Advice/travel buddy for china trip

Posted by Carin (792 days ago)

Heya!

I'm visiting Hong Kong for a couple of months and thought while I'm here I'd take advantage of having a base here and visit China. What are the top places to go to/sights to see - that aren't too difficult to get to from Hong Kong? Bejing and Shanghai?

Also if anyone else has been thinking of a similar trip, would be great to here from you - either for sharing idea/advice or maybe travelling.

Cheers!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by ellyse (791 days ago)

Most nationalities need a visa for each entry into mainland China. Are you sure you want to do a lot of separate trips into mainland China? That could prove to be quite expensive as visas go.

(I am based in Shanghai)

Posted by Carin (791 days ago)

Cheers for tip, I don't think it would be lots of separate trips though, just a week or two in one go. Single entry is about 500 hong kong dollars which isn't great but not too bad

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Meiguoren (791 days ago)

Well, double entry isn't too much more, is it, and then you get a bit more flexibility? What's your potential budget like? Can you afford to fly, and how many stops? What's your language level? A lot of people insist you can get around in China even not speaking Chinese, but I think it could be very difficult especially if you got "off the beaten path" although these are some of the more delightful places. I'm not sure what you really love to see, but I'd suggest that at some point a big city is a just another big city and some smaller places are worthy of consideration. Ellyse may differ with me, but if I had to choose between Shanghai and Xi'an, I'd take Xi'an. One sample itinerary might be to take the train from HK to Beijing (27 hrs?), stay there x days, then take the overnight train to Xi'an, then fly to some other place like Chengdu (Panda preserve) or Lijiang, fly to Guilin and go see Yangshuo, then train back to HK. Check out the site http://www.bikechina.com for a close-to-the-earth type tour experience with an English speaking guide.

(I am based in Guangzhou)

Posted by ellyse (790 days ago)

Ok then. What are you (usually) more interested in seeing/doing/experiencing while on travel? What's your budget like? Are you travelling alone?

(I am based in Shanghai)

Posted by Carin (789 days ago)

Thanks for the advice Meiguoren and Ellyse, really appreciate it. The bikechina website looks really good but their next trip's not until April next year - I'm looking to go in the next few weeks for maybe 1-2 weeks at the most. I realise this isn't alot of time so maybe it's best to stick to one or two places on my itinery and I can always do the others another time I'm back in Asia. What would you say a good starting point is for a first time traveller to China? I can't speak any Mandarin and although I'm not keen on a unrealistic, sheltered tourist experience, I know it's unlikely I could do much on my own. I'd be travelling alone, so maybe a tour group is best - but something a little more down to earth as you suggested. Colourful local areas, historical sights and just everyday life is what I'm interested in - not so much shopping etc, have enough of that in Hong Kong!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Cutiepie (789 days ago)

Hi Carin

I am also looking to do china trip. I have PM you. please check.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by ellyse (788 days ago)

I'd say Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an plus a couple of sidetrips from Shanghai. This is a well-trodden tourist trail so your lack of Mandarin shouldn't be too much of a problem. Feel free to drop me a private message if you'd like to work out things in further detail. I've travelled extensively in China and always happy to help out fellow travellers. :) I was going to meet up with Meiguoren the last time I was in Guangdong province, but it was a pity that I missed it in the end. :( Next time! :)

(I am based in Shanghai)

Posted by hkkm (788 days ago)

I would second ellyse's advice - Beijing and Xi'an are great places to visit with no need to speak Mandarin (Shanghai and Guilin too I assume, but I haven't been there). You could get a package tour, but it would be just as easy to get a flight/hotel package and organise day or half-day trips when you get there.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by dorrbell (749 days ago)

If you like travelling alone, or in remote areas, or are a little nervous, arm yourself with a GSM cell phone [buy a used/unlocked one on ebay]and have some numbers of friends who speak Mandarin. Or even the number of a large hotel with English speaking people at the counter. You can buy a SIM card at any China Mobile store in the PRC...EZ.
You can relax and be pretty much anywhere in China and have a translator at the push of a button. This is how I travel in China. Also great for calling home from China at a cheap price. As for where to go. The possibillities are endless. Just follow your interests, whether they be medicine, snakes, doll making, exotic food, art, political unrest, theatre, botany...There is a place in China for just about anything. My advice would be to get out of HK asap...too expensive. I am just one guy with adventurest taste. You may prefer small organized tours which can be arranged at any front desk at any major hotel. That is another nice way to go without being locked into some tightassed tourist company schedule. AVOID tour groups that want to take you to various silk, carpet, and pearl factories and all that sort of fake crap. Go and have an adventure and a good time.............

(I am based in Guangzhou)