China questions
 

I am making my first trip to China and want to know whether to go, in Yunnan Province, to Dali or the Xishuangbanna region; whether it is worth it to go all the way to Xinjiang province to see Turpan or Kashgar; whether anyone has been to Jiuzhaigou National Park, Emeishan, Leshan or the Huangshan Mountains. Any info will help. thanks

Just booked REALLY inexpensive trip to Beijing for end of April. 6 nights at Capital Hotel. Am told it is new and 2 blks fro Tiananmen Square. Has anyone heard of it? Anyone been to the Zoo?
That will be one of my destinations.

Thanks!

We spent a month in China and can report that it was the only trip during which we actually lost weight...and lots of it. The Beijing Zoo (other than the Pandas) is kind of sad place; you can skip it. Better you should be sure to see the Summer Palace late in the day and until sunset. The Ming Tombs are a dusty bore; the Great Wall is stupifying in its sheer waste of human sweat, blood, and tears.
Don't go to China for the food. Much of it is mysterious -- you have no idea where it came from.
The farther inland you go, the more garlic and hot chili peppers they use. To mask the ingredients' lack of freshness? We suspected so. China, dear friends, is not years behind the West. Not decades.
But centuries. Beneath a thin veneer of modernity as seen in its urban centers, there lurks a snoring dragon, unbathed, uncaring, and totally impervious to Western ways. Yes, it is changing. And sometimes not for the better. The air pollution is not to be believed. They burn blocks of compressed coal (look like giant hockey pucks) everywhere. The rivers are turgid sewers, afloat with hunks of plastic, bits of wood, parts of houses, and an occasional...well, at least they won't have to bury them. Toilets are amazing. Put your wallet between your teeth before you squat over the hole. The smell is not to be believed. Fascinating.

I just have to say one thing about the Old Al's posting.

I hope anyone fully understands its culture, people and land before he or she mentions such a horrible remarks.

As someone already mentioned in response to Al's comments, people with his attitude shouldn't travel. My wife and I found China to be one of the most interesting and exciting places we've visited (in fact, we went back for a second trip). Yes, you'll find some of the things Al mentioned. But you'll find much more if you open your eyes. The Great Wall, Forbidden City, Ming Tombs are not only NOT boring, but are extremely interesting doors to a fascinating civilization. The people of China are its greatest asset; they're curious, friendly, interesting, and interested. The country has magnificent geological features, at least as varied and beautiful as those of the United States. If strange and unidentifiable food bothers you (it does me), western food is available at most major hotels (and there are quite a lot of them in ALL parts of the country). And, starting from the center of the country and working toward its coastal cities, China is either contentedly in touch with its past or rushing headlong into the 21st century. Go now. Go again in 5 years. You'll see two different (and equally interesting) countries.
Sorry to wax poetic, but if we all listened to Al, what a sad life we'd have.
Les

I too lost weight in China but in my case it did me good. I didn't go to China to eat. Becky, I stayed at the Capital Hotel last Nov. It was very nice to say the least. With friendly people ready to help you. (but I found that everywhere in China) It is close to Tianammen Sq. and the Forbidden City. Also close to local shopping. That was fun to check out. Just cross the street to your left as your going to the Sq. and you can wander around the narrow streets and small shops. Theres always someone that will want to talk to you and practice their English. Have a great time and don't worry about your hotel--it's a beauty.

I too lost weight in China but in my case it was a good thing & I knew ahead of time I wasn't going to China to eat. Becky, I did stay at the Capital last Nov. It is a very nice hotel to say the least. Everyone was very helpful.-- but I found that in all China. It is close to Tiananmen Sq. & the Forbidden City, also some local shopping streets. Cross the street left as your going to the Sq. and explore those streets. There is always someone that will want to talk to you to practice their English. Lots of fun plus good bagains. Have a great time

Dear Friends who concern about china questions,
i think what u can get from your traveling is much more important than the living condition,food and anything else.the feeling u get is up to u,after the
happy but hard and intresting travling,u can get some experience and some recall about your traveling!So wonderful a thing!
i joined a wildness survival club,we were held to climb cliff and slept under the stars,can u imagine it?

JiuZhaiGou and HuangShan are all very intresting places and now in BJ in TianAnMen there are so many people to play with kite,perhaps u have seen these betiful kites from picture or album but only u realy play with them u can have some feeling .

wish all of u can enjoy your traveling,it belongs to
u,especially hope to see u in bj ,china.

any questions,pls contact me!give u a hand is my pleasure.

I will be relocating (expat) to China for about 3-4 years. Is there any way for me to bring my dog with me and how do I do it? What are some of the restrictions?