Roger Therrien

OK everyone my wife and I are planning a China Trip for April and I would like to hear any ideas from others who has taken any trips to China. Any ideas would be appreciated.

letmedance Loc: Walnut, Ca.

Been there many times, any ideas on which part you wish to visit?

Roger Therrien

Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong oh and Guangzhou

letmedance Loc: Walnut, Ca.

You are going to need a lot of days to see that much. Beijing and the surrounding area is worth a week.

NC Dave Loc: North Carolina

Consider visiting some of the "smaller" cities, for example Guilin, Qingdao, or Changsha. www.tripadvisor.com has good overviews of these and other cities. The megacities that you mention are interesting and fun but can be overwhelming. The smaller cities have retained more Chinese flavor and friendliness. And there's lots of non-urban parts of China to see, for example: the "Avatar" mountains, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDoMYr7b44M and great photo opportunities: https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/china-beautiful-places/index.html. Plan to ride the G trains between the cities...almost 200mph, always on time, and a lot more comfortable than flying. This guy can tell you all about the trains: https://www.seat61.com/China.htm. I've been to China 36 times...I can't wait for Trip #37. No matter where you go, you will have fun. You have chosen your next vacation well !

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

You're taking a tour, right? Not traveling on your own?

It's good you're going in April because it be over 100° in the summer. Avoid getting any "natural" water into your body, even when showering. Avoid buying fruit or vegetables from street vendors, in case it was washed with local water. You will see people all over the country selling bottled water. Make sure the bottles are sealed and not refilled.

As far as photography is concerned, I brought a small, pocket-able camera.

SuitcaseAl

From my experiences of being around Chinese people in other countries on my travels
I would not want to go to China the 1st time!
Singapore, Thailand, Switzerland, and the US nothing but total rudeness from them.
Cutting in front of people that are in line.
All in a group shouting at each other at the same time (not talking ).
Like to see parts of the country but can not stand the people.

marine73 Loc: Modesto California

Be ready to barter unless it is govt run such as the jade factory. A must to see is the Great Wall, try to see a section of it that does not cater to tourist. I am here took a tour from the hotel that included the Forbidden City, Tineman square (SP?), The Jade Factory (this one is Govt own) and the Great Wall. Includes Lunch at a local eatery before going to the Great Wall. Expect to spend a full day doing a tour. The Hotel does not sponsor these tours but allows the tour company a small space to sell their tours. The tour I took was one of several that was offered and I am here don't remember if the Great wall is offered on all of them. I believe the day cost be around $60.00 USD, $40.00 for the tour and then I am here purchased a book on the Great Wall at the Great Wall. This was in 2007 the year before the Ompylics. Got to see the birds nest under construction and it was about 85% complete at that time.

I spent a month there on three different occasions and there was still a lot to see. Research the countries you plan to visit for things you would like to see and do, then allocate the time to do them in an unhurried manner. If you rush it will not be as enjoyable and you will miss many opportunities and photographs.

In the Asian countries there is a lot to see in each country. In each country try to get away from the touristy spots and you will get a true feeling for the people and their culture. I found that the people were warm and friendly and willing to share their culture with you.

Have a pleasant trip and enjoy your time there.

Steve_m Loc: Southern California

Be sure you, your wife and everybody else like Chinese food.

Vp

Be very very careful. especially at GOVT. OWNED stores. They are extremely pushy and the product is not what
they say it is from personal experience. Do NOT buy any jewelry.

letmedance Loc: Walnut, Ca.

Did you know that the Govt Stores are closed until a Tour bus pulls into the parking lot , and then again when it leaves. I have watched all the lights go on and the workers hurrying to their stations as the Bus Pulls in. Remember that all prices are negotiable.

Dannj

I witnessed the same behaviors you experienced but I believe they are cultural differences not rudeness. I had many positive experiences with Chinese people...smiled, spoke softly and things went well. I was presently surprised with how many Chinese people, especially those from rural areas were willing to have their pictures taken with me. Many of them actually approached me with cell phones in hand to take “selfies”.

I did encounter aggressive vendors at tourist sites, the “YOU BUY TEE SHIRT!!” types. But again, it’s cultural, not rude. And I got some good deals by quietly bargaining.

We may have been in different places in China and I’m sorry that you had a bad experience. I’ve been treated worse at home in the States.

Murray Loc: New Westminster

I agree, my wife & I found them friendly people. My theory is that in urban areas they are so densely packed they become pushy, not at all nasty. You can find American foods, but they ate different. I ate the Chinese food which is not the same as here.. my wife ate the American foods. Loved the rail trips, mountain views, cities etc. Our tour guide happened to be the president of the guide company by accident, and treated us very well including a visit to a rural home where we had tea and snacks. Trip was a big highlight for, but not so much for my wife.

Dannj

Murray:
International travel can be tough. We can make it easier for all involved by keeping in mind that we are the outsiders. Be patient, smile, remain calm and things will generally go well. If situations occasionally go awry, well, it becomes part of the experience.
Sometimes getting off the beaten path leads to the best experiences. My wife and I wandered down one of Beijing’s many side streets and came across a neighborhood restaurant similar to what we have at home. It was crowded with couples and families and it was loud. We decided to give it a shot and it turned out to be a highlight of our trip. Fortunately the menu had pictures, common in China, so thru pointing and gestures we wound up having a good dinner and a very positive experience with the staff and other customers. Someone even bought us a drink. Granted, a lot of people wouldn’t like this situation and that’s fine. Personally, when I travel I want to avoid where the tour busses go and experience my visit the same way the “locals” do.

Murray Loc: New Westminster

Yes, we did the same and enter a long alley that had food vendors (and others). I bought a fake Tissot watch for something like $1.00. Great looking watch but quit before we got back to the hotel.😬😬