I`m planning to do my first visit to China on May 2003. I need your input on whether to take a tour with a Yangtze River Cruise or a tour that includes Lhasa in Tibet.I know there are options that includes both, but out of my budget. I need help from you travellers that had visited these two places.<BR><BR>Thanks

Take Lhasa, without the slightest doubt. <BR><BR>The Yangtze Cruise is vastly overrated, and will seal you in a Western environment for several days. It's a nice respite from tiring crowds and noise if you've already been in China for a while, but doesn't remotely live up to the hype.<BR><BR>Lhasa, on the other hand, will give you a completely different kind of experience from anything else you've had in China, despite the considerable destruction within the city in recent years with many traditional Tibetan buildings pulled down. <BR><BR>The Potala Palace is one of the most magnificent structures within China's modern political boundaries, and would be worth travelling around the world to see in its own right. The scenery around Lhasa, too, is magnificent in scale, completely dwarfing that of the Yangtze, and the Tibetans very different people from Han Chinese.<BR><BR>Peter N-H<BR>http://members.axion.net/~pnh/China.html<BR>

I completely agree with Peter! Tibet has so much to offer--scenery, religious art/architecture, and a culture/society that is changing very quickly. <BR>The only reason for not going to Tibet, in my opinion, would be if you have health problems which could be seriously aggravated by the altitude. If this is the case you would want to talk to your physician before making a decision.

I agree with the &quot;go to Lhasa&quot; advice. If you would like to see pictures and gain some insight as to what you will see and experience there, go to http://www.geocities.com/janelp2/Tibet_ Potala_Palace_Dhood_Gu_Hotel.html<BR>I think it will convince you that this is a place you want to know.

Tibet for sure, costs will be a little bit higher, but it does worth you money!<BR><BR>check out this tour<BR><BR>http://www.chinatravelhub.com/tour/Qinghai.htm

There are four (in our early 60's)of us planning to travel to China this year. We would like to stay no longer than 3 weeks and we, too, are looking for a good reputable, moderately priced agency with which to book. Can we do the most popular sites including the Yangtze Cruise AND Tibet in this time period? We are seasoned travellers, but have always managered our own arrangements.<BR><BR>Any help would be appreciated. <BR><BR>

Well, if you're looking for &quot;good, reputable&quot; you obviously won't be using the spammers above.

Hello...There is a Tour Company in NYC called Orient Flexi-pax. I believe their website is Orientflexipax.com<BR>They offer a escorted tour of China which includes highlights of China, yangtze, and Tibet..My friend went on it and loved it....

Just another spammer.

This thread is kind of interesting. I previously posted to question about doing the Yangtze or not. Mixed reviews. However, when this alternative is considered, it is favored. Does anyone with experience of both care to comment?? Thanks