http://www.destination360.com/forum/ Travel Forum - Post your questions on China or share your travel stories with fellow travelers. And read our travel guides for expert advice on traveling to China. en Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:20:10 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.destination360.com/forum/images/VBSilver_tc/misc/rss.jpg http://www.destination360.com/forum/ http://www.destination360.com/forum/china/7726-china-travel-forum.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:59:22 GMT Are you looking for China advice and information from China Travel Forum members? Post China travel questions and get insights from real travelers... Are you looking for China advice and information from China Travel Forum members?

Post China travel questions and get insights from real travelers and forum members. Some of the highlights of the China travel forum are threads on things to do in China and cheap accommodation in China.

Get advice on China visa as well as Beijing to Shanghai.

Vacationbuddy ]]> China VacationBuddy http://www.destination360.com/forum/china/7726-china-travel-forum.html http://www.destination360.com/forum/china/7641-best-place-enjoy-beijing-opera.html Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:54:04 GMT I am going to Beijing for the first time and I like Beijing Opera very much. Could anyone of you tell me where is the best place to enjoy the... I am going to Beijing for the first time and I like Beijing Opera very much.

Could anyone of you tell me where is the best place to enjoy the Beijing Opera?

Thanks in advance ]]> China michaeljone http://www.destination360.com/forum/china/7641-best-place-enjoy-beijing-opera.html http://www.destination360.com/forum/china/6947-china-guilin-yangshuo-travel-tips.html Mon, 31 Aug 2009 02:25:42 GMT China Guilin Yangshuo Travel tips. Suggested in Guilin for one or two nights, then the next day do Li River Cruise to get to Yangshuo. ... China Guilin Yangshuo Travel tips.

Suggested in Guilin for one or two nights, then the next day do Li River Cruise to get to Yangshuo.

Activities recommended in Guilin, Elephant Hill, Seven Star Park, Reed Flute Cave and lakes. If you like watching the show, do not miss Ethnic Folklore Show and Dreamlike Acrobatic Show in the evening, the shows start at around 8pm or you can watch Cormorant Fishing.

You can also take a stroll in the Zhengyang Pedestrian in the evening to take some souvenir such Chinese traditional paintings in the night market there.

There are many local restaurants around in the center near Sheraton Hotel and Waterfall Hotel, it is nice with reasonable price. The local food in Guilin is famous for steamed mandarin fish of the Lijiang River, red cooked meat slices with Lipu taro covered by bowl, fish cooked in bamboo tube, steamed pork with rice flour wrapped in lotus leaves and Guilin rice noodle etc.

Recommended hotel in Guilin, Sheraton Hotel and Waterfall Hotel (5*) locates in the center of city, the other one is Royal Garden Hotel locates at Li River side, it is 20 minutes walking distance to the center. Bravo Hotel and Ronghu Lake, Park hotels(4*) are nice hotel with good location near lakes and center.

If you have time and want to have a relaxed holiday, you can stay in Yangshuo for 2 or 3 nights. Beer fish is the most famous food in Yangshuo and you can have a try.

You can have nice western food in West Street.
Recommended hotels in Yangshuo, Paradise Hotel, Regency Hotel, Magnolia Hotel are very nice hotel with good location near West Street. If you want to stay out of Yangshuo town, Li River Retreat and Yangshuo Mountain Retreat are nice places for your stay.

Recommend activities in Yangshuo, Liu Sanjie Light and Sound Show, (600 actors and actresses, 500 singers & dancers, bamboo boats and cormorants birds are used in this 70 minute show. it provided a strong backdrop to the hundreds of farmers on bamboo rafts, and floating stages, awash in color and light) If you like adventure, you should explore Water Cave to take muddy bath in the cave, climb up to the Moon Hill to see the panoramic view of countryside.

Visit Yulong River and do bamboo rafting in the river , it is very serene and relaxing, it is one of your best memory of your tour in China. Or ride bike to the villages. ]]> China jadeleo http://www.destination360.com/forum/china/6947-china-guilin-yangshuo-travel-tips.html http://www.destination360.com/forum/china/6900-2010-shanghai-world-expo.html Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:01:16 GMT The World Exposition, regarded as the Olympic Games of economy, science and technology, is a large-scale, global, non-commercial event to promote the... The World Exposition, regarded as the Olympic Games of economy, science and technology, is a large-scale, global, non-commercial event to promote the exchange of ideas and development of the world.

‘Shanghai tourism sector grew by 8 percent annually in the last 10 years. At this growth rate, Shanghai will have 140 million visitors in 2010. Experts estimate the attendance at the World Expo in Shanghai to be 70 million,’ said Shanghai Mayor Chen in his presentation to the BIE. ]]> China focusapartment http://www.destination360.com/forum/china/6900-2010-shanghai-world-expo.html http://www.destination360.com/forum/china/6637-beijing-through-mongolia-who-goes-us.html Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:51:37 GMT Hi, we are looking for someone to join us in our trip through Mongolia from Beijing, Erenhot or Sainshand to Ulan Bator, via Gobi desert, and... Hi,
we are looking for someone to join us in our trip through Mongolia from Beijing, Erenhot or Sainshand to Ulan Bator, via Gobi desert, and central Mongolia (Orkhon valley, Karakorum, Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur lake). We are just two people at the moment, both from Poland – Ryszard (27) and Janka (25). As we are going to cross the land in jeeps, it would be great to have more fellow passengers:) – a nice companion makes the journey more entertaining;) and cheaper...

Here are some details about the plan of the trip:

26.08: departure from Beijing by bus to Erenhot [Erlian]
27.08: arrival to Erenhot, crossing border Erenhot / Zamyn-Üüd, train: Zamyn-Üüd->Sainshand, overnight in Sainshand
28.08: jeep: Sainshand ->Khamaryn Khiid ->Suikhent/Cagaan Caw->Dalandzadgad, overnight in Dalandzadgad (or on the road to Dalangzadgad).
29.08: jeep: Dalandzadgad ->Yolyn Am->Khongonryn Els->ovenight in ger near Khongonryn Els
30.08: jeep: Khongonryn Els ->Bayanzag flamming cliffs ->ruins of Ongiin Khiid->waterfall Orkhon, Turkic monuments of the Orkhon valley, overnight in ger or tent
31.08: jeep: Orkhon valley -> Karakorum, Erdene Zuu monastery, overnight in Kharkhorin
01.09: bus: Karakorum ->Tsetserleg, jeep: Tsetserleg -> Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur lake, overnight over Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur lake
02.09: jeep: Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur lake->Tsetserleg, jeep or bus:Tsetserleg ->Ulan Bator
03.09: Ulan Bator
04.09: departure from Ulan Bator to Ulan Ude (by the same train that enables to go Irkutsk)

The average prices for a jeep renting: driver 40$/day + UAZ 1$/litre*25litre/100km*(x km) = (40+x/4) $/day. Estimating that we will make generally about 200km daily by jeep, it gives 90$/day, but its better to assume 150% of this cost, due to the fact that the driver has to return to his initial place, and we also have to pay for this return. So we will assume something like 135$/day. 5 days of jeeping gives 675$, what, after division by three person gives 225$/person, while after division by four person gives 170$/person. The cost of food, sleeping, and buses is low. It should not take more than 100$/person for all trip (independently of the number of people). So, the core of the trip is about 325$/person in 3-person mode and 270$/person in 4-person mode.

In addition, let us mention that there is a cheap Brussels airlines plane from Frankfurt 25.08 to Beijing 26.08 which costs 490$ (all-including). The bus from Beijing to Erenhot costs about 26$, while getting from Erenhot to Sainshand costs about 14$. The cheapest way to get from Ulan Bator back to Europe is going to Irkutsk (for less than 40$) and then going by train to Moscow (for about 110$). It takes 5 days. The quicker but more expensive version is from Ulan Bator to Irkutsk by train and then by plane to Moscow (the plane costs 370$). In Poland the Mongolian visa costs 60Eu, Chinese visa costs 75$, while Russian visa costs 55$, but these prices probably differ between different countries. There are no vaccinations or other things necessary to get any of these visas.

All replies are welcome!
Greets!

Janka & Ryszard ]]> China crasnale http://www.destination360.com/forum/china/6637-beijing-through-mongolia-who-goes-us.html http://www.destination360.com/forum/china/6000-china-sightseeing-tour.html Mon, 08 Jun 2009 03:38:09 GMT Hi everybody, At the moment, i am doing a survey and i am looking for information about three Daily Sightseeing Tours : - DTI : Destination... Hi everybody,

At the moment, i am doing a survey and i am looking for information about three Daily Sightseeing Tours :
- DTI : Destination Travel International /
- Gray Line /
- Jinjiang City Tour Center /

Have you ever booked a tour with one of these companies ? What do you think about them ? Were you satisfied or not ? Why ?

Thank you for your answers.

Julien ]]> China julien samour http://www.destination360.com/forum/china/6000-china-sightseeing-tour.html http://www.destination360.com/forum/china/5683-kab.html Fri, 01 May 2009 18:25:17 GMT China Travel in GuangDong Province Can anyone tell me where in Guangdong Province the city of Buluo is? I am very familiar with the Province,... China Travel in GuangDong Province

Can anyone tell me where in Guangdong Province the city of Buluo is?

I am very familiar with the Province, but have never heard of Buluo.

I am looking for an appromimate distance from GuanZhou or Dong Guan City. ]]> China KAB http://www.destination360.com/forum/china/5683-kab.html http://www.destination360.com/forum/china/5653-going-china-budget-question.html Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:16:46 GMT Hi! I have a friend who is in Thailand now. I wouldlike to visit him, but before ill go there, i want to se China. I have about £5000 , i want... Hi!

I have a friend who is in Thailand now. I wouldlike to visit him, but before ill go there, i want to se China.

I have about £5000 , i want to use Transiberian rail to go to Beijing, then see some nice places in China ,then ...i would like, but im not sure how much mone i need realy :

go to Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and then Thailand.

Is this possible with my budget? Or should i ,lets say visit only China and one or two other countries instead of 4? I wouldlike to stay there (asia) as long as possible.
Any tips?
Thanks ]]> China onelife http://www.destination360.com/forum/china/5653-going-china-budget-question.html http://www.destination360.com/forum/china/5586-welcome-chengdu-sichuan-province-china.html Wed, 22 Apr 2009 04:51:16 GMT Tourism in Sichuan Province China is rich in resources, there is the hometown of giant pandas. It has World Heritage Areas in China such as... Tourism in Sichuan Province China is rich in resources, there is the hometown of giant pandas. It has World Heritage Areas in China such as Jiuzhaigou valley, Huanglong, Emei Mountain and leshan Giant Buddha, Qingcheng Mountain and Dujiangyan Irrigation system, Wolong Panda Siguniangshan ecological zones. From Chengdu to Lhasa, Tibet, Yunnan Dali, Lijiang tourism line is also very convenient.

I am Jasen who live in Chengdu for more than 20years. I know Chengdu very well. I could serve as your personal guide as a Chengdu resident. We can be just like friends, not like tourist group. We don’t need in a hurry; just enjoy the trip and sightseeing. I know what funny places to go, good restaurant and economic hotels. We can enjoy and share Chengdu’s splendid history, culture, art, substantial folk custom and scenery with my guests.

Dear friends, if you plan to visit Chengdu by yourself, please contact me. My service fee is negotiable and reasonable, mainly depends on your individual requirements. And provide you with an individualized and personalized experience in Chengdu. The service including: guide service. Car rental service. Hotel reservation. Airport picks up service etc. My services will be comfortable, convenient and satisfied. I’m looking forward to meet you in Chengdu.

Besides, I have lots of information and beautiful pictures about Chengdu, about Sichuan. I can send to you if you’re interested. Please just leave your email address here. Or if you have any questions or anything needs my suggestion, just send me an email, I’m willing to help.

Yours, Jasen

Contact me at: E-mail: Jasen_dai@sina.com

MSN: Jasen_dai@sina.com ]]> China Jasendai http://www.destination360.com/forum/china/5586-welcome-chengdu-sichuan-province-china.html http://www.destination360.com/forum/china/5494-wing-travel-cancels-tour-refuses-full.html Sun, 12 Apr 2009 03:25:21 GMT An unfair trade practice unheard of anywhere in the world. Only in Hongkong the customer has to pay even if the tour is canceled by the travel... An unfair trade practice unheard of anywhere in the world.

Only in Hongkong the customer has to pay even if the tour is canceled by the travel agency. We just experienced this in our last trip to Hongkong (March 9th to April 1st)

Before we left Vancouver, on March 6th we booked Tour CDF06TD (6-day trip to Jiuzhaigou departing March 14th 2009, Booking No. PA17756, departure was confirmed as Wing On had the right number of participants) with Wing On Travel through by phone and deposited HK$1,000 on Visa card. The balance was paid by our friend on the following day direct with Wing On in Hongkong. We then purchased air passage and prepaid hotel in Kowloon based on the tour scheduled dates.

Two hours before the pre-trip briefing on March 11th, we received a call from Wing On that the trip had to be canceled as Jiuzhaigou was temporary closed. We were offered three options:

1) going on another trip through Wing On departing on/ about March 14th, no penalty

2) accept travel coupon valid for 6 months, no penalty

3) take cash refund subject to a penalty (Wing On call this service fee) HK$300 per person

We went to at Wing On's branch at the Bank Centre, Nathan Road, Mongkok. Our efforts in searching for a substitute tour with Wing On was in vain. We reasoned with the counter staff Alex Yip and manager Gary Chu was of no avail, since apparently they were acting on a Travel Industry Council Directive. We finally had to accept cash refund, less HK$600 deducted by Wing On as operating costs.

At the time of making the deposit and/or balance of the payment, we were advised of the various penalties if we withdraw. No mention was made about charges in the event the travel agency cancels the tour.

Terms in all contracts of sale only exempt the contracting parties from liabilities in certain circumstances. In an era when consumers and merchants are getting more and more used to full refund satisfaction guaranteed (or refund by returning the goods within 15/30 days, sometimes subject to restocking fees), it is absurd to ask the customers to pay even though failing to deliver the product.

In the present circumstances, the product (Tour CDF06TD) was NEVER DELIVERED. How could Wing On charge us HK$600 to cover their operation costs for a tour they canceled? How could Wing On expects us to accept travel coupons which means we have to incur additional expenses for airfare and lodging on another trip within six months just to utilize the coupons? We just wonder, if the travel agencies are allowed to charge fees whether the tours depart or not, who in future dare to buy such products?

We placed a complaint with the Consumer Council (File Number CC301/181781/2008). Sadly to say the Consumer Council cannot tell the difference between complaint against the travel agency staff/travel agency and complaint against the TIC directive. They told us that Wing On had the right to take away $600 from us, based on the unfair TIC directive. We were hoping the Consumer Council would fight on the consumers' behalf against an unfair and unreasonable TIC policy.

Similarly, our complaint direct with the Travel Industry Council (File number EL05061) led us nowhere. The TIC officer, Miss Tsui, was courteous, but she cannot help as the TIC directive empowered Wing On to do so.

It is interesting to see how Hongkong promote herself as a travel haven when such unfair trade practice precisely undermines tourists' confidence.
Only in Hongkong the customer has to pay even if the tour is canceled by the travel agency.

Before we left Vancouver, on March 6th we booked Tour CDF06TD (6-day trip to Jiuzhaigou departing March 14th 2009, Booking No. PA17756, departure was confirmed as Wing On had the right number of participants) with Wing On Travel by phone and deposited HK$1,000 on Visa card. The balance was paid by our friend on the following day direct with Wing On in Hongkong. We then purchased air passage and prepaid hotel in Kowloon based on the tour scheduled dates.

On March 11th, Wing On called us saying the trip was canceled as Jiuzhaigou was temporary closed. We had three options:

1) go on another trip through Wing On departing on/ about March 14th
2) accept travel coupon valid for 6 months
3) take cash refund subject to a penalty (service fee) HK$300 per person

We went to at Wing On's branch at the Bank Centre, Nathan Road, Mongkok. Our efforts in searching for a substitute tour with Wing On was in vain. We reasoned with the counter staff Alex Yip and manager Gary Chu was of no avail, since apparently they were acting on a Travel Industry Council Directive. We finally had to accept cash refund, less HK$600 deducted by Wing On as operating costs.

At the time of making the deposit and/or balance of the payment, we were advised of the various penalties if we withdraw. No mention was made about charges in the event the travel agency cancels the tour.

Terms in all contracts of sale only exempt the contracting parties from liabilities in certain circumstances. Consumers and merchants are now getting more and more used to full refund satisfaction guaranteed, it is absurd to ask the customers to pay even though failing to deliver the product.

In the present circumstances, the product (Tour CDF06TD) was NEVER DELIVERED. How could Wing On charge us HK$600 to cover their operation costs for a tour they canceled? How could Wing On expects us to accept travel coupons which means we have to incur additional expenses for airfare and lodging on another trip within six months just to utilize the coupons? If the travel agencies are allowed to charge fees whether the tours depart or not, who in future dare to buy such products?

We placed a complaint with the Consumer Council (File Number CC301/181781/2008). Sadly to say the Consumer Council told us that Wing On had the right to take away $600 from us, based on the unfair TIC directive. We were hoping the Consumer Council would fight on the consumers' behalf against an unfair and unreasonable TIC policy.

Similarly, our complaint direct with the Travel Industry Council (File number EL05061) led us nowhere. The TIC officer, Miss Tsui, was courteous, but she cannot help as the TIC directive empowered Wing On to do so.

It is interesting to see how Hongkong promote herself as a travel haven when such unfair trade practice precisely undermines tourists' confidence ]]> China lucas6280 http://www.destination360.com/forum/china/5494-wing-travel-cancels-tour-refuses-full.html http://www.destination360.com/forum/china/5331-books-read-before-going-china.html Sun, 22 Mar 2009 18:29:43 GMT I highly recommend reading these books before going to China.... excellent descriptions of places and history.... 1) Twilight in the Forbidden... I highly recommend reading these books before going to China.... excellent descriptions of places and history....

1) Twilight in the Forbidden City - revised and illustrated 4th edition - its been republished and restored with all the illustratons. Available on Amazon.com

2) Also recommend Peking by Juliet Bredon. A fascinating description of the city and its culture written in 1920's = Also available at amazon...

Any other suggestions? ]]> China timetraveller2009 http://www.destination360.com/forum/china/5331-books-read-before-going-china.html http://www.destination360.com/forum/china/5297-sichuan-panda.html Wed, 18 Mar 2009 07:53:42 GMT Tourism in Sichuan Province China is rich in resources,there is the hometwn of giant pandas.It has World Heritage Areas in China such as... Tourism in Sichuan Province China is rich in resources,there is the hometwn of

giant pandas.It has World Heritage Areas in China such as Jiuzhaigou valley,

Huanglong, Emei Mountain and lashan Giant Buddha,Qingcheng Mountain

and Dujiangyan Irrigation system, Wolong Panda Siguniangshan ecological

zones. From Chengdu to Lhasa,Tibet, Yunnan Dali, Lijiang tourism line is also

very convenient. ]]> China chengdupanda http://www.destination360.com/forum/china/5297-sichuan-panda.html http://www.destination360.com/forum/china/5268-your-most-delicious-food-you-have.html Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:23:52 GMT hi, I know chinese food is very delicious! One of my favorite is chicken with fungus and roast fish! How about yours? hi, I know chinese food is very delicious!
One of my favorite is chicken with fungus and roast fish!
How about yours? ]]> China dodoy http://www.destination360.com/forum/china/5268-your-most-delicious-food-you-have.html http://www.destination360.com/forum/china/5185-part-great-wall-your-final-choice.html Thu, 26 Feb 2009 08:34:22 GMT If you would like to visit the Great Wall closest to Beijing City, please choose Juyongguan Section of Great Wall. In order to visit the most... If you would like to visit the Great Wall closest to Beijing City, please choose Juyongguan Section of Great Wall. In order to visit the most preserved part, please go to Badaling Section. If you have interest in hiking, you can choose Simatai or Jinshanling Sections which are located 120 kilometers away from Beijing, where you can enjoy the most fancinating natural scenery and the historical ruins of Great Wall. ]]> China china connection tours http://www.destination360.com/forum/china/5185-part-great-wall-your-final-choice.html http://www.destination360.com/forum/china/5184-chinese-zodiac-2009-year-ox.html Thu, 26 Feb 2009 08:12:43 GMT The Chinese Zodiac began in the 6th century and is still practiced today. According to Chinese belief, those people born in a certain year are... The Chinese Zodiac began in the 6th century and is still practiced today. According to Chinese belief, those people born in a certain year are strongly influenced by the characteristics of the corresponding animal. In the China zodiac, each successive year is named for one of 12 animals. These 12 year cycles are continuously repeated and combined with a sequence of the five elements (water, wood, fire, metal, earth) in a 60 year major cycle. ]]> China china connection tours http://www.destination360.com/forum/china/5184-chinese-zodiac-2009-year-ox.html