This report is absolutely fantastic as the information is so helpful.
I am thinking of going to Beijing in the near future, thus need to learn some facts about shopping.
I love to purchase small carpets. So, does anyone know if carpets are a good buy in China. I want to buy a small one that I can fold in just carry in my suitcase.
The other thing I love is jewelry. There are lots of posts about buying pearls. So, how can I be sure if the pearls I buy are real and approximately what do the real pearls necklace-(-a short one, close to neck kind) cost. I have read you can get pearl necklanes of less than $5. Those have to be fake--right or wrong.
Lastly, what else would be a good buy that can fit in the suitcase for nice gifts for adult children.
Just reading about other people's shopping experience and fun, I really want to enjoy the art of bargaining and bringing back some little Christmas and birthday gifts for loved ones.
Any tips, ideas and suggestions are welcome.
Thanks in advance

Enjoyed your report and your humorous comments. I'd also be intersted in markets to shop where the locals shop, if Peter gets a chance to see this. I'm leaving on the 14th, have posed some questions and appreciate all responses I've received.
Karen

bookmarking-fun report

This is to PeterN_H. We (husband + 2 children ages 9 and 11) are about to embark on a trip to China. Classic cities being visited: Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai. I know exactly what I want to do but am extremely frustrated as I look for tour companies. Found a couple (The China Guide and China Highlights) that are willing to do customize tours...but still they are charging way too much I think. I would like to find a guide and a driver in each city and just go wherever and whenever I want to go. However, I don't know how to go about finding such a thing. Also, when one gets to these places and not be on a tour - how will one know the history, etc. (like the Forbidden City for example). Any advice? Thank you in advance. I enjoy reading your posts. There's a lot of wisdom to them but I'm still unclear as to how I can do it on my own. Help!

In searching for info on finding a driver in Beijing for our trip to the Great Wall at Simatai I came upon this trip report. It was of the best trip reports I have ever read as far as my interests!We leave for Beijing in less than 4 days and reading this report (and PeterN_H's comments also) answered SO many outstanding questions that I had.
Pumblechook2, belatedely, thanks for a great report!

I missed this last year as well - extremely well-written and very entertaining - I'd like to go to Beijing one day myself...thanks for the great report!

Thank you for writing this excellent trip report!


<<<We’ve seen Ho Chi Minh lying in state and without wishing to be too disrespectful, I suspect that if you’ve seen one dead dictator you’ve seen ‘em all.>>>

LMAO! I just about snorted soda all over my laptop.

<<<I can say though, that the scorpions were fresh. Some of them were still wriggling on the sticks!>>>

And due to that comment I think I'll be taking a jar of peanut butter for the week I'll be there! EWWY!

Thank you again for an excellent report! Now I'm even more excited about planning my own trip.



Ainette, you'll most likely have better luck starting a new topic for your question. This trip report was started over a year ago and Peter (and others who can help you) might not see your question.

Hi Pumblechook2,
I know it's 18 months since your trip report on Beijing but hope you will read this.
I have visited Beijing and am planning another trip in 2011. I learned more about finding my way around and how to travel from your report than in the week I spent there. Thanks so much. Will definitely not do a group tour and take your advice about the subway.
I choked on your comment about John Howard ... though I doubt that he'll be out of the spotlight for long. Rumour has it he's after a knighthood given on behalf of the Brits, Jeanette would love it!
Cheers and many many thanks
OzJane (Sydney)