🌟 Moscow: Surprisingly Beautiful & Different from Expectations

Just returned from a 5-day trip to this mysterious yet fascinating city. Here’s a quick recap of my experience! 🧳 Travel Tips 1️⃣ Flights: Beijing → Moscow: 8 hours (5-hour time difference with China) Round-trip flights from Beijing: ~5,000 RMB (cheaper from other Chinese cities) 2️⃣ Currency Exchange: Exchange rate in China: ~11.5 RUB = 1 RMB At Sheremetyevo Airport, get a YOOMONEY bank card (requires email & Chinese phone verification). Use the app to track spending. Deposit RUB at ATMs right after. Better exchange rates at GUM Department Store (3rd floor bank + ATMs). 3️⃣ Transport: Moscow has Europe’s largest metro system (20+ lines). Use YOO card for seamless travel. Taxi: Use Yandex Go (link YOO card for auto-payment or pay cash). GPS accuracy was fine for me! 4️⃣ Language: Russian is challenging, but translation apps like Yandex Translate help. Basic English + gestures work too! 5️⃣ Accommodation: Hotels are pricey, rooms & beds are small. Many lack kettles but have hot water stations. 6️⃣ Maps: Use Yandex Maps or Baidu Maps for navigation & metro routes. 7️⃣ Internet: Buy a local SIM or enable international roaming. Bring 2 phones — signal is limited but usable. 🏛️ Attractions 1️⃣ Must-Visit: Red Square & Kremlin (allow 1 full day) Armed Forces Cathedral (stunning! photos allowed inside — worth the trip) Moscow River Cruise: Sunset royal cruise from Radisson Ukraine Hotel (2.5 hrs, book in advance!) 2️⃣ Shopping: Auchan (hypermarket for daily needs & souvenirs) GUM & Okhotny Ryad Mall (great for luxury & local brands) Convenience stores & cafes everywhere (many 24/7) 3️⃣ Food & Prices: Affordable meals: ~20-30 RMB/person Russian milk = delicious & cheap! Avoid Coke & imported tea — overpriced. 🌆 Impressions of Moscow ✅ August weather: Cool, blue skies, super clean streets (no litter!) ✅ People: Friendly, polite, well-mannered. Strong sense of culture & history. ✅ Architecture: Preserved beautifully — mix of tradition and modernity. ✅ Safety: Very secure — no impact from Russia-Ukraine war. Relaxed vibe, no stress or “involution” here! ✅ Photo-friendly: Every corner is Instagram-worthy 📸 Break free from stereotypes — Moscow is absolutely worth visiting! #TravelTheWorld #Moscow #ExploreRussia #Wanderlust #TravelDiary 🌍✈️❤️