If you decide to explore the culture of Asia and spend your vacation in China, then the surest way to do it on a budget is to go on your own, without the help of tour operators. We have compiled an interesting route for 9 days, which will allow you to see all the most interesting. If the vacation is for more days, then you can start from Beijing. How to get there, where to stay, what to see - all detailed information in the guide to Beijing for 7 days.
How to get there
From Russia, the cheapest way is to fly to Beijing, and then to Xi'an. As a rule, the first and second terminals are used for domestic flights, but the departure can also be from the third. It is better to buy tickets in advance. The flights are operated by Air China. If you are not very fond of flying, then you can get from Beijing to Xi'an by train. Tickets can be purchased at chinatraintickets.net.
You should not waste time trying to buy tickets at the station, as you will have to take the queue even in the evening. You can use the services of a travel agency, whose offices are not difficult to find. Let the tickets be sold to you with a small mark-up, but this way you can save a lot of time. The cheapest way to get from Beijing to Xi'an is by bus that departs from Liuliqiao Bus Station.
If you decide to use the services of Air China, then you should not count on a full snack. We recommend having a hearty breakfast (lunch or dinner) before departure. At the Xi'an airport, prepare a baggage receipt, as the staff will let you out of the terminal with your suitcase, only after carefully examining it, so that you do not take someone else's baggage. You can get to the hotel by taxi or bus. You can get all the information you need at the Info counter at the airport. Please note that the bus goes to the Bell Tower. As always, we recommend that you print your hotel business card in advance.
Where to stay
You can stay in Xi'an both in a hostel, for example, Xi'an Jiuping Hostel, where a bed in a dormitory room will cost you 283 rubles per day, and in a hotel, where accommodation will not cost much more. Book Xi'an Jiuping Hostel on booking.com.
So, for example, a double room in the Suba Hotel Xi'an Dongmen 2 * per night costs 428 rubles, a room in the Xi'an Forest City Hotel 4 * 1309 rubles per night, a room in the Golden Flower Hotel Xi'an by Shangri- La 5 * for 2783 rubles. In general, the choice is huge, and the prices are quite affordable.
The first day. By yourself to Xi'an
Xi'an is an amazing city with over 3000 years of history. It is rightfully considered one of the oldest cities in China. It was here that the Great Silk Road began. Here you have to spend two days. We begin our tour of the city with the most famous sights.
Big Goose Pagoda
We catch a taxi and go to the Big Goose Pagoda, which is located in the Qien Temple. Here you will see the most beautiful gardens and unique architectural buildings. Many of which have been rebuilt after repeated destruction. The Pagoda itself, 64 meters high, has 7 tiers. From the very top, there is an excellent panoramic view of the entire city, where many other unique attractions are concentrated. An observant tourist will notice that the Pagoda is at an angle that increases with time. This is how the pagoda got the unspoken name "Chinese Leaning Tower of Pisa".
Big Goose Pagoda is a great place to walk and contemplate the beauty. Be sure to check out the Peony Pavilion. Near the Pagoda, the fountain show starts in the evening. A very beautiful sight. Not far from the fountains there is a shopping center "Narru New Year", where you can have a bite to eat in the "Hot Pot" restaurant. In such restaurants, food is prepared right at your table, in which a heating element is mounted.
Fortress city wall
After a short rest, we again use the taxi services and go to the inspection of the Fortress City Wall, the main task of which was to protect the city. Here are the most famous and significant sights of Xi'an - the Drum and Bell Towers, the Muslim Quarter, the Great Mosque.
We recommend starting your tour from the south gate. Here you can see the Drums show, which takes place daily. After the show, you can take pictures with the participants dressed in national costumes and even knock on these very drums. Tourists are treated with respect here.
The wall is 12 km long, so a bike can be rented on site. Paid entrance. The Bell and Drum Towers are located in the immediate vicinity of the South Gate. The Muslim Quarter is also close. The Silk Road directly influenced the fact that there are two religions - Islam and Buddhism.
In the Muslim Quarter, you will see the Grand Mosque, which is one of the four largest in China and was built in the 18th century. The Muslim Quarter is a fantastic, colorful and must-see place. The shopping streets in the quarter deserve special attention. Here you can buy souvenirs made of stone, wood, silk.
Second day
Terracotta army
To visit Xi'an and not see the eighth wonder of the world - the Terracotta Army, will be simply an unforgivable mistake. You can get from Xi'an by one of the buses that leave from the railway station every five minutes. Look for the sign on the "Terracotta army" bus. The road will take no more than an hour. The bus will stop near the ticket offices, and you need them. Also here their services are offered by local guides who speak passable English.
Before you get to the entrance, you will have to pass by souvenir shops, eateries and other places that will make you spend money in every possible way.
Now that the path has been passed for you, three pavilions will be opened on the territory of the museum. To see the terracotta army, go to the first pavilion. The height of each soldier in the army reaches about 195cm, and the weight of the sculpture is 135kg. The faces of all the sculptures are directed to the east, towards the defeated states.
Huaqing Hot Springs
After seeing the eighth wonder of the world, go to the bus stop, get on the bus and after three stops ask the driver to stop in Lintong. Huaqing Hot Springs will be interesting here, so be sure to prepare a note with hieroglyphs for the driver or explain in English. Just inform that you need Hot springs. Why is this place a must visit? It is here that the Garden and Park Assembly is located, which takes an honorable place in the top hundred in the PRC.
You will have to pay about 110 yuan to enter. The romantic but sad love story of the beautiful woman Yang Guifei and Emperor Xuanzong is associated with this place. It was for his beloved that the emperor built a beautiful park and baths.
Today, next to the Lotus Pond, you can see the Tree of Love, to which thousands of ribbons are tied. Hot springs are also functioning, so you can wash yourself with healing water. Now is the time to appreciate the place from the observation deck on Lishan Mountain, which is located close to the park.
Now, with a sense of accomplishment, you can return to Xi'an to taste the famous local dumplings. We recommend visiting the restaurant located between the Bell and Drum Towers. You will definitely not pass by this place, because at the entrance you can see a huge dumpling.
You should not stay up late, because tomorrow you will have a flight to Guilin.
The third day. By yourself to Guilin
How to get there
In order not to worry about the transfer, contact your hotel administrator and order a taxi. The flight to Guilin takes 1 hour and 50 minutes. What is so special about this place? Unique nature, unique landscapes, the Lijiang River, karst mountains. In addition, it was here that the third episode of "Star Wars" and the film "The Painted Veil" were filmed.
You can take an express bus from Guilin Airport to the city. If your hotel is further than the final stop, then after the bus, change to a taxi.
Where to stay
Of the budget accommodation options, hotels can be noted:
- Guilin Ling Hong Express Hotel ($ 6 per night)
- Guilin 68 ° Hotel North Train Station Branch (£ 6 per night)
- Guilin Muslim Hotel ($ 10 per night)
- Yu Long Hotel ($ 9 per night)
- Guilin Hetai Hotel ($ 8 per night)
If the price does not really matter to you, and you do not want to save on comfort, then we recommend hotels:
- Grand Bravo Hotel (£ 53 per night)
- Guilin Golden Oriole Hotel ($ 53 per night)
- Sheraton Guilin Hotel ($ 49 per night)
- Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin ($ 67)
- The White House Hotel Guilin ($ 99)
Elephant Trunk Mountain (Xiangbishan)
Now that you have settled in the hotel and have a little rest, we recommend visiting the iconic place of Guilin - Elephant Trunk Mountain (Xiangbishan), which is located in the southern part of the city center. This place, which is 100 meters high, got its name because the shape of the mountain resembles an elephant, which seemed to have lowered its trunk into the river. A very interesting place. It is here that the Li River joins with the Peach Blossom River.
According to legend, a herd of elephants descended from heaven to earth in this place. The beautiful views and picturesque nature amazed the elephants so much that they wanted to stay here, but by doing so angered the Jade Emperor, who ordered them to return immediately. The herd returned, but the emperor was missing one elephant.
Enraged, he drew his sword and stabbed it in the back of the animal. The elephant turned to stone. Today, tourists can visit this place by getting to the place by ferry. The ferry departs from the terminal at ul. Nanhuanlu. At the top of the hill, you can see a brick pagoda. Its shape resembles the hilt of that very sword.
We buy a tour to the rice terraces
Near the park you can see Hezhong tourism travel agency. We recommend that you look here to purchase a tour of the rice terraces. Of course, you can get to them on your own, but then you have to make a change, and the road itself takes more than three hours. In general, many tourists prefer organized excursions. You will have to pay about 170-180 yuan. The bus will pick you up from your hotel and then take you back. Do not forget to leave the hotel business card to the employee so that there are no misunderstandings, since English will not help you here.
Lijiang Waterfall Hotel
Take your time to leave the park, because an evening walk through the picturesque complex of ponds and unusual bridges will bring a lot of pleasure. Be sure to walk to the hotel
Lijiang Waterfall Hotel, which is located in the center. In the evening, crowds of tourists and locals gather here to see how the wall turns into an amazing waterfall for ten minutes. Another moment and the waterfall again becomes the wall of a five-star hotel.
If you are planning to extend your stay here for a couple of days, be sure to visit the Reed Flute Cave and Seven Stars Park. In the cave, you can contemplate not only magnificent halls, the beauty of which is difficult to describe, but also one of the most beautiful underground lakes.
Fourth day
Rafting on the Li river
Today we go to Yangshuo to see with our own eyes all the beauty of the karst hills and take a walk along the Li River. To get to the city, you can purchase a cruise for 420 yuan per person. You will not find cheaper, as only one firm is engaged in their organization. The journey will take four hours.
By bus, independent tourists can get there in an hour. We recommend that you do not waste your money and time and choose this option.
According to local residents, the section between Yangdi and another village of Xinping is the most picturesque and mesmerizing. If you look closely at the Chinese 20 Yuan banknote, you will notice the Li River, karst hills and lush vegetation.
To get to the place, go to the bus station to buy tickets for Yangshuo. The fare is about 15 yuan. Having reached the city, you will need to change to a bus at the same bus station, which will go to Xinpin or Yangdi.
A bus to Yangdi will take you to the pier where you can rent a raft specially designed for tourist walks. Such an alloy will cost a tourist about 300 yuan.
Be careful, as for less money, cunning guides reduce the walking time from one and a half hours to 30-40 minutes and drop off far from the final point. So, having fallen for a "divorce" you will have to get to Xinpin on your own and spend a lot of time and effort on it. In general, we recommend not to save much on a walk and pay money for a full-fledged rafting. The price usually includes a transfer from Xinping Pier to the bus station.
The guide can also stop for lunch at one of the local cafes. Nobody promises that it will be presentable, but they will feed you tasty and inexpensive food. In general, if you are feeling light or not very hungry, then agree.
The 3-hour walk from Yangdi to Xinping will delight you with beautiful scenery and a unique atmosphere. To return to Yangshuo, take a regular bus, the fare is about 7 RMB.
Moon Hill
Before leaving for Guilin, do not deny yourself the pleasure of seeing the natural wonder - Moon Hill, which has a unique shape. You can get to Moon Hill by bus, just 15 minutes and you are there. A ticket to Moon Hill costs 15 RMB.
You will have to climb on your own, since there is no lift, but for this money, a mesmerizing view awaits you at the very top of the hill. It's worth it! Also prepare 5 yuan for grandmothers who will accompany you until you buy water or any other drink from them. Now head back to the train station and take the bus to Guilin.
The fifth day
We go to the Huanglo ethnic village to the long-haired Yao
We use this day to see the rice terraces of Longzhi, especially since we thought of everything in advance and bought a tour in the Hezhong tourism agency. In the morning, a bus will drive up to you, which will go to the Huanglo ethnic village, where representatives of the Yao people live.
In this village, girls never cut their hair, and at the same time they have really beautiful and thick hair. For residents, this is a guarantee of long life and wealth. It is also surprising that a rich hair color can be found even among the elderly representatives of Yao, they have not heard of gray hair here. One can only envy this.
Representatives of the Guinness Book of Records recorded the maximum hair length of one lady living in Juanlo, which was 2.1 meters. In general, travelers, getting to this village, envy in silence, and sometimes do not even restrain their emotions.
Previously, traditions were strictly observed here, so only the girl's spouse could see her loose hair. Today, hardly anyone remembers this tradition, so for a separate fee, the villagers will not only let their hair down for you, but will also happily pose for the camera. No wonder they say that money spoils people.
All the girls are talented needlewomen, so the souvenir business is developed. Here you can buy handmade items. Here, next to Juanlo, you can already see rice fields.
Drive to Pinh An Village (rice terraces)
The next village to visit is called Pinh An. If you are driving on your own, you will have to pay to enter. As a part of organized tourists, the entrance is usually included in the price of the voucher, so you do not need to pay anything extra. The distance from Guilin to the village is about 100 km. To get to the place, you will have to change to another bus, designed specifically for driving along the mountain serpentine, a specially trained driver is attached to the bus.
This is with regard to the program of the purchased tour. If you are stubborn and decide to explore the area on your own, then you need a bus that follows to Kepin. Finding one is easy at the bus station. You can get to the village entrance from Kepin by car.When you find yourself at the entrance, you will have a difficult choice between the two routes.
The first involves viewing the terrace, which is located in the village of Ping'an (Pin An). There is another option, but it takes longer to get there - the village of Dazai (Dazai). Experienced travelers claim that, despite the longer journey, they will get more pleasure, since the Jinken terraces are simply unique. If time allows you to stay for a couple of days, you can explore both directions. You will not regret. I also recommend reading the article Honghe Hani Rice Terraces.
The "packets" have only one option - transfer to the bus, which goes to the rice terraces of Ping An. The locals gave them the name Dragon Ridge. Land for rice fields began to be cultivated more than 800 years ago. At that time, the Yuan dynasty ruled.
To say that it was a titanic work is to say nothing. It took centuries to implement the plan, and today travelers discover a unique landscape. There is even something unearthly in this. On the terraces, you can find two viewing platforms - Nine Dragons and Five Tigers and the Landscape of Seven Stars accompanying the Moon. You will have to get to the viewing platforms on your own, overcoming the rise of the stairs.
In addition to rice, tea is grown here, so do not deny yourself the pleasure of purchasing it at the local booth. Freshly picked tea leaves will be dried and packaged right in front of you. After viewing and purchasing souvenirs, you will be asked to get on the bus and will be taken back to the hotel in the evening.
Sixth day. By yourself to Shanghai
How to get there
It's time to go to Shanghai. It is better to buy tickets in advance. You can get there without any problems aboard a Shanghai Airlines plane. There are several ways to get from Pudong Airport to the city center: taxi, bus, Maglev Train, which speeds up to 430 km / h. Maglev continues to LongYang Road Line 2 Subway Station. Perhaps this is the best option. The fare is 50 yuan, but there is an opportunity to save money.
Show tickets when buying, and you will be given a 20% discount. You will be on site in 7 minutes. After arriving at the final stop, you will need to change to the metro or take a taxi to get to the very center. If you choose the metro, after 5 meters you will see metro line 2. The journey will take about 10 minutes. If you prefer a taxi, then ask the driver to turn on the meter, it will be much cheaper. If the meter refuses to turn on, then the fixed amount should not exceed 80 yuan.
Where to stay
In Shanghai, we recommend staying in hotels in the Zhabei area:
- Baolong Homelike Hotel (Zhongshan Branch) 2 * from $ 15 per night
- Shanghai Amersino Hotel 3 * from £ 15 per night
- Jitai Hotel (Shanghai Train Station South Square) 3 * from £ 15 per night
- FX Shanghai Liuying 4 * from 2006 rub. per night
- Golden River-view Hotel Shanghai from £ 35 per night
- Grand Mercure Shanghai Central (Formerly. Grand Mercure Shanghai Zhongya) 5 * from 4500 rub. per night
- JI Hotel Shanghai Railway Station West Tianmu Road 4 * from £ 87 per night
These hotels are located very well. Shanghai Railway Station and Central Railway Station are nearby.
The Garden of Joy in the Old Town
After accommodation in the hotel and a short rest, we recommend to go to the Old Town (Old Town). Take the metro to get to the site. You need purple line 10, Yuyuan Garden. In the Old City, we recommend visiting the Yuyuan Garden. The entrance fee is from 30 to 40 yuan, depending on the time of the year.
This garden, located in the old part of Shanghai, was founded more than 400 years ago by the Pan Yundan family, or rather by their son, who wanted his parents to spend their days in complete peace and happiness. The rich have their own quirks, but the idea was a success, though it took more than 20 years and all the savings. Later this garden will be bought by the guild of Shanghai merchants. Today, this park is one of the main attractions of Shanghai and causes an indescribable delight among visitors.
In the park, you can leisurely enjoy the pond with blooming lotuses, gazebos, terraces and, of course, the picturesque Nine Turns Bridge. According to legend, walking along it, you will be able to cleanse of evil spirits, whose entrance to the bridge is prohibited. The Usintin Tea House is located right on the bridge itself. We also recommend visiting the Temple of the City Gods.
Dive into this park today and enjoy its charm, beauty and splendor at a leisurely pace. Near the park you will find many cafes and souvenir shops.
The Bund and the Pearl of the East TV Tower
If time permits and there is a desire, you can get to The Bund and the Pearl of the East TV tower. On the waterfront, you can take stunning photographs of the city's skyscrapers. It is located near the 10th subway line, East Nanjing Rd station. From the metro move towards the river. Huangpu.
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is located one metro stop from the waterfront, near Lujiazui Station, line 2. You can also visit the famous Aquarium here. On the way back, we recommend to stop at the railway station in the ticket pre-sale hall, especially since the hotel is located in the immediate vicinity.
For tomorrow you can buy tickets to Suzhou here. Give preference to the G train, it will take you to your destination in just 25 minutes, the ticket costs about 40 RMB. There are cheaper options, but it will take more than an hour to get there. Keep in mind that you will need to present your passport at the ticket office, as tickets are issued with personalized ones.
Seventh day. In Suzhou on your own
Why is Suzhou a must visit? Yes, because here you can enjoy the splendor of the famous gardens, of which there were about 280 in the 16-17 centuries. Today there are much less of them, about 69, but this is more than enough for one day. The city itself is more than 2.5 thousand years old, and its historical part is part of the World Heritage Sites. In general, there is something to see and be impressed with. Also Suzhou is the center of silk. Well, how can you resist?
Panmen gate
After arriving at the station in Suzhou, we change to bus number 5, which departs from the station and follows to the Panmen Gate ("Gate of the coiled dragon"). Travel time is about 50 minutes, ticket price is 1 RMB. The Panmen were once part of the wall. Today we can see the landmark, which has already been restored.
A huge amount of work has been done and at least $ 2 million has been spent. Thanks to these investments, the territory was also ennobled: trees, flowers were planted, the pond, where carp live today, was cleaned, and lighting devices were installed. Walking, you can easily find the Zhuiguanta Pagoda, which in ancient times kept a Buddhist stupa made of pearls.
Fisherman's Garden and Wangshiyuan
After exploring Panmen, we recommend taking the bus to the Fishing Net Master's Garden or the Fisherman's Garden, the construction of which began about 800 years ago. The entrance fee is 30 yuan.
Wangshiyuan is one of the most popular gardens in Suzhou. Here architecture and nature, perfection and grace are combined. In the pavilions, you can see the interiors of the past centuries, and in the center of the garden, visitors can admire the beauty of a picturesque pond, which is framed by beautiful plants and stones. In Wanshiyuan, beautiful photographs can also be taken in the bansai tree garden, on the arched bridge, which has the lyrical title "Leading to Serenity." In summer, the garden can be visited even at night, so do not miss this opportunity.
Lion Grove Garden
The next must-see garden is the Lion Grove, a distinctive feature of which is a pile of stones of a certain type (taihushi). It takes several decades to "grow" such stones. To get a certain look, it was necessary to make holes in ordinary stones and place them in the lake. Over the years, these stones took on very unusual shapes. In general, there is something to see and something to be surprised at. Lion Grove Garden is definitely a must see.The ticket price is 30 yuan.
The Humble Official's Garden
Now is the time to go to the Garden of the Modest Official or Administrator, which covers an area of 5 hectares. Of course, several hours are not enough for its inspection, it is better to lay the whole day, but if there is not much time, then during this time you can see quite a lot here.
The construction of the garden was started more than 600 years ago by an official removed from public affairs for corruption. He worked on its creation for about 20 years, and today he will cut with a unique design and unique beauty. If you visit the garden in summer, you will see the lotus festival and the azalea festival in spring. The entrance ticket costs 70 RMB.
If you are in no hurry to get to the train, you can walk to the railway station and be sure to drop by the 85 pastry shop to brighten up your day with delicious pastries and aromatic coffee.
Eighth day
Self-guided to Chinese Venice - Zhouzhuang
Today we will go to explore the Chinese Venice - the city of Zhouzhuang, which has almost a thousand-year history. You can get to it by bus from Suzhou, so first we will use the comfortable train G. Not far from the railway station there is a bus station. The fare is 17 yuan. Travel time from Suzhou to Zhouzhuang is about an hour.
If the road is not tired and you are full of energy, then you can walk from the final stop to the Old Town or take a taxi, if you do not consider this option. You have to pay 100 yuan to get to the attraction. The old city, after the noisy and dynamic Shanghai, will surprise you with its regularity and silence, especially if your trip takes place on a weekday. Unlike Venice, the local canals are narrower, and the boats sailing by are run by local women.
We recommend that you do not miss the opportunity and see the city from the water. The local gondola rental price is 100 RMB. So much is a 25-minute walk. If you are lucky, they will even give you a wheel and sing something folk and very sad, about love, probably. But for love, or rather for singing, you will have to pay extra. No romance.
After enjoying the walk, you can go to explore the city and the way of life of local residents. Be sure to inspect the Key Bridge. If you are observant, you will understand that local residents receive their main income from private canals, restaurant and souvenir business. The most interesting thing is that men here are engaged exclusively in intellectual work. Women get the hardest part - physical work. Maybe that's why they sing such sad songs?
If you are looking for a bite to eat, you will find many places to eat, but whether you dare to try something is another question. Keep in mind that cooking water is taken from the same channel, where the laundry is washed and other household chores are done. No, of course, the water is pre-boiled, and, as the locals assure, after that it acquires a unique taste (who would doubt it), but the choice is always yours.
If you have already examined everything and do not want to stay overnight to see a stunning sunset, we recommend you hurry up, because the last bus to Suzhou leaves at 17.10, and to Shanghai 40 minutes earlier.
Ninth day. Shanghai self-guided walks
French Quarter
Today you can take a walk in the French Quarter. You can get to it via Red Line 1, Shanxi Road. This place is very atypical for a metropolis, here you can safely walk and feel its romantic atmosphere. If you have been to Europe, then you will recognize its appearance - cozy cafes with cutlery we are used to, and pastry shops, paved roads and pretty design of balconies. Despite the name, not only Frenchmen lived in the quarter, but also Russian emigrants.
Interesting places and shopping
The remaining time can be devoted to sightseeing, which you have noted for yourself, but have not yet had time to see or go shopping. Recommended for viewing and visiting the Shanghai Circus and Zoo, the Temple of the Jade Buddha, a monument to Pushkin, a museum of the Chinese Communist Party.
If you are interested in fashionable world and local brands, we recommend the Grand Mall. On 7 floors, you will surely find something for yourself and your loved ones. There is also a supermarket where you can buy delicious fruits and vegetables, while the choice is simply huge. The Grand Mall is close to the Lujiazui Subway Station.
We hope that our itinerary in China will help you plan 9 days correctly and get a lot of pleasant emotions!
