We learned many travel lessons as we planned our trip and lived it day to day. We used information from the internet together with some second-hand, out of date travel books. Added to this we got advice from the hotels we stayed in as well as the city tourist departments.
Category Archives for China
Traveling to China – Some Observations and Tips
We travelled through China for over 3 weeks. Starting in Beijing, down through Pingyao, Xian, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guilin and Yangshuo before heading out through Shenzhen to Hong Kong.
We weren't in a tour group and handled all our own transport and accommodation arrangements. We spoke to tourists and locals and these are my observations, thoughts … and tips.
The Great Wall of China at Mutianyu
We decided on a tour to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. This also included the Ming Tombs and the two disguised shopping visits to a "jade factory" and finishing with a "tea ceremony".
The latter two “sales promotion” stopovers which organised tours around the world are famous for.
Our First Day in Beijing – Sightseeing Highlights and Rip Offs!
Beijing was the first stop in our 4 week trip through China. A city that we left 4 days later with very mixed feelings.
Our negative experiences included being scammed out of 1 000 Yuan. Having a disturbing encounter with a taxi driver. Jamming an exit turnstile at a station with a hotel card. Some very hot, long walks around Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.