China Travel Forum

Reasons to Live and Travel in Xinjiang: Exotic Natural Beauty (Part 4 of 6)

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:48:00 EST

For more Josh and Tiffany Summers go to Xinjiang: Far West China.
Post time: 24-Nov-2008 15:03

Blogs, Attractions, Travel Stories, Sights, Photography

*This post is part 4 in a series of posts entitled "Why It's Good to Live in (and Travel to) Xinjiang". If you haven't already, it might be a good idea to read over The Intro, Reason #1, Reason #2, and Reason #3 before continuing.*

There are so many places in China that are worth visiting, but very few of them have such a variety of scenery. Here in Xinjiang you can find huge mountain ranges just a stone's throw from flat desert. Crystal blue lakes or weird rock formations. If you're an outdoor enthusiast or a nature photographer, there's no better place to be than Xinjiang. Hiking, mountain climbing, rafting, horseback riding, and camping are just a few of the activities which make experiencing Xinjiang so much fun. It would be useless to try to explain natural beauty with words, so I'll just post a few pictures for you to enjoy. Just so you know, each one of these pictures you see below was taken by us using our inexpensive digital camera. Neither my wife or I are great photographers, but it's difficult to mess up places which are inherently so beautiful.

The Ghost City

Xiamen and Guland Yu

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:46:00 EST

For more Ryan Dut go to You're moving where to do what ....
Post time: 24-Nov-2008 14:38

Blogs, Trip Report, Travel Tips, Travel Stories, Opinion, Photography

A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to have a five day weekend so, I decided it was a good time to make my way south to Xiamen, which is on the coast of China across from Taiwan. According to Lonely Planet, Xiamen used to be known to Westerners as Amoy. Xiamen was recently ranked most livable city in China; it's famous in China for being clean, having nice weather, and nice beaches.

Beach in Xiamen

I managed to get a sweet deal on a flight out of Shanghai to Xiamen, which cut my travel time from 24 hours on the train to 1 1/2 by plane. I had decided that my first couple of days would be spent on Gulang Yu, which is a fairly small island right of off the coast of Xiamen that used to be an old foreign settlement back in the mid 1800's, meaning that most of the buildings are colonial and Victorian style, and not Chinese-looking. The hostel I stayed in actually used to be the German consulate. What makes Gulang Yu special is that cars and bicycles are not allowed on the island.

Xishuangbanna: China's Deep South

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:45:00 EST

Two days of roller-coaster travel on unpaved roads and in old buses cramped with members of the Chinese Olympic Spitting Team; it was a long road to Xishuangbanna.

Tucked in the deep south of China’s Yunnan Province, the Xishuangbanna region conjured images of thatched huts, tropical jungle, and a rainbow of ethnic minorities. But when we arrived in Jinghong, the regional capital, our hearts sank. We got the impression that we had arrived too late.

With the exception of ethnic Dai script and Mandarin Chinese characters competing for space on signs splattered across the city, Jinghong’s atmosphere was anything but exotic; it looked like any other highly-developed city in China.

So we dodged our disappointment in urban Chinese homogeneity and over-development and headed for the hills and rural markets.

Going to China First Time

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:44:00 EST

Hi All, I am Ruth Lopez & I want to know that my family & me is going to China in next month.So kindly tell me some nice place for travel their.Because we are going China first time. Thanks

Where should a big family stay?

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:43:00 EST

My brother is getting married in Macau to his Portuguese/Chinese girlfriend and the family is coming down! However, we'll all be staying here for 10-14 days and would all like to be together, which might be a bit of a logistical problem, or just prove prohibitively expensive. Can anyone recommend any good 3-4 star hotels with big rooms for families in Macau? Prices have got to be really reasonable. Atlernatively, does anyone know of a good internet resource for renting apartments for short periods on the net? My friends have done that several times in Europe, seems like it was a really great arrangement, but I'm not sure if that exists in Macau or not... live, love, learn.... then love some more...

Western supermarkets in Taiyuan

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:42:00 EST

Although I'm perfectly happy eating the food here in Jishan, there are things that I miss, namely cheese, butter and bacon. I have to go to Taiyuan next week and wonder if anyone knows of a western supermarket such as Tesco in the city. Thanks, Ian Share

Will Guns N' Roses "Chinese Democracy" Hurt or Help KFC in China?

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:41:00 EST

If, as reported by MTV, the notorious guitar wizard Buckethead's amazing axe stylings appear on the rumored release of the long-anticipated Guns N' Roses album Chinese Democracy, might it signal the beginning of the end for American fried-chicken giant KFC's astonishing success in the Chinese market?

Or, on the other hand, might it trigger a wave of pro-KFC feeling among a Chinese public noted as much for their love of fried chicken as for their recent consumer campaigns against companies like Carrefour and CNN that had been perceived as insulting and unfairly representing China?

There is reason to fear--or, depending on one's sympathies, eagerly anticipate--both outcomes. Some analysts point toward a "perfect storm" of factors that could indeed bring down the chicken giant in the world's largest and fastest-growing market for deep-fried industrialized chicken food products. Others, however, see opportunities for greater penetration of the Chinese market in the event of a possible Chinese Democracy-Buckethead-KFC controversy.

According to Buckethead FAQ, Buckethead, who claims to have been raised by chickens in a chicken coop, "harnesses the spirits of all the slain and martyred chickens through the chicken bucket on his head" and wears an upside-down KFC bucket on his head whenever he is in public emblazoned with the word "funeral," to protest the ongoing slaughter of chickens worldwide.

Hamburger University policy expert Dr. Paul Dunny thinks this could create real problems for both GNR and KFC if the latest rumors concerning the willingness of GNR frontman W. Axl Rose to release his band's promised magnum opus are true.

Remember the crystal clear water in Hero

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:40:00 EST

Remember the crystal clear water in Hero, nominated for best foreign film at the Oscars last year? Much of the filming took place at Jiuzhaigou Valley, a place recognized in the Chinese mind as Heaven on earth, a gift bestowed by nature in Sichuan, one of China's western provinces. You can book a China Hotel through web and come here to take a look. Jiuzhaigou Valley, eulogized as a world of magical fairytale, has for years enchanted tourists with its mountains and luxuriant forests, colorful lakes, gushing waterfalls and abundant wildlife. In 1992 it was put on the World Heritage List by UNESCO.

Will we drive electric BAMBOO cars in China?

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:39:00 EST

Yo check these pics out from China Daily's online portal the car below weighs only 60kg and can go 50km on a single charge! As if I don't want one! It's tha G-bomb! (Green bomb yo...) Car was developed in Japan (U of Kyoto) but I hope the come over here!

Life magazine's China photo archive - Must see

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:37:00 EST

Archival China Photo fans rejoice!

The China Law Blog had this post up today linking to google.com's Life Magazine archive and there are a lot of really old, amazing pictures of China to be viewed. I've got a couple samples below here, but you'll want to click this link to go the actual archive to look at the pics.

Just a little forewarning, it might be hard to search for the pics using present-day city names which are written in Pinyin, you'll want to use the old city names, so, for example, for Chongqing, search for Chungking. For Qingdao, use Tsingtao, Peking/Beijing, Tianjin was Tientsin, Dalian was Port Arthur and Shenyang was Mukden and so on and so forth. You may have to do a little research to find out the older name of the city you are interested in...

Beijing courtyard/hutong hotel info?

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:36:00 EST

I'm coming to Beijing with my wife and two kids, 10 & 14. For convenience's sake we're thinking just stay in a western hotel (like the westin or holdiay inn) for a few nights but I'd really like to stay at least a short time in a courtyard or hutong hotel to get a different experience of the city. Unfortunately, I'm having little luck getting good info on such hotels. Any suggestions on such hotels & bookings. Hoping to spend $200/night on average give or take and want a to be able to walk to restaurants and shops. Any suggestions appreciated!

Great video of Tom Carter's PORTRAIT OF A PEOPLE photo book on travel in China

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:35:00 EST

After reading about Tom Carter's amazing adventures in traveling China with his camera here on China travel, I did a bit of research and came across an excellent video on YouTube. Check it out:

Hairy Crab, delicacy or disgusting?

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:34:00 EST

"Food writers describe it as a delicacy on the order of foie gras; bloggers praise it as a life-changing experience, and restaurant critics all have their favorite haunts in Shanghai for the city’s signature crustacean: hairy crab." said New York Times writer Michelle Green, but after Mrs. Green's sampling did this pincered pinnacle of Shanghaiese seafood come out rating as scrumptious or sickening?

This is something I'd really like to know, I've had some amazing seafood right off the street here in Shanghai, amazing shellfish and scallops served in a sweet garlic sauce that literally makes the palate climax with pleasure. I know I love meaty Alaskan king crab, so obviously I would have a lot curiosity about it's diminutive cousin. However, the article goes on to read:

“...The smell,” said Terry, “is like dirty river water.” Under the carapaces lurked gelatinous black deposits; instead of sweet meat, we discovered stringy, bland flesh.

The off-odor was less prominent when we bathed bits in the sauce of rice vinegar with ginger, “which would make anything palatable,” as Terry observed. But the wine, served in a metal cruet, added another unpleasant note; dry and acidic, it recalled a hyper-oxidized, bitter Marsala..." (the rest of the New York Times article can be read here)

How to Eat Sugar Cane

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:34:00 EST

For more Greg Han go to G-Blog.org.
Post time: 24-Nov-2008 15:41

Blogs, Travel Tips, Sights, Eating & Drinking

Fresh sugar cane is a Hainan Island treat. There’s vendors everywhere that sell sugar cane. Here’s your guide to eating it.

Buy the sugar cane from a vendor. The vendor will skin the cane for you. They will either leave some of the skin at one end so you can hold the cane or she can skin it completely and then give you a small plastic bag so you can hold the cane at the bottom.
Bite into the cane.
Chew

Mogao Caves - where to stay how to see?

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:33:00 EST

Hey, we're headed to Qinghai and Xinjiang next month and we'd definitely like to go through Dunhuang and check out the Mogao Caves. Does anyone know if there is a place to stay right near the caves or do we have to stay in Dunhuang? If so, where are the cheap-o hotels? Hostels ok as well, but not too dirty and need privacy. Also, super-secret request: Who's got the goods on the sexually explicit Buddhist imagery? Are the images roped off? Why? Is it possible to go see them? If so, how do we go about doing that, just like, James Bond-style infiltration, or do I have to pull a Boris Berezovsky and pet the guide? Or is it something totally casual like, just go up to the images, take pics, posit human sexuality's retrograde decline since 1500 years ago and leave? ah... to explore the higher functions of our brains through tantra... Anyways.. all info greatly appreciated thanks!

Shilin Stone Forest near Kunming- worth it?

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:32:00 EST

Hey there, Has anyone been to the Shilin Stone Forest? I have heard that you can visit it as a day trip from Kunming. Is it worth checking out or seriously lame, crowded tourist trap?

What's the best part of Dongguang to stay in?

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:31:00 EST

A chilly hello to everyone on the forum as Shanghai's weather plummets! Fortunately I'll be headed south for a week at the end of the month as I have some business to do in Dongguan... about that though... can anyone recommend a good part of town to stay in? I don't really care for proximity to the convention center, I'd rather be able to walk or quickly get to a couple nice little attractions or parks when I'm not working. That would do it for me. Oh, and if anyone knows of something cool to do there that isn't on Chinatravel.net's attractions list for the city, please let me know ok? Thanks for your help!

Chengdu, China

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:31:00 EST

For more Mr and Mrs Bell go to The Bell's Adventure Honeymoon.
Post time: 24-Nov-2008 16:00

Blogs, Trip Report, Travel Tips, Travel Stories, Sights, Opinion

16 hours on the cleanest overnight train EVER lands us in Chengdu, the home of Pandas and the capital of the Sichuan province known for it's spicy food! Our tour leader, Tomic, was having trouble getting us taxis to our hotel when we got off our train as it was too early for the police to be at the train station so the local taxi drivers were refusing to take us anywhere in favour of better fares - after 25 minutes of no luck Tomic decides that the only way we are going to get to our hotel is by Moped Rickshaw - it's 5.30am and the roads are empy as our 5 rickshaws each carrying 2 people and backpacks proceed to have the funniest and scariest wacky races though Chengdu ever! It takes about 15 minutes of haring around corners on 2 wheels, very fast overtaking of each other whilst shouting to each other that no one knows where they are going and short cuts the wrong way up one way streets and we eventually arrive to find that one of the drivers only has one leg and they have charged us 10Yuan over the taxi rate!!!! It was hilarious!!

We chill out in Chengdu for the rest of the day as we look forward to seeing the Giant Pandas. The Giant Pandas are the cutest animals - the place we go to see them is a research facility where they are breeding the pandas in an effort to try and increase their numbers. There are currently about 1000 left in the wild and they aren't sure yet if they are able to introduce any to the wild, but we saw about 6 young teenage pandas and 7 really tiny babies and then we did the BEST THING EVER - Liz (paid a lot of money) to cuddle an adult Giant Panda!!!! IT WAS GREAT!!! the meny will all go back into the research so that's good news - we have some amazing pictures that we will try and get up very soon.

Beijing Hotel Suggestions

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:30:00 EST

We will be in Beijing for 5 nights in April, 2009 and trying to make heads or tails of what hotel to stay in. We were thinking of crashing in a western hotel (like the westin or intercontinental) for a few nights to recuperate from the jet lag from flying from the US, and then moving to a courtyard hotel for the last 2-3 nights in Beijing just to have that experience. The various courtyard/hutong hotels we have tried to book have no contact info and no websites. Any suggestions on where to stay and how to book it?? We are hoping to spend about $200/night on average (maybe a little more or less) and want a location where we can walk to restaurants or shops. Would love any thoughts... thank you!

A Photo Guide to Shamian Island

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:25:00 EST

For more Chris Blackeby go to Chris Blackeby.
Post time: 24-Nov-2008 15:26

Attractions, Sights, Photography

Shamian Island is an old trading port from the Qing Dynasty, but the British took it for their own (by force) in 1849. Consequently they opened it up to the US, France, Holland, Italy, Germany, Portugal, and Japan. So it is a slice of the West.

Hmmmmmm, what's over this bridge?

Oh, Europe.

Sanya forum, how does it rate, really?

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:22:00 EST

My girlfriend and I are trying to sort out where we should go around Christmas and were thinking of the Chinese island of Hainan as an option. Thing is, we're seeing a lot of hyperbole about it, namely - that it is "China's Hawaii" ( an honorific a few other Chinese places seem to have simply bestowed onto to themselves) and a lot of contradictory information.

Many seem to think the place is overated and problematic because of corrupt taxis, price-gauging, and heavily polluted beaches, while many seem to swear by it because of great golf, cultural attractions and great weather. It's hard to get a fix on whether the place is good or not.

We're thinking of going to the Phillipines or Bali as well, but for some reason Hainan seems to capture my imagination. We don't get a lot of vacation time every year so, I don't really want to waste it on a disappointing destination. So, what's the word, I'll be glad to hear all the pros and cons people have to offer. Cheers!

Hainan...

Tibet: The Wild West (Part 1)

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:21:00 EST

For more Nick Rennick go to Nick's Worldwide Wanderings.
Post time: 24-Nov-2008 14:15

Blogs, Trip Report, Travel Tips, Travel Stories, Photography, Eating & Drinking

Nick Rennick arrived in China several months ago on the slow boat from Japan. Since then he has been climbing sacred mountains, wandering the streets of Shanghai, enjoying baiju dinners with shirtless Chinese men, visiting post-Olympic Beijing, visiting Datong, exploring the ancient Buddhist caves of Yungang and the secluded Hanging Monastery,and journeying to the historical city of Pingyao. In this installation of his trip, Nick heads to Tibet...read on.

Mention Tibet to any traveller in China, and their eyes will light up. The roof of the world, a mysterious land of grazing yaks, chanting lamas, and plains stretching far into the distance, as endless as the clear sky above...the perfect destination for adventurous travellers. There's only one problem; adventurous travellers rarely have any money, and going to tibet now seems to require a lot of it. Since the government re-opened Tibet to foreigners, their policy has been that they only allow give permits to those travelling with tour groups, where one must pay hundreds of dollars a day for the pleasure of being herded around Lhasa by a person with a flag and megaphone. Like most travellers, when I heard this I gave up, and resigned the dream of travelling to the roof of the world to just another dream...

Hong Kong

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:20:00 EST

For more Matt Schiavenza go to Matt Schiavenza: A China Journ ....
Post time: 24-Nov-2008 13:19

Blogs, Trip Report, Travel Stories, History, Opinion

The Chinese government summarizes its relationship with Hong Kong as “one country, two systems.” Actually, the opposite is true: for all intents and purposes, the countries are separate, yet both seem driven by a rapacious capitalism that the Hong Kong-ese have made their trademark. “Two countries, one system” would be more apt.

Hong Kong, like its sister Macao, is a Special Administrative Region of China. The two countries have separate customs arrangements, separate visa policies, separate currencies, separate laws, and separate political structures. They speak separate languages (though Cantonese is of course widely spoken in China’s Guangdong Province), and write in seperate character systems. China does appoint some of Hong Kong’s government officials and is responsible for its defense, but in effect China and Hong Kong are not the “same” country.

Hong Kong is busy, brash, and vertical; there are skyscrapers everywhere. At times being a pedestrian here means traipsing through a succession of high-end shopping malls, and it may even be possible to traverse the city without setting one foot on the ground.

Chinese Catch Phrases

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:19:00 EST

Hi I'm off to Beijing and can just about say hello, (not much use after saying hello!!) can anyone help me with any basic travel phrases? Hello I have a reservation with you Can I have a single train ticket to..... How much is it? Any DECENT travel phrases including hotel,restaurant,cafe,out and about in town,absolutely would be very welcome. MANY THANKS

Hotel didn't register my temporary residence permit in time

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:17:00 EST

Hi everyone, I came to Shanghai with my wife on November 6 and have been staying in a hotel since then. At the time of registration at the hotel,they only asked for my passport. Now when I want to extend my wife's L visa, I came to know that my wife's passport should also be registered in police for temporary residence. The hotel people say now that they can only register her from November 24 and not from November 6 as it is the actual date...Is it a problem when applying for the renewal of her visa?I need to get this answer as soon as possible. Thanks

Reasons to Live and Travel in Xinjiang: Obscurity (Part 3 of 6)

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:16:00 EST

*This post is part 3 in a series of posts entitled "Why It's Good to Live in (and Travel to) Xinjiang". If you haven't already, it might be a good idea to read over The Intro, Reason #1, and Reason #2 before continuing.*

"Obscurity", as defined by Webster's Dictionary, is something that is "not readily understood" or "relatively unknown", but just because something is obscure doesn't mean it is interesting. Burkina Faso is an obscure country, but that in itself is not enough of a reason to make me want to visit. Kansas is an obscure state in the U.S., but how many people have that on their wish list of places to travel?

Alaska, however...now's that's an obscure state I want to see someday! The beautiful French Polynesia is a country (or rather a French territory) whose beaches I wouldn't mind walking on in the near future. So what is it that differentiates Kansas from Alaska, Burkina Faso from French Polynesia? What makes one obscure place boring and another exciting?

How does Ctrip Work?

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:15:00 EST

I've got quite a few friends who have used Ctrip.com's website for booking their flights and hotels, but I'm pretty confused as to how I am supposed to do anything. I tried to book a flight to Hong Kong from their website, I picked it out from their own list, but upon clicking it the website responded witha pop-up telling me that Hong Kong doesn't exist and that I should phone them for international service. Will phoning them make Hong Kong exist or what? Anyways, I'm also confused as to their credit card policy, anyone have any idea what's going on there? The website seems to contradict itself several times promising international credit card service and then denying it off and on again and again. My friends told me these guys had great prices and were efficient, but it's looking pretty complicated to me. Should I use them or just go with someone else?

Domestic Flights

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:13:00 EST

I have read froms some guide books that the domestic flights in China are unreliable, and can change schedule or cancelled last minute. How far is this true? I am concerned because I am planning a flight from Yichang to Shanghai, and then to connect to the international flight back home. There are only 2 flights per day out of Yichang to Shanghai. If I cannot fly out of Yichang, I will miss my flight home, which will create lots of problem for my family. Can anyone comments on the probability of such an event. Or should I change my schedule altogether? But it seems to me the natural way of proceeding. I am planning my holiday scehdule as follow: Singapore fly to Shanghai, transfer to Suzhou, then to Hangzhou. Next fly to Beijing, then fly to Xi'an, and after that fly to Chongqing. Then cruise down Yangtze river to Yichang, before flying back to Shanghai, and home. Also is there any airline(s) I should avoid, or that is/are more reliable. Would appreciate your inputs. Thanks.

How will global economic slowdown affect travel in China?

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:59:00 EST

In the short term, it seems that lower oil prices should lead to lower fuel prices, keeping costs down even as fewer people travel for both business and pleasure. But as the crisis spreads and deepens, what will happen? I just read that 67,000 factories have closed in China this year, and though exports to low-cost retailers abroad like Wal Mart in the US remain fairly steady, it's impossible to imagine that there won't be a big impact in China as well as abroad. It also seems in the short term that budget travel providers and hotels should benefit somewhat, as luxury and high-end services take a hit. Hard to see it as good, exactly, but if governments can use the downturn as an opportunity to stimulate their economies, including infrastructure upgrades--which China is doing to the tune of $586 billion over two years--then their nations have a good chance of emerging from the crisis in good shape to recover. What do people think?

A Cut Below: Getting a Haircut in China

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:58:00 EST

Chinese Haircuts Stink. I've come to the conclusion that, for various reasons, Chinese barbers/hairdressers/men scissors cannot cut my hair well. I've now had perhaps 5 haircuts here, and a grand total of 1 was half decent. Did I write months ago extolling the virtues of cheap and wonderful haircuts in China? I was mistaken and take it all back - they are a disaster. My hair is, superficially, rather similar to that of an average Chinese person. Though mine is brown to their black, both are perfectly straight and straw-like. The difference is that my hair is finer than double parking, where as Chinese people have big, thick strands on their heads. Anyone who quickly looked, or even ran a finger through would likely not notice any difference, but start cutting it and, lo the difference appears. Barbers, thinning my hair as they would for a local with similar hair, leave my scalp exposed, my head cold, and my pride wounded. It's not their fault, per say, because they've likely never cut westerners hair before, but that's not consolation when I'm half-bald and shivering in the cold November air. Tragic as this may seem, I shall soldier on. I plan to enlist the help of a local Chinese teacher to escribe instructions on a paper for me to pass to my next barber. If they follow the instructions I may leave unscathed. If they don't... it'll grow back and I'll be out all of a buck and a half... plus every hair cut comes with a free massage, so I'll have that going for me.

China for Christmas: Where is good to go?

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:58:00 EST

Hi everyone, I will be having holidays in China at Christmas time. I was wondering where would be a good place to be for Christmas? Any idea appreciated. Also, do domestic flights in China increase at Christmas time...cause China doesn't traditionally celebrate Christmas, right? Thanks

Hotels, Gay Retreats, Cruising

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:55:00 EST

Hi, So I'm so excited to visit China. I'm gonna spend a couple months travelling but I'm (bi)curious to know more about gay-friendly travel in China. Cruising etiquete with chinese boys and such. Also, are there any gay retreats in China? It must be hard for homos so maybe there's a place they go . . . that I would love to see. Finally, I'm sure in bigger cities there are gay clubs (god I hope so) but can someone tell me where they are and perhaps recommend some decent hotels nearby. Thanks so much. . . . Jeff

Drinking in China: Good Girl Gone Bad

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:50:00 EST

Jonna Wibelius is originally Sweden but has spent the last 7 years living in England, Australia, Finland and now China (Shanghai/Suzhou since 2006). SHE in China is her blog about her observations on every day life. How I went from 'athelete' to 'bad girl' (in my teacher's eyes). Yesterday we had one of those interesting and deep (.....) discussions in our Chinese speaking class. The teacher wanted to know what we liked to do on our spare time, and her first question was: Have you EVER been to a bar?! (A bar, as in a bar where they serve alcohol)

Tibet Tour Top Ten

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:50:00 EST

Greg and Haiying got married a little over a year ago. In June, they arrived in China from the US for a big trip that has taken them from Hong Kong to Beihai to Qinzhou to Guilin to Yangshuo, Liuzhou, Beijing, Qinhai, Yushu, Chengdu, Nang Qian, Kanding, Macau, Tibet and now the just arrived in Sanya on Hainan Island.

In this post, Greg dishes up on his top ten favorite sites in Tibet.

Although I had already visited many Tibetan areas of Qinhai and Sichuan provinces, this trip into Tibet itself had a different feel to it.

First off, foreigners must join a tour group in order to visit Tibet. Second, Tibet, itself seemed much more developed than the places we had just seen in Qinhai and Sichuan.

For example, the hotels were much better and the roads were nicely paved and not pock marked with potholes. Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet, seemed clean and orderly and caters to tourists with its many restaurants, sites, souvenir vendors, etc. The scenery also seemed much… larger. Brighter sun. Bigger mountains. More snow capped peaks. Skies that are clear and blue. Temperatures can be warm during the day and then cold at night. The Tibetans that live here are different than the Kham Tibetans we encountered in Qinhai and Sichuan. The attire and language are very different.

Here’s my rundown of the top ten sites in Tibet.

The Train to Sanya: Hainan Island

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:49:00 EST

Greg and Haiying got married a little over a year ago. They've always been avid travelers and in June arrived in China from the US for a big trip that has taken them from Hong Kong to Beihai to Qinzhou to Guilin to Yangshuo, Liuzhou, Beijing, Qinhai, Yushu, Chengdu, Nang Qian, Kanding, Macau, Tibet and now the just arrived in Sanya on Hainan Island. Stay tuned for more stories and photos from their trip.

We decided to take a little excursion to Sanya and Hainan Island. Our route? Train from Shenzhen to Guangzhou and then an overnight sleeper train to Sanya. From Shenzhen, we arrived at the Luo Hu train station and was a little confused. There seems to be about three different waiting rooms. One waiting room is only for trains from Shenzhen to Guangzhou. It turns out that we were taking a long distance train and getting off at Guangzhou. Therefore, our correct waiting room was not for the regular Shenzhen-Guangzhou train. When we got onto our train it reminded me of other train experiences in China- crowded! Virtually all the aisle space was taken by standard passengers. Luckily we had assigned seats. Once in Guangzhou we navigated the incredibly busy and smoky station to find our connecting train. We had tickets for the hard sleeper. Here’s a breakdown of the train options one has in order of least expensive to most expensive.

shanghai hostels

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:48:00 EST

gonna b in shanghai late dec and wanna kno if anybody got good hostel recommends near a metro stops or downtown - dont wanna be out in some suburbs but gotta save some $ cuz im gonna be on the road a while hope shanghai isnt too expensive - any ideas thx!

Macau Casinos and Hong Kong Horseraces

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:47:00 EST

Our whirlwind tour of Qinhai, Sichuan, and Tibet ended in Guangdong province. From Guangdong we moseyed on over to the Macau SAR (Special Administrative Region).

Technically, its part of China but really it operates like a separate country.
We needed to exit China and then pass through Macau customs.

Macau is an interesting mix of cultures. The signs are in Chinese and Portuguese. There’s a variety of cuisines available in Macau. One of the specialties we encountered was a Chinese seasoned pork chop served in a bread roll. People call it “zhu pa bao” or “pork chop bun.” There are many small Cantonese style eateries serving tasty noodles, dim sum, and desserts all around Macau.

Demystifying Food in China: Article Series

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:43:00 EST

Blogs, Eating & Drinking, Arts & Culture

Audrey Scott and Daniel Noll are full-time travelers. Today is their 714th day on the road as they journey around the world "serving up a scatter plot of observations from rapidly changing countries."

Along with having taken some spectacular photos of their months traveling through China, we particularily liked their food series Demystifying Food in China, check it out below.

1. An Introduction

2. Top 10 Xinjiang Dishes

3. Hot Pot Fever

4. Top 10 Chinese Dumplings

5. Sichuan Cuisine

6. Chinese Food Grab Bag

A Short Trip to Hangzhou, Wuzhen, Suzhou and Shanghai

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:43:00 EST

Blogs, Trip Report, Travel Stories, Sights

Cristina W was born and raised in Macau. She can't imagine what life would be like without travel: "Traveling is one of my favorite thing to do in life. Everything is new, and it lights up every moment in life! Here is a place where you can find which places of the world I've been to and maybe those places are places that you want to visit as well!" When she is not on the road, Cristina enjoys photography, art and graphic design.

Hangzhou

Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang Province in east China. With its famous natural beauty and cultural heritages, Hangzhou is well known as one of China's most important tourist venues.

"Above is heaven, below is Hangzhou." is a famous Chinese saying that describes this beautiful place.

Why it's Good to Live and Travel in Xinjiang: Food and Music (Part 2 of 6)

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:42:00 EST

Josh and Tiffany arrived in Xinjiang in 2006 as English teachers and have been enjoying living and traveling all over China ever since. Most news about Xinjiang is negative, so they wanted to present a side that was free of political commentary and focused on the lighter side of surviving in the land of huge mountains and vast deserts. This post is part of a 6 Part series about why Xinjiang is a great place to travel or live. In this series, they focus on:

1. The Cultural Diversity
3. Obscurity
4. Exotic, Natural Beauty
5. Foreigner Curiosity and Excitement
6. Hone Your Survival Skills

2. Diversity of Food and Music

Without a doubt, one of the most memorable parts of visiting Xinjiang is its food. It's not just that it's different, because every province has its own "special" foods. What makes Xinjiang food unique is that it represents flavors and tastes from all over the world. As I mentioned before, this has everything to do with the ethnic diversity that is found within Xinjiang's borders. The two biggest ethnic groups - the Han Chinese and the Uyghurs - also provide two of the most common types of food you can find here, but other smaller groups such as the Hui and Kazakhs have made their mark on Xinjiang's cuisine.

Photo of the Day: A China Dog's Life

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:41:00 EST

Thanks to Chris Blackeby for these photos.

Hey boy, why so nervous?

Breathless at the Roof of the World

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:40:00 EST

Viktoria Orizarska is a former credit analyst from Sofia, Bulgaria. Presently she is traveling around the world, writing about and photographing her travels. In this story, Viktoria takes us up the Friendship Highway between Kathmandu and to Lhasa, a visit the the Potala Palace, monasteries, prayer wheels, pilgrims and mischievous monks.

ChinaTravel.net China Features Now on Alltop China

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:38:00 EST

ChinaTravel.net News

We're thrilled to be plugged into Alltop, a "magazine rack" of popular topics that displays the latest stories and posts appearing on an amazing range of quality Web sites.

Our China Travel Features are now listed on Alltop's China page, appearing alongside some of our favorite China sites.

Speaking of our features, be sure and check out some of our most recent pieces, including insightful interviews with photojournalist Tom Carter, who's spent the last two years visiting every one of China's 33 provinces and with Anne Warr, a noted architect who knows Shanghai's unique architectural history as well as anyone.

And don't miss our newest feature, "Got Cold Chicken Feet? China Culture Shock Therapy," a fine introduction to China from veteran traveler Robert Vance that includes "Six Things You Need to Know About Living in China."

Finally, there are the first two features chronicling the excellent adventures of our resident rogue gourmand, "Hungry" Dan Shapiro. You can catch up with the man and his ongoing gastronomical exploration of the best--and oddest--that the Middle Kingdom has to offer in "Hungry Dan vs. Gui Jie: The Ghost of Hunger Past" and "Halloween Food Fright: Hungry Dan vs. Wangfujing."

Check out Alltop for the latest news on China and pretty much anything else you can think of, and come back to visit us at ChinaTravel.net for more great China Travel Features, tips and tales on our China Travel Forum, destination and attraction overviews, hotel reviews and more....

Busride from Hell

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:37:00 EST

For more Vicky Orizarska go to The World from Vicky's Point o ....
Post time: 14-Nov-2008 13:41

Blogs, Women's Travel, Trip Report, Travel Stories, Dangers & Annoyances, Transportation

Viktoria Orizarska is a former credit analyst from Sofia, Bulgaria. Presently she is traveling around the world, writing about and photographing her travels. In this story, Vicky learns first hand the downsides of communal toilets and high-altitude sleeper buses. Enjoy!

"With my pants still unzipped, I fly out of the corner in the face of dozen peacefully peeing Chinese man with a pack of dogs on my ass."

Wolong Giant Panda Natural Reserve

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:37:00 EST

Hi. I'll be in Chengdu for a week and want to know about Wolong Giant Panda Natural Reserve. After the earthquake is it still open? I've heard such great things about it.

China's deserts spawn new attractions, photos inside

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:29:00 EST

Plans are underway to build up a large 938.4-square-kilometer park in the windswept dunes of the Badain Jaran, Tennger and Ulan Buh deserts. Inner Mongolia's Alashan desert geological park is rich in tourism resources and will include such sites as sand dunes, desert lakes, stone forests and fossil deposits. The area will be boon for travelers interested in camel treks and desert biomes, an area ideal for photography and stargazing with its vast skies, endless horizons and lack of light pollution. Pictures follow below...

Huangshan Trip (Part 2)

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:29:00 EST

Posted by: ForumEditor on behalf of Ryan Dut.

For more Ryan Dut go to You're moving where to do what ....
Post time: 13-Nov-2008� 10:36

Blogs, Trip Report, Travel Stories, Travel Tips, Sights, Photography, Opinion

Ryan Dut moved to Suzhou in late September of this year to teach English. During the October National Holiday, he took a trip with several fellow teachers to Huangshan, one of China's most sacred mountains. This is Part 2 of Ryan's trip (Part 1).

The second portion of my trip south for the National Holiday consisted of visiting some more remote areas of Jiangxi province. After the day of visiting the small city of Yuliang, we went back to Tunxi where I reserved a room for that night. Jon and Emma were planning on catching the night train back to Shanghai to get to a wedding the following evening. Long story short, they ended up staying at the hostel that night as well as the tickets they had purchased were for the wrong day. So, they had to get up VERY early the next morning to try and get to the wedding in time (which they did).

Why it's Good to Live and Travel in Xinjiang: Cultural Diversity (Part 1 of 6)

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:26:00 EST

Before arriving here in China I doubt I could have located Chengdu or Xi’an on a map, much less the province of Xinjiang. We’ve never been attracted to big cities, though, and Xinjiang didn’t seem to have any, so we were ok with the idea of moving here. So it’s easy to answer the question why we came to Xinjiang – we didn’t mean to! But why have we stayed for the past two (going on three) years? That is a much better question.

I doubt we would have voluntarily chosen Xinjiang if given the option, but now that we’re here we have no desire to live in any other province or city. With this in mind, and of course without previous experience living in another part of China, I began to think about the reasons why we love living and working in Xinjiang, China:

1. The Cultural Diversity
2. Diversity of Food and Music
3. Obscurity
4. Exotic, Natural Beauty
5. Foreigner Curiosity and Excitement
6. Hone Your Survival Skills

WANTED: Accurate, reliable and current information on HK visa issuers besides CTS!

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:20:00 EST

Due to the recent deluge of contradictory information about the renewal of F visas in HK and the mainland, I am requesting updated information from persons who have recently renewed their F visas in HK. I would like to know all of the alternatives to China Travel Services, including the names, phone numbers and email addresses of companies which can apply for F visas. Here are my specific questions: 1. Are HK visa services now able to renew a one-year, multiple entry F visa? 2. What is the maximum duration of each stay for said visas? 3. What documentation do each of these companies require for the renewal application? (Is a letter from a Chinese entity required if I have my own HK licensed business?) 4. What is the total fee for issuing the visa, including all service fees? 5. How long does it actually take to obtain renewed visas? I had a terrible experience with CTS last October when I went there on the suggestion of a Chinese company. The result was that I was forced to pay almost $250 USD for a 30 day F visa with one renewal. At that time, the cost of a 1-year multiple entry F visa through a broker in the USA was $150 USD inclusive. CTS pads its fees, charges a surcharge for VISA card payment and "expedited" applications and refused to even attempt a longer renewal until I had at leat two F visas in my passport. It appears that they are making up the rules as they go along. If you have had personal expereince with a visa issuing agency besides CTS that is honest, reliable and cheap, please provide detailed information. Thanks!

Changsha: Hunan Provincial Museum and the mummy of the Marquis of Dai

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:19:00 EST

After living in China for two years, there are very few tourist attractions that really grab my full attention. I've visited so many Buddhist temples, lakes and monuments and seen the Terracotta Warriors and Forbidden City several times too many, but when given the chance to see a the mummy of the Marquis of Dai, well, I fought through the bitter cold streets of Changsha to visit the Hunan Provincial Museum. While the museum boasts a large collection of interesting Chinese artifacts: jade, lacquer, silks; I won't bother you with the minute details and proceed directly to the juicy, main event: the 2100 year-old, mumified corpse of the Marquis of Dai. Even if gore is not your forte, you must appreciate the astonishing preservation of this fossil. While most deceased enter rigormortis within several hours of death, the Marquis was found with bones, joints and skill still moveable and flexible. I will refrain from listing the details of her autopsy (yes contents we found inside) and rather just offer a few pics of the lady of the hour.

L visa to dependent spouse visa

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:19:00 EST

This is neer from Nepal. I have got a z visa to work in Shenzhen. My wife has accompanied me on a L visa for 30 days and her visa expires on december 3,2008. The company has sent me to Shanghai for 5 months. I want to change my wife's L visa to dependent spouse visa in Shanghai. If that is not possible then, I want to extend her L visa to the maximum time possible till I stay in China i.e for about 5 months. I don't know about the procedures and fees regarding this. Also does the place handling all this open on Saturdays or Sundays? I am in need of the answers urgently. Thanks

Yangshuo

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:17:00 EST

Greetings from sunny Yangshuo, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, where I find myself this morning. I recently attended a two-day conference for work in nearby Guilin, and so I�ve come with my two colleagues to chill out in Yangshuo for a couple of days. Except�.Yangshuo isn�t really chill anymore. When I came here two years ago, I stayed and relaxed a week; a perfect antidote to a hectic and oft-difficult stay in Vietnam. Now, though, things have changed; several of the laid-back cafes have been transformed into raging discos with scantily-clad Chinese dancing girls and ubiquitous games of dice. The number of beggars and hawkers have multiplied, too. So have the number of travelers; early November is off-season, yet Yangshuo is much more crowded than when I visited in the height of summer. One thing, though, hasn�t changed: the magnificent karst scenery. Jutting from the ground like chocolate chips on a cookie, the karst mountains are justifiably famous and feature in many tourist videos of China. Guilin itself has long been a scenic destination for the Chinese masses, yet in truth it remains a rather ordinary, ugly city plopped in the middle of a stunning landscape. Although we were there for business and mostly remained in a hotel, the

Huangshan Trip (Part 1)

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:14:00 EST

Posted by: ForumEditor on behalf of Ryan Dut.

For more Ryan Dut go to You're moving where to do what ....
Post time: 11-Nov-2008 11:38

Blogs, Trip Report, Travel Stories, Photography, Opinion

Ryan Dut moved to Suzhou in late September of this year to teach English. During the October National Holiday, he took a trip with several fellow teachers to Huangshan, one of China's most sacred mountains. This is Part 1 of Ryan's trip (Part 2).

All last week was a holiday in China, meaning school was not in session and we had from Monday through the following Sunday to travel. Hence, two other teachers and I decided to travel to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), about 6 hours South of Suzhou by bus.

Of course, with it being a national holiday, most of the country was on vacation, and Huangshan in one of, if not the, most popular tourist destination in China for the Chinese. Needless to say, anytime the previous week we would tell someone we were going to Huangshan, they told us that it would be packed and that we should go another time. We went anyways, and I'm definitely glad that we did. We managed to snag some of the last dorm beds at one of the hotels at the summit of the mountain for one night so that we could see the sunrise, which is supposed to be quite spectacular. After a very early wake up call on Monday, we made it to the town at the base of the mountain Monday afternoon. We visited "Emerald Valley" late Monday afternoon, where many of the scenes in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon were filmed, and then prepared to leave early the next morning to hike up the mountain.

The God of Grassland: Mt. Nyainqen Tanggula

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:13:00 EST

Catherine Wang is a 25-year-old Chinese woman living in Chengdu. An avid traveler, Catherine believes that "miracles happen every day". She was especially touched by the outpouring of help that arrived after the Wenchuan earthquake. Catherine enjoys adventure travel and has visited and photographed many of China's most remote areas. In this trip, she takes us to Mount Nyainqen Tanggula, a massive mountain range in the South Tibetan Plateau.

The God of Grassland: Mt. Nyainqen Tanggula

A huge mountain range runs for 6000km from the west to the east in the middle part of the South Tibetan Plateau. It joins Gangku Kachi in the west, and by stretching southeast, is connected with Boshula Ling of the Hengduan Mountain Range, with its center swelling northward. This is the renowned Nyainqen Tanggula Mountain Range, which serves as the watershed of the of the two big water systems--the Brahmaputra and Jujiang River, dividing the Tibet Autonomous Region into three large regions--North Tibet, South Tibet and Southeast Tibet.

China's financial crisis plan

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:12:00 EST

Here is from China Daily news article, the China government's plan to boost China economy for dealing the global economic crisis: China will take 10 major steps to stimulate domestic consumption and growth as it turns to an "active" fiscal policy and "moderately easy" monetary policy, an executive meeting of the State Council said on Sunday. Here are the 10 major steps:

Why Lie? The Chinese Solution to Rejection

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:10:00 EST

I was reminded yesterday of a small part of Chinese culture that I have had a hard time accepting over the years. Anybody expat who lives here will probably know what I am talking about and I'm sure there are numerous China blogs that have touched on this subject in the past, but now it's my turn: I'm talking about the art of "Chinese lying". The Party To give you a small bit of background, Tiff (my wife) had planned a very nice Halloween party for all our friends and co-workers last weekend. She put no small amount of effort into not only the party, but also the food, the costumes, and even the invitations she handed out. Based on what people told us the week leading up to the party, turnout was going to be pretty good so Tiff would have to make a lot of food. Yesterday, the day of the party, we spent most of the latter half of the day working, shopping, and preparing for that afternoon. But as it happens, some mysterious sickness came over many people (who look perfectly healthy today, by the way), their bedtimes all-of-the-sudden changed (8pm...really?), or they got unusually busy for a Sunday night. I guess we should be thankful that those people even called us five minutes before the party started like they did, because another handful just didn't show - they all simultaneously "lost" our numbers they told me today. Let me clarify that neither Tiff and I are bitter about this as we had a grand time with all those who did show up, but I will admit that it was annoying. Why "Lie"?

Hutong Happiness in Pictures: Chris Blackeby Photographs Beijing

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:09:00 EST

Chris Blackeby is a 33-year-old photographer hailing from Adalaide, Australia. Presently, he is on a long haul journey around China until Christmas. Chris keeps a blog where he mainly lets the photos tell the story. Speaking louder than words, this collection of photos takes us though the old hutongs of Beijing, showing a traditional lifestyle that is strongly threatened by urban growth. Enjoy!

Hutongs are homes. Homes are doorways.

Where are China's Pandas at?

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:50:00 EST

Good day everyobody, As you've seen in the title, I'd like to be able to see a panda. Are there pandas in every zoo in China, or do I have to go someplace special to see them? Will they eat canned bamboo shoots out of my hand or should I throw them the whole stalk (If they can be fed that is...)?

The (Next) 50 Most Inspiring Travel Quotes Of All Time

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:48:00 EST

We love travel quotes and following up on the popular 50 Most Inspiring Travel Quotes, Daniel Harbecke of Brave New Traveler has chosen another 50 more to share. Enjoy!

Shanghai Barbie Girl

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:46:00 EST

Nope, it's not Shanghai Baby, now it's Shanghai Barbie. The massive 3400-square-meter flagship shop at 550 Huai Hai Lu opened last week. The tagline "We Believe in Girls' Dreams" is perhaps the most disturbing aspect. How does Barbie appeal to a Shanghainese girl's dreams? The wish to possess blond hair and a boob job?

Does Shanghai really need Barbie?

Shanghai's House of Barbie is the first Barbie flagship worldwide. Two new Shanghai Barbie Dolls (one Asian, one Caucasian) were developed for the grand opening. Mattel invested over 30 million US dollars to set up the store that will carry Barbie Dolls and all Barbie related products.

The Five Best Hair Salons for Women in Shanghai

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:45:00 EST

Ladies, I will tell you a secret. You need to be careful about getting your hair done in China. Coloring products in shops are designed for Chinese hair (ie black). So if you want to do your blonde highlights...it's going to turn bright orange on Western hair. And not to be bitchy, but when is the last time you saw a Chinese girl with a decent blonde hair dye job? YOU CAN'T BUY BLONDE dye in China for Western hair. I looked everywhere. However, if you pick the right salon (which are very few), you can still get it done. It will cost you twice what you pay back in your home country. So advice, go back to your natural hair color in China if you plan to stay a while, or prepare to budget some serious cash (close to your monthly rent), to get it done. Also, if you go to a Chinese salon, they are accustomed to dealing with Chinese hair, which is quite different from cutting Western hair. I know this all sounds like trivial crap, which it is, but none-the-less, I have suffered many hair disasters in my year and a half here. It sucks. So anyhoo, here are 5 places in Shanghai that won't destroy your hair, but will cost you dearly for that peace of mind. This list is thanks to Lauren Jane of Smart Shanghai:

Do Chinese taxi drivers understand pinyin?

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:43:00 EST

My Mandarin is bad. I took Chinese class in college but when I try to speak now that I'm in China, nobody understands me. And I can't write or understand characters. Getting around Beijing is a pain. Is there a particular reason why taxi drivers can't read pinyin? Do I need to always have the characters written down for wherever I need to go or things that I can explain through charades? I've never been traveling in a place where I couldn't just get by in English. China is tough that way.

Chamdo attractions, how'd we get there?

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:41:00 EST

Greetings! We're headed to Chamdo next week but we haven't got the best information. We know that there are beautiful mountains and lakes around there and we definitely want to get some biking in. Anyone know the names of the lakes or mountains? We're just trying to think of how we're going to arrange transport, we don't really want to hop in a cab, or donkey drawn cart or whatever, and just sit there miming mountain climbing or fishing you know? Anyone with info? We welcome any and all contributions! Cheers!

Is there a fish spa in China?

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:41:00 EST

I heard that there was some sort of "fish therapy" in China, is that true? What is it and where can it be done? Is it popular?

Shanghai by Sidecar

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:35:00 EST

Posted by: ForumEditor on behalf of Lenny.

For more Lenny go to Smart Shanghai.
Post time: 7-Nov-2008 13:21

Blogs, Travel Tips, Transportation, Sights

I came across this article today and thought these sidecar tours sound pretty darn cool. So cool that I want to do one myself now... so I thought I would share it with ya' ll.

Thanks to Smart Shanghai's Lenny for this great tip on how to sightsee in Shanghai in the best of style. Just watch out for rainy days!

For the original article on Smart Shanghai, go here.

Let those snooty tourists have their air-conditioned tour buses. If you're looking for a city tour of Shanghai that affords you a unique (and exhilarating) perspective, look into Shanghai Sideways, a tour company that speeds you around our fair city via motorcycle sidecar.

Shanghai's Fake Markets, Fabric Markets, Antique Markets

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:34:00 EST

If you visit Shanghai, no doubt you're going to want to visit some markets if you've got the time and patience. Yup, it comes down to patience. If you're tired and intolerant of crowds, haggling and harassment, you'll not enjoy any of the below.

Fake markets: China is notorious for it's designer fakes. Even if you're not into buying them, seeing them can be interesting. And the fakes have varying degrees of quality and authenticity (Prada, Dolce and Gabana, Fendi, Chloe, Dior, Chanel). Some fakes are direct copies of the originals and some are cheap knock-offs that will fall apart in a couple of months, weeks or days. You might be able to determine while haggling just what level of fakes you're getting. And of course, sometimes you'll pay more than you should. It's all part of the game.

Fabric markets: Fabric markets can be great, but they take lots of patience and time. You pick out the fabric at a massive, multi-stalled area. You can get your own clothes copied or bring in a photo or design for an outfit you want made. Getting stuff made at the fabric market can be a bit time consuming (you often have to go back for re-fitting), but if you have the patience, it can be a very rewarding and inexpensive way to have tailored clothes of your own design.

Antique markets: If you are into Communist kitsch or antique Chinese furniture, jewelry, posters, etc, the antique markets are a good place to buy presents. Usually it's quite inexpensive and even if you have no intention of buying this can be a worthwhile wander.

Shanghai's best deals on tailor-made clothing?

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:33:00 EST

I was in Shanghai about five years ago and had a wonderful experience in the cloth market area south of the Old City. A friend, however, tells me that it's no longer there--the neighborhood is being razed for new development. I'm coming back for a few weeks in November and had hoped to get a few things made, but now it looks like it won't be so easy. I know there are a lot of tailors all over the city, but I liked the convenience of being able to pick cloth out and get measured for a suit, then have it made in days. I got some great bargains and great fits. Where is the best place now to get good deals on fitted clothing made to order? Thanks.

More new rules for foreign teachers?

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:31:00 EST

Has anyone any info on the forthcoming evaluation tests for foreign teachers of oral English in China? I've heard it's going to happen, but I don't have any idea what it's about. I'm one of the thousands of 'teachers' who don't have the benefit of a university education. I'm in China on an F visa and fear that this will be the end of the most rewarding time of my life. Ian

Hotels near fake Potala Palace?

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:30:00 EST

I'm going through Chengde for 3 days and just found out that they have a fake Potala Palace there! But it's not a tiny replica, its the full meal deal, full sized at the top of a mountain and everything! Crazy huh? Chengde also happens to have an imperial summer palace called Bishu Shanzhuang that is actually bigger than the forbidden city and Beijing' s summer palace combined! What the hell! Didn't really expect that... Anyway, can anyone recommend a cheap hotel? Don't need no 5 star fanciness here, just a bed and the basics! Thanks for the tips!

and here's where I'm going...

What should I do with my 7 days?

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:48:00 EST

Hey everybody, I'm going to go to the Lijiang Tiger Leaping Gorge area and want to fit in as much as possible. Does anyone have any experience/advice to share? I'd like to see Kunming, Lijiang, Dali, maybe Shangri-La and definitely Tiger Leaping Gorge but I don't know how long it takes to hike the gorge, or what amount of time I should devote to each destination. I only have 7 days, so I might have to drop a destination, maybe even two, I don't know. I'm going in about two weeks, how cold will it be down there? Anything else I should be aware of before I go?

Some pics of where I'm headed... aaahhh can't wait!

Nanjing Food Festival pics

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:44:00 EST

Posted by: Rigby_James

Post time: 6-Nov-2008 10:25

Arts & Culture, Attractions, Photography, Sights

Hey, I found some lovely pics of the Naning food festival on China Daily's website, you can see them below. The festival takes place from November 3-7 on Nanjing's Shiziqiao Food Street. I was just wondering if anyone's been to this festival before. Can we eat anything there? It seems like it's kind of an artistic festival using food as a medium. It would be nice to see beautiful culinary creations as well as to be able to please our palates.... Cheers, pics follow below....

Shanghai Call Center: Best English-Speaking Help Service

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:43:00 EST

Posted by: Hot Pot

Post time: 6-Nov-2008 10:49

Travel Tips, Living in China

Ok, here is a tip, for anyone visiting Shanghai, there is one number you need to save in your phone. 962288

Shanghai Call Center is a free service provided by the Chinese government to help English speakers living and working in China.

What is it good for? Pretty much everything.

If you need directions to a hotel, restaurant, shop or if you need to tell your taxi directions but you can't speak Mandarin, you can pass the phone over and they will speak to your driver.

If you need a service close to your hotel or flat: for example, the closest police station of dentist, hospital etc, to your intersection, they will look it up for you.

I even called them one night when my electricty had gone out in a storm and need to get an eletrician to do a night call to my house. I was amazed, they found me a number.

They can even tell you how long it will take to walk from one place to the other, or approximately how long a metro ride is from one place to another (very helpful for preparing for business meetings).

This is a wonderful free service, so use it. Makes life so much easier.

The History Trail (Part 2: Xi'an to Dengfen)

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:41:00 EST

Posted by: ForumEditor on behalf of Nick Rennick.

For more Nick Rennick go to Nick's Worldwide Wanderings.
Post time: 4-Nov-2008 16:56

Blogs, Travel Stories, Trip Report, Sights, Attractions, Photography

Nick Rennick arrived in China a month ago on the slow boat from Japan. Since then he has been climbing sacred mountains, wandering the streets of Shanghai, enjoying baiju dinners with shirtless Chinese men, visiting post-Olympic Beijing, visiting Datong, exploring the ancient Buddhist caves of Yungang and the secluded Hanging Monastery,and journeying to the historical city of Pingyao. In this installation of his trip, Nick heads on to Xi'an to see the Terracotta Warriors, the "laughably overrated" Shaolin Temple, Dengfen, watching crowds of young Kung-fu warriors train.
(For Part 1, go here)

The History Trail (Part 1: Datong to Pingyao)

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:40:00 EST

History sees every cilivization rise and fall, and China is no exception. Though now perceived by many to be the next great world power, it is easy to forget that just a few decades ago China was in every way a 3rd world country. But this is not the first sweepeing transformation to effect China; in ages past, the Chinese people have experienced everything from decades of civil war and abject poverty, to centuries of being the most civilized, cultured, advanced and powerful nation on earth. Far from the modern capital, the ancient works of this great civilization lie dotted around the landscape, just waiting for me to go in search of them.

Photo of the Day: Affordable Pandas

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:17:00 EST

Thanks to Nils for sending in these photo! Cute little pandas for everyone!

Surfing Beaches in China??

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:16:00 EST

Hey there, are there any good surfing beach in China? I'm not asking for much, just some decent waves to ride. Anybody? Anybody?

Shanghai, any green getaways?

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:06:00 EST

* Posted by: Ogopogo Post time: 28-Oct-2008 14:31 Attractions, Environment & Ecology, Sights, Trip Report Shanghai is big, bustling metropolis with almost everything, but there is something missing: nature. I've been in Shanghai a while now and the lack of open green spaces is starting to get to my head. Does anyone know of any good parks in Shanghai, or at least within range of a day trip? To be clear, I don't want anyone trying to tell me that People's square is a park (I actually found that on the internet, how that can be a park is anyone's guess), or recommending Huashan park or something like that. I don't want to see buildings, I need to see trees and nature. I've had trees around me most of my life and I think this concrete jungle is starting to make me a little stir-crazy. Help me.

What to do in Jiamusi, Heilongjiang?

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:05:00 EST

Post time: 30-Oct-2008 10:28 Attractions, Sights, Travel Tips I'm to attend a meeting at this town by the Russian border for a few days and I was wondering if anyone knows of any diverting activities or sights I could take in while I'm there. Never heard of this town before today ha ha! Hopefully its not too boring! Jiamusi... Oh dear....

Scuba Diving Courses in Shanghai (English & Chinese)

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:03:00 EST

Posted by: tumbleweed

Post time: 29-Oct-2008 12:24

Environment & Ecology, Sports, Travel Tips

Shanghai may not be first on your list of places to go scuba diving, but if you need to get your Open Water certification in preparation for a scuba diving vacation elsewhere in South East Asia, you can get it here. At least you have options.

Here is an article from Smart Shanghai's Lenny with more details:

Spielberg and his mechanical sharks failed in all their attempts to drive you out of the open water, the problem is you live in Shanghai, where the closest natural body of water is the murky Huangpu River. This lack of exposure to the life aquatic has led you to believe that a "Manta Ray" is an American artist best known for his modernist works.

Here comes Big Blue Scuba Diving to the rescue. With diving classes, trips, and everything else in between, these guys are ridiculously passionate about everything underwater and we heard "oceanophilia" is highly contagious.

Big Blue's diving courses (in Chinese and English) range from beginners to Divemaster and are taught by certified and experienced instructors who will guide you through that seemingly daunting transition from the pool to the ocean. Comprehensive lessons cover everything from theory to confined water training. All you need is 200rmb, a little bit of chutzpah and preferably the ability to not drown, and before you know it, you've got your very own PADI or NAUI license in time for that much-needed holiday.

Performing at a Chinese Wedding: How to Properly Kiss Your Wife

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:01:00 EST

Posted by: ForumEditor on behalf of Josh and Tiffany Summers.

For more Josh and Tiffany Summers go to Living and Working in Xinjiang ....
Post time: 28-Oct-2008 17:41

Blogs, Dangers & Annoyances, Arts & Culture, Eating & Drinking, Living in China, Opinion, Social Etiquette, Women's Travel

Josh and Tiffany arrived in Xinjiang in 2006 as English teachers and have been enjoying living and traveling all over China ever since. Most news that makes it out of China about Xinjiang is negative, so they wanted to present a side of China that was free of political commentary and focused on the lighter side of surviving out here in the land of huge mountains and vast deserts.

We should get paid, that's what I think. This being our sixth wedding of the month we're beginning to see patterns in the way a Chinese wedding is run and one of them always has to do with a foreigner performing on stage. Sometimes, like today, against our will we become the main entertainment of the wedding, forcing me to ask why the host is getting paid while we are handed a big plate of humiliation.

Since I haven't been to a Chinese wedding anywhere other than Xinjiang, I can only guess that this fascination with foreigners is restricted to smaller cities and provinces, but I'd love to know if this happens in Beijing and Shanghai as well. I can actually see it in the eyes of the host when we, the only white faces around, walk in the door to the wedding. He's thinking to himself, "Perfect! This is going to make my job so much easier. All I have to do is get the foreigners to stand up and perform like a monkey. The audience will love it." Like clockwork, about mid-way into the celebration we are asked up to stage with very little option to say "no". We could make a scene, but that's almost more embarrassing because they just don't stop asking.

Most of the time we can get away with wishing the bride and groom a happy marriage in English, fumbling through a translation in Chinese, and then sitting down. Other times we don't get it so easy. Like today, for instance.

Part 4: From Shanghai to Kashgar: Crossing China Along the Silk Road

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:00:00 EST

Posted by: ForumEditor on behalf of Chris Tharp.

Post time: 28-Oct-2008 13:45

Blogs, Travel Stories, Trip Report

Chris Tharp is an American working in Pusan, South Korea, where as he "teaches English to the country's up and coming capitalists." This is Part 4 and the final installment of Chris' s adventures crossing China along the legendary Silk Road. (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3).

In Part 4, Chris takes us into the dusty heart of "donkeyland," donkeys, dust, donkeys, melons, Richard Nixon bug killer, Muslim hospitality, from Urumqi and back to Shanghai. And finally, Chris ends the trip with some final thoughts on long-haul travel in China.

INTO THE HEART OF DONKEYLAND

"Dust. Choking clouds of it envelope Hotan. Everywhere and everything is covered in a fine desert silt. The air is a brown haze, obscuring the new Chinese buildings and the mud-built Uighur structures that lead into their rabbit warren-like compounds, with their carpet looms, teapots, and dried dung. Even the famous statue of Mao shaking the old man's hand can't be seen through the dull screen of airborne dirt. I have dust in my hair, dirt granules in my mouth that grind on my molars, dust clumps up my nose and dirty dry desert earwax in my ears. I breathe it in and cough or sneeze. It scratches my eyes. It saturates my clothing and shreds the skin of my ass. I am covered in dust."

The dust had been omnipresent since we crossed over the Tien Shan Mountains and made it into the southern part of the province. Once Sam and I reached Hotan, which was really the end of the line for us – it was everywhere.

Two Days One Night in Macau

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:56:00 EST

Posted by: ForumEditor on behalf of Cristina W.

For more Cristina W go to My Travel Diary.
Post time: 27-Oct-2008 18:14

Blogs, Arts & Culture, Attractions, Eating & Drinking, History, Itineraries, Museums, Travel Tips

Cristina W is a graphic designer and world traveler who was born and raised in Macau. In this story, she takes us to the top ten best attractions of Macau, from the ruins of St. Paul, the Mount Fortress and Museum, the best place to get fresh Portugese egg tarts, Souvenir Street, St. Dominic Cathedral, Senado Square, Macau Tower and the famous Venetian Macau Resort. Enjoy!

Marriage-house-car-baby

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:55:00 EST

Posted by: ForumEditor on behalf of Jonna Wibelius.

For more Jonna Wibelius go to SHE in China.
Post time: 28-Oct-2008 13:07

Blogs, Women's Travel, Social Etiquette, Opinion, Living in China, Arts & Culture, Humor, Family Travel

Jonna Wibelius is originally Sweden but has spent the last 7 years living in England, Australia, Finland and now China. She has lived in Shanghai and now Suzhou since 2006. Her Mandarin is good enough now for her to overhear shopkeepers gossip about her size. SHE in China is her blog about her observations on every day life.

I’d say about 99% of my Chinese friends have the same idea/goal of life:

Get married
Buy a house
Buy a car
Have a baby.

(Sometimes people buy the house and the car before marriage.)

Only ONE of my friends feels that this ‘house-car-marriage-baby’ life isn’t for her. She says she wants to travel the world before buying property and settling down (sounds familiar? I could have said that myself!) as she feels those things are quite serious, and that you shouldn’t rush into them. Sadly, I think that although her mind tells her one thing, she will end up doing like everyone else. Being pushed to settle down by her parents is only one of the reasons. Not finding a guy who wants to live her dream is another.

Yesterday I had dinner with a friend who is half-way though her ‘settling down process.’ She has the guy, the wedding date is set, and the house is bought. She wants to wait for a bit with getting pregnant and none of them feels that they need a car, but except for that, she’s following the trend.
I happen to know that her salary is something like 2500-3000 kuai/month, and that her boyfriend is still at the university doing a Master’s program, so I couldn’t help but wonder:

"How can you afford a house?!"
"My parents and his parents bought it for us."

Ahhhhh… of course. I had forgotten. (Well actually, the parents and in-laws didn’t pay for the whole house, but just the deposit. The rest was a loan from the bank). I’m something in between amazed and fascinated about the fact that the parents spend all their lives saving money for their kid, so that they eventually can get them a house.

Demystifying Food in China: Top 10 Xinjiang Dishes

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:53:00 EST

Posted by: ForumEditor on behalf of Audrey Scott and Daniel Noll.

For more Audrey Scott and Daniel Noll go to Uncornered Market.
Post time: 28-Oct-2008 11:13

Blogs, Eating & Drinking, Photography

Audrey Scott and Daniel Noll are full-time travelers. Today is their 692nd day on the road as they journey around the world "serving up a scatter plot of observations from rapidly changing countries." Stay tuned for more of their travel stories, photography, street food reportage, and insights into personal growth.

Xinjiang Cuisine (Uighur Cuisine) - Not-So-Chinese Food

We begin our Chinese food series in the same place we entered China: in the city of Kashgar in China’s western frontier province of Xinjiang. Like the native Uighur people and their culture, food in Xinjiang province resembles Central Asian and Turkic cuisine more than stereotypical Chinese food.

Thankfully, however, Xinjiang’s food scene did not feature a culinary repeat of Central Asia. Instead, the food of the Uighurs proved a diverse and tasty introduction to the broader Chinese table.

For the whole article: go here.

And for more of their food guides, go here

Senseless Beauty in Tibet: the Roof of the World

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:50:00 EST

Posted by: ForumEditor on behalf of Dan Stulck.

For more Dan Stulck go to Mission: Don't Get Shanghaied.
Post time: 28-Oct-2008 14:22

Blogs, Travel Stories, Transportation, Trip Report, Opinion, Photography

Dan Stulck is an American who has been teaching English and learning Mandarin in Shanghai since 2007. At the moment, Dan is on a 10 day tour through Tibet. He flew into Lhasa, and is traveling westward across the Tibetan Plateau to Mt. Everest before crossing into Nepal, and returning home out of Kathmandu. Stay tuned for more stories and photos from Dan's trip.

Tibet, the roof of the world, has a landscape that might not seem out of place on the moon. It's a hauntingly beautiful place, filled with spectacles of wondrous beauty, but also a place which seems so lifeless that it lacks the usual call of the wild - for someone who loves camping, I was surprised to find myself more than content to rumble along the dirt roads in the back of a Land Rover. Yet despite being a less than ideal place to plant your rhododendron, the landscape is awe inspiring. In business they say, "do one thing and do it well". Tibet's landscape does three: lakes, mountains, people.

Leaving Lhasa on the scenic rout our tour was ushered past two of the most beautiful lakes I've ever laid eyes on. Climbing over our first mountain pass, we were greeted with a view on the other side of Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's four holy lakes.

Sitting on a yak at the top of the pass, looking down over the lake, I realized the lake is more blue than any other water I've ever seen. A deep turquoise blue, the water changes colors as the sun and clouds play on it.

Is Shanghai's tallest building worth a look?

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:18:00 EST

Hey! Has anyone been to Shanghai's World Financial Tower (WFC) yet? It's open right? How much does it cost to go right up to the top, and is it worth it? I found a 360 degree panorama online here that makes it look like the view would be pretty good on a clear day, but I don't know about a cloudy one... Anyway y'all what's the deal? Gimme the goods!

Part 3: From Shanghai to Kashgar: Crossing China Along the Silk Road

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:17:00 EST

Posted by: ForumEditor on behalf of Chris Tharp.

For more Chris Tharp go to Homely Planet: Rantings from a ....
Post time: 24-Oct-2008 15:50

Blogs, Trip Report, Travel Stories, Sights, Photography, Itineraries, Attractions

Chris Tharp is an American working in Pusan, South Korea, where as he "teaches English to the country's up and coming capitalists." This is Part 3 of Chris' s adventures crossing China along the legendary Silk Road. Stay tuned for Part 4 (Part 1 and Part 2).

In Part 3, Chris takes us up the remote and starkly beautiful Karakorum highway as it climbs through the desert up to the border of Pakistan and K2, the world's second largest and deadliest peak. The adventure continues with Chris staying in a yurt in one of the Kyrgyz settlements on the shores of the glacier-fed Karakul Lake at an altitude of 3600 meters, drinking yak milk tea, visiting the Gez Gorge, passing the AK-47s at military check-points, visiting Shipton's Arch and heading back to Kashgar.

UP AND DOWN THE KARAKORUM HIGHWAY

When I woke up I was still woozy from the bacterial ravaging of my bowels, but felt slightly better from the day before. Sam was a wreck, passed out on his bed, without pants, but still wearing his socks and tennis shoes. He had raged against the dying of the night with a handful of other travelers, and, as a result, was to suffer a hangover of Hiroshiman proportions. Angry Steve, who had his own room and was usually the earliest riser of us three, knocked on our door and told us to meet him at John’s Café for some breakfast. We were going to head up the Karakorum Highway, known as “the highest highway on Earth,” and we needed our sustenance.

China: the Forbidden City and the Great Wall with Jo and Rob

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:15:00 EST

Rob and Jo are a couple from the UK traveling around the world for the next six months. They just arrived in China after a visit to Northern Ireland. Jo and Rob take turns posting their stories on their blog. In this post, Jo talks about eating sea horses in Beijing, visiting the Olympic stadiums and Tiananmen Square. And Rob gives us the story of their visit to the Forbidden City and and a 10 kilometer hike along the Great Wall. Stay tuned for their train trip to Xi'an.

CHINA!!!
Hey everyone!!
Well, we're in frickin china!! LOL. Very interesting and getting starred at ALOT ...I guess it's because I'm a celebriteee. Don't know why they're starring at Rob tho!!

Have been to Tiannamen Square and Olympic stadium both AMAZIN. Headin to Forbidden City today and Great Wall tomorro on a four hour walk!!! (10k) Obviously not my idea!

Went to a night market the other night and found sea horses on sticks which they proceeded to eat!!! Not impressed!

Leaving for Xi'an on Wed night on the overnight train! Will be interesting on a hard sleeper as I've already had to drug Rob with valium as he couldn't sleep on the first night!!

Hostel is good basic and communal showering!! No baths!! Met a couple from Stockport y'day and headed to stadium and out for dinner and drinks with them on a roof top which was really nice.. Must go times running out and im getting hungry maybe some sea horses are in order!! lots of love JOOO and rob (See below for Rob's post)

Being a vegetarian in China

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:13:00 EST

Shanghai Markets (fake, fabric, electronics)

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:12:00 EST

So I am currently in Shanghai and would like to buy lots of stuff, present, items for friends and family back home. Of course I want to purchase some more traditional Chinese items, but I also want to take advantage of China's low prices.

So far I've only heard of the Feng Xiang Market, but just the name.

Could someone tell me where this is? what they sell there? and the names and details of other large market spaces?

thank you . . .

some questions about L (family visit) visa

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:10:00 EST

Hi, first time poster here. I have many questions regardling L visa as this will be my first time applying a visa by myself and second time travelling back to China ( last time my parents applied for me) Next year i plan to travel to Xi'An alone for a bit more than 4 months. Plan to stay with releatives Some general questions about the L visa. First if a month has 31 days, does the visa duration round up to a full month? ( i know this seems a stupid question, but i want to make sure) For instance, if a visa duration is 60 days and I enter in May 1st, does the duration end at July1st or June 30th? I couldn't find any information on the difference between a L(tourist) visa and a L(family visit) visa, but i heard the family visit version will get you a longer duration. Keep in mind I don't have the luxary to leave and reenter china on a dual or mutiple entry. Also i'd like to avoid the hassel to get a visa extension at a PSB if possible. So my question is it how likely is it to get a 180 days "family visit L" visa? or even 120days. Single entry only. Thanks in advance for any help. P.S I'm canadian citzen

How to Travel Around China: by Train, Bus and Bicycle

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:10:00 EST

Posted by: ForumEditor on behalf of Lara and Tom.

For more Lara and Tom go to World in Slow Motion.
Post time: 23-Oct-2008 15:15

Blogs, Travel Tips, Transportation, Trip Report, Dangers & Annoyances, Health

With an area of nearly 10 million square kilometres and a population of over a billion, a good public transport system is essential to China. We have been surprised and relieved at how easy it has been to get around.

Trains

Travelling by train in China is the best way to see the bits in between; the real life away from the sights and cities. However, catching a train is manic and buying a ticket a trial. It’s a very Chinese experience.

You can only buy tickets from the city you are departing from. In Shanghai main station this is at window 43 and in Beijing main station it’s at the window labelled ’foreigners’. You can also buy tickets at ticket booking offices in town or from your hostel, for a small commission. Staff at train stations rarely speak English so get a local (such as hostel staff) to write down your destination and desired class of travel in Chinese before you go. You can find train routes and timetables at http://www.chinatripadvisor.com/ or http://www.china-train-ticket.com/.

Tian Chi: The Heavenly Lake of XinJiang

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:07:00 EST

Posted by: ForumEditor on behalf of Tina Su.

For more Tina Su go to Simply Tina.
Post time: 17-Oct-2008 10:58

Trip Report, Travel Tips, Travel Stories, Accommodation, Arts & Culture, Photography

Tina Su is a 28 year-old from Seattle who founded, writes for and photographs for Think Simple Now and Simply Tina. This story is part of her recent five week trip to China.

Stay tuned for more of Tina's trip stories and photographs of Beijing, Kashgar and Urumqi.

Tina reading “Eat, Pray, Love” at Yurt park. Photo by Jeremy Sawatzky

Tian Chi is located 114 km North-East of Ürümqi - the capital of XinJiang. Tian Chi, which literally translates to “Heaven Lake”, sits 2000m above sea level. Despite the vague description and shady directions in the Lonely Planet book, and without knowing what to expect, we budgeted 3 days and went on a whim.

Figuring out how to get there was really confusing. We ended up catching a ride on a bus with a day tour for 60 RMB per person (~ $9). The tour guide and agency both turned out to be quite sketchy, where part of the trip included a detour to a medicine store (tourist trap) so the agency could pick up an extra commission for each tourist they brought in. (Note for next time: Take a bus from the north gate of People’s Park. Or hire a taxi for about 200 RMB.)

“I really like jumping pictures.” Here’s one of twenty. :)

The place was swarmed by thousands of day tourists rushing from sight to sight in order to maximize what they saw, before hurrying back to their tour buses by 3:30pm (after arriving there at 1pm). Many tourists - with their high-heeled shoes, pin-striped suits and thin coats - didn’t look like they were prepared to hike or roam around comfortably in sub-zero weather. I took a moment to give gratitude for not needing to rush along side the over-crowded heaps of people. And having the option to see the sights before the day tourists arrived was a plus.

The lake itself was so-so, but it was the surrounding panoramic view of the 5400m high mountain ranges that stole the show. The combination of water, mountain, snow, and green vegetation made the park breath-taking.

China Love Hotel, we gettin' freaky!

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:15:00 EST

Posted by: Blingman

Post time: 10-Nov-2008 16:19

Arts & Culture, Accommodation, Living in China

It may be a surprise to most, but what is a common feature of the Taiwanese commercial landscape is making national headlines in China. Love hotels, for couples looking for a night of sensual spice and adventure, are a new idea whose time seems to have come.

Many see Chinese as an introverted, decidedly non-sexual culture, but recent years have seen China's adoption of devilish foreign ideas grow at least as fast as its economy, if not faster. Women and men wearing racier clothes, bodies getting closer on club dancefloors, and public displays of affection are phenomena becoming increasingly common in bigger cities.

Read more on China Travel

Halloween Food Fright: Hungry Dan vs. Wangfujing

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 20:05:00 EST

By: Dan Shapiro Time: 27-Oct-2008 19:17

Our Hungry Dan Halloween special sees the Rogue Gourmand take on scorpion, centipede, starfish and other nutty Beijing tricks 'n treats.

While Halloween may not be native to China, I've decided to celebrate my favorite holiday with a trip to Beijing's famous Wangfujing Night Market to sample some of the Capital's scariest foods and snacks.

Located on the west side of Wangfujing's main drag, the night market, a row of red and white stalls and carts, is clearly visible from the street and an excellent venue for some classic shao kao (grilled skewered meat), not to mention a few decidedly trickier treats.

How to get to Black Water City?

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 22:51:00 EST

Posted by: BigTrekker

Post time: 24-Oct-2008 11:57

Attractions, Sights, Travel Tips

Hey I found these pics up on China.org's website and i was wondering if anyone in the Chinatravel.net community has been to this area before, sounds like it is pretty rich in tourist attractions, especially great historical sights from the Silk Road era. I'm not sure where Black Water City is so I've included some pics below to help refresh memories. If anyone could share info on this place like, how to get there and how they liked it, I would really appreciate it. Thanks!

See the pictures here: China Travel

A Palace Fit for a King: the Potala Palace

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 22:50:00 EST

Posted by: ForumEditor on behalf of Dan Stulck.

For more Dan Stulck go to Mission: Don't Get Shanghaied.

Post time: 23-Oct-2008 15:52

Blogs, Travel Tips, Trip Report, Opinion, Arts & Culture, History, Sights, Attractions

Perched on a rocky upcraging in the middle of the city, standing as a constant reminder of Tibet's culture and, to many, it's struggles, is the Potala Palace (not to be confused with the Polenta Palace, a great northern Italian restaurant on 5th and Main). The building holds itself 13 stories high, but resting on the only rocky upwelling in the otherwise flat river valley the palace appears to be a 30, which for a building largely erected in the 1600's makes it the original skyscraper. Inside, the building houses a stunning collection of Buddhas, Mandalas and countless reliquaries stocked with dazzling delights. My visit was a glimpse into one of the fascinating times when a society rallied around a common cause during a time of prosperity to create something lasting and beautiful.

Read the full post on China Travel

Pics: huge tomato fight in China

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 01:39:00 EST

Pics: huge tomato fight in China

Posted by: Top_of_the_ ...

Post time: 22-Oct-2008 10:31

Arts & Culture, Festivals & Events

Just saw this in China Daily newspaper online this morning, pretty crazy stuff! The article says 10,000 people showed up for this gigantic tomato-hucking event! Not bad! I hope the Chinese organize other fun events like this around the country, it would be great for everybody! Check the pictures out!

Video Glimpses of Kashgar

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 01:34:00 EST

Posted by: ForumEditor on behalf of Tina Su.

For more Tina Su go to Simply Tina.

Post time: 22-Oct-2008 11:09

Blogs, Arts & Culture, Film, Photography, Travel Stories, Trip Report, Women's Travel

Tina Su is a 28 year-old from Seattle who founded, writes for and photographs for Think Simple Now and Simply Tina. This story is part of her recent five week trip to China. Stay tuned for more of Tina's trip stories and photographs of Beijing and Urumqi.

In this story, Tina takes us to the colorful streets of Kashgar in Xinjiang province and shares three video clips of the sights and sounds of China's most northwestern city.

Kashgar has been a little overwhelming in several senses of the word. For one, the culture is vastly different than anything I’ve experienced; the colors are bold, the sounds are loud, and countless food stalls are packed between carpet and butcher shops along the street. If I had been blindfolded and dropped into this city, I would have guessed that I was dropped in Iran or somewhere in Central Asia.

Also, people look different; initially, I couldn’t stop staring at the little blond girls with green eyes, or the identically dressed men in Borat-like outfits roaming in groups and walking in unison. I wanted to follow them, and watch how they live. I was basically in sensory overload for the first few days.

It’d be too much to describe to you all that I’ve seen in this city in one post, so I will break it down into digestible chucks for your viewing pleasure. Not to mention I’m still a bit freaked-out from the earthquake that just rattled the hotel I’m staying in!

For now, here are some video clips I took while walking along the streets of Kashgar that should give you an introductory feel for the place. I will fill in the details later.

See more on China Travel

Part 2: From Shanghai to Kashgar: Crossing China Along the Silk Road

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 01:28:00 EST

Posted by: ForumEditor on behalf of Chris Tharp.

For more Chris Tharp go to Homely Planet: Rantings from a ....

Post time: 21-Oct-2008 16:10

Blogs, Trip Report, Travel Stories, Transportation, Travel Tips, Photography

Chris Tharp is an American working in Pusan, South Korea, where as he "teaches English to the country's up and coming capitalists." This is Part 2 of Chris' s adventures crossing China along the legendary Silk Road. For Part 1 go here. Stay tuned for Part 3 and 4.

In Part 2, Chris takes us from the Dunes of Dunhuang, to the Buddhist grottoes of the Modao Caves, from Urumqi--the most remote city from any sea--to the Heavenly Lake of Tian Chi and then onwards to Kashgar, the westernmost major settlement in China.

THE DUNES OF DUNHUANG AND MY RUN-IN WITH UPTIGHT FANNY PACK GUY

Dunhaung is a strange place. It feels like a resort town in Arizona or California, only without the cowboy kitsch or Mexicans. It’s clean and it’s “nice.” They actually have sit-down toilets, so not-squatting when you shit is a real option. There’s no trash on the streets, no raw sewage smells, no touts, no beggars, no desperately poor people to be seen at all. They must have all been hauled out of town, shot, and buried in mass pits in the desert.

Dunhuang is the embodiment of gentrification. It’s strange to think that such a thing can reach all the way into western China. It also became obvious why Officer “I Dare Not” funneled us this way in the first place: He wanted us to go to a sanctioned place, an acceptable place where all the tourists go. In China, there is a definite tourist map, and the authorities really want you to stick to it. Any deviation from the “official” route is met with resistance.

Read more on China Travel

Lhasa: Rome of the East

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 01:19:00 EST

Posted by: ForumEditor on behalf of Dan Stulck.

For more Dan Stulck go to Mission: Don't Get Shanghaied.

Post time: 20-Oct-2008 16:54

Blogs, Trip Report, Travel Stories, Sights, Photography, Opinion, Arts & Culture

Dan Stulck is an American who has been teaching English and learning Mandarin in Shanghai since 2007. At the moment, Dan is on a 10 day tour through Tibet. He flew into Lhasa, and is traveling westward across the Tibetan Plateau to Mt. Everest before crossing into Nepal, and returning home out of Kathmandu. Stay tuned for more stories and photos from Dan's trip.

Lhasa is kind of like Rome, but for Tibetan Buddhists - the city eats, sleeps and breathes its religion.

Although not the sight of any great religious events, Lhasa is beyond question the home to the holy sights and centralized institutions that fuel religion in the region. In Tibetan Buddhism (refereed to simply as 'Buddhism' from here on, I can't be bothered to keep writing it out) there are three main types of holy structures - monasteries, temples and palaces. Although Lhasa houses 2 of perhaps the 3 most important monasteries in the country, it's the other buildings that set it apart: the Potala Palace, imperial home of the Dali Lama, and the Joakin Temple, the most holy site in all of Tibet.

The monasteries, founded in the 14th century under the 2nd Dali Lama, house the monks and are the center of religious teaching for the region. Monks come to learn from greater monks, study the holy scriptures and then return to their outlying villages to guild others and practice Buddhism. Most of the red-robed men seen running through the streets and buildings of the monasteries are not yet monks - a monk must meditate in singular silence for 3 years, 3 months and 3 days (or about 3 years, 3 months, 2 days and 23 1/2 hours longer than I'd make it), before they are ordained as full monks.

As far as I learned, Buddhist teachings can cover broad ideas of life, yet are quite simple in many ways. When praying, a person is not to pray for individuals, such as an ailing relative, but rather for the survival of all living things because all souls are equal and shouldn't be rank ordered. I find this idea extremely noble and amazingly worldly, yet extremely difficult to fulfill when I attempted to practice it - inevitably I found my mind relapsing to thoughts of friends and loved ones. Other beliefs come off as easier to understand. When praying, a Buddhist will often, with hands steeped, touch their forehead, lips and chest before kneeling (or prostrating) to bow. This is to purify the mind, words and body; ideas that are echoed in the holy items found in all temples: praying to statues for the body, scriptures for the words and mandalas (circular sand artwork is an example of these) for the mind. I find, coming from a Christian background, that the desire to purify mind, body and speech can easily be translatable to most religions.

Fortunately for me, my guide Jimmy, was born and raised a Tibetan Buddhist. He carries a locket with his masters picture around his neck. He doesn't eat meat (it involves killing souls) and he didn't want to lie to us (he told us not to buy anything at the store the tour went to because it was a bad value). He was the perfect guide to teach me all about the fascinating religion. After learning at his feet for a few days, I can understand why it's allure entices many minds, both western and eastern, to study and practice it.

Read more on China Travel

Part 1: From Shanghai to Kashgar: Crossing China Along the Silk Road

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 01:17:00 EST

Posted by: ForumEditor on behalf of Chris Tharp.

For more Chris Tharp go to Homely Planet: Rantings from a ....

Post time: 17-Oct-2008 12:33

Blogs, Trip Report, Photography, Travel Tips, Travel Stories, Transportation

Chris Tharp is an American working in Pusan, South Korea, where as he "teaches English to the country's up and coming capitalists." Chris admit to having "a pathological hatred for mayonnaise or any of its sister sauces." This is Part 1 of Chris' s adventures crossing China along the legendary Silk Road. Stay tuned for Part 2 and 3. In Part 1, Chris takes us from Shanghai to Xi'an by train, then from Qining to Golmund.

Note: Chris's blog is blocked in China. So we suggest using this proxy.

The following is an extensive travelogue of my recent trip by train, bus, and car across China. It's a synthesis of my private journal and some blog entries, as well as a lot of new writing. Some sections have been posted here before, so apologies for any redudancy. I just wanted to put everything together in one piece. It is a bear of a post, reflecting on a bear of a trip.

LOST IN SHANGHAI

The first thing that hit me was the heat – an Orwellian heat - crushing and dominating, searing my skin and eyes, blasting my innards, and steaming my undercarriage like a Chinese dumpling house. Korea was hot, but Shanghai was hotter. The heat was a constant, it was always at the forefront of your thoughts. It was the prime source of conversation. It was a force.

As we sped in a cramped taxi towards Shanghai's city center, we caught up with our old friend Lili, a cropped-hair sprite of a Chinese woman who now calls the massive metropolis home. We knew Lili from Korea, where, while attending university, she was the bartender at our local boozer for two years. She knew both of us well, having seen us at our best and worst.

"It's about time you came to China, you fucking Americans. This is Shanghai! It's an awesome city!"
Lili gestured out the window to the endless urban expanse that blurred past.
"You can do anything here." She leaned back and took a drag off of her cigarette, allowing us to digest the statement.

With Lili was "Sampson," her boss from the intellectual property law firm - as ironic as such a thing sounds in China - where she works as an interpreter. Sampson was a squat Chinese guy with a crew cut and breath that could wilt swamp flowers, and twenty minutes into the taxi ride, he was berating the driver in rapid fire hissing Chinese. It seemed that the driver wasn't familiar with the best route to the hotel, and Sampson was letting him have it in an endless barrage of verbal abuse, going up and down the tonal scales like a jazz trumpeter. The guy was a howitzer of chest-thumping bluster. It was like riding in a taxi with a crazed gorilla. Once we finally got back to the hotel, Sampson refused to pay the driver the full fare, shoving him several times and laughing when the man took out his phone and threatened to call the cops. In the end the driver backed down, and Sampson "saved face" in front of the two Western guests that, bound by duty, he chaperoned safely from the airport to their hotel.

Read more on China Travel

Beijing's Hectic Era of Change: An Olympic Transformation

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 01:08:00 EST

Posted by: ForumEditor on behalf of Nick Rennick.

For more Nick Rennick go to Nick's Worldwide Wanderings.

Post time: 22-Oct-2008 11:56

Blogs, Beijing Olympics, Photography, Trip Report, Opinion, Travel Stories, Sights, Arts & Culture

This is Beijing? Clear blue skies, wide open roads, clean streets and technology that would put Tokyo to shame...where is the backward, polluted industrial city I have heard so much? It strikes me that no tourist literature had ever described Beijing as "beautiful", but that is exactly the word that comes to mind as I wander through it. The Paralympics is still ongoing, with western tourists and athletes crowding every corner of the city, and the whole city buzzes with excitement.

The fireworks herald the end of the Paralympics, and the last days of the Olympic era come to a close. Gradually the tourists become less and less, and as they do, the threads begin to unravel. The roads, once relatively quiet, fill with cars honking cars, making many streets a walkers' dream of gridlock. Construction, put on hold during the Olympics, begins once more, from the giant cranes silently sliding around the sky to the ad-hoc welding, sawing and sledge-hammering in the streets. And then one morning I wake up and the whole world is grey. Walking around, I find the once beautiful streets are now dank and lifeless, and sitting on top of a hill in the evening I watch the sun becoming dimmer and dimmer, disappearing behind a curtain of haze before it even gets close to the horizon, leaving me cold and depressed in the twilight.

The subway system also goes through a dramatic transformation. When I first arrived during the Paralympics, I was amazed to see state of the art automatic ticket machines, escalators, and conveyor belts, and LCD TV's on every train, far surpassing the technology of even Tokyo's subway systems. Now, the subway begins to show its Chinese colours. The ticket system is completely incomprehensible to the locals, who just last year were using paper tickets, and each ticket gate requires several staff members to help the confused patrons. To make matters worse, every time they make a mistake the machines emit a piercingly loud high-pitched noise, ensuring that every station is a cacophony of noise. There is one good thing about the transformation; Locals have given up trying to work the ticket machines and buy their tickets from the staff instead, which means I never have to wait in line for the machine.

On the trains themselves I am sometimes entertained by the regular propaganda screenings on the new televisions, with songs about the beautiful harmony of Chinese society, complete with video-clips of Tibetan people cheering and high five-ing Chinese visitors (I noticed that this particular ad campaign was never screened during the Olympics), but for most of the time the TV's are simply quietly malfunctioning. To fill the silence, hawkers selling maps yell their way up and down the carriages, occasionally replaced by duos invariably consisting of a pitiably disabled person singing sad ballads into a karaoke microphone, and another running around the carriage asking for money.

And while I reminisce about the pleasant days of the Olympics when everything ran oh so smoothly, I am completely oblivious to a much greater chaos about to visit me. For next week is National Day, a week long holiday when ordinary Chinese people get a break from work and a chance to travel around their country. China is a country of 1300 million people, and when the majority of them decide to get up and go for a holiday, chaos inevitably follows shortly. Especially if you happen to be in China's most touristy city...

On national day itself, I think to go to Tiananmen square, to watch the raising of the national flag and hopefully catch a glimpse of the Premier giving his speech. My hotel is only 20 minutes walk from Tiananmen square, its the perfect opportunity, right? Well, my hotel used to be 20 minutes walk from Tiananmen square, it is now more like an hour. The streets are jammed full of people eagerly taking pictures of themselves in front of anything even moderately famous, tour guides waving little flags and wielding megaphones, and the occasional local looking murderously at the tourist invaders.

The subway system becomes a complete nightmare, as any door, staircase or other bottleneck becomes a site of general pushing and shoving, and getting on and off trains falls only slightly short of mob violence on occasions. I resolve to simply sit in my hotel room and wait the week out, and I expect many locals are doing the same. Finally, the Chinese tourists leave as the foreign tourists had done only a few weeks ago, and Beijing is at peace once more. The newspapers triumphantly proclaiming that a new all-time record had been set for tourism during the week; in the period of one week, over 8 million people visited the city, including 2.8 million visitors to the Olympic stadiums alone.

No doubt Beijing has enjoyed its time in the spotlight, but most residents seem to be glad to see the tourists go. The locals wander the neighborhood with no particular purpose, playing chess on the street, and spitting in the gutter. Sure, its nice to be famous. But sometimes, its nice just to be yourself...

China's Penis Restaurant: Eat it steamed, roasted and boiled

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 21:31:00 EST

Posted by: janetb

Post time: 22-Oct-2008 18:01

Attractions, Travel Stories, Eating & Drinking, Women's Travel, Humor, Gay Travel

Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahaaaaha. Ok, this is kinda gross. Who would have thought penis is a food? Ya, ya, I know what you are thinking. And all I have to say is, just because YOU CAN, is not a good reason to eat something!!!!

Dick on a stick. Nice!!!

This is an extract from Stefan Gates' book In the Danger Zone where he speaks of his experiences... eating penis. Literally.

I’m visiting the Guo-li-zhuang restaurant, a specialist penis and testicle emporium that caters mainly to wealthy businessmen and Communist party officials (who, truth be told, are often one and the same).

It offers every conceivable John Thomas you could ever want, which probably isn’t very many. Nonetheless, the menu is both extensive and impressive. The place looks like a smart kaiseki ryori (Japanese haute cuisine) formal restaurant, complete with underfloor stream, separate secluded dining rooms and hushed, discreet staff. I have come determined to avoid euphemisms, but I’ll admit the temptation is strong.

Read more on China Travel

Ancient Chinese Medicine Enhanced by Modern Technology

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 05:44:00 EST

Posted by: Rebekah

Post time: 21-Oct-2008 12:52

Arts & Culture, Health, Opinion, Women's Travel, Photography

Last week we were invited by the HR department of our Chinese company to get a 12 minute massage. A massage in 12 minutes? Hmmm, that's what I thought.

My American colleague and I were ushered into the next cubicle. On the desk is a screen that looks strangely like an 80's computer game with a few flashing lights and some wires running off the side. As we take a seat, the wire running from the screen is attached to the back of our necks and secured with Velcro, by the "massage" specialists who were visiting from their university.

Expecting to get a massage, we look at each other slightly dubiously. They push a button on the keypad and an electric current begins it's work "massaging" the base of my neck. It's a very odd sensation: as my colleague put it, it feels "like baby turtles dancing" on the back of your neck. This current continues for a few minutes, then we get a new shock when the current changes to the feeling of a raspy-tongued tiger licking your neck. This current starts at the base of your neck and slides upward. The current heats up the neck area and it feels like the pressure of a massage.

Read more on China Travel

Chinese Man + Western Girl

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 05:43:00 EST

Posted by: ForumEditor on behalf of Jonna Wibelius.

For more Jonna Wibelius go to SHE in China.
Post time: 20-Oct-2008 15:40

Blogs, Women's Travel, Social Etiquette, Opinion, Living in China, Chinese Language

Jonna Wibelius is originally Sweden but has spent the last 7 years living in England, Australia, Finland and now China (Shanghai/Suzhou since 2006). SHE in China is her blog about her observations on every day life.

Chinese man + Western girl...isn't a combination you see much of in China. While Western men often date Chinese girls, it's quite rare to see Western women with Chinese men. Why?

Well, I actually don't know (who does?!) for sure, but I can only guess that it has something to do with one, or many, of the following reasons:

1. Western girls are taller/ have got 'bigger bones' than most Chinese men, and often look/are bigger than Chi men. A girl doesn't want to feel 'bigger' than her men and a man doesn't want to feel smaller than his woman...

Read more on China Travel

China Travel Tips: The Art of Giving Gifts in China

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 05:19:00 EST

Posted by: Teresay

Post time: 17-Oct-2008 13:20

Travel Tips

Posted by Teresay on behalf of Laowai - Kevin
Fore more info of Kevin, please visit Blog.yoyoor.com

There are hundreds of articles online about giving gifts to hosts and associates in China, and yet visitors to China are always asking what they should bring as gifts. This means that in China, the art of giving is just as complex as dining out and shopping. Giving and accepting gifts is an important part of Chinese culture, and is something all visitors to China are probably going to have to deal with before they return home. I am not expert on the subject, but below are some important notes that I have remembered based on my experience.

See more on China Travel

Ant-eating tribe in Wenzhou

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 05:18:00 EST

Posted by: China Wenzh ...

Post time: 19-Oct-2008 19:08

Living in China

Can eating ants help to prolong life?” The secret of the longevity of Huang Cunchong, a one-hundred-year old man in Wenzhou, has attracted people’s attention.

Yesterday, a journalist visited Huang in a remote village when he was fetching out a handful of “tea” from a white bag into a cup. Approaching the cup, the journalist found the tea turned unexpectedly to be dried ants. Huang said these are called “black ants”, which he has eaten for more than 20 years. Village head, Li Guangsheng, said there are nearly one thousand villagers, over 700 of whom have the habit of ant eating, mainly middle-aged and old men. Most old men in their village are longevous with more than 160 villagers over 60.

In the past 20 years, none has died from cancer. Huang is among the first group who dare to eat ants. Villagers there once lived on the mountain behind the village and they have gradually moved from the mountain since 1980s. When the village was removed, they found a large amount of ants. Then, some villagers tried eating ants after drying them. Though a little acid, those villagers still thought it tasted good and there was no physical difficulties after eating them.

6000 km of China in 8 days

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 05:16:00 EST

Posted by: ForumEditor on behalf of Danielius Stasiulis.

For more Danielius Stasiulis go to The Adventures of Danielius in ....
Post time: 17-Oct-2008 11:42

logs, Travel Tips, Trip Report, Travel Stories, Opinion, Photography

Danielius Stasiulis moved to Hong Kong at the end of August 2008 to study Mandarin, Business and Financial Management. This is his trip report from a recent circuit from Hong Kong to Shenzhen to Beijing to Xi'an to Nanjing to Shanghai to Huangzhou and back to Hong Kong. Stay tuned for more stories, photos and insights....

Da-da-da-dam, dam, dam! Yet another exciting story starts!

It was already 1.5 month as I were in Hong Kong and the furthest I have been by then was Macao. Meanwhile most of the exchange students were already travelling to such countries like China, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, I just could not do anything else than to get more and more envious. Quite expectedly, a point in time has come when my head started whistling and soon would blow up if I wouldn’t go somewhere. Luckily, due to the reasons that only oracles could explain, an opportunity to visit China has emerged (Aurimas was keen on going and we even had to meet Simona). The plan was simple – to visit as many cities as possible and see as much feasible in around week’s time.

As I got some remarks that my articles are too long, this time I am going to try splitting it into parts. However, a risk of delays arises as I might not find time to write the other parts that frequently. So here comes the first part, giving the brief outline of the journey and a link to another post reflecting the general impressions on the planned economy giant. The next parts will cover some cities in particular.

Read more on China Travel

Hengsha Island: A short getaway from Shanghai

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 05:16:00 EST

Posted by: Gro

Post time: 14-Oct-2008 17:16

Travel Tips, Living in China, Attractions, Itineraries

Nestled in between Chongming Island and Pudong, Hengsha Island ('Clean Island') is a little jewel that few foreigners seems to know about and arguably the most beautiful natural scenery in Shanghai. The place got its name because there is no industry on the island.This is an ideal weekend escape for cycling and horseback-riding, including watching the sunrise from the best vantage point in the city and enjoying a barbecue.

Suggested Weekend Itinerary
Take the fast ferry in the morning to Hengsha. Bike to the Angle Bay Vacationland from the ferry station. Check into a hotel and have lunch, cycle around the Island.
Get up early to watch the sunrise over Shanghai. After breakfast, take a cycle trip around the whole island, going to some local villages and enjoying the peaceful countryside. Lastly, take the ferry back to the city late in the afternoon.

Visit China Travel

Why do people in Shanghai wear their pajamas outdoors? WHY?

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 05:13:00 EST

Posted by: Hot Pot

Post time: 10-Oct-2008 16:44

Arts & Culture, Humor, Sights, Photography, Fashion

Since I first visited Shanghai, I've been amused by the sight of people wandering around the city streets at all hours while wearing their pajamas--especially really old people. I don't know for sure, but I've heard this charming habit is specific to the Shanghainese and that no other Chinese cities have this (Beijing and Hong Kong don't). I've also heard from my Chinese friends that the younger, hipper, fashionista generation see the pajama-wearers as a source of embarrassment.

Is this a fashion statement? A style? A day-outfit rather than actual pajamas? Or is this just unadulterated comfort--a finger in the face of uptight appearances? I'm curious. Anyone got answers?

Find out on China Travel

Former Shanghai 1933 Slaughterhouse Generates Some Buzz

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 05:12:00 EST

Posted by: lion lady

Post time: 15-Oct-2008 12:39

Arts & Culture, History, Attractions, Travel Tips

Well, I've been hearing trickles of information about a former slaugherhouse in Shanghai, not too bar from the Bund, but a bit hard to get to (40 minutes by bike), that's being marketed as a new "creative hub."

Some serious architects are working on the project, rumors of an upscale David Laris restaurant are floating, and people are getting interested. New areas are starting to spring up all over Shanghai, from the Kool Docks to the newly renovated pedestrian area by Maoming Lu and Nanjing Lu.

An architect friend of mine biked out to 1933 to check it out last weekend. She said the trip from downtown took her 40 minutes by bike (she recommends you not take your bike, because it's mainly riding along a freeway). The report back was that the area is VERY well worth a visit, beautiful old architecture, very unique and a wide open space with beautiful views. I found this article by Nic of Smart Shanghai, with more information and some photos. Enjoy!

It's been a slow build-up for the 1933 "creative hub." This Shanghai-famous refurbished slaughterhouse first appeared on the public radar last year, and has only just recently begun to come alive with shops, restaurants, wine bars, clothing outlets and concert spaces. Newly deemed "open to the public," we finally took the trip down to check it out for ourselves.

Read more on China Travel

Traveling by Train in China

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 04:14:00 EST

Posted by: ForumEditor on behalf of Robert Vance.

For more Robert Vance go to The China Teaching Web.
Post time: 15-Oct-2008 9:21

Transportation, Travel Tips

Robert Vance has done some excellent work especially preparing English teachers in adapting to life and travel in China. He's written a number of informative articles with practical tips. I have chosen to post his guide to train travel below, but here are some more good stories to check out...

Read more on China Travel

China's National Occupation

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 04:12:00 EST

Posted by: dannyrogue

Post time: 13-Oct-2008 10:54

Humor, Living in China, Social Etiquette

Anyone who lives (or visits) in China will often witness scenes like these in every Chinese city.

Whether they are in large cities (Beijing),

or small (Kaifeng),

visiting tourist attractions (Forbidden City).

See more on China Travel

F Visa Extensions (3-6 months) now available and converting L visas to F visas

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 04:12:00 EST

Posted by: tumbleweed

Post time: 16-Oct-2008� 10:56

�

Passport & Visa, News

I just talked to Magic (Shanghai) on the phone from VisainChina. He was saything that his company can now (as of October 8),� extend your F visa for 3 or 6 month with 1-2 entries( S0- S5 services ) from Shanghai without you have to leave the country or go go Hong Kong.�

But if you have L visa now (and you want to get an F), you can do the E1 service to extend your L visa for 1 month first because they can only convert L visa to 3 or 6 month F visa after 22nd of Oct.

From 6th Oct 2008, the cost for 3 and 6 month F visa went back to normal. So it's gotten a lot more affordable.

Read more on China Travel

Skateboarding from Switzerland to Shanghai

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 04:10:00 EST

Posted by: ForumEditor on behalf of Ryan McLaughlin.

For more Ryan McLaughlin go to Lost Laowai.

Post time: 15-Oct-2008� 12:07

Travel Stories, Photography, Trip Report, Transportation, Sports

�Every journey begins with a single push.�

Rolling into Shanghai�s People�s Square last Sunday, New Zealander Rob Thomson was met with surprisingly little fanfare. No media to greet him, no friends or family to congratulate him. A lonesome end to an amazing journey.

The random Chinese man he asked to take his photo to mark the moment had no idea that Thomson has just completed a world record breaking odyssey. He had, in the course of 462 days, travelled an amazing 12,000 km solo and unassisted across Europe, North America, and China on a longboard skateboard.

Now relaxing for a few days in Shanghai before heading back to his native New Zealand, Rob was kind enough to field some questions for Lost Laowai.

Lost Laowai: Let�s start with the ending - why did you choose Shanghai as the end point for your remarkable journey?

Rob Thomson: An explanation for the ending actually begins at the beginning�

Right at the beginning of the whole journey, back in July 2006, the idea was to cycle from Japan to England. My route would take me across the high altitude Pamir Plateau in Tajikistan; the western-most reaches of �The Roof of the World�. My relatively late departure from Japan dictated that I needed to skip cycling across China altogether in order to get to the high passes of Tajikistan before winter. Temperatures on the Pamir Plateau, high up at over 4,000m above sea level, would drop to below minus 50 degrees Celsius. To avoid this, I travelled across China by train, and continuing my bike ride from Urumqi in Xinjiang.

So now jump forward almost two years, to early 2008. I was half-way through skateboarding across the US from east to west. Somewhere in Texas, I believe. The thought of finishing my whole journey on the west coast of the US felt just a little too soon. I still have a little more push in me I thought. I considered a few options before settling on travelling back to China to complete �unfinished business� by skateboarding the section that I had taken a train across at the very beginning of the journey.

I decided to travel west to east in China simply due to the prevailing wind direction. So as a last hurrah on my journey around the world, I decided to skate from the Kazakhstan border in the northwest of China, eastwards to Shanghai, in theory with the wind at my back.

Incidentally, due to more than my share of headwinds, I am now a thorough dis-believer in prevailing wind direction data.

Read more on China Travel

Beijing's Star Attractions: The Usual Tourist Stuff

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 04:08:00 EST

Posted by: ForumEditor on behalf of Nick Rennick.

For more Nick Rennick go to Nick's Worldwide Wanderings.

Post time: 15-Oct-2008� 10:20

Arts & Culture, Photography, Trip Report, Travel Tips, Travel Stories, Sights, Attractions

Nick Rennick is presently traveling around China. We are checking his blog every couple of days to catch more stories and photos. This time, Nick takes us to climb the Great Wall, a walk through the Forbidden City, a visit to the Temple of Heaven, the Memorial Hall of Mao Zedong, and out to dinner to try the famous Peking Duck.

The Great Wall

Mao Zedong once said "He who has not climbed the Great Wall is not a man". Not to have my masculinity mocked by the Chairman, I promptly found a travelling companion and headed out for the wall to prove myself. Eron, from Israeli, was sharing a dormitory room with me at the time, and shared my disdain for the cost and hand-holding of the great wall tours, so we decided to head there independently. Keeping true to our adventurous spirit, we choose the Jingshanling-Simatai section, a 10km hike through both restored and unrestored sections, as a nice alternative to the more famous touristy sections at Badaling. Unfortunately, it is also located about 3 hours from Beijing, requiring us to travel into the next province and then walk back other the border on the wall itself. But we can do it!

Continue reading on China Travel

�

Shanghai: One of the Five Best Places to Live Overseas in 2008

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 04:06:00 EST

Posted by: Forum Edito ...

Post time: 13-Oct-2008� 10:48

�

Opinion, Travel Tips, Living in China

Well, well, well, congratulations to Shanghai for getting itself listed as the Best Hot New City and making it to Brave New Traveler's list of the Five Best Places to Live Overseas in 2008 (by William Moss).� Here's what BNT has to say about Shanghai:

Best Hot New City: Shanghai, China.

Where to experience the next great expat city?

Those with an eye to the future might consider Shanghai. With the inexorable rise of the Chinese economy, Shanghai is a good bet to become the financial capital of the 21st century.

Shanghai�s dynamism can be seen in the layering of the futuristic skyline, colonial facades, and the teeming, gritty street life. This energy is percolating down to Moganshan Road�s gallery and warehouse studio scene, regarded as the epicenter of contemporary Chinese art.

Photo by seto_supraenergy.

The only mainland Chinese city to crack the top 100 of the Mercer livable cities index, Shanghai already provides a good mixture of affordability, opportunity, nightlife, and culture.

Unlike Buenos Aires, work is not difficult to come by in Shanghai. ESL teachers are in demand, and entrepreneurial spirits can take advantage of Shanghai�s ranking as the best place to do business in China.

Perhaps in time, Shanghai�s tapestry of contrast will inspire the next great expat novel.

To read the rest of the article and to find out what the other international top picks are: go here.

�

China Travel

Beijing's Newest Tourist Hotspot: The Olympic Common Domain

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 04:02:00 EST

Posted by: dannyrogue

Post time: 8-Oct-2008 11:30

News, Travel Tips, Beijing Olympics

On Monday, September 29th, the Olympic Common Domain (the complex encompassing the Bird's Nest, Water Cube and several other Olympic venues) officially opened to the public, and the record number of visitors cemented the destination as the city's number one tourist attraction.

Drawing over 500,000 visitors in its first two days of operation, the OCD grounds are free to the public, however entrance to the actual stadiums requires a small fee (Bird's Nest = RMB 50, Water Cube = RMB 30, National Indoor Stadium = RMB 20, Olympic Village = RMB 20).

Additionally, in order to deal with (and create) the serious demand, entrance to each stadium is limited per day (Bird's Nest = 80,000 visitor per day, Water Cube = 12,000, National Indoor Stadium = 20,000, Olympic Village = 8,000), resulting in many tourists making the trek to simply bask is the various architectural marvels and beautiful foliage.

In addition to the main attractions, the OCD also has several child-friendly areas, making it a great family destination.

Some may find it a bit surprising that the OCD has overtaken the Forbidden City, Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven as Beijing's number one tourist destination, but in all honesty, Beijingers, and Chinese in general, are quite elated to have new venue to pose for awkward and stoic photos.

[Last edited by dannyrogue on 15-Oct-2008 11:46]

China Travel

A Post-Olympic China Visa Update (UPDATED OCTOBER 16)

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 04:56:00 EST

UPDATE, OCTOBER 16:

Good news for F Visas: Extend from within China and convert L to F Visas

I just talked to Magic (Shanghai) on the phone from Meshing Consultancy Services. His company can now (as of October 8), extend your F visa for 3 or 6 month with 1-2 entries( S0- S5 services ) from Shanghai without you have to leave the country or go go Hong Kong.

But if you have L visa now (and you want to get an F), you can do the E1 service to extend your L visa for 1 month first because they can only convert L visa to 3 or 6 month F visa after 22nd of Oct.

From 6th Oct 2008, the cost for 3 and 6 month F visa went back to normal. So it's gotten a lot more affordable.

China Travel Forum

Reasons to Live and Travel in Xinjiang: Exotic Natural Beauty (Part 4 of 6)

Xiamen and Guland Yu

Xishuangbanna: China's Deep South

Going to China First Time

Where should a big family stay?

Western supermarkets in Taiyuan

Will Guns N' Roses "Chinese Democracy" Hurt or Help KFC in China?

Remember the crystal clear water in Hero

Will we drive electric BAMBOO cars in China?

Life magazine's China photo archive - Must see

Beijing courtyard/hutong hotel info?

Great video of Tom Carter's PORTRAIT OF A PEOPLE photo book on travel in China

Hairy Crab, delicacy or disgusting?

How to Eat Sugar Cane

Mogao Caves - where to stay how to see?

Shilin Stone Forest near Kunming- worth it?

What's the best part of Dongguang to stay in?

Chengdu, China

Beijing Hotel Suggestions

A Photo Guide to Shamian Island

Sanya forum, how does it rate, really?

Tibet: The Wild West (Part 1)

Hong Kong

Chinese Catch Phrases

Hotel didn't register my temporary residence permit in time

Reasons to Live and Travel in Xinjiang: Obscurity (Part 3 of 6)

How does Ctrip Work?

Domestic Flights

How will global economic slowdown affect travel in China?

A Cut Below: Getting a Haircut in China

China for Christmas: Where is good to go?

Hotels, Gay Retreats, Cruising

Drinking in China: Good Girl Gone Bad

Tibet Tour Top Ten

The Train to Sanya: Hainan Island

shanghai hostels

Macau Casinos and Hong Kong Horseraces

Demystifying Food in China: Article Series

A Short Trip to Hangzhou, Wuzhen, Suzhou and Shanghai

Why it's Good to Live and Travel in Xinjiang: Food and Music (Part 2 of 6)

Photo of the Day: A China Dog's Life

Breathless at the Roof of the World

ChinaTravel.net China Features Now on Alltop China

Busride from Hell

Wolong Giant Panda Natural Reserve

China's deserts spawn new attractions, photos inside

Huangshan Trip (Part 2)

Why it's Good to Live and Travel in Xinjiang: Cultural Diversity (Part 1 of 6)

WANTED: Accurate, reliable and current information on HK visa issuers besides CTS!

Changsha: Hunan Provincial Museum and the mummy of the Marquis of Dai

L visa to dependent spouse visa

Recommended books to read before travelling to China

Yangshuo

Huangshan Trip (Part 1)

The God of Grassland: Mt. Nyainqen Tanggula

China's financial crisis plan

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Hutong Happiness in Pictures: Chris Blackeby Photographs Beijing

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The (Next) 50 Most Inspiring Travel Quotes Of All Time

Shanghai Barbie Girl

The Five Best Hair Salons for Women in Shanghai

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Chamdo attractions, how'd we get there?

Is there a fish spa in China?

Shanghai by Sidecar

Shanghai's Fake Markets, Fabric Markets, Antique Markets

Shanghai's best deals on tailor-made clothing?

More new rules for foreign teachers?

Hotels near fake Potala Palace?

What should I do with my 7 days?

Nanjing Food Festival pics

Shanghai Call Center: Best English-Speaking Help Service

The History Trail (Part 2: Xi'an to Dengfen)

The History Trail (Part 1: Datong to Pingyao)

Photo of the Day: Affordable Pandas

Surfing Beaches in China??

Shanghai, any green getaways?

What to do in Jiamusi, Heilongjiang?