Given the scale of the Middle Kingdom, it is most reasonable to use an airplane to move between its remote cities . Fortunately, there are three national and four regional carriers in the country at once. Delays and cancellations of flights in China are not uncommon – before moving to the airport, it is always worth checking the status of your departure. Types of trains: China has a great variety: from high-speed (350 km / h) express trains to ordinary electric trains. Accommodation – in a soft or hard compartment, on soft or hard seats, or 100% democratic – standing. Tickets can be booked up to 5 days before the travel date; hard recumbent and seated places disperse most quickly. For example, China recently opened a high-speed rail line connecting Shanghai and Hangzhou (202 km). Regular CRH 380A trains will reach speeds of 350 km/h and deliver tourists from city to city in 45 minutes (previously 78 minutes). There are nine stops on the route, the fare is 98 RMB (11 USD) in the second class and 156 RMB (17 USD) in the first. the same high-speed trains run on the Guangzhou-Wuhan line.
You can also travel around China by intercity buses., but here the chances of a comfortable trip are 50/50: both a pleasant ride in a new car with air conditioning and a TV is possible, as well as endless shaking on a broken “nag” in the company of Chinese peasants.
According to topschoolsintheusa, public transport in cities is overloaded to the limit. Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Tianjin have subways, buses and trolleybuses (open from 5:00-5:30 to 22:00-23:00). Tickets for the metro are sold at the box office at the entrance (“travel” and magnetic cards are not available), for the bus and trolleybus – from the conductor, and on suburban lines – from the driver.
There are also fixed-route taxis serving tourist areas and railway stations. The fare for them varies depending on the distance and usually ranges from 1 to 3 RMB.
Taxi- the most comfortable way to travel in the city (6-10 RMB for the first 4 km and 1-2 RMB for each subsequent one).
You can move short distances by bicycle and regular rickshaws, the fare on which depends on the weight of the passenger and the distance (usually a rickshaw is more expensive than a taxi).
Rent a Car
Since the international driving license is not valid in China, car rental is only possible “complete” with a driver. The approximate cost of renting a car with a driver-guide for a trip on an excursion is 150 USD.
Tourist safety in China
Before traveling to the country, no vaccinations or vaccinations are required. Be sure to use the safe for storing documents, money and valuables. If there is no safe in the room, documents and valuables can be deposited with the administrator on duty.
Independent visits to Tibet are prohibited: a special additional permit is required, which is issued by the host in advance. It is really possible to visit Tibet with a group along a previously agreed and agreed route. A foreigner in China should always carry a hotel business card with an inscription in Chinese or a card with his data filled out by any Chinese translator.
Drinking raw tap water is strongly discouraged. In any hotel in the room there will be either a thermos with boiling water or an electric kettle. Also, in most hotels, mineral water without gas is provided free of charge (the Chinese basically do not use carbonated “mineral water”). In Hong Kong, smoking in public buildings (airport, shops, subway) is subject to a ~5000 RMB fine.
The Chinese are very fond of high volume: they shout a lot, honk a lot, swear a lot. And they love to sing. Sing everywhere and at once, as soon as they want. Singing Chinese can be seen on the city square, on the bus or just on the street. That is why karaoke in China is in incredible demand and is considered a favorite entertainment. Frequent meetings with Chinese singing in the street are very uplifting.
Money
Yuan is the only official currency in China. Currency can be exchanged at the main branches of the Bank of China (Bank of China), hotels, international airports (there is the most favorable exchange rate), at railway stations and in some large shopping centers. Receipts received during the exchange should be kept, since the return of the remaining yuan at the end of the trip can only be carried out upon presentation. American Express, JCB, Visa, Master Card and Diners Club credit cards are accepted at international hotels and restaurants, as well as major government department stores. You can withdraw cash from them only at the branches of the Bank of China (commission fee is usually 4%). When buying with a credit card, a special fee (1-2% of the purchase price) is charged and discounts do not apply to such a purchase.
Shopping and stores
The choice of souvenirs in the country is huge, but many are of low quality. Chopsticks, china, cups, lacquer boxes, seals and scroll cases can be bought at every turn. Blue and white porcelain of the Ming Dynasty can be purchased in specialized stores, art and antique shops, and you should also look for classical Chinese paintings there – originals and reproductions, as well as copies of world-famous paintings at a reasonable price. Hangzhou and Suzhou are famous for their excellent tea and silk. It is also worth asking the price for jade products (from rings to sculptures), carpets, silk fabrics, pearl jewelry and silver coins. Well, the fair sex is guaranteed to be interested in natural cosmetics and products with pearl extract. In large state-owned stores and food stalls, prices are fixed. The markets should be skillfully bargained. State-owned stores are open seven days a week from 9:30 to 20:30, private ones from 9:00 to 21:00, and often even longer. Markets usually open at 7:00 (some even at 4:00) and work until 10:00-12:00. When buying tea and bulk products, one should bear in mind that the measure of weight in China is “jin”, equal to about half a kilo, and the indicated price corresponds to this particular measure of weight.
