I travelled throughout China. If you have a specific question on China travel, maybe I can help.

I just went to Beijing in June. I like China since then and would like to tour China again this December. I know that by then, China will have its winter. Are there any places or provinces I must visit so as to enjoy the scenic views during this season?

We are going on an elderhostel to China, <BR>the end of Aug, 2 weeks in Sept. <BR>Has anybody been on a China trip with <BR>elderhostel?

Hi Jiang: <BR> <BR>I will be taking my first trip to China and Shanghai. I will be going in late September. Can you give any pointers to what I can expect? I have traveled to Europe many times so I can handle strange cultures, but I have not feeling about the China culture or ewhat to expect!! <BR>JOHN

Hi John - What do you mean by "to China <BR>and Shanghai"? If you only visit Shanghai <BR>while you are in China, you are not really <BR>experiencing the "real" China. Beijing is <BR>a much better choice. <BR> <BR>Setember is the best time of the year <BR>for visiting Beijing. <BR> <BR>Be sure to avoid visiting major cities <BR>or attractions between 9/31 ~ 10/7. <BR>Those places will get very overcrowded <BR>during this national holiday period.

If you go to China in winter, these cities/destinations offer Spring like weather and also unique China experience: Lijiang, Kunming, Sanya in Hainan. You can find information on these cities and their related travel tips at http://www.RegentTour.com <BR> <BR>Chinese culture is different from that of Europe. However, today's China, especially in big cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, is very much the same like other parts of the world, except everybody truly believe that Chinese are extra friendly. When you go to China, don't bring along the stigma that is so much reinforced by the likes of CNN and Dan Rather. <BR> <BR>Chinese just started to realize that they can also spend their savings on a vacation, which in turn made holiday season in China like crazy. Avoid 9/28 - 10/5 because you don't want to fight the China style crowd. <BR> <BR>Yingting, girl from Shanghai just started hosting her own China column. You may find it quite interesting: http://www.RegentTour.com/yingting. <BR>

A few years back, my wife and I spent a month traveling far inland in China as well as along its coast, in cities and villages, on trains and planes and buses and boats. I am interested in the remark preceding about CNN and Dan Rather. Our experiences caused us to decide that our trip to China was far and away the best travel experience of our lives. Most of the people we encountered were very interested in us because we have white hair! One sees almost no Chinese with white hair unless that are very, very, very old. Everywhere we went, we were treated with courtesy and care. Many college-age young people would come up to us on the streets and begin to speak with us in order to practice their English. We recommend that you take with you a couple bottles of Purell or similar waterless hand cleaner. Also, take along several packs of Kleenex in case you find a toilet with no paper. Take along at least $50 in single bills. And by all means, take along your sense of humor! China will respond to your smiles one hundred-fold.

Hi Jiang: <BR> <BR>Sorry I should have been more specific. I am traveling to China for the first time on business. I will be meeting my client in Shanghai. After our meeting I wanted to stay around and see some of China. I have a few days to see the sights. Can I base in Shanghai and stll get to see the countryside?? <BR>JOHN <BR> <BR> <BR>

If you use Shanghai as the base, you could easily reach these cities: Hangzhou (west lake) by train 3 hours, Suzhou Gardens by train 1 hr, Wuxi (Tai Lake, Zhenjiang (temple and Yangtze), Nanjing (former capital of China). <BR> <BR>Many of these cities are included in ChinaPlanner a tour creation software available at http://www.RegentTour.com with which you can do some planning.

Good Morning Jiang: <BR> <BR>My wife and I just retired. We are planning our first trip to Beijing and Xi'an next year. We like cool to cold weather. We are planning to travel in mid October, after the holiday. We will have our own air passage and will need an english speaking guide and friend for about 10 - 14 days. We would like to be met at the Beijing airport and have the guide remain with us throughout our stay. <BR> <BR>We want to see the Great Wall from its most beautiful place, the Forbidden Palace, and other special places of the ancient city that the guide might show us that is not on the everyday tourist visit. We plan to be in Beijing 3 to 5 days <BR> <BR>We want to travel from Beijing to Xi'an by day train or drive if the Guide has a car. We plan to stay in Xi'an about 3 days. The Terracotta Army is a must, but what else is there to see? <BR> <BR>We would some time outside of cities - out in the country <BR> <BR>Finally, I have always seen tall spires rising from some river. They are shown on tapistries I have seen and in books. I would like to take a boat ride for a day down that river. <BR> <BR>Do you have any suggestions how we may accomplish our goals? <BR> <BR>Also, what would be the daily cost for a guide.

My cruise ship docks at Sanya for 5 hours in December. <BR> <BR>I did not find the ship's shore excursions interesting ie: stops at a pearl center etc. I don't want to spend time in shops etc. <BR> <BR>Are there taxis or local tour operators available at the pier ? <BR> <BR>Any feedback on sites to see and costs for taxis/tours would be appreciated. <BR>

Pls visit &lt;http://www.taxitour.com&gt; if you need a taxi tour in Xi'an. <BR> <BR>Good luck

Jiang, <BR>Please give me your thoughts on the Grand Wangfujing Hotel and the area it is in. Is it near any open air markets or parks. Do ytou have any other suggestions on another hotel. <BR>Mike

Finally, I have always seen tall spires rising from some river. They are shown on tapistries I have seen and in books. I would like to take a boat ride for a day down that river. <BR> <BR>Marty, the above area you speak of is Guilin and the River Li.

Marty and Bess: When you are in Xi'an you must attend the Tang Dynasty Theater. We did just last month and it was one of the highlights of our 19-day trip in China. The performances of music and dance were absolutely beautiful. You may have dinner(during which there is musical entertainment) or you may come later for the larger performance. I'd recommend getting tickets for it all. Enjoy!

Dear Jiang: Have read your message and would like to ask "how are things in china now with world events as they are. We are seniors travelling with our son to pick-up a soon to be adopted daughter in Hefei. We leave the USA on 10/25 and arrive Beijing 10/27. Two days there and on to Hefei to get our Grace! Then to Guangzhou to Am. consulate and finally to Hong Kong and then home on 11/07. Do you think we will have any major problems considering the terrorist threat being sounded everywhere in the US? the state dept. advises against travel abroad, but we must pick-up my son's daughter. The trip was to have been 9/13/01, but ofcourse that didn't happen. There are 8 families scheduled to go. Please give me your assessment of the situation. We are looking forward to China. We have been in Japan and Korea when another son was stationed there with the Army. <BR>Thanks so much for any comments. Ruth

We are planning a trip to China.<BR>Our son has a two year business assgnment in Beijing. He said his driver and car will take us to tourist areas around Beijing.<BR><BR>We are looking at a side trip to Xian and Yangshuo (near Guilin).<BR><BR>Is there a western type hotel in Yangshuo where we could stay in a few days while we wandered about the area?<BR><BR>My wife insists on a clean private bath and a regular flush toilet.<BR><BR>We prefer to get some distance or separation from some of the tourist crowd and vendors. <BR><BR>We understand that the surrounding area is great. Perhaps we could visit some nearby villages.<BR><BR>Doyle Little<BR>

Am leaving for China, April 18th for 10 days, starting in Changsha, then on to Xian and finally to Beijing, I understand this is a rainy season, but what kind of weather may I really expect, will it be cold, I've lived in Vermont and Pennsylvania most of my life so am used to fairly cold weather. Also any must sees, especially in Changsha area, I can't seem to find any good references or even maps for that matter. Thanks for any help you may be able to give.<BR>Mike

I have to go to Guangzhou this summer for a family obligation. Any suggestions on fun things to do or travel tips?

Would recommend that no-one take one of the bicycle taxis-especially a lone woman. The driver will yell at you to draw a crowd and insist that he has not been paid. My trip cost me 70 instead of agreed upon 10 and I felt fortunate to escape with no physical harm.