Armenia: Explore the Hidden Gem of the Transcaucasus on a Budget of 5k Per Person

Visa: Visa-free for Chinese citizens, passport holders can stay for 90 days.
Currency: Dram (AMD), CNY 1 ≈ AMD 70 (2023 exchange rate), it is recommended to bring EUR/USD cash for exchange.
Language: Armenian is the main language, English is commonly used in popular attractions.
Best season: April–June (flower season) and September–October (autumn colors), avoid the hot months of July and August.
Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions
Republic Square, Yerevan
Highlights: Soviet-style architectural complex + musical fountain night view, free.
Transportation: Walking distance from the city center, metro station "Republic Square".
Garni Temple
Tickets: AMD 1,500 (approx. CNY 22), including the ruins of the Greek temple and Roman baths.
Tips: A day trip with the "Symphony of Stones" (Geghard Monastery) is more worthwhile.
Lake Sevan
Things to do: Climb the Sevanavank Monastery to overlook the "Tears of the Caucasus", rent a boat to tour the lake for about AMD 5,000/hour.
Avoid: Be cautious when ordering fish at lakeside restaurants, the prices are inflated and may not be fresh.
Echmiadzin Cathedral
Status: The oldest cathedral in the world, a Christian holy site.
Taboo: Hats must be removed when entering the church, and women are advised to wear headscarves.
Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex
Significance: Learn about the history of the Ottoman Empire's massacre of 1.5 million Armenians in 1915.
Note: Photography is prohibited inside the museum, and visitors should remain solemn.
Hidden Treasures
Tatev Monastery
Transportation: 3 hours by chartered car from Yerevan or take the "world's longest cable car" Wings of Tatev.
Highlights: 9th-century cliff monastery + canyon scenery.
Khor Virap Monastery
Best spot: The background is Mount Ararat (the resting place of Noah's Ark in the Bible), the morning light is the most photogenic.
Dilijan National Park
Features: "Little Switzerland of Armenia", clear hiking routes, bicycle rental is about AMD 2,000/day.
Food Recommendations
National Cuisine:
Lavash: Thin stone-baked pancake, served with cheese or grilled meat.
Khorovats: Barbecue, lamb chops are the most authentic (CNY 30 per person).
Dolma: Grape leaves stuffed with lamb rice, sour cream to relieve greasiness.
Restaurant List:
Yerevan: Tavern Yerevan
Dilijan: Old Dilijan Complex
Practical Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
Transportation:
Use Yandex Go for taxis in the city (30% cheaper than hailing a cab), the Yerevan-Gyumri train only costs CNY 5 but has few departures.
An international driver's license is required for car rental, and novice drivers are not recommended to drive themselves due to the many sharp turns on mountain roads.
Shopping:
Choose apricot jam (Ararat Valley is the best) or volcanic stone crafts as souvenirs, the scenic area premium is 50%, it is recommended to go to the supermarket to buy.
Safety:
Avoid being alone in border towns (such as Goris) at night, and do not go to the Nagorno-Karabakh region for the time being.
Network:
Buy a Ucom phone card at the airport, 10 GB of data + calls is about CNY 40, and download offline maps in advance due to the weak signal in the mountains.