[Chat] inquiry about travel in China

[Dawna Cobb]

Hi all: My husband and I are going to China in the fall to visit our son
who will be studying in Bejing.  We want to explore other cities, too and
wonder how easy it is to do on your own.  We are open to taking a tour if
it is small and involves walking, hiking, biking, etc.  If you have any
suggestions let me know.  Thanks! Dawna
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Re: [Chat] inquiry about travel in China

[Kathleen Wilsbach]

Emil and I went 4-5 years ago and did it on our own after a conference
in Beijing.  We used a company called Travel China Guide.  They planned
our itinerary and had a private guide and driver meet us in each city.
Sounds expensive but it was surprisingly affordable.  We went to Xian
(home of the terracotta warriors) Loyang (near the Sholin temple) and
the Longman grotto (Giant buddah's carved into the limestone clifts),
then a boat ride down the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo.
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/guangxi/guilin/li_river.htm

We had a really great time.  I can dig up our whole itinerary if
you're interested.
Also, we have some Pimsler Mandarin language CDs that were really helpful.
We listened to them in the car and just knowing that little bit made a
real difference.
We'd be happy to loan them to you.

-Kathleen

On Thu, Apr 19, 2012 at 7:11 AM, Dawna Cobb dawnac...@gmail.com wrote:
 Hi all: My husband and I are going to China in the fall to visit our son who
 will be studying in Bejing.  We want to explore other cities, too and wonder
 how easy it is to do on your own.  We are open to taking a tour if it is
 small and involves walking, hiking, biking, etc.  If you have any
 suggestions let me know.  Thanks! Dawna

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Re: [Chat] inquiry about travel in China

[Paul Williams]

I took my niece to Beijing last May for a few weeks, and it is very easy to
get around.  We stayed at the Raffles Hotel (great location - walk to almost
anything) with subway close by and easy to learn and use to get you around
the city.  

 

The hotel hooked us up with a private car and driver to get to a more remote
part of the Great wall that is not so busy...about a 2 hour car ride each
way.  That way, you can stop when you see something you want to visit, and
the driver was so impressive, we hired him several times again to visit
places we wanted to see, or even for a day around the city (traffic is very
crowded, but nobody ever honks a horn).  I think the 9 hour car rental with
driver cost something like $120!  The super high speed trains will wisp you
to Shangri in no time: make sure you reserve them in advance.  I wish we had
them here in the States (they were written up in Vanity Fair about 6 months
ago).   

 

Also, I've learned to pack clothes you are tired of, and leave them for the
maids.  You'll buy so many clothes, its not worth bringing back your older
clothes to the States.  I also buy a suitcase there (or two) or pack one
inside the other going over.  The Zoo market opposite the zoo (also worth
visiting) is a blast.  Crowded, but bargains galore.  Also try the silk
market, and by all means have lots and lots of clothes made for yourself! 

 

Paul K. Williams

Kelsey  Associates, Inc.

 http://washingtonhistory.com/ WashingtonHistory.com

202-213-9796

Visit our daily history blog at  http://www.househistoryman.blogspot.com/
HouseHistoryMan

 

 

From: chat-boun...@charlesvillage.info
[mailto:chat-boun...@charlesvillage.info] On Behalf Of Dawna Cobb
Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2012 7:11 AM
To: The Charles Village Chat List
Subject: [Chat] inquiry about travel in China

 

Hi all: My husband and I are going to China in the fall to visit our son who
will be studying in Bejing.  We want to explore other cities, too and wonder
how easy it is to do on your own.  We are open to taking a tour if it is
small and involves walking, hiking, biking, etc.  If you have any
suggestions let me know.  Thanks! Dawna

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