Anyone been to China?

[dwm1]

For our vacation this year the wife and I will be traveling to China, to visit my sister and her family, who are living there for two years, for my brother in laws job. Im not as excited as my wife but I think it will be a neat trip, they live in Nanjiing and we are going to Bejiing and Shanghi and also maybe a side trip to Singapore if time permits. Anyone been to China? If so what can you tell me both good and bad. Im dreading the long flight and 12 hour time change.

Doug

[Deep Sea]

Shanghai is one of my favorite cities in the entire world. I've been there 8 times, and would love to live there. You have to visit the old part of the city, where the temples is, and eat the little steamed dumplings, call shalumbow (phonetic pronunciation). They're wonderful...you can probably eat a dozen or so and still want more. You also have to go down to the river at night and see the lights and restaurants. You'd never know you're in China. You also have to go to the 'pearl district', where the streets are crammed w/ shops selling the pearls. Very neat.

Singapore is my second favorite. It's like Disneyland for adults. The people are super-friendly, the food is great, and the place is clean like you've never seen.

Have fun!

[Ed Rooney]

My wife and I are talking about a trip there this year. It will probably be Beijing, though.

[unclesallie]

have fun! Beijing is great. Do NOT miss the Summer Palace outside of the city, or the Great Wall at Badalung Pass(but be warned, toilets are well, uhh, bad...take your own toilet paper, try and find 'western' facilities). Also, make certain you order Beijing Duck(that is if you like duck), as it is served up whole and sliced crispy at the table. Also, Temple of Heaven.

[hennabav]

I've been to China several times before as I have relatives who live there but all in Hong Kong. I can tell you all about Hong Kong but I've also been to the mainland several times as well. You have to visit the Great Wall as there is really so much history behind it. It's really amazing at how big it really is. But don't go in the summer as it gets extrememly humid and hot. We went in the summer last time and I will never go to China in the summer again. Same goes for Hong Kong unless you can withstand the heat. B/c in China you have to do a lot of walking & its best to go around fall or spring when the weather is a little cooler. In Hong Kong, I can't say anything bad really about it unless you don't like to be around people. There's people everywhere and you can literally find everything there. In terms of watches, Rolex dealers are literally on every street corner. It is a watch enthusiasts heaven.

[jaelyncruz]

have you seen TAKEN? yikes!

[sea-dweller]

I've been to Beijing and Guangzhou for business and also Hong Kong.

The good (Beijing/Guangzhou) - reasonably safe, but maintain your common sense and you'll be fine. Good selection of Asian/Western restaurants in Beijing and the city is constantly evolving and developing (some parts resemble San Francisco or New York).
5 star hotels are nice and very modern.

The challenges - folks can be pushy and aggressive, but I don't take it personally. Limited English speakers.


Hong Kong (good) - world class cosmopolitan city, with excellent shopping (best place to buy a Rolex), dining and great sightseeing also. Many English speakers and excellent public transportation system.

Hong Kong (challenges) - crowded !

enjoy your trip and have fun !

[sea-dweller]

I've been to Beijing and Guangzhou for business and also Hong Kong.

The good (Beijing/Guangzhou) - reasonably safe, but maintain your common sense and you'll be fine. Good selection of Asian/Western restaurants in Beijing and the city is constantly evolving and developing (some parts resemble San Francisco or New York).
5 star hotels are nice and very modern.

The challenges - folks can be pushy and aggressive, but I don't take it personally. Limited English speakers.


Hong Kong (good) - world class cosmopolitan city, with excellent shopping (best place to buy a Rolex), dining and great sightseeing also. Many English speakers and excellent public transportation system.

Hong Kong (challenges) - crowded !

enjoy your trip and have fun !

[ratae1950]

Yes. Great food in Beijing. Try try the streetside egg pancakes.

[305GMTIIc]

Originally Posted by dwm1

For our vacation this year the wife and I will be traveling to China, to visit my sister and her family, who are living there for two years, for my brother in laws job. Im not as excited as my wife but I think it will be a neat trip, they live in Nanjiing and we are going to Bejiing and Shanghi and also maybe a side trip to Singapore if time permits. Anyone been to China? If so what can you tell me both good and bad. Im dreading the long flight and 12 hour time change.

Doug

was in Beijing for 3 weeks about a year and half ago! I can NOT think of a negative. I do recall there are many parts to the Great Wall and you should consider one less busy for a better experience

[Bisquitlips]

Yes and you will love it.

Hong Kong is the capital of Rolex AD's! Take lots of money!!!

The interior of China is gorgeous and the people are lovely!