The visa for China is obtained from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Sofia. Required documents: completed visa application form, photo, copy of airline tickets and hotel reservations (we provide these), copy of the passport. The fee is approximately 120 EUR. We recommend starting the process at least 4-6 weeks before your trip.

Yes, China does have internet, but access to Google, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and most western apps is blocked by the so-called Great Firewall. To use them, you need to install a VPN app BEFORE departure. Once you arrive in China, you won't be able to download it.

In Hong Kong, there are no such restrictions and the internet is completely free.

We'll send you recommendations for reliable VPN apps before your journey.

The official currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB). In major cities, bank cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in hotels and larger stores, but for markets, street food, and smaller establishments, it's good to have cash. In Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) is used and bank cards are accepted almost everywhere.

Currency exchange can be done at the airport or in banks. We recommend exchanging a small amount upon arrival.

The journey includes walks of 3 to 6 hours per day on urban and mountainous terrain. The most challenging days are the ascent of the sacred Huashan Mountain (height 2100m, with a cable car covering much of the altitude) and the hikes in Zhangjiajie. No special alpine training is required, but a normal physical condition and a desire for walking are essential.

We recommend regular cardio activity at least 2-3 times a week in the months leading up to the trip.

The price includes: international flight Sofia-Beijing, domestic flights (Beijing-Xi'an, Zhangjiajie-Guangzhou), high-speed trains (Xi'an-Huashan, Changsha-Zhangjiajie, Guangzhou-Hong Kong), 15 nights in hotels, 15 breakfasts and 8 dinners, all entrance fees for sites included in the program, all transfers and local transportation, a Bulgarian-speaking guide throughout the journey, and medical insurance.

Not included: Chinese visa (~120 EUR), return flight from Hong Kong, meals not mentioned in the program, personal expenses, alcohol, and drinks.

May is one of the best months to visit China. In Beijing, temperatures are around 18-28°C with low humidity. Xi'an is similar, 16-26°C. In Zhangjiajie, it can be wetter and foggier (18-25°C), which actually makes the landscapes even more cinematic. Guangzhou and Hong Kong are warmer and more humid, 25-32°C, with the possibility of brief afternoon showers.

Layered clothing is essential due to the temperature difference between northern and southern China.

Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China with its own set of rules. Bulgarian citizens do not need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days in Hong Kong (unlike mainland China). The currency is different (Hong Kong dollar instead of yuan). The internet is open, with no need for a VPN. Bank cards are accepted everywhere.

When crossing from mainland China to Hong Kong, we pass through a border control similar to an international one.

Chinese cuisine is diverse and delicious. The food in the restaurants and hotels we visit is safe. At street markets (like the Muslim Quarter in Xi'an), we recommend food that is freshly cooked and hot.

If you have specific dietary restrictions (vegetarianism, allergies), please let us know in advance, and we will arrange alternatives. In larger cities, there are plenty of options available.

No mandatory vaccinations are required to enter China from Bulgaria. It is advisable to be up to date with your routine vaccinations (hepatitis A and B, tetanus). Consult your doctor or the National Centre for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases for the latest recommendations.

We recommend getting a local SIM card or eSIM for China upon arrival, so you have mobile internet. Prices are affordable. Important: Mobile internet in China is also behind the Great Firewall, so a VPN is necessary on your phone as well.

In Hong Kong, you can use roaming or get a separate SIM card. There are no internet restrictions there.

The official language is Mandarin (Putonghua). In tourist areas and hotels, the staff usually speak basic English. In smaller places and markets, language might be a challenge, but not a problem, because you have a guide with you. In Hong Kong, English is widely spoken.

It's useful to have a translation app on your phone (download it before departure, as Google Translate is blocked in China unless you have a VPN).