Hungary
Hungary Overview
Chinese Name: English IPA: Location: Population (city): Language: Zip code: Tel code: Time zone:
To travel from Hungary to the main cities of China (such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen), you’ll most likely need to take a connecting flight. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan your trip:
Step 1: Departure from Hungary
The main international airport in Hungary is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), which serves as the hub for most international flights. You’ll find several airlines offering flights from Budapest to China, typically with a stopover in another major city.
Step 2: Connecting Flights to China
There are no direct flights from Budapest to China (except for a few seasonal or specific routes), so you will need to transit through a connecting hub. Some popular transit hubs include Middle Eastern, European, Southeast Asian, and East Asian cities.
Option 1: Via Middle Eastern Hubs
- Qatar Airways: Fly from Budapest to Doha (DOH), then connect to a flight to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Shenzhen.
- Emirates Airlines: Fly from Budapest to Dubai (DXB), then transfer to a flight to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Shenzhen.
- Etihad Airways: Fly from Budapest to Abu Dhabi (AUH), then connect to a flight to Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou.
Option 2: Via European Hubs
- Lufthansa: Fly from Budapest to Frankfurt (FRA) or Munich (MUC), then connect to a flight to Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou.
- Air France: Fly from Budapest to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), then connect to a flight to Shanghai or Beijing.
- KLM: Fly from Budapest to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), then connect to a flight to Beijing or Shanghai.
Option 3: Via Southeast Asian Hubs
- Singapore Airlines: Fly from Budapest to Singapore Changi (SIN), then connect to a flight to Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou.
- Cathay Pacific: Fly from Budapest to Hong Kong (HKG), then connect to a flight to Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Shenzhen.
Option 4: Via East Asian Hubs
- Air China: Fly from Budapest to Beijing (PEK) via Frankfurt (FRA) or Munich (MUC), with a direct connection to China.
- China Eastern Airlines: Fly from Budapest to Shanghai (PVG), with a stopover in Moscow or Paris.
Step 3: Arrival in China
Once you arrive in China, you will typically land in one of the main cities. Some popular cities to visit in China include:
- Beijing: The capital of China, famous for the Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and Temple of Heaven.
- Shanghai: A global financial hub known for its skyline (Shanghai Tower), Yu Garden, and the Bund.
- Guangzhou: Known for the Canton Tower, Shamian Island, and Cantonese cuisine.
- Shenzhen: A modern city near Hong Kong with attractions like Window of the World, Splendid China Folk Village, and its high-tech industry.
Step 4: Visa Requirements for Hungarian Citizens
Hungarian citizens require a Chinese Tourist Visa (L Visa) to travel to China. Here’s the basic process for applying:
Documents Required:
- Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of application.
- Completed Visa Application Form (available from the Chinese Embassy or Consulate).
- Passport-sized Photo.
- Round-trip Flight Tickets.
- Hotel Reservation or Invitation Letter from a Chinese host or travel agency.
- Proof of Funds: Bank statement or financial documentation to show you can afford your stay in China.
Visa Processing Time:
Visa processing typically takes 4-5 business days, though it may vary depending on the embassy’s workload.
Step 5: Transportation Within China
Once you arrive in China, you can get around by using various modes of transportation:
- Domestic Flights: Airlines such as Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, and Hainan Airlines offer frequent flights between major cities in China.
- High-Speed Rail: China’s high-speed rail network is one of the largest in the world. You can travel quickly between Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen using high-speed trains.
- Public Transportation: Major cities in China have well-developed metro and bus systems that are affordable and easy to use.
Step 6: Travel Tips for Hungarian Citizens Visiting China
- Language: The official language is Mandarin Chinese. English is not widely spoken in rural areas, so learning a few basic Mandarin phrases or using a translation app can be helpful.
- Currency: The official currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). You can exchange your money at the airport or use international credit cards in larger cities.
- Time Zone: China follows China Standard Time (CST), which is UTC+8, while Hungary operates on Central European Time (CET), which is UTC+1 in winter and UTC+2 in summer. Therefore, there is a 6-7 hour difference.
- Internet Access: Some websites such as Google, Facebook, and WhatsApp are blocked in China. A VPN may be needed to access these sites.
- Health and Safety: Make sure you have travel insurance and check if you need any vaccinations before traveling.
Step 7: Suggested Travel Itinerary for China
Here’s a suggested 10-12 day itinerary to explore China’s main cities:
- Day 1-3: Beijing – Explore the Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and Temple of Heaven.
- Day 4-6: Shanghai – Visit the Yu Garden, the Bund, Shanghai Tower, and Nanjing Road.
- Day 7-9: Guangzhou – Discover Canton Tower, Shamian Island, and try the local Cantonese cuisine.
- Day 10-12: Shenzhen – Visit Window of the World, Splendid China Folk Village, and explore the OCT Loft Creative Culture Park.
Traveling from Hungary to China typically involves taking a connecting flight through hubs such as Doha, Dubai, Paris, or Hong Kong. After arriving in China, you can visit major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Don’t forget to apply for a Chinese Tourist Visa, and plan your transportation within China using domestic flights, high-speed trains, and public transport.