shanghai Tower, which has become the second tallest building in the world.

Other iconic tourist spots in China:

• The Magao Caves form a system of 492 temples that are a prime example of Buddhist art.
• The Terracotta Army is a collection of sculptures that depicts the army of the first emperor of China.
• Victoria Harbor is the largest in Asia.

Resorts of China

Residents of the Russian Far East have long mastered the sea resorts of China, but the bulk of Russians and Europeans were still little acquainted with this part of the country, possibly due to the prospect of a long flight.

Most popular resort China is currently considered the island of Hainan, washed by the South China Sea. To promote it, the country's authorities even allowed tourists visa-free entry for 15 days.

Hainan is a large tropical island in the very south of the country. Hundreds of years ago, volcanic eruptions constantly occurred here, now only numerous craters and thermal springs remind of this, thanks to which rest in this place can be considered curative.

The island lies in the same latitudes as Hawaii, which is why Hainan is often called "Eastern Hawaii". Sunbathers will surely appreciate the local climate, the temperature here is quite high even in January, and the air is dry and mild. Any fan of sea recreation will find the best here: pure white sand, pure turquoise water, emerald coconut palms and exotic fruits.

Most of the resort areas of the island are concentrated in the town of Sanya. The resort is considered fashionable, tourists are offered comfortable accommodation and a truly unforgettable paradise vacation, as in the advertisement for "bounty". While relaxing on the island, you can combine business with pleasure, forty kilometers from the resort is Mount Nianshan, where the monuments of Buddhist culture are collected.

China hotels

The last couple of decades tourism development in China is in full swing, new hotels and inns are opening. If you are limited in money, choose budget accommodation - hostels or cheap hotels, often located near bus stations or near the railway. In any case, there will be no problems with placement, but be sure to check if the plumbing is working, if there is hot water in the room, how noisy the street where the windows are.

There are two classifications of hotels in China - international, according to the stars, and national, which is often used by local hotels, in fact it differs little from the international one:

• “Inn” is the same hostel or hostel-type hotel;
• "Gostiny Dvor" - can be compared with a hotel with 2-3 stars;
• "Wine yard" - under this name the Chinese offer more comfortable and expensive housing.

In prestigious hotels in China, guests are offered all the same amenities as in hotels in Turkey or Europe: TV, refrigerator, air conditioning, shower and hygiene accessories. The "buffet" is organized here mainly for breakfasts, the system has not completely taken root.

If you prefer active leisure, sightseeing and shopping, choose hotels in metropolitan areas - Shanghai and Beijing. The choice of hotels in big cities is great, almost all of them are located in the center, next to large shopping centers. On the upper floors, the room offers incredible views.

For those who prefer to relax away from the noise, travel agents advise to go to Hainan Island - an exotic place with white sandy beaches and comfortable hotels located in bays.

Housing prices in China are much lower than in European resorts, a day in a three-star hotel for two will cost $ 50-60, for a room in a five-star hotel you will have to pay an average of $ 150 to $ 200.

Features of China

When visiting the Celestial Empire, you will, of course, have a desire to touch one of the most ancient civilizations at least for a while, get acquainted with customs and traditions and get to know the representatives of a friendly people better.

Features of the mentality of the Chinese and interesting facts about the country:

• If you manage to win over the Chinese and make yourself “yours”, then consider yourself lucky, because in China all interaction with people is based on mutual trust and respect. You will be given the best price and will always help you out in trouble.
• Many people who visit China for the first time believe that the indigenous population is very unfriendly and this is their main feature. In fact, these people simply do not consider it necessary to show true emotions to everyone. As a rule, they smile broadly only to those close to them.
• It is generally accepted that the Chinese are very talkative and gesticulate too actively. This is due to a banal habit, because in megacities there is an increased level of noise. At the same time, according to the observations of tourists, they can sleep anywhere and anytime, regardless of bright light or noise.
• The Chinese people are very hardworking people, they have no concept of vacation. Several weekends in a row appear only during the Chinese New Year celebrations.
• Chinese people are often late for meetings. The reason may be a traffic jam, but the determining factor is the attitude towards the person.
• It seems strange to us, but ordinary hot water is considered the best way to treat all kinds of ailments. It is this miracle remedy of Chinese traditional medicine that you will be advised to take if you complain of a headache or abdominal cramps. Perhaps that is why free public toilets in China are everywhere.
• The country's restaurants often bring dishes packed in a vacuum bag. At first glance, it seems quite suitable for eating, but the Chinese themselves rinse these dishes with boiling water.
• Incredibly, such an irreplaceable invention as a baby diaper is used in China only in metropolitan areas. In small towns, babies can send their natural needs right on the sidewalk, especially since their pants are equipped with a special slot in the front and back.
• The concepts of beauty in China are slightly different from those in Europe. For example, snow-white skin is the main criterion for attractiveness. Local women take great pains not to sunburn, apply protective creams and walk the streets with umbrellas.
• It is not customary in China to openly express your emotions and feelings. Even a friendly kiss on the cheek is perceived as bad manners. Words about love are generally a huge rarity, even in families.
• Traditional Chinese cuisine is more of a myth, because the cooking features largely depend on the region you come to. Like thousands of years ago, rice, soy and vegetables are considered the basis of dishes. The prejudice that all Chinese people eat insects, beetles and their larvae is also not entirely true. Such strange traditions remained only in the southern provinces.

How much will a vacation in China cost?

As always, the biggest expense for rest is the purchase of air tickets and rental housing.

The residents of the Far East, of course, are lucky with this, they will pay only 7-11 thousand for the air ticket. 17-20 thousand rubles will have to pay for the flight if you go to China from Moscow and St. Petersburg. The most expensive air travel will cost the residents of the Urals - 25-27 thousand rubles with a flight from Yekaterinburg airport.

It is better to book a hotel room in advance using one of the Internet services. Please note that the photo of the hotel room does not always correspond to the truth, so before checking in, check it for cleanliness - whether the windows overlook a noisy street or a dirty courtyard. Give preference to chain hotels that try not to spoil their reputation, the average price of a double room varies from $ 30 to $ 40, and in general the cost starts from $ 10, but the level of comfort in such accommodation will be appropriate.

A huge number of apartments are rented in China, but you can rent it for a period of at least a month. A furnished apartment in this case will cost $ 500-600.

The transport infrastructure in China is well developed; you can get anywhere in the city by metro, bus or taxi. The cheapest way is to purchase a public transport ticket, it costs only $ 4.

Food in China is quite specific, so many people prefer to eat at famous fast food chain restaurants, the average check is about $ 6. In local eateries, you can have a hearty dinner for one and a half, but no one guarantees you compliance with sanitary standards.

A ticket to the most famous resort, the island of Hainan, costs from 65 to 100 thousand rubles, given that you will be staying in a three-star hotel. By the way, the service there is quite on the level, the territory is clean and well-groomed, usually there are several swimming pools. A vacation in a higher class will cost 100-140 thousand, four-star hotels are most often located right by the sea. Well, if you like everyone's favorite all inclusive, then prepare to pay at least 200 thousand for a ticket for two.