| D Adams |
27 September 2005 |
Stayed at Novotel Peace Hotel Beijing - Beijing, China.
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We visited the wall twice first, visit was at Mutianyu which I would recommend, there were very few people on the wall and it was nice and peaceful, whereas when we visited Badaling, it was the exact opposite, you could not get moving for the amount of people there.
We were dissapointed when we visisted the Forbidden City parts of it were closed off, the same when we visited the Temple of Heaven,
the Summer Palace is a must to see. I recommend the Outback Steakhouse in the Beijing Hotel at the bottom of Wangfujing Street for a meal.
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| T Vasse |
24 August 2005 |
Stayed at Paradise Yangshuo Resort - Guilin, China.
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The hotel is located in the town centre which you do not notice when you are in the hotel or at the swimming pool. Close to the main shopping street and where you can rent bicycles. We went to Li River, Moon hill, and made a boat trip. You can hire a guide or make your own tour. Just turn right and left whenever you want, it is hard to get lost because you will always stay between two mountain ridges. Bring a map for global orientation.
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| D Hammond |
20 August 2005 |
Stayed at Kunlun Hotel - Beijing, China.
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While in Beijing I went to the Forbidden city (60Y), Temple of Heaven (35Y) & the wall at Badaling (300Y for a 9 hr tour, which included lunch and a trip a Jade and cloisonné factories which were interesting and no real pressure to but). The former two were being restored at present (August 2005) so there was scaffolding up but they were still both very impressive. The Wall at Badaling was also wonderful but very very busy and lots of tourist traps on the walk up to the wall! As it says in all the guide books if you can get a tour it might be quieter and better to go to another area unless you like crowds then choose Badaling!
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| Guest has requested to remain anonymous |
20 August 2005 |
Stayed at Novotel Peace Hotel Beijing - Beijing, China.
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For first timers, I found Beijing very manageable - and easy to get around. The Novotel has a postcard with top Beijing attractions in their stationary folder. Just take this with you, and use it to show the taxi drivers where you want to go. I found the taxis mostly reasonable . . . except one who rushed up and solicited my business at the Summer Palace. I should have known better . . . his meter was set on fast. The ride back cost 2x what the ride out had cost . . . and even then it was only $12. But, beware. Best day was Prince Gong Palace and the Lonely Planet recommended walk back along the lakes . . . a real delight. Don't miss Mao. The line moves fast . . . and the bag checking across the street seems to be safe and quickly returns your possessions to you. Have fun.
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| S Sin hock |
15 August 2005 |
Stayed at Bell Tower Hotel - Xian, China.
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Never take up the local day tour with many places to go. You will be exhausted! Select trip with just Terracotta, Ching-Hwa Lake and Da-Yan Temple!
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| D Hammond |
13 August 2005 |
Stayed at Hyatt Regency Xian - Xian, China.
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You can not visit Xi'an with out going to the Terracotta Warriors. I took a local taxi there with an English speaking guide. For little over half a day it cost 400 RMB (ca £30). This included a trip to the Tomb of Qin Shihuang & the hot springs Huaquing Pool.
The next day I used the same taxi to do the Western tour to Zhao & Qian Tombs both very impressive & the Famen Si temple. Its a long day 9.30 till about 5.00.
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| M Mirman |
31 May 2005 |
Stayed at New Harbour Serviced Apartments - Shanghai, China.
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Visited Shanghai then onto Beijing. Used cabs and subway for most travel. Did have the services of a friend who is Chinese to assist in translation as cab drivers don't speak English. Go to Jin Mao tower, take elevator to Cloud 9 the club on top of building, nicer than observation deck with same view and food and beverage available.
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| W Siu |
29 May 2005 |
Stayed at Equatorial Shanghai, Hotel - Shanghai, China.
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The Bund is a must. A side trip to Suzhou is recommended, but do not take the Suzhou-Zhouzhuang one-day tour because you can't see much of either city in one day. The restaurants in Xintiandi ("New World"?) are all good.
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| M Dy |
28 May 2005 |
Stayed at Dragon Hotel, Hangzhou - Hangzhou, China.
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The PEAK FLYING-FROM-AFAR opposite the Lingyin Temple should be ranked as one of the "must-see" in China. There are over 340 Buddhist statues carved into the hillside from five dynasties. This is also a great site for climbers. Fantastic!
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| O Ruth |
21 May 2005 |
Stayed at Harbour Plaza Hotel Kunming - Kunming, China.
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The blue bird opposite the Harbour Plaza hotel is an excellant restaurant. You can sit and dine on the roof terrace. Kunming is a modern city. For a westerner the main places of interest are the bird market and the temples. One day in Kunming should be sufficient.
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Traveller's Tales: Places to go and see in China
