Georgia, a seriously underrated visa-free gem, is truly "God's backyard."

Known as "God's backyard," Georgia boasts a stunning mix of snow-capped mountains, ancient castles, vineyards, and Black Sea scenery, offering both affordability and unique cultural experiences. This 2025 updated guide covers visas, transportation, attractions, food, and practical tips to help you explore this hidden Caucasian paradise! 1. Visas and Entry ✈️✈️ 1. Visa-free policy: Chinese citizens with ordinary passports can stay visa-free for 30 days. Ensure your passport is valid for over 6 months and have your return ticket and accommodation confirmation ready. 2. Entry precautions: ‼️‼️ · Fresh plants and animal products are prohibited and must be declared in advance; cultural relics require approval from the Ministry of Culture for export. · Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) is the most convenient entry point, with direct flights from Urumqi. 2. Transportation Guide 🚗🚗 1. Domestic Transportation · City travel: · Tbilisi bus/subway fares are 0.5-1 GEL (approx. 1.2-2.4 CNY), while taxis using Bolt or Yandex Go average 5-10 GEL (approx. 12-24 CNY). 💰💰 · We recommend experiencing the Soviet-era cable car (2 GEL/ride) for panoramic views of the old town. · Intercity travel: ✈️✈️ · Travel between cities by minibus (Marshrutka) or train. Car rentals are around 400 CNY/day for 4 people. Carpooling or renting an SUV is recommended for mountainous areas. · Self-drive tours: Requires an International Driving Permit + original Chinese driver's license. Recommended route: Tbilisi → Sighnaghi → Kazbegi → Batumi. 2. Car Rental Tips · Vehicle selection: Choose an economical car for city tours, an SUV for mountainous/outdoor areas, and an MPV for family trips. · Insurance recommendations: Purchase full coverage to cover vehicle repairs and personal injury costs. Inspect the vehicle for scratches and take photos as evidence when renting. 3. Must-See Attractions and Experiences 🏝️🏝️ ✅1. Tbilisi · Old Town: Stroll along cobblestone streets, explore the sulfur baths (Abanotubani), the Bridge of Peace, and ascend Narikala Fortress for sunset views. · Holy Trinity Cathedral: The largest Orthodox cathedral in the Caucasus, with stunning golden domes and frescoes. · Dry Bridge Market: Discover Soviet-era items, antique cameras, and experience a retro atmosphere. ✅2. Kazbegi · Gergeti Trinity Church: Hike for 1.5 hours or hire an off-road vehicle to reach the summit, facing the 5033-meter Mount Kazbek, with clouds and snow-capped mountains in the same frame. · Georgian Military Highway: Stop at Ananuri Castle and Dariali Gorge along the way, experiencing the grandeur of the Caucasus Mountains. ✅3. Sighnaghi · Wine culture: Visit wineries known for their traditional qvevri winemaking (e.g., Pheasant’s Tears, Khareba underground wine cellar), and sample 8000-year-old amber wine (Rkatsiteli). · 24-hour marriage registration: Get married quickly at the City Hall, with a romantic vineyard wedding (cost: 200-1000 GEL). ✅4. Batumi · Black Sea cycling: Cycle along the coastal boulevard, visit the moving mechanical sculpture "Ali and Nino," and watch the light show at night. · Europe Square: A blend of modern architecture and European style, with the glass-domed McDonald's as a popular landmark. ✅5. Mestia · Hiking paradise: Challenge the 4-day Ushguli hiking trail, exploring Europe's highest ancient village, where glaciers and watchtowers meet. 4. Flavors of Georgia 🥯‼️ ✅1. Must-try dishes: · Khachapuri: Cheese-filled bread, often with a runny egg yolk, offering a rich, stringy delight. · Khinkali: Soup dumplings; bite into them and sip the broth. Beef or mushroom fillings are recommended. · Mtsvadi: Grilled meat skewers with a smoky aroma, served with pomegranate sauce. ✅2. Wine culture: 🍺🍺 · Family wine cellar tasting (from 50 CNY/5 varieties), and try Chacha (grape brandy). 5. Accommodation Recommendations 🏡🏡 ✅1. Tbilisi: Chinese-run hotels (150-400 CNY/night) or designer guesthouses (e.g., Fabrika Hostel). ✅2. Sighnaghi: Guesthouses converted from century-old villas, with courtyards for enjoying tea and birdsong. ✅3. Kazbegi: Rooms Hotel, with a mountain-view terrace for Michelin-level dining. 6. Practical Tips and Things to Avoid 1. Safety tips: ‼️‼️‼️ · Avoid walking alone in the dark alleys of the old town at night, and keep valuables close. · Accepting homemade wine from locals is a sign of friendly etiquette; drink in moderation. 2. Seasons and Clothing: 👗👗 · April-May offers pleasant weather (5-25°C). Mountain areas have large temperature differences, so pack a jacket, sunscreen, and sunglasses. 3. Cultural Etiquette: ‼️🧥🧥 · Headscarves and long skirts are required in churches. Carry a scarf with you. 4. Language and Payment: ‼️‼️ · English proficiency among locals is low, so download a translation app; some attractions only accept cash, so have enough GEL on hand. 7. ✅Recommended Connections to Neighboring Countries 💰💰 ✅· Armenia (visa-free): Visit the Etchmiadzin Cathedral complex and experience the "Jerusalem of the Caucasus." ✅· Azerbaijan (visa-free): See the Flame Towers at night in Baku and the Gobustan Rock Art. ✅· Türkiye (e-visa): Transit through Istanbul and visit the Hagia Sophia. 8. Sample Itinerary (7-10 days) 🚗🚗 · Days 1-3: Tbilisi (Old Town, sulfur baths, Holy Trinity Cathedral) → Mtskheta (World Heritage ancient city). · Days 4-5: Kazbegi (mountain hiking, Gergeti Trinity Church) → Georgian Military Highway → Gudauri Ski Resort (winter). · Days 6-7: Sighnaghi (wine tasting, ancient city walls) → Batumi (Black Sea sunset, "Ali and Nino" sculpture). Seize the spring and rejuvenate your mind and body with a Caucasian adventure! 🌿