Cixi Zhejiang, China Travel Guide
High Season (Spring & Autumn): Weather pleasant for sightseeing. Many local events happen. Expect higher prices for accommodation and flights, especially during national holidays like Golden Week. Crowds increase.
Low Season (Summer & Winter): Travel during these seasons yields lower prices for flights and accommodation. Fewer tourists. Summer heat, humidity, and typhoons (July-August) make outdoor activities less appealing. Winter cold makes some outdoor attractions less comfortable.
Most foreign nationals need a visa for mainland China. The Tourist Visa (L Visa) is standard for leisure. Business (M) and other visas (Work, Student, Family Reunion, Transit) exist. Application occurs through a Chinese embassy, consulate, or a Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in your home country. This often involves completing an online form, scheduling an appointment, and submitting documents in person.
China maintains 24, 72, and 144-hour visa-free transit policies regarding citizens of certain countries when transiting through specific international airports. Ningbo Lishe International Airport (NGB), the closest major airport to Cixi, participates in the 144-hour program for eligible nationalities. This permits travel within Zhejiang Province (including Cixi). Verify eligibility and certain rules prior to your trip.
Your passport must maintain validity for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay and contain at least two blank visa pages.
Wrap up the form accurately. A recently taken (within 6 months) color passport-style photo, front view, bare head, white background.
Non-citizens applying outside their home country show proof of legal stay or residence.
Submit confirmed round-trip flight tickets and hotel bookings. Provide a detailed travel plan.
Copies of previous Chinese visas and your previous passport, if applicable. An invitation letter for a specific kind of visa types.
Visa application costs vary by nationality, visa type, and number of entries; you settle these during the application. Upon arrival, present your passport and visa (or proof of visa-free transit eligibility) to immigration officials. They may collect fingerprints.
No special permits are generally necessary for standard tourism in Cixi. Areas like Tibet have special permits, but Cixi does not.
Generally, no specific health certificates or vaccinations are mandatory for entry to China for most travelers. Visitors arriving from areas with specific infectious diseases (e.g., yellow fever) might need corresponding vaccination certificates. Check current international health regulations prior to your trip.
Before applying, gather all necessary documents. Double-checking each item against official embassy requirements prevents delays.
These approximations for Cixi are generally less expensive than major tier-1 cities like Shanghai or Beijing. Travel styles influence costs significantly.
Currency in China is Renminbi (RMB), referred to as Chinese Yuan (CNY), symbol ¥. Banknotes come in ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥20, ¥50, and ¥100. Coins are available in ¥0.1, ¥0.5, and ¥1. Exchange currency at major banks or airports. Mobile payment (Alipay, WeChat Pay) dominates transactions, the most common payment method.
Daily costs ¥170-400 (US$25-55). Accommodation: ¥100-200 (hostel/guesthouse). Meals: ¥50-100 (street food, local eateries). Transportation: ¥20-50 (public buses, short taxis). Attractions: ¥0-50.
Daily costs ¥450-950 (US$60-130). Accommodation: ¥250-500 (3-4 star hotel). Meals: ¥100-200 (mid-range restaurants). Transportation: ¥50-100 (taxis, ride-sharing). Attractions: ¥50-150.
Daily costs ¥1100+ (US$150+). Accommodation: ¥600+ (5-star hotels). Meals: ¥200+ (fine dining). Transportation: ¥150+ (private car). Attractions: ¥150+.
Tipping is generally not customary or expected in mainland China, including Cixi. In some high-end hotels or tour services that cater to international tourists, a service charge might be included, or tips might be accepted. However, it is not a widespread practice.
Local culture does not typically embrace tipping, so do not feel obligated. Any gratuity given may meet with surprise.
Use Public Transport & Eat Local: Buses are affordable. Street food and small local restaurants are tasty and inexpensive. Look for places popular with locals.
Bargain Selectively & Stay Local: Bargaining common at smaller markets, less so in fixed-price stores. Local guesthouses are cheaper than international chains.
Utilize Mobile Payment & Avoid Peak Season: Alipay and WeChat Pay are ubiquitous; link an international credit card for convenience and better rates. Travel during shoulder or low seasons saves on flights and accommodation.
Consider routine vaccinations, Hepatitis A and B, and Typhoid. Consult a medical professional for personalized advice.
Travel insurance is highly advised for all travelers, covering medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, lost luggage, plus personal liability.
Traveler's Diarrhea (drink bottled water). Air Pollution (monitor AQI, wear a Mask). Heatstroke/Dehydration (hydrate, seek shade). Mosquito-borne Illnesses (use Insect repellent).
Cixi has a low violent crime rate. Petty crime (pickpocketing) occurs in crowded areas. Be aware of your belongings. Scams are less common in Cixi than larger cities. Nightlife is generally safe with usual precautions.
Typhoons are the most significant risk (July-September), bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall. Flooding can occur. Zhejiang province is not highly prone to major earthquakes, but minor tremors happen.
Cixi has hospitals (e.g., Cixi People's Hospital). Ningbo offers more advanced facilities. Quality varies; larger city hospitals are well-equipped. Hospitals often need upfront payment. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
