Ferry terminal Macau to Hong Kong

Hi,

I will be flying in to Macau in May and will take a ferry to HK for the 1st two nights and returning to Macau for another 2 nights before leaving.

I would like to know, which ferry terminal is more convenient to take, in terms of the crowds and the trouble of getting from the Airport to the ferry terminal?

As I have not book any hotel in HK yet, I will book the hotel based on the ferry terminal location in HK, which is either area near the Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan HK island or China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui area.

As I have only 2 nights in and 2 nights in Macau, I have to plan properly to save traveling time and money.

Please advise. Thanks.

Ferry terminal Macau to Hong Kong

There are two ferry terminals in Macau and two in HKG (and three ferry companies):

You can take Cotai Jet from Taipa temporary pier to HKG Island (Macau Ferry Terminal). This is a new services, runs every 30 min, owned by the Venetian Hotel/Casino. the Taipa pier is very close to the airport BUT recent comments suggest the taxi drivers do not like taking people such a short distance.

You can take a bus or taxi from the airport to the Maritime Terminal and then take either TurboJet to HKG Island or First ferry to Kowloon (China Ferry Terminal). CFT is easier with luggage; MFT is easier for taxis or the MTR.

Another option (check the Macau Airport website for details) is the express ';bonded'; service by bus between the airport and the Maritime Terminal. You board this BEFORE going through Macau immigrartion thus they ';pretend'; that you never entered Macau.

Ferry terminal Macau to Hong Kong

Leongwk15, I answered this query you posted in the Hong Kong forum.

Thanks for all the reply.

From previous posts, i understood which and where each ferry going.

But what i am trying to ask here is which ferry terminal is more convenient and userfriendly.

1) Which ferry terminal in HK and Macau has less crowd or less people?

2) Which ferry terminal is much easier to get to from the Macau airport?

I know CotaiJet is new so the ride is better. But the frequency of trips in Macau Ferry Terminal is 15mins interval and Taipa Ferry Terminal is 39mins interval. Am I right?

Regards.

Time between flights

Hi! I have about a 10 hour transit in HK. I arrive at about 6 am and depart at 10 pm. I wanted to go into HK and spend some time there. I have been doing some research and looks like the best things to see are the Giant Buddha, Victoria Peak, and places around Kowloon like Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok. I want to know if i have enough time to go to them all as i know that Lantau Island and Central/Kowloon are quite far apart.

it seems to me that almost everything opens only after about 10 am. And I need to come back to the hotel around 7:30 - 8 pm. That gives me roughly 9-10 hrs to spend. Is that enough to go see all these places or should i cut one from the list?

I am traveling with another person and we are very mobile. The only problem is being fresh for our trip but i saw there is a shower in the airport so that is also fine.

Time between flights

I think so, although the peak doesn%26#39;t open as such, just the shops at the top. So you can go there early and avoid the worst of the queues. I think the tram starts at 7.30. The is someone who does transit tours which prob. include most stuff. Min 5 hrs available needed.

Time between flights

You could visit Lantau Island first since the aiport is on Lantau. Not sure what time the cable car begins (think it is 10 weekdays) so you%26#39;d have to take a bus to the Big Buddha, getting there before the crowds; then cable car back to Tung Chung; MTR to HKG Island and all afternoon in HKG.

You don%26#39;t really need a hotel for 10 hours if you plan to be active during the stopover. Assuming you already have your boarding pass for the second flight and your luggage is being checked through to your final destination you would need to board the Airport Express about 8:30 pm to return to the airport.

If you flight lands early and you have cleared immigration before 7:00am, then I would suggest you start with the Peak. If it%26#39;s later than 7:00am, start with Big Buddha. The first bus from Ngong Ping is 8:10am.

In between the two, you should have enough time to walk around Mong Kok (Ladies Market), Tsim Sha Tsui (promenade with harbour view, suggest you ride Star Ferry around 7:30pm, then head back to airport by 8:30pm), Hollywood Road (a bit of everything, antiques, small restaurants, fresh food market).

A quick correction:

On weekdays, the first bus from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping is 7:10am, then next one is 8:10am if you miss it.

On weekends, the first bus is 8:10am.

Thanks to all of you. Gave me some very helpful advice that i will definitely use.

for zhuhai2007 and sammyfloyd, i had initially thought that the buses and cable cars open around the same time and since cable car is faster, i decided to start my trip at 10 am. But since bus starts earlier, i will gain an extra 2-3 hrs on my trip overall. Thanks for the info

Is Drinking Water Safe?

Hello! I am planning a trip around Tibet in late September, 2009. I%26#39;m not sure what to bring as far as food goes --

Is the drinking water safe in Tibet?

Is there vegetarian food available?

Any anecdotes about your culinary adventures around Tibet would be MUCH appreciated!

Is Drinking Water Safe?

I agree with the advice to use bottled water from larger stores. If you want to boil tap water, be aware that at Tibetan altitudes it needs to be boiled for 10 - 20 minutes in order to kill all pathogens (owing to the lower air pressure making for lower boiling points).

Is Drinking Water Safe?

Hello,

We were in Tibet for 19 days in 2005 and visited various cities/towns. Our food experiences were interesting and sometimes hilarious.

No, the drinking water is not safe. We were also told not to eat any vegetables or fruits that have not been cooked, because they would have been washed (or not) with the local water. We brushed our teeth with bottled water. Our guide also advised us not to drink alcohol until acclimated, or we%26#39;d get a headache for the rest of the trip....

There were a few vegetarians in our group and restaurants seemed to have many options for them - they just specified when ordering. That will not be a problem for you at all.

I had no idea what to expect food-wise, perhaps you know this already and are more prepared that I was!

There was a lot of Chinese and Indian food. My favorities were the Nepalese restaurant we visited in Gyantse and Szechuan style food in Tingri. Traditional Tibetan food was varied, the staple ';tsampa'; is moist barley flour squished into a lump........yak tastes a bit like beef. Momos are dumplings, and were really yummy. I passed on trying the dried yak cheese at the base of Everest and we didn%26#39;t get a chance to sample yak butter tea (which I heard tastes more like broth). Their barley beer tasted like a combination of old beer and lemonade.

Many places kindly attempted to make Western style food like pizza (which was naan bread with something red on it, not very good) or Western breakfast (rock hard fried eggs). French fries seemed to be ubiquitous, but the ketchup was, well, not ketchup.

At the base of Everest, they boiled our tea and cooked our meal over a dung fire.

I would have to say overall the food was not very good there, although there were a few bright spots and it was definitely interesting. I guess it depends where you are going - in remote areas there are not that many choices. Oftentimes we played ';guess the meat.'; Sometimes we stuck to the ';Tang and Rice Diet'; - the prepared food was not appealing. Several times we ecstatically paid $2 for a Snickers bar.

By the time we got back to Beijing, we all hit the Hard Rock Cafe to eat a cheeseburger, being completely sick of Chinese food.

It was truly a phenomenal trip, and the things we saw, people we met, and experiences were incredible. Not to mention that I lost 8 pounds eating french fries and Snickers every day!

: )

Re the boiling point issue : water is safe by mouth once it boils even a thousand meters higher than Lhasa. The boiling point in Lhasa is higher than the standard for hospital disinfection units , but pathogens start to die already at 60 degrees - which is why washing machines run at this temperature for underwear. So the tea is safe , also the thermoses with boiled water you find in hotels and guesthouses.

%26lt;pathogens START to die at 60 degrees%26gt;

Having worked in an area higher than Lhasa for a couple of years, I am well aware that the high-altitude specialist medicos working there strongly suggest boiling water for a minimum of 10 minutes.

As the tea and water for thermoses is normally kept boiling over a fire until it is needed, it is normally safe.

From highaltitudemedicine.com :

';Heat kills microorganisms, and virtually all enteropathogens are readily killed at temperatures well below the boiling point. The process of heating water to a boil makes it hot enough long enough to disinfect it, even at elevations as high as Everest Base Camp (references 1,2). There is no need to boil water for 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 20 minutes, as some guide books recommend! Bringing water to a boil is adequate for disinfection.';

high-altitude-medicine.com/water.html#heat

Classic reference page for the issue , and other methods , the only thing lacking being UV methods.

It%26#39;s safe

there are many tomatos

you can taste real tibeten food

Anyone backpacking Tibet July 2009 ?

Hi, i%26#39;m looking for travel companion(s) to backpack in Tibet from July 09 till August 09.

Before that, i%26#39;ll be visiting Hanoi (climbing mount fansipan) and then crossing over to Kunming (Lijiang, Dali, Shangrila) then up to Lhasa. I%26#39;m still in the midst of planning the itinerary. Anyone has done similar trips before, hope you%26#39;re willing to share your travel experiences/itineraries with me.

At the same time, if you/ or friends are interested in travelling Tibet and/or Kunming together with me, feel free to drop me a message. I%26#39;ll be more that delighted to hear from you !

Cheers,

Weizhen

Singapore

Anyone backpacking Tibet July 2009 ?

How do you plan to get from Shangri-la to Lhasa?

Anyone backpacking Tibet July 2009 ?

Hi, I will be in Anhui around mei-june, and I would love to visit Tibet (but lets see if i have money left after i spent most of my time in Hongkong), the problem is, i heard that Tibet is closed for tourism recently, go check chinese embassy website.

If you haven%26#39;t already, you might also want to post your request on the other forums below.

www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forum.jspa…

community.travelchinaguide.com/companions/

www.travellerspoint.com/forum.cfm?ForumID=3

I%26#39;ve only done the Yunnan part, so I%26#39;m not sure how much help I would be to you. No, not travelling there again, sorry!

Rronald_25

You are right about Tibet being closed until the end of March this year, but hopefully it will be open by summer. However, the Chinese embassy website is probably one of the last places to look for correct information on Tibet - last week one of their spokesmen was saying Tibet was still open to foreign tourists.

I read from the news today ';

A Tibetan monk is reported to have been shot by Chinese police after setting himself on fire in a one-man protest.';. The situation isn%26#39;t going too well, hopefully the tension will ease soon..

Btw, anyone here has tried to enter tibet successfully from kunming without any permit via their public bus ? I read it from http://guillop.free.fr/Tibet2004_story.htm and i was thinking of giving it a try. From what i read, the police/soldiers seem pretty lax on foreigners going into Tibet.

Thanks all for your replies !

bebo

Arriving the day before a tibet tour

Hi does anyone know if you can arrive the day before a tour in Lhasa or do you have to be picked up by the tour guide at the airport/train station on the day of the tour. Also at the end of a tour do you have to leave that last day or can you leave the next?

Arriving the day before a tibet tour

When you travel to Tibet, you should be with guide all the time.

Arriving the day before a tibet tour

a tibetan guide may help you more

Shanghai-Chengdu-Tibet

My wife and I would like to attempt the following in September 2009:

Is this realistic?

Day 1-Arrive Shanghai

Day 2-Shanghai

Day 3-Flight to Chengdu

Day 4-Chengdu

Day 5-Early Flight for Tibet Tour

Day 6-Tibet Tour

Day 7-Tibet Tour

Day 8-Flight to Chengdu-Shanghai

Day 9-Flight back to US

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Shanghai-Chengdu-Tibet

Maybe if you would outline your objectives and what you hope to see in each place we can comment. On face value I see too many places in too little time. How are you going to get a visa to Tibet or do you have a tour already picked out?

Without further information, I would skip Shanghai altogether and just continue on in the Pudong airport to Chengdu the same say (2-3 hour interval is good). Wake up in Sichuan and enjoy. Some fantastic food, EmeiShan, LeShan and the Giant Pandas are big draws. Keep it simple to Chengdu and Tibet and I think you will enjoy it better and have time to relax as opposed to spending so many days taking taxis to airport.

Shanghai-Chengdu-Tibet

It is our first time to China and the only real reason for us to stay in Shanghai was to get some rest from the flight from U.S. and see the city for one day before we head to Chengdu to hike and see the pandas, then on to Tibet for a private tour.

Thanks for the advice! It makes alot of sense. We were debating between the itinerary above or simply go to Shanghai and Beijing only. But obviously that is two totally different trips.

You will need a Tibet permit. If you are going via Chengdu, Sims can help you get it.

www.gogosc.com/enly_aboutus.asp

For your return flight can you fly from Chengdu to the U.S instead off having to back track to Shanghai? As day 8 seems wasted in traveling.

In April I have a flight Chengdu - Australia (via Singapore). But as I fly in %26amp; out of Australia I am not familiar with the China - US routes.

The new Tibet train one way would be an option but I don%26#39;t think you would have time so bet stick with flights to Lhasa.

Drumbake,

I went on to Sims%26#39; website, but it said the Tibet/Lhasa tours were unavailable at the moment. Do you think this is true for all tour groups going to Tibet?

Could be that the trips are not offered now since it%26#39;s winter there?

I agree with the suggestion to fly all the way to Chengdu and do your jet-lag recovery there. If you are flying United through Shanghai (or Beijing) the flight arrives early enough to catch a flight to Chengdu the same day. You do arrive late at night but you can go right to bed. Alternatively stay a day or so in Beijing or Shanghai and skip Chengdu. You don%26#39;t have enough time for 3 places!

I did a private tour for 4 people to Tibet in November that was a 4 night Lhasa and Shigatse trip. I booked it with an agent in Shanghai and the trip was fantastic. We flew through Chengdu but did not stay there.

junkrus

I%26#39;m not sure why the tours are not available at the moment. Maybe due to the season? Suggest you contact Sims directly and ask for advice.

Another recommended agency is Tibetan Connections in Xining. www.tibetanconnections.com/

Fashion school or courses of tailor in Shanghai

Hi,

I expect to move in Shanghai in September and would like to learn making clothes,

Do you know any fashion school or courses of tailor in Shangai?!?

Many thanks for your help

Gigi

Fashion school or courses of tailor in Shanghai

Dong Hua University, famous for clothing design, fashion design..my friend is in that one studying clothing design now.

Fashion school or courses of tailor in Shanghai

Thks for your advise!! I will have a look and try to contact the school... Have a good day!!

You are welcome:D

Just got back from my H.K. vacation with kids

Thanks to all those who helped in planning out my trip in an organized manner. To Sammy Floyd , thank you for the H.K. to Shenzhen commuting tip. Travel from A43 bus - KCR Sheung Shui - to Lok Ma Chau border ctossing went on very smoothly, no long queues at the Chinese immigration at all, approximately only 10 people ahead of us, the next day instead of going straight from WoW to Lo Wu border , we opted to back via Lok Ma Chau and took the KCR there to Tsim Sha Tsui East.

Our Hotel THE PANORAMA at Hart Ave. was in a great spot since its more of sightseeing than a shopping trip for me and my kids, it%26#39;s in an easy access to the HK Science Museum and the Star Ferry Terminal. As for going to HK Disneyland, there is a subway stop EXIT N which is 2 minutes walk from the Hotel.

Thank you to Greenarcher fro his thread in the pinoyexchange, we were able to buy cheaper theme park tickets at the China Travel Service counter at HK Airport Terminal 2, and avoid lining up in the actual days we went.

Just one question, From the Peak terminus to Ocean park, which is about a half an hour drive, our taxi fare was $100 HKd !, I read somewhere in the thread it was appx $40-50 HKd. Am I gyped or what ?

I forked out 100 % more than expected.

To those planning to visit Hongkong Disneyland with young kids( 10 years old and below), I think it%26#39;s better to stay overnight in the Disneyland Hotels, since they have a promotion of giving you an extra day pass when you book in their hotel. you can explore the park in a more relaxed mode. We got in 10:30am, park%26#39;s opening, yet in order to catch the must see shows like the mICKEY%26#39;S pHILHARMONIC, THE Golden mICKEY sHOW, Stitch Encounter and the Lion King Festival,(there are different shows schedules for Putonghua, Cantonese and English) we were not able to experience all the rides, lest go a second round for the real fun ones. Out of all the meet and greet schedules all over the park, we were able to picture with Woody the cowboy only, and it was serendipity because as we were lining up for one of the above shows, we saw some people taking pictures with him across the theatre and decided to go over for a shoot.

On our last Daty, we visited the HongKong Flower Show at Victoria Park, the kids have a great time, as all of us are amazed at talents who creatively mold the flowers in to shapes of animals and etc.

Hong Kong is great fun with kids and the trip is even better from many helpful people here in the Tripadvisor. Thanks again. Till our next vacation again.

Just got back from my H.K. vacation with kids

I am glad you had a great trip and the A43 to Lok Ma Chau transfer worked smoothly. I go through the border crossing there every week or two and it%26#39;s still much less crowded than Lo Wu, which can be a crowded mess.

$100 from The Peak to Ocean Park is about right. You really can%26#39;t get there for $50.

Just got back from my H.K. vacation with kids

Ok, that info makes me feel better. Thanks again to you and everybody here at the trip advisor for your commute routes to good eats advices. : )

China In My Eyes----Sharing Your Photos in China

Introduction:

China, the extraordinary enchanting beauty of poetic and picturesque land has attracted increasing number of foreign people, like you, travel and live in China. Each of you had your own unique experience in China trip. To share your cherish photos with other friends from all over the world, rather than put them in the album. Join in the activity—“China in My Eyes” hold by China Service mall, showing your unique experience and share your interesting stories.

Award setting:

Five awards are set for five themes including the natural scenery photo, historic interests photo, scenic spots photo, cityscapes photo, human landscapes photo and unique views photo, one picture will be elected as the golden award for each themes, the owners will be awarded a free three-day Fenghuang trip, and there will be 20 pictures elected as the honorable mention, which the owners will get 400 points in the Points City of China Service Mall. The points can exchange the goods and services in the Points City.

Detailed information:

1. All the pictures should be original, descriptions added will be grateful.

2. The activity opens to the foreigners, no limited nationalities.

3. Ways of participating:

By email:

By MSN:

By the forum of China Service Mall: http://bbs.at0086.com

4. No limited accounts of photos but, pay attention: one photo for one post.

Judge details

E-friends and judges from China Service Mall will be responsible for the judge process. Judges from e-friends and China Service Mall account for 80% and 20% of the result, respectively. Following aspects will be considered while judging:

1. Themes of the photo: showing the Chinese culture

2. Originality of the photo: all the pictures should be shooting by yourselves.

3. Description of the photo: rich description added below the photo will add marks for your photo.

All the legal rights are reserved to China Service Mall.

Beijing-Private Guide

I am looking to hire a private guide while in Beijing Oct 29 to Nov 6/07. My girlfriend and I will be seeing Grat Wall of China/Summer Place/fForbidden City/Tieq Sqauare.

Shopping Shopping Lots.

Would also like to see some kind of show(Not Opera).

Looking for good food.

So we would like to hire a driver and guide for about five days while we are there.

Thanks Leslie

Beijing-Private Guide

I just got back today from an incredible trip to Beijing....my guide was John and he was excellent (johnyellowcar@hotmail.com)....I had read his reviews on TripAdvisor and was so happy I found this website. On my first day John took me to the Great Wall at Mutianyu in the morning and then over to Hongluo Temple for the afternoon...both amazing places....second day we went to the Summer Palace, Old Beijing, and the Temple of Heaven....another incredible day....Forbidden City and T Square cane be done alone without a guide or taxi if your hotel is anywhere close to Wangfujing shopping area. I would recommend hiring only two or three days with a guide, and the other days you walk on your own.

The Chinese Acrobats at the Chaoyang Theatre were amazing....cost 35 Yuan from Wangfujing in a taxi going there in traffic....coming back it was only 17 Yuan with no traffic. The show starts every night at 7:15pm and costs from 180 to 500 depending on where you want to sit. We paid 280 and had excellent center seats in the 9th row.

You should email John ASAP to make sure you can reserve some time. He also helped us bargain and save around 300 Yuan on just a few items in the shopping area and brought us to a wonderful duck dinner. You can tell him that Michael was a very satisfied customer and says hello from San Francisco.

Beijing-Private Guide

I just returned from beijing and used Sophia. She was absolutely wonderful and sounds like she would be perfect for you and your girlfriend.

She took us to all of the sites you mentioned, plus took us to a great show! The Chinese Acrobats. It was a small theater with mostly locals. I was sincerely impressed!

She also bargained for us while shopping at the markets.

I know you%26#39;d enjoy her. Message me if you need her email address.

Dear Leslie -

I%26#39;m planning to take my daughter to Beijing as a college graduation present in February. Would appreciate any recommendations for driver/guide, places to stay near forbidden city and any other tips.

Thanks so much.

glenn.frankel@hartzmountain.com

secaucus, new jersey

I would like to know how to reach John and Sophia by email.

Thank you.

I am going to Beijing Nov 8-15.

Save your money on a ';tour guide'; to the Great Wall. Totally unnecessary. If your driver is your guide, fine. Otherwise you do not need an English-speaking tour guide. Pretty intuitive. Read your DK Eyewitness Guide to Beijing %26amp; Shanghai if you need more historial background.

When in the Forbidden City, do not go straight through, but wander to your right, east, and visit the many more rooms than many tours take you on. (You can also rent the English audio tour.) The Summer Palace is also pretty self-explanatory, and most of these sites are bilingual with fairly good English translations. Up to you, of course, and you might enjoy the patter of a tour guide.

Anyone can recommend a driver who can meet us at the airport, take to the great wall and back? Looking for someone who can communicate in English and has a reliable car.

Sincerely,

Leo

We visited Beijing for the first time in September and hired Qing Ye as our guide, she,s great, very knowledgable and good company, I would highly recommend

chineseqing_2008hotmail.com

bebo

Beijing - Xian - Dali by Train How Long Will It Take? Help!

Hello,

Me and a friend are going to Beijing in less than a month. We would like to know if it is possible/realistic to do:-

Beijing - Xian - by train

Xian - Dali - by train

Dali - Lijiang - by bus?

Kunming - Shanghai - by plane

Shanghai - Beijing - by train

We are traveling for 20 days and would like to stay in each destination for 2 - 4 days. We are also thinking about Chongqing and Huang Shan but we don%26#39;t think we have the time.

Also, where can I find good information about Chinese trains. All the websites I have looked at have very limited information and are not very helpful at all.

Your help would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Beijing - Xian - Dali by Train How Long Will It Take? Help!

Beijing - Xian - by train YES

Xian - Dali - by train NO - too far - probably best to fly to Kunming then train to Dali.

Dali - Lijiang - by bus? YES

Kunming - Shanghai - by plane YES

Shanghai - Beijing - by train YES

www.seat61.com/China.htm for more info about trains

Beijing - Xian - Dali by Train How Long Will It Take? Help!

Thanks

your traveling plan is great. but please check the follow best route and decide if you have time to add Chongqing or Huangshan. I think Huangshan would be OK.

D1--D4: Beijing 4 days 3 nights is enough. and then at evening of the 4th day take by train from Beijing to Xian (1200km) lasting about 11 hours. stay on the train

D5--D7: Xian 2 days 1 night is OK. and take by train K165 (22:18--15:00) from Xian to Kunming (1891km) lasting about 40 hours 42 minutes. there are NO train from Xian to Dali. Take by train is long way. So suggest you take by flight from Xian to Kunming and then take by night train from Kunming to Dali (360km) lasting about more 8 hours. On D7 in Xian take by flight to Kunming and then take by night train to Dali.

D8--D12: Dali 1 day 1 night and Lijiang 2 day 1 night would be OK. at morning of D8 arrive in Dali. D9 take by bus from Dali to Lijiang lasting about 4 hours. Hutiao Gorge (The Tiger Leaping Gorge) where is NOT far away from Lijiang is a must to see. At evening D12 take by night train from Dali back to Kunming.

D13 arrive in Kunming and take by flight to Shanghai.

D14--D16; Shanghai 4 days 3 nights is enough. and then at evening of D16 take by night train N418 (22:35--10:00) from Shanghai to Huangshan (672km) lasting about 11 hours 25 minutes. stay on the train

D17--D19: on D17 arrive in Huangshan 3 days 2 nights is OK. and then on the morning of D19 take by train K46 (09:21--05:07) from Huangshan to Beijing (1533km) lasting about 19 hours 48 minutes. stay on the train.

D20 arrive in Beijing.

Hi,

Just worked out and guided for Lexis Ledger, Emma Stimpson and Stewart Mackay who come from Bedfordshire of England. Their trip is Beijing, Luoyang, Xian, Guilin, Yangshuo and Shanghai from 21 Feb to 8 March 2009.

Would you want to know their experience during their trip in China?

your traveling plan is great. but please check the follow best route and decide if you have time to add Chongqing or Huangshan. I think Huangshan would be OK.

D1--D4: Beijing 4 days 3 nights is enough. and then at evening of the 4th day take by train from Beijing to Xian (1200km) lasting about 11 hours. stay on the train

D5--D7: Xian 2 days 1 night is OK. and take by train K165 (22:18--15:00) from Xian to Kunming (1891km) lasting about 40 hours 42 minutes. there are NO train from Xian to Dali. Take by train is long way. So suggest you take by flight from Xian to Kunming and then take by night train from Kunming to Dali (360km) lasting about more 8 hours. On D7 in Xian take by flight to Kunming and then take by night train to Dali.

D8--D12: Dali 1 day 1 night and Lijiang 2 day 1 night would be OK. at morning of D8 arrive in Dali. D9 take by bus from Dali to Lijiang lasting about 4 hours. Hutiao Gorge (The Tiger Leaping Gorge) where is NOT far away from Lijiang is a must to see. At evening D12 take by night train from Dali back to Kunming.

D13 arrive in Kunming and take by flight to Shanghai.

D14--D16; Shanghai 4 days 3 nights is enough. and then at evening of D16 take by night train N418 (22:35--10:00) from Shanghai to Huangshan (672km) lasting about 11 hours 25 minutes. stay on the train

D17--D19: on D17 arrive in Huangshan 3 days 2 nights is OK. and then on the morning of D19 take by train K46 (09:21--05:07) from Huangshan to Beijing (1533km) lasting about 19 hours 48 minutes. stay on the train.

D20 arrive in Beijing.

WOW! Thanks travelingislife2008,

This is really helpful. I would like to know their experience during their trip in China. That would be great!

Also, how would I go about booking all the train tickets. If we are only staying in each place for a few days and we should book in advance?

Do you recommend a good website or travel advisor?

From April traveling in China become high season. So you have to book train tickets in advance 10 or 20 days. please check your private message for getting know their experience.

You always have to book trains in advance in China if you want hard or soft sleeper.

You can use expensive online agents (see seat61 for some), or there are agents who will PM on forums like here. Some might be ok, while others are not; either way I would not give them any money in advance.

Most people get around the problem you have by being flexible. First try to get the hotels in places you are staying to book tickets for you. If they cannot get a ticket for you, either fly (longer journeys) or catch a bus (Kunming - Dali, Shanghai - Huangshan).

5 star hotels that don't serve shark fin soup

Can you recomend any?

5 star hotels that don't serve shark fin soup

I maybe wrong but this sounds like a 5 star hotel in the US that don%26#39;t serve hamburgers or steaks.

5 star hotels that don't serve shark fin soup

It%26#39;s not the same with steaks.Anyway if it wasn%26#39;t for business trip i will never visit China not only for shark fin soups but for many other reasons.

I%26#39;ll be there for 3 days on May and i will have two business dinners with some persons and i just don%26#39;t want to give my money to restaurants that serve that plate.

If you have such a strong conviction (and I respect that), then don%26#39;t go to a Chinese restaurant. There are plenty of western and international restaurants throughout Hong Kong.

Yeah all 5 star hotels have western restaurants.

Just about all hotels that have Chinese restaurants serve Shark%26#39;s Fin Soup as it%26#39;s a high margin money-maker. You would have to go Western (but then you may ask about veal or foie gras...)

As much as I can understand the reason to be ';against'; restaurants/hotels that serve ';shark fin'; as a menu item for animal rights and environmental...etc. reasons..... I somehow feel, you also need to respect and understand the ';culture'; and ';traditions'; of the area/region you are visiting as a ';guest/tourist';.

All 5 star hotels are rated and ranked here as 5 stars have their reasons, and one of them would be having a decent chinese restaurant that serves fine dining chinese items. Whether the ';shark fin'; they serve is really good or authentic or not, without this item on their menu, they wouldn%26#39;t be consider a 5 star hotel restaurant.

You certainly have your personal right, and freedom to NOT eat it, and refuse to even DINE in a hotel or live in that hotel that has it. My point is, it%26#39;s part of the many years of culture, it%26#39;s still very popular, and if you feel this strongly about it, be prepared for many other surprises.

Many restaurants here serve dim sum, and dishes with shark fin as its garnish too or part of the ingredient. This sets apart the fine dining menu items, and the class of the restaurant apart of the ';casual'; and more affordable restaurants.

I have visited many countries and cities where I do not agree with their practices, cultures, beliefs and foods that they eat locally. I think you just have to stay true to yourself, don%26#39;t try too hard to AVOID it, it%26#39;s not YOU that is doing it or eating it.

It%26#39;s no different than religion, respect mutually.

Just my opinion.

There are plenty of western and international restaurants throughout Hong Kong.

Thank you.that%26#39;s what i%26#39;ll do.As for traditions we all have to know that the world is not the same as it used to be years ago.So if some creatures have real danger we have to adopt some traditions.

I think it is kind of strange and a bit rude to go on a Hong Kong appreciation message board and mention the fact that you would never visit China if you didn%26#39;t have to. That comment has no place - especially if you are asking people for advice.

It would be like me going to a Greece appreciation message board and saying ';help me with this question about Crete - I need to know, but please understand that I am visiting Greece because I have to - I wouldn%26#39;t want to go there if I had a choice...';

What kind of answers do you think I would get to my question?

It would have been much better if you had just asked your original question without having to add all the garbage to it.

I have to agree with the post of Anyquestions. There are sides to many issues so it%26#39;s best to leave those alone on a travel board.

The list goes on...foie gras, veal, chicken farms...even corn, which is grown by fertilizer that requires large input of fossil fuels, which in turn, pollutes our rivers and land.

Hi Nik, are you saying that you plan to host two business dinners in a 5stars hotels-well, then you can forego this plan-as every 5stars hotels especially in HK shall have a Chinese restaurant,and if this Chinese restaurant does not have shark fin soup on its menu-every one will laugh and I think if they know about Greek sign-may as well,put the palm upright towards the hotel manager%26#39;s face.

More so, if you plan to entertain Chinese business associates in a 5 stars hotels,and it is not in a Chinese restaurant- I think may as well sit down,warm the seat, say hey,and just walked off.

Be very careful and learn about food cultures and customs amongst business people over here.

Of course,your other option is to stay away from 5 stars hotels and seek advice for a vegetarian restaurant.

Just a valid question- what impression you want to put across to your business diners.

This is very important especially in a business environment.

What Hotels do you recommend with good location?

My first priority is a hotel with a good location. I want to spend less than $80.00 USD per night. There will be 2 of us.

What Hotels do you recommend with good location?

What does good location mean for you? Close to the subway? Close to nightlife? Close to Tiananmen? Close to a specific attraction? All these will result in different answers. This is a big city and no specific center.

Go to www.wotif.com. Look for hotel below $80 ( you can go for $90 as their prices include the 15% service charge). Then check the location of these hotels.

What Hotels do you recommend with good location?

Will recommend hotels near subway,food and center.

check these hotels

Golden palace silver street hotel(not good reviews but location is fine)

Days inn Forbidden city(stay in this hotel you need to be careful the friendly trap)

Kapok hotel(don%26#39;t know how much)

Capital hotel

Chongwenmen service apartment

Harmony hotel(hard for the taxi to find near the Railway station)

These are the hotels i know,i am sure lots i don%26#39;t know,do more research

Transport problems in Jiuzhaigou

Reports in HK of transport problems affecting tours in Jiuzhaigou.

See rthk.org.hk/rthk/news/englishnews/news.htm鈥?/a>

Transport problems in Jiuzhaigou

Actually, %26#39;road problems%26#39; appears to be more to do with Tibet.

google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iAMqM鈥?/a>

Transport problems in Jiuzhaigou

Contrary to that report Jiuzhaigou is still open to all tourists. It is possible that there are problems travelling by road but the airport is open and tourists have been arriving.

Which report - the RTHK one or the APA one? Also, are you saying that Hong Kong tour groups have not had to leave the area?

I am not aware of any tour group that have had to leave the area - note, I haven%26#39;t heard of it so I am open to correction on this.

I can confirm after these reports came out the Jiuzhaigou area was still open to foreign tourists. I will continue to update on the local situation over the next few days...

I have just been told by the Jiuzhaigou park administration that foreigners have to travel as part of a tour to Jiuzhaigou for the month of March. I%26#39;m sure any travel agent can organise this for you.

I was there last year in November,i took the bus from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou,it is around 10 hours,too long,but i enjoyed the views on both side of road,i can tell locals still fears about the earthquake,they still sleep in the tent,constructions everywhere.I went there with a Foreigner, no problem at all.Maybe the new policy from March this year?but never heard about it?/

One thing i want to tell is Jiuzhaigou is too expensive for only one day tour,the entrance fee is around 300rmb?only can stay inside for one day...but colors definitly beautiful in early november

Why no December river tours?

Can anyone tell me why there doesn%26#39;t seem to be any tours that include a Yangtze River portion in December? I have a conference in December in Shanghai and wanted to piggyback on that travel.

Why no December river tours?

Hi, and welcome to the forums.

As to why there are no river tours in December, it%26#39;s the same reason most people don%26#39;t go swimming in Lake Michigan in that month. COLD!!

Why no December river tours?

Also, the river level is relatively low until the Spring melt and rains.

Train from Shanghai to Hong Kong

Dear friends,

we%26#39;re thinking of taking a train from Shanghai to Hong Kong on 24 April 2009 which is a Friday. can we confirm that for month of April, the train will travel on even date and not day eg 24th and not Monday, Wednesday ....? is the train a direct train or do we have to change train somewhere eg Guangzhou? how early do we%26#39;ve to book - can we book the tickets upon arrival in Shanghai on the 16th April? we%26#39;ll be staying in Hilton Shanghai; has anyone asked the hotel to help to purchase the tickets and what are the commissions like? again we%26#39;ll be heading out to Nanjing the next day, do you think we%26#39;ll be able to get the fast train tickets only upon arrival? thanks all for the help.

Train from Shanghai to Hong Kong

Even dates of the month, not even days of the week.

Yes, it%26#39;s a direct train.

Tickets go on sale 90 days in advance for this train.

Advisable to get your Nanjing and Hong Kong train tickets in advance.

Train from Shanghai to Hong Kong

thanks ellyse for the info. however we麓re confused as a travel guide from Topchinatours has replied to our enquiry and told us that there is no direct train from Shanghai to Hong Kong but we麓ll need to change train at Guangzhou. below is the reply from her:

The train (T 99A ) from Shanghai to Guangzhou leaves Shanghai Railway Station at 17: 00pm on 23th April 2009 and arrives at Guangzhou East Railway Station at 10: 19am next day. The price for one ticket of the deluxe sleeper is CNY584, so two tickets are CNY1168.

The train (T817) from Guangzhou to Hong Kong leaves Guangzhou East Station at 12:12 and arrives at Hong Kong Hunghom Station at 14:07. The ticket price including the commission charge is CNY320, so two tickets are CNY640.

any official website to verify the info?

A recommendation NOT to use Topchinatours!!

www.it3.mtr.com.hk/b2c/frmIndex.asp鈥?/a>

http://www.it3.mtr.com.hk/B2C/CMS/Upload/BJ_Sch_Eng_(1Jan09).pdf

Hey

We will traveling from Shanghai to Hong Kong on April 29th. Since its odd day of the month, is there anyother way getting into Hong Kong form Shanghai?

Geez, that agent needs to be sacked. They don%26#39;t know what they%26#39;re talking about!

Yes, plenty of ways to get from Shanghai to Hong Kong other than the direct train. Plenty of direct flights if you don%26#39;t mind the cost. ;) Or, you could always fly to Shenzhen then take bus/train/ferry over. If you mean to go overland, take the train to Shenzhen then walk across the border and take MTR to wherever you want to go in Hong Kong. If you take the train to Guangzhou East train station you could then change to another train to get to Hong Kong as well.

thanks all for the advice and info. Drumbrake, can we purchase the ticket online; could not locate the city Shanghai from the box while trying to purchase ticket. what would you suggest if we would want to get the train ticket from Shanghai to Hong Kong before arrival in Shanghai? Ellyse, we would like to try the train if possible. thanks again to all for the help.

Sorry, but you cannot purchase the Shanghai - Hong Kong tickets online; only the ones from Guangzhou to Hong Kong can be bought online.

I might be able to help you out with the tickets as I%26#39;m studying in Shanghai. PM/email me at ellyse99@yahoo.com -- put ';TripAdvisor'; and your own username (eg CitiesTraveller) in the subject line.

From my experience on Chinese trains, its quite difficult to sleep and the washrooms get dirty easily. I suggest you just fly to Hong Kong because airfares are quite low right now.

bebo

Jiuzhaigou is open to all tourists

Contrary to some reports that have been circulating, Jiuzhaigou is open to tourists. The Aba Prefecture is not closed. Aba town and Aba County are.

Jiuzhaigou is open to all tourists

So the road between Chengdu %26amp; Jiuzhaigou is now open? That%26#39;s great if it is. Thanks for letting us know.

Jiuzhaigou is open to all tourists

I don%26#39;t think the road ever had a problem. It was more to do with Tibet.

See google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iAMqM鈥?/a>

Thanks Drumbrake. I did wonder. There was a journalist from the Washington post detained in Gansu the other day.

All a bit suss as the original official reason to close Tibet was to ';undertake restoration of tourist facilities';.

The road from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou has been open for a long time but it is possible that road travel is restricted at the moment. To be certain, flying is the best option.

Is the road restricted for all tourists, or just foreign tourists?

Because I%26#39;m not actually in Aba (Prefecture) at the moment I can%26#39;t be 100% certain. There are 2 possibilities....

1) The road is closed to foreign tourists because it%26#39;s easier to keep track of foreigners that fly.

2) The road is closed to all because a land slide occurred near the town of Pingwu because of a small earthquake in the region on Thursday - a common occurrence in high mountain ranges, especially on the edge of the Eastern Himalaya - and the road is impassable.

Jiuzhaigou is open to all tourists now but foreign tourists have to travel as part of a tour and for now by air only. Any Chengdu travel agent should be able to organise such a tour.

Day room /hotel near HKIA

We ahve 12 hours to kil; while waiting for friends ariving an another flight. We will have flown for 12 houyrs so may be quite tired. We thought that we might be ale to visit the big budha near the airport but wondered if there are any cheap places out in that area where we might be able to have a nap for a few hours. I know about the Novotel but its very expensive for just a half days use. Is tehreanything else nearby or easily accessible from the airport. We dont want to go into town until the others arrive. Any suggestions?

Day room /hotel near HKIA

You can use the pay-in lounges at the airport.

hongkongairport.com/eng/passenger/departure/鈥?/a>

Day room /hotel near HKIA

The new Marriot would be nice for you.

prices are good too.

There is a Hong Kong Tourism Board information kiosks at the buffer area in both Arrival Hall A %26amp; B where you can pick up some short day trips information.

hongkongairport.com/eng/passenger/transfer-t鈥?/a>

I think the Plaza lounge is your best choice:

http://www.plaza-ppl.com/hk_en/index.php

Which is quicker to get to from the airport: Novotel or Mariott?

Hard to say.... I would say they are both 5 minutes away ! Both have free shuttle bus, Novotel would have the shopping center connected to it while the Marriot doesn%26#39;t.

Marriot is 5 stars, and Novotel is 4 stars.

Marriot is cheaper than Novotel at this moment.

Marriot is brand new.

Novotel has great dining option, such as their famous buffet.

Citadines Ashley Hong Kong - feedback

Hi there,

We just returned from staying at the Citadines which we found excellent for what we wanted. There were 3 of us, a couple and a teenager and we had an Exec Studio.

It wasn%26#39;t the largest room/studio but seriously cleverly appointed. We like to get out and about so the room for us is just for sleeping etc... on this basis - this is a sensational place to stay. very clean, very handy - 2 min walk from Tsim Sha Sui station, more of a serviced apartment than a hotel room. Free internet - also very handy. Not a large place but excellent in most ways.

Only issue: the master bed - really really really hard. Couch was comfy reported the teenager.

In terms of western meals - fast food:

Delifrance close by, as is McDonalds and a great Chinese style bakery around the corner if you want a quick breakfast on the go.

We booked via bookings.com which provided the best rates - which we found via tripadvisor%26#39;s search engine so I recommend this comparison search highly.

Oh - difference between Premium Studio and Exec Studio is that premium has a bath - in case that is important to you as they don%26#39;t really distinguish this on the various sites.

Hope this helps!

Citadines Ashley Hong Kong - feedback

Hi Miss MD,

Thanks for posting the feedback on Citadine Ashley.

I have booked 2 studio rooms for 27 Mar. Was kind of worried abt the long walk from MTR station as i%26#39;m with a child. Good to have choices of food around the corner for breakfast.

Thanks.

Belinda

Citadines Ashley Hong Kong - feedback

Hey MissMD!

I am looking to book at the citadines early April, but my biggest concern is I hear that there is a building opposite that has been knocked down and being rebuild - which is causing a LOT of noise. Can you let me know if this is the case? Is it hard to sleep, etc.? Would really appreciate your feedback :)

Seperate to that, I read some of your other post ..

I%26#39;m planning to head to Shenzhen for a couple of days to do a bit of pampering massages and food, any recommendation??

Thanks heaps!

Hi there,

Noise apart from the usual HK noise was not an issue at all. Just checked with hubby and he said he didnt hear any construction noise at all.

Happy to recommend a few places in Shenzhen - especially shops in Lowu. If you could let me know what kind of stuff you are after, I%26#39;m happy to give you shop numbers to visit within the complex. I collected business cards from all stores and wrote info on their cards i.e good price, price for item etc... Best advice before you head there is to pick up a copy of Shopping in Shenzhen from the book store in Kowloon which is above the Bally shop across from the Peninsula on Nathan Road. Its across from the Australian Outback restaurant (which was also pretty good!). There is another Shopping in Shenzhen book, which is blue and I was going to buy BUT the red Shopping in Shenzhen was so recommended I didnt hesitate in buying it. It was very very helpful i.e.contains a map of the Lowu Commercial centre, gives tips on where to shop, what to pay for various things (price ranges) etc...

Let me know if you are after something specific!

Belinda,

The walk to the MTR is only a few minutes at the most.

Hi Miss D

We have an early morning flight from HongKong - 8am. do you think Citadines Ashley would be suitable in terms of getting an early morning bus/train to the airport? I am really struggling to find out this information and the links from the tripadvisor %26#39;getting around%26#39; page seem to be obsolete.

Thanks heaps for youre quick reply and info!!

You have no idea how long I%26#39;ve been trying to source an answer re noise at the citadine!

Regarding Shenzhen, we%26#39;re after everything :)

So will hunt in HK that book you recommend first!

That said, do you any particular good shops for:

i. causal male shoes

ii. fake mont blanc stuff

iii. handbags

Much appreciated!

Miss MD-thank you for sharing with us your staying experience in Citadines Ashley.

Ponaire:- in relation to getting a transport from/around this hotel to the airport,of which you have a outbound flight at 0800hrs.

Well,you could have these options:-

a). Bus:- Route # A21,take from outside of Tsim Sha Tsui Mansion,which is on Nathan Road.The bus stop is outside here,before Haiphong Road.

during your stay, you will see that Ashley Road(where Citadines Ashley is located on) is parallel to Hankow Road,and Hankow is perpendicular to haiphong Road.

Okay,A21 service starts at 0530hrs from Hung Hom,so I suggest be at the bus stop outside of Tsim Sha Tsui mansion by 0535hrs.

To reach this bus stop, from your hotel, head South towards Peking Road,then turn left to go on Peking Road,then turn left at Nathan Road,and Tsim Sha Tsui Mansion is on your left,where bus stop for A21 is.

Bus journey duration from here to airport is approximately 50minutes. Bus fare is HKD33.00.

The walk from your hotel to this bus stop should be under 8minutes.

b). Airport Express-the first AE from Kowloon station is at 0553hrs to HKIA. Journey time is around 25minutes.Fare on AE:- HKD90.00.You can take a taxi from your hotel to AE Kowloon station which should be under 10minutes.

MKiaratravel

Thank you so much - that information has been a great help!

Noise wise across Ashley apartments.... if the construction is not at the stage of laying the foundation into the ground anymore, the noise would be minimal. Also, with the latest economical development, you would notice a number of sites have halted their building plans.

Hard to say when it would be noisy, test your luck.

clenbuterol tainted pork scare

Hi,

I%26#39;ll be visiting Guangzhou with my family on 29 March and I%26#39;ve just heard of this tainted pork scare.

Can anyone in Guangzhou tell me whether the scare is over and the pork in Guangzhou is safe for consumption?

I%26#39;m particularly concerned because my father suffers from hypertension. Clenbuterol consumption may fatally aggravate my dad%26#39;s condition and I don%26#39;t really want to take chances so I%26#39;m thinking of whether to cancel the trip.

News article: www.bloomberg.com/apps/news鈥?/a>

Getting to the airport on Saturday

I%26#39;m staying at the Prudential Hotel on Nathan Rd and need to get to the airport on Saturday for a 1:30pm flight.

What are the recommendations for transport? Does an airport bus come in the vicinity of the hotel at a suitable time, or would it be better to go down to the Jordan Station and navigate my way to the airport express line?

As a last resort, I could always take a taxi, but figure it will be approximately HK$300, so the bus or train is a much cheaper option.

Any help will be great!

Thanks

Getting to the airport on Saturday

FORGET the taxi!

Not sure exactly where your hotel is , but I%26#39;ve had EXCELLENT luck with Airbus A21 which runs right up and down Nathan Road.

Frequent service, getting to the airport is easy. Figure maybe 45 minutes to an hour from Star Ferry area.

It%26#39;s a big, red and yellow double decker - racks for luggage, and to me , is a STEAL for $33 HKD. ( That was the 2008 fare I believe.)

I%26#39;m sure other TA people have more complete information.

Getting to the airport on Saturday

As stated, the A21 airport bus will leave from a stop on Nathan Rd opposite your hotel around every 10 minutes or so. Catch a bus around 11am to get there for midday for your flight.

Definitely bus. You should take A21, which goes to exactly where your hotel is:

www.nwstbus.com.hk/routes/routeinfo.aspx鈥?/a>

Scroll down to where it says airport-%26gt;hunghom and bus stop #11 is where u want to take off.

It costs only HKD33 each and it saves u much hassle of transferring. Remember to buy bus coupon (just outside airport) or get an octopus card to take the bus - it doesn%26#39;t give any change!

sorry i misread ur post.. yes the opp of ur hotel as drumbrake says :)

Does my son need a Visa

My student son who is 20 will be visiting china in August. He is travelling independantly but will be joining a tour group and travelling in China and then on to Japan. Does he need a Visa ? Any help on this subject would be most appreciate

Thank you

Does my son need a Visa

If he%26#39;s 20 shouldn%26#39;t he be looking up this information himself? Search for the Chinese embassy in London website.

Does my son need a Visa

Yes he will need a visa

You are assuming he holds a UK passport.

Maybe he is ethnically Chinese and has a home return permit so he does not need a visa. When he goes to Japan he would need to take his passport though. Unless gadaboutbirmingham tells us we don%26#39;t know though.

Thank you and sorry yes he has his own full british passport. He is going on a gap adventure trip travelling to africa and asia. I wanted him to do as much sorting out as possible for himself as he is going independantly. But he asked me to help with this bit. I will tell him he needs a Visa and conttell him he need to contact the chinese embassy

bebo

Champagne cost

Getting on a cruise ship in Shanghai.

Trying to decide on purchasing a package onboard or buying champagne in Shanghai.

Staying at the Broadway Mansions hotel before cruise.

What is the average price of a bottle of Korbel Brut champagne at a liquor store near this hotel.

3 nights and 2 days in Hong Kong

My wife and I will be spending 3 nights and 2 full days in Hong Kong. We%26#39;re staying at the Conrad (Central?). What is the best way to get from the Airport to the hotel and any suggestions for things to do. We were thinking Big Budha, Peak (night?). We%26#39;d all so like to do some outdooring such as a hike.

3 nights and 2 days in Hong Kong

Hi, to get from airport to Conrad HK;well,there are three options,and let examine the costs for each:-

2 adults.

(A). Airport Express :- HKD200.00(HKD100/pax)

then complimentary shuttle bus-H1 to your hotel.

the free shuttle bus runs until 2310hrs.

(b). Airport bus- A11:- HKD80.00(HKD40/pax)

Alight at bus stop # 8(which is outside Queensway Plaza),then a walk of around 10-15minutes.

(C). Taxi from airport to hotel;average fare inclusive of bridge %26amp; tunnel fees:HKD300.00.

IMHO,I will go for (c).Option(b) is too cumbersome,especially with luggage.

As for other things to do complementing your proposed Big Buddha(Ngong Ping) and also Victoria Peak-you may wish to trawl HKTB-DiscoverryHK website.

Since you will be in Ngong Ping,you may also wish to consider a visit to Tai-O village.

Going to Sai Kung for seafood,and also hiking.

3 nights and 2 days in Hong Kong

If you want to do a hike, you could go up to the Peak and then walk down basically following the tram line and then through Hong Kong Park to Admiralty and your hotel. The walk down takes around 90 minutes.

If you use the Group Promotion offer, the total cost for 2 people to Hong Kong Station is $160:

mtr.com.hk/eng/鈥romotions_4persons.html

You can then either connect to the free shuttle bus H1 or take a taxi from Hong Kong Station. The taxi cost should be no more than $20 to $25, plus $5 for each piece of luggage that goes in the trunk.

For some hiking with a nice scenery, go around Lugard Road and Harlech Road at the Peak. It takes 45 minutes to one hour to do the circular route and it%26#39;s mostly flat. You get to see different sides of HK.

Another useful HK hiking site:

http://www.hiking.com.hk/english/

Do NOT miss the Peak at night! Even if somewhat cloudy or hazy, the view of Victoria Harbour is one you cannot miss.

If you%26#39;d like a SERIOUS hike, there is a wonderful path downhill from the Big Buddah / Monastery area to Tung Chung. It%26#39;s long -- maybe 2 - 3 hours , but very peaceful and quiet.

Then MTR back to Kowloon / HK Island.

The Hong Kong Tourist Agency can hook you up with a map.

1st Hong Kong Trip!

My partner %26amp; i will be holidaying in hong kong in December 2009 for about 5 full days.

We plan to see the main tourist attractions that most ppl talk about - eg. the peak, giant buddha, disney land, ocean park, shopping at markets - ladies market/stanley/shenzhen?/nathan rd//citigate outlet, 10,000 buddha temple, chi lin nunnery? %26amp; what ever else people would suggest!

we need a bit of help with the following things:-

accommodation - where to stay (we wouldn%26#39;t be keen on spending more than $100usd per room per night, coz we are planning to spend a bit on macau accommodation)- is it best to change accommodation during our stay to be closer to things on different islands or stay in the one place? - we would like to be somewhere where u could easily walk to markets or places to eat (particularly at night)

could someone also please give us an idea of a rough idea on what main attractions/markets/sightseeing places are close/group together so we could do those things on the one day?

thanks!

1st Hong Kong Trip!

perhaps i should mention - we will be in hong kong for 2 full days then going to macau %26amp; then back to hong kong for 3 full days before flying out.

thats y i asked about staying at different accommodation coz we will be checking out %26amp; back in.

1st Hong Kong Trip!

Don%26#39;t bother changing hotels. No matter where you are you will be within range of markets and places to eat. Not only that, but the Hong Kong public transport system is a dream come true. Buses and trains about every 2 to 3 minutes, going just about anywhere you might want to. There are markets in Kowloon and on Hong Kong Island, I doubt if you can find a hotel where you couldn%26#39;t get to one within 15 or 20 minutes by train or on foot.

As said before, the HK public transport is very good. There are really a lot of Hotels which a lot you can find on www.hotels.com.hk

If going to the big buddha you really need a day for that, because it is quiet far away on Lantau Island. You could go there from Tung Chung with the bus to the big Buddha and back with the Ngong Ping 360 cable car. Great view over the airport!

If you go to the Wong Tai Sin temple you can go that same day also to Chin Lin Nunnery and maybe after that go shopping in Festival Walk in Kowloon Tong. See http://hong-kong-travel.org/KowloonTong.asp ... a great shopping place with nice restaurants too ...

In kowloon-side there are many night markets, and between Mong kok and Tsim sha tsui it is always quiet busy at night.

Parklane Hotel is next to the big victoria park on Hong kong island and is great to relax ... and in the middle of causeway bay shopping district.

Watch out for Mong Kok at night at midnight. Please don%26#39;t go to the night outdoor shops as the local triad gangs are preying on tourists. Great night life just before midnight. No, buses do not come every 2-3 minutes. Try 5-10 minutes is more realistic.

Hi, month of Dec shall be a pleasant month to visit HK.Jacket %26amp; sweater are recommended,particularly for visit at the Peak, Giant Buddha.

Suggest,stay put in one hotel,negotiate for the best rates;take only what is necessary for your short stay in Macau,and balance of luggage, safekeep in HK hotel,which you will be returning to.

As hotel room rates could be volatile in view of prevailing economic slowdown;you still have enough time to consider various options;compare prices before committing.

As public transportation are well integrated,one can stay in one place;however as you have mentioned you wish to be in a locality where markets(and eateries) are easily accessible by walking,then look at accommodation -for Kowloon- Mong kok/Yau Ma Tei area

HK island:- Wan Chai/Fortress Hill area.

Moving from one hotel to another hotel,just takes up time in packing/unpacking and familiarizing one to another new locality.

Few hotels with rates lees (or just slightly above) USD100,and considered strategic and saving time in transport(so I have omitted those in Tsuen Wan,Tsing Yi,NT etc) are:-

(a).Imperial hotel-close to Star Ferry pier, on Nathan Road,and close to Tsim Sha Tsui MTR.Well, I did stay there,way back in 1988,and I have seen that the entire building had been refurbished,with a nicer exterior facade. Nevertheless, room views are not so great,and room size is also small;but having been active the whole day,it is just the bed and a clean toilet to unwind.

You may wish to check reviews in TA,and make your own decision.

b). YMCA Salisbury,also on Tsim Sha Tsui,and locality is as convenient as above (a).

c). Metropark Mongkok

d). Metropark Wanchai

e). Ibis NorthPoint(an Accor hotel)-few yards away from North Point MTR,across the road from North Point bus terminus,with buses going to Stanley(#63), Peak(#23), Causeway Bay(shopping-18P) etc.

Stanley,Peak, Ocean Park are located on HK island

Giant Buddha is on Lantau Island; if using MTR,you will reach Tung Chung where Citygate mall is located.

10,000 Buddha tenmple is located in lush hillside in Shatin;whilst Shenzhen is across the border from last MTR station of LoWu in the North.

Chilin nunnery is located at Diamond Hill in New Kowloon.It is on a vast ground,so half a day also.

(note:- one needs visa,which is available on arrival,at RMB150 for Shenzhen).

For a full optimum trip experience and soaking in the atmosphere, Ocean Park will require at least half a day;similarly for Giant Buddha(and also CityGate).

If plan to take the Ngong Ping cable car,try to arrive there early to minimise queue time.

Christmas decorations are lovely in HK,and it is very much a livelier experience. well, you will be there,and you will be the best judge.

Other:- Macau- you can check out Hotel Sintra, or Hotel Royal(which is located in quieter side of Macau,and close to Guia lighthouse)which are close to Senado Square,which is focal point to visit some of the heritage sites during your time there.Furthermore,hotel like Sintra,is close walk to outside eateries.

tip:- during my recent visit to HK,I had already made a confirmed booking,and two weeks before my arrival,I check some sites,and found cheaper rates,and I got the hotel to match the rates,which they did,but when I checked in-not only the rates were matched,but my room was upgraded on complimentary basis,and even came with a General Manager welcome fruit basket-with more than eight varieties of fruits,including a fruit known as dragon fruit.

can someone tell me where these attractions are (even just the main island location is fine)

the peak

giant buddha %26amp; disney land i know are on same island (lantau)

ocean park

shopping

- ladies market

- stanley

- shenzhen?

- nathan rd

- citigate outlet

10,000 buddha temple

chi lin nunnery

wong tai sin temple

is there anything on this list u would give a miss for something else? or that i should cut out coz i couldnt see all this in 5 days? any other places worth going to/must see for seesighting, shopping, etc?

Hi,

the peak-HK island

giant buddha %26amp; disney land i know are on same island (lantau)-yes,Lantau Island

ocean park- HK island

shopping

- ladies market - Mong Kok,Kowloon

- stanley-HK island

- shenzhen?- across the border,

- nathan rd-Tsim Sha Tsui,Kowloon

- citigate outlet-Tung Chung,Lantau island

10,000 buddha temple- Shatin

chi lin nunnery-Diamond Hill,New Kowloon

wong tai sin temple- next to Diamond Hill

Choose only one;either Disney or Ocean Park;as each require at least half a day,by then you will be exhausted.

Shopping at Causeway Bay-HK island.

Shenzhen- well, IMHO,I do not feel comfortable and safe here,and shopping environment is not my cup of tea.Air quality is also not good.

thanks heaps mKiaratravel! all that info is greatly appreciated!

do u agree with an earlier post that mongkok is dangerous at night (after midnight)?

oh %26amp; where is temple st night markets?

do u suggest any other shopping places or to skip any of the ones i have listed (other than shanzhen)?

Temple St night market is at Temple St, stretching from Jordan to Yau Ma Tei. You can reach the market from Jordan MTR station exit A. See link below (north is to the left in this map):

www.mtr.com.hk/jplanner/images/maps/jor.pdf

Keep in mind that Temple St is basically a flea market and so is Ladies Market at Mong Kok. If you want shopping malls:

Tsim Sha Tsui: Harbour City and Canton Road area

Causeway Bay: Times Square, Sogo

The above two has everything you%26#39;d need from budget to luxury and there is no need to go to another mall.

Some small shops are Scattered around TST%26#39;s Granville Road and Cameron Road, and similarly at Causeway Bay%26#39;s Lockhart Road and sidestreets behind Time Square.

Help, Help pls!!! Visa to China??

Dear Advisors,

We are flying to China in 3 weeks and have not applied for the Chinese Visa. We live in the UK and i have tried to follow the instructions on the website. But just to be sure is the following correct: (this is via post)

1) complete application form - does it have to be on-line form with barcode (e-form)?

2) send with my passport plus 1 photo attached to form.

3) Fill out payment form and include.

4) send Special delivery with special delivery envolope for return.

5) Send to London address.

Is this right?

Also, is the fee = Visa Fee + Application Service Fee. Which works out to 拢64.50.

Any assistance greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Help, Help pls!!! Visa to China??

If you follow the instruction from the Embassy%26#39;s website then you are fine. That is more reliable than second hand comments here......

Help, Help pls!!! Visa to China??

the above is what i think is the guidance, i was just wanting someone else opinion on whether i have missed anything out.

thanks

Hi, this is the info I%26#39;d posted on somebody%26#39;s post a few weeks back.....

';Hi, don%26#39;t know whether you%26#39;d applied for your visa yet or not....We applied for ours by post and its come back in a week! No need for an appointment, you just download and complete the barcoded e-form, stick your photo on and send it off with your passport and payment authorisation. I%26#39;m very impressed they have turned it around within 5 working days - certainly saved a trip to London. Hope this helps.';

Yes, you just do what you%26#39;d listed above and you should be fine. E-form is advisable as they will have your info already. we glued our photos on the e-forms. Do make sure your passport have spare pages for the visa to go onto. The fee is 拢64.50 for each single entry (30 days I think) visa.

Good luck! We%26#39;re off in two weeks.....can%26#39;t wait!!

Sounds like what we do in Oz too. We always download the form, attach photo %26amp; post off with a reply paid envelope for the return %26amp; the fee. They are quick %26amp; it comes back in 3 - 5 days.

We tend to attach a brief itinerary %26amp; copies of international flights as well.

mfw1981 that is exactly the infomation i needed, a BIG BIG thank you!!! I wasnt to sure about the E-form and was going to just send a normal form, will go for the e-form now.

Thank you again!! :-)

If you are in any doubt it might be worth taking a trip to your local Chinese Embassey. Not sure if there is one in Yorkshire, so you might need to take a trip over the Pennines to Manchester. I got mine from Manchester nad they processsed it the same day. However do get there early as it only opens til 12 and is very very busy!!

Hi

If you are able it is worth a trip across the Pennines to Manchester.

The Chinese Embassy is just outside the city center, not far from Manchester Royal Infirmary and is easy to get to from the M62/M60.

As the previous person said there can be a queue but yesterday there was no one there.

Have a good holiday.

thanks for all your comments. I will probably go with the post option, as work resticts me from going to embassy.

Hopefully it shouldnt be too much of a problem.

thanks again

Trikz, you%26#39;re welcome. Good to know I can help.

Annie, I too thought we might need to send details of our hotels/flight as well so I called the Embassy. They told me that they don%26#39;t need these info anymore. All that is needed is a list of places you want to visit. Progress!

mfw, Yes it%26#39;s lots better since the olympics. Which is good - no more making stuff up lol

Pacific Delight China Tours

Has anyone gone on one of this companies tours recently? All I can find is 2006 info. I%26#39;m looking to go but can%26#39;t find recent info them. Can anyone help??? Thanks

olympic green water cube

We are heading to Beijing April 7-9 any idea if the Water cube is open for public swimming? thanks for any info. Holly

olympic green water cube

I don%26#39;t think it%26#39;s ready yet.

May be ring them: (10)66698029

shanghaidaily.com/sp/鈥rticle_387488.htm

olympic green water cube

no,not open to public now.

But you can go inside to take a look.

no,you could purchase entrance fee to go inside,but at the moment they have concert inside,they changed swimming pool into Fountain...i am very upsad about this...

Qing - that%26#39;s not good news:-(.

They were supposed to be turning it into a pool for swimming comps, a water park %26amp; it was going to have a man made beach.

bebo

Which is best AETP or airbus A21

This time next week I will be in Hong Kong (yipee). I am travelling with my three year old son. I am staying at the Metro Park Hotel Mongkok and originnally intended to buy a AETP and get the airport express to central and then catch a train to Prince Edward station. However, I have read a couple of posts which say the A21 airbus stops right outside the hotel. Can anyone advise me of the cost of the airbus and the times that it operate. I have looked on the web page but it is in Chinese! I have to get back to the airport by 7am and want to check that I can get to the airport in time. Any advise on airport transfers greatly received - or any other advise for that matter! Thank you.

Which is best AETP or airbus A21

Bus A21 is really more convenient in your case. Stop number 5 is right outside the Metropark Mongkok. Costs $33 for adults and $16.5 for children under 12. Here%26#39;s the link in English:

https:/鈥?/a>

You can take the same bus back to the airport as well. Service starts at 05:30.

Which is best AETP or airbus A21

A21 costs HK$33. Stop number 5. Takes an hour.

English page here:

www.nwstbus.com.hk/routes/routeinfo.aspx鈥?/a>

I suggest the bus too. Being stop #5, it probably won%26#39;t even take an hour to the hotel.

What time is your return flight?

What is the bus stop number from Hotel back to airport.

Staying at same hotel as marymacengland and have decided due to cost%26#39;s to take a21 bus from airport.

Mant thanks in advance for replies

Sorry marymac, I have mistakenly recommended you to take the A21 back to the airport. A21 doesn%26#39;t go past Metropark Mongkok on it%26#39;s way back. Instead you can take bus E21 at stop number 7 (739 Nathan Road near Bute Street), which is a couple of blocks from your hotel. Costs $14.0 adults/$7.0 children.

Alternatively, you can catch a taxi to Kowloon Station, and transfer to the Airport Express train. You can check in for the flight at the station (with the exception of a few airlines), and the train ride only takes 20 minutes. So you don%26#39;t need to leave the hotel as early.

Here is the link for bus E21. It takes a slightly longer route than A21, but the bus still has racks for your luggage.

www.nwstbus.com.hk/routes/routeinfo.aspx鈥?/a>

May I ask how much would it cost to take a cab from Metropark Mongkok to Kowloon MTR station to catch the airport express?

Thank you for your replies - you guys are great. Really looking forward to my trip and have been packing all afternoon. I have never been to Hong Kong - what is the humidity like this time of year?

We got back last week :( I was walking around in a t-shirt and cardi, whilst others are still in thick winter coats! Its not Humid, but might rain, we were lucky it didn%26#39;t rain and was quite nice to walk around in. You will want a cardigan or something for the Air Con!

Hope you had a nice trip carryharri. Can any one tell me if the pick up point is easy to find for the airbus at the airport. It says %26#39;ground transportation centre%26#39; on the details but the airport map doesn%26#39;t show it.

Only a few more days until I am off - can%26#39;t wait!!

Kowloon Hotel versus Royal Pacific Hotel and Towers

can anyone advise between these two hotels which is best.

which is closest to Star ferry and I know the Kowloon is near the Mtr but how far is the Royal?

About the rooms, I have read that the Kowloon has small rooms but I am more concerned about the cleanliness and how modern?

Prices are same.

Thanks

Kowloon Hotel versus Royal Pacific Hotel and Towers

Hi,

Walking Distance between these two hotels:- close to 1km-around 15minutes.

Closest to Star Ferry pier- Kowloon Hotel

From RPHT to star ferry pier:- just under 12minutes.

KH is close to Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station,whereas from RPHT-around 600m.

Room-unable to comment-no staying experience.I would perceive that RPHT room for each corresponding room category will be larger than in KH.(normally I look at the tract of land that a hotel property sit on, and its surrounding,how many floors,and can roughly estimate).

Just note that RPHT is connected to the China Ferry terminal,and along from here, one can be walking along shops in Harbour City Mall,there upon reaching Star Ferry pier;if one does not want to walk along Canton Road.

If prices are the the same,personally I will go for RPHT(on their tower wing room).

Kowloon Hotel versus Royal Pacific Hotel and Towers

I stayed at the Kowloon hotel for a week two years ago and was very happy with the room. As everyone says, the rooms are small but apart from that the rooms were tidy, had a flat screen tv, good sized bathroom and was perfect for our stay. The location is also excellent.

When we first checked in we were put into a smoking room which did smell when we got to the room so asked to be moved and this was accomodated immediately.

I would definitely stay here again.

Advice/Help Needed

Hi,

My wife and I will be travelling to China in the last week of September for 18 days. I have been going through these forums trying to figure what we should do. At the moment:

6 nights in Beijing

6 nights in Shanghai

6 nights in Hong Kong

I don%26#39;t have the slightest clue what city I should shorten and which cities to add.

We%26#39;re both in our late 20%26#39;s, early 30%26#39;s and aren%26#39;t big fans of looking at structures while sightseeing, except for the must-see like GW, Forbidden City, etc..

I know that I%26#39;m starting my research early but I really want this to be an amazing trip for my wife and I want to be prepared.

PLEASE HELP!!!

Advice/Help Needed

Why on earth are you spending so much time in big cities? What are you interested in?

I%26#39;d cut Beijing %26amp; HKG down to 4 days and Shanghai to 2, then depending on your interests add 2 days in Xi%26#39;an; 2 days in Hangzhou and 3-4 days in Guilin/Yangshuo OR add 6-8 days in Yunnan.

Advice/Help Needed

I agree with Zhuhai. 18 days is a long time to be spending in just 3 cities but I guess you are still working on your itinerary:)

Beijing - 4 nights

Xian - 1 night

Yangshuo (Guilin) - 4 nights

Hangzhou - 1 to 2 nights

Shanghai - 3 nights

Hong Kong - 3 - 4 nights

or

Beijing

Yunnan - via Kunming - Dali, Lijiang and Zhongdian(Shangri-La)

Hangzhou

Shanghai

Hong Kong

Good luck with everything.

Advice re travel to Lanzhou - Langmusi - Chengdu please!

Hi

Any help appreciated with regards to travels methods, bus times, places of interest along the way.

Arriving in Beijing and flying to Xi%26#39;ian then on to Lanzhou. Then the real travel starts.

1. I assume I need to get a bus from Lanzhou to Langmusi via Xiahe - is that right? Or is there another place you can go via? Does anyone know how long tihis will take and if it can be done in a day?

2. Then Langmusi to Chengdu via Songpan - is that right? Or can that be done via somewhere else too?

3. If we need need to stop overnight at either Xiahe or Songpan, does anyone know anything good to do there?

4. I reckon we will fly from Chengdu to Lijiang, to save time, udoes anyone know how long it would take on a bus and if it is direct? I%26#39;m under the impression is take over 28 hours for some reason?

Thanks in advance.

Dani UK