Hello everyone -- I just returned from a four week trip to china - am still working on my travelogue - hopefully have it done by xmas (its hard catching up - kids school work mine etc).<BR><BR>But if anyone would like to ask some questions I would be glad to answer them to my best ability (payback for all that I learned from the list prior to going)<BR><BR>I was traveling in a private group me, my six children mostly teens and my mother - we brought a wheel chair along for her. <BR><BR>We went to Beijing then train to Xian, train again from xian to Wuhan, bus to Yitang (sp) cruise down the Yantze, landed in Chonqing, took a bus to Dazu, then flew from Chonqing(sp) up to Dazu - then flew from there to Guilin. Traveled via bus to Longshen and also so Sanjin (2 days) back to Guilin and flew to Shanghai - bus Suzhou, train to Haugnshaun, stayed on the mountain then, later visited the Xidi and Hongtun villages before taking a train back to Beijing. We booked through CITS - costs included all hotels admissions trains, boat trips (3) plane trip and most of our meals. So we mostly had to worry about spending money - came to about 2000. per person not including our tickets to China which where about 700 -- I know I could do it way cheaper - but was traveling with my elder mom and needed the security of knowing someone would be there to met is (at each and every stop - felt quit pampered), and didn't thing for the amount of days the price was that bad - have seen quite worse ones guoted on some of the brochures I picked up at travel agencies.<BR><BR>Any how if you would like to ask any questions please do -- we really had a wonderful time!!

what a trip! I will be on a cruise next year and will take my mother (and a wheel chair). Did you have any major problems in the FOrbidden City navigating around with a wheel chair? Any practical advice? My mother can walk but not long distances..Thanks in advance and will look forward to your travelogue. Mary

I think it was a good think my mother didn't know what it would take to get on to your ship for the Yantze River cruise!<BR><BR>Mind you we took a three star - one of the Isabellas - a nice boat and very nice crew, but to get on it was and off was very much an adventure. Not sure if it would be any different for a higher star ship.<BR><BR><BR>First we boarded in Yitang (perhaps Wuhan is easier??) navigated down alot of steep steep stair - no handrails. Then had to walk thru about 5 other ships to get to ours -- finally to board ours we had to walk down about five or six ladder/steep steps. She made it -- not much else she could do <BR><BR>Getting off in Chonging to me was even worse - we walked over many many gang planks some pretty narrow -- and the last well we could not walk side by side (she usually used my arm for support) and it was so wobbly I actually was worried we were going to end up in the water!! But once again we made it Oh and don't forget the steps up from there to get to the bus -- steps everywhere in china and many don't seem to have handrails.<BR><BR>Many places we did not use the chair -- but forbidden city was a good place for it as well as the square. The new spot that they just opened for the wall is good as the drivers get get real close and your mother will have a good few of you huffing and puffing your way up <BR><BR>Not sure what your planned itinerary is - you can also email me privately - it will be a little bit before I get the log done -- when are you planning on going??

I have a choice of two trips to China in the spring. One includes a three day Yangtze River cruise but not Shanghai. The other is going to Shanghai but not the River. Any thoughts...?

Since several people recommended Laurus Travel, I went to their web site for a quick look. The 12-day Yangtze special seems perfect for us. We'll be going to Whistler next weekend, so we'll drop by to pay our deposit. The company is in Vancouver, which is OK for us because we are from Seatle. The tour includes Shanghai as well as Ynagtze cruise.

Hi, we just returned from the 22 Day Panorama Trip to China and used Laurus Travel. We had an excellent time and found them be very reliable. If you have any questions please let me know.<BR><BR>Susan