Embark on an exciting journey through China, a country where ancient traditions blend harmoniously with modernity, and whose unique cultural heritage amazes with its magnificence and diversity.

Sunday Airlines operates direct charter flights from Kazakhstan to China. The main departures are from Astana and Almaty to Hainan Island (Sanya).

 WEATHER

Spring (March–May) – comfortable temperatures of +15...+25°C, perfect for traveling.

Summer (June–August) – hot and humid (+30...+40°C), typhoons are possible in coastal areas.

Autumn (September–November) – mild weather, little precipitation, an excellent time for travel.

Winter (December–February) – frosts down to -20°C in the north, warm (+10...+20°C) in the south.

The best time to travel is spring and fall.

• Photography and behavior in public

  - It is strictly forbidden to photograph military facilities, law enforcement officers, and strategically important facilities.

  - In China, it is not customary to express emotions violently—arguing loudly, waving your arms, or showing aggression.

   

  Caution in crowded places

  - In crowded places (markets, train stations, tourist attractions), keep a close eye on your personal belongings – pickpocketing is common.

  - Be careful with your luggage when traveling at night – thefts are possible.

   

  Attitude towards animals

  In some areas of China, rats are considered a symbol of good luck, so their presence in public places does not cause indignation among local residents.

   

   

  FOOD AND DRINKS

  Cuisine:

  - Beijing – Peking duck, dumplings.

  - Sichuan – spicy food, Mapo tofu.

  - Cantonese – seafood, dim sum.

  - Shanghai cuisine – sweet and sour dishes, soup dumplings.

   

  You can choose between restaurants, street food, or food courts.

   

  Drinks:

  Tea, Chinese beer, rice wine (baijiu), and fresh juices are popular.

   

  Useful tips

  - Chopsticks are the main cutlery, but you can ask for a fork.

  - Tap water is not safe to drink; it is better to buy bottled water.

   

  CURRENCY

  - The official currency is the Chinese yuan (CNY), 1 yuan = 100 fen.

   

  - You can exchange currency at banks, at the hotel reception, or at hotel guides. When exchanging currency, it is important to keep your receipts—without them, it is impossible to return the remaining yuan.

   

  - Only yuan is accepted in China; foreign currency is not used.

   

  - The main payment system is Union Pay. Payment by international cards is difficult, but possible in some places (special signs at the entrance will inform you of this).

   

  LANGUAGE

  The official language is Chinese.

  Most locals do not speak English.

   

  TIME DIFFERENCE

  Chinese time is 3 hours ahead of Astana.

   

  COMMUNICATION AND INTERNET

  China has an internet filtering system called the “Golden Shield” that restricts access to foreign websites.

   

  To use Google, YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, and other services, it is recommended to install a VPN in advance. It is advisable to have several options, as some VPNs are periodically blocked.

   

  Emergency services

  - Police – 110

  - Ambulance – 120

  - Fire department – 119

  - Tourist police (English-speaking support) – 12301

   

  Embassy of Kazakhstan in China

  - Address: 9, Dong 6 Jie, San Li Tun, Beijing, China 100600

  - Phone: +86 (010) 653-26-182, 653-24-189

  - Fax: +86 (010) 653-26-183, 653-24-433

  - Consular section: 653-22-636, 653-29-177

  - Email: pekin@mfa.kz

  - Website: www.kazembassy.cn/zh

   

  ITEMS PROHIBITED FOR EXPORT:

  Items prohibited for export from China without special permission:

  - Historical documents, works of art, antiques.

  - Power banks with a capacity of more than 10,000 mAh (or with illegible markings).

  - Lighters and matches (not even allowed in luggage).

  - Certain foods: watermelon, melon, coconut, durian.

  - Corals, shells, flowers, sprouts – these are considered part of China's cultural heritage.

Visas and entry:

- Citizens of Kazakhstan and Russia can visit Hainan Island without a visa for up to 30 days if they arrive on a charter flight.

- Citizens of Kazakhstan are allowed to arrive and depart on any flight, including regular flights.

- Russian citizens can enter without a visa only if they arrive on a direct flight to Haikou or Sanya airports.

- A visa is required for travel outside Hainan.

- It is mandatory to fill out a migration card upon arrival. Without it, entry into the country is not possible.