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I didn't believe China would surprise me — it seemed like I'd seen everything in videos and photos. But an hour after arriving in Shanghai, I understood: no screen can convey this scale, smell, and rhythm. The country literally draws you in.
🌤 When to go
The best time is spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October). I arrived in October 2025: +22°C, minimal tourists on nature trails, golden Zhangjiajie mountains — just postcard-perfect. In summer, most cities experience humid heat around 38°C, and January–February bring cold and crowds for Chinese New Year.
Avoid national holidays — "Golden Week" in early October turns any attraction into a crush. Book your trip slightly earlier or later.
🛂 Visa and entry
In 2026, Russia is on the visa-free entry list for up to 15 days — really convenient for a short trip. For longer travel, get a tourist visa through the consulate: standard document package, processing takes about 5 business days. Most importantly — print out your hotel booking and return ticket, border officials check.
🚄 Transport and accommodation
High-speed trains are China's main discovery. Beijing to Shanghai (1300 km) — 4.5 hours, tickets from 550 yuan (≈ 7000 ₽). Buy through the Trip.com app — it has a Russian interface. Metro in major cities is cheap and straightforward: one ride in Beijing — 3–5 yuan.
- Hostels in central Beijing — from 150 yuan per night
- Budget Hanting hotel chain — from 250 yuan, clean and comfortable
- Airbnb doesn't work in China, use Trip.com or Booking
- Taxis via DiDi — Uber's equivalent, cheaper and safer than street cars
🥟 Food and must-see places
Peking duck breast at Quanjude restaurant — a must, portion for two around 180 yuan. Dim sum for breakfast at any small teahouse — 30–50 yuan and authentic China without tourist gloss. In Sichuan, try hotpot (spicy fondue soup) — unforgettable, but prepare for heat.
- Great Wall of China — the Mutianyu section is quieter and more scenic than Badaling
- Zhangjiajie — floating mountains that inspired Avatar's creators
- Bund waterfront in Shanghai — especially at night
- Ancient Pingyao — medieval province without capital bustle
Markets and small cafes barely accept cash — WeChat Pay and Alipay are a must. Link your card to the app beforehand, or you'll go hungry.
📱 Practical tips
Google, Instagram, WhatsApp are blocked in China — you need a VPN, but it has glitches. For stable internet from day one, buy a China eSIM — from 53 ₽, activates before departure and works without roaming surprises. Download an offline translator in Google Translate or use Microsoft Translator — it recognizes characters through the camera excellently. And one more thing: always carry your passport — hotels, museums, and even when buying tickets may ask for it.