How to go 林村许愿树?

Hi,

I planned to go 林村许愿树 in New Territories, how long does it take if i take taxi from the %26#39;Tai Vo%26#39; Station? will it expensive if taking taxi? any other public transport can reach there?

Thanks.

How to go %26#26519;%26#26449;%26#35768;%26#24895;%26#26641;?

This is the wishing tree.

You can go to Tai Wo East Rail Station and catch a cab and it will take %26lt;5mins and cost less than $20 I reckon. Alternatively catch the 64K bus and alight at Fong Ma Po.

There is a green minibus as well, but I can%26#39;t remember the number (25?).

How to go %26#26519;%26#26449;%26#35768;%26#24895;%26#26641;?

Green Minibus 25K from Tai Po Market Station every 6 to 13 minutes until 11-30pm. Fare HK$5.1 to the final destination at Ng Tung Chai but sectional fares are available so the journey to the wishing trees may cost less than this.

is the tree still there? i heard it%26#39;s been taken down already.

the tree is still there but is propped up and lacks its previous splendour.

The village is still worth a visit though as there is a Tin hau temple (recently redecorated in time for the once-a-decade Da Jiu festival), and of course you can still stick wishes to the boards. Oh, and going into Lam Tsuen is a great way to see some old villages and some small scale farming life.

It%26#39;s not the same without the ';real'; wishing tree. 林村 does have the most beautiful public washroom voted by the government. The washroom is worth the trip to 林村. You will be mobbed by the locals to buy their ';wishing packages'; to make your wish and throw up onto the tree when you get off the bus or the taxi.

The tree that%26#39;s there now is not the original tree. The original tree was destroyed by fire in 1998. The tree that replaced it collapsed and the current propped up tree which was transplanted from mainland China has been there since 2003. The practice of tossing wishes attached to oranges into the tree has been banned since 2005 but a large plastic tree (which won%26#39;t replace the real tree) is due to be erected by the end of this year so that the practice of tossing wishes can be revived. There%26#39;s also a second nearby tree which has been adopted as a wishing tree but that%26#39;s also in poor condition and propped up.

Great. Thank you so much for all your valuable information !!

octopus card, mtr tourist 1-day pass

Hi! I%26#39;m goin to HK on September and I have already resolved that I%26#39;ll get an octopus card or the MTR 1-day tourist pass. But I still have a few questions which are not quite clear to me yet. There will be 2 of us going to HK.

1. If I buy only 1 Octopus card, can we both use it? After all, it%26#39;s not a personalized card right?

2. The Tourist MTR 1-day pass - can we both use only 1 card?

I%26#39;ll appreciate anyone who can reply please. Thanks in advance!

octopus card, mtr tourist 1-day pass

No, you are not allowed to share or ';passing back'; for 2 persons to share one card.

octopus card, mtr tourist 1-day pass

So that means if we buy either one, we%26#39;ll have to buy 2 cards for both of us right?

personally speaking, unless you plan to transport ALOT around place to place in HK, the 1 day octopus card for tourist isn%26#39;t going to be worthy. (Just MY opinion though) many will disagree.

I find that a typical tourist in HK manage to go maximum to two tourist attractions (areas) in one day. Maybe three....and many times the MTR doesn%26#39;t reach places like Stanley Market, and Ocean Park, Aberdeen, Repulse Bay...etc. You have to take the bus.

Unless you keep crossing the harbour and planning to go to many stops, you won%26#39;t be able to use more than $ 50.

The octopus card has a smart chip in it, it records when and where you ENTER the gates of the station, and then when and where you get OUT of the gates of the station you arrive in. If you try to beep twice on entry, it will stop to card/error, and you might end up going to the customer service center to fix it.

So, to answer your question, no, you cannot SHARE the card. Each person must have his/her octopus card.

Like I said, if only 1 day transporting around, and you are NOT always in MTR, I would just buy single journey tickets.

Hmm..that%26#39;s pretty good info. Really, thanks, I think I know what I need now. Thanks again!

Katetam, the octopus card is accepted on buses and trams as well. Definitely on the buses to Repulse Bay and Stanley. Even on the Star Ferry. Personally, I think this card is a good idea since is is accepted on so many forms of transport and it saves the hassle of trying to figure out the exact amount of coins and change...

My Octopus card is also accepted as cash when buying items at convenient stores such as 7-ELeven (newspapers, candy, drinks even snacks). I would think that the one day type that tourists get would also have this function in it. In which case it would make such a card really attractive to tourists!

Ok boofit, thanks for the ';correction';...

However, reason I said what I did was.... what I meant to type (sorry, just came back from a long trip, can%26#39;t type much these days)......

was.... the Tourist MTR pass ($50) is not worth it as it%26#39;s NOT an octopus card, it%26#39;s just for MTR. I meant to type 1 day MTR pass, not (octopus).

Sorry Chloe. I meant to say don%26#39;t get the 1 day TOURIST MTR pass (it%26#39;s not an octopus card), and it%26#39;s only applicable to MTR.

Octopus card, I thought they only have 3 day including the Airport express for tourists.

So best option is get the normal Octopus if you don%26#39;t want to manage loose change. But remember to get your money refunded off the card before departing.

If one intends to use the MTR a lot in one day and will otherwise spend %26gt;$50 on single fares, the 1-day Tourist MTR pass is still a good deal. oopsChloe can use the regular Octopus to pay for other non-MTR purchases. It all depends on the individual%26#39;s itinerary and the mode of transporation.

Does the 1 day tourist MTR pass cover going from the Airport to Tsim Sha Tusi? Because I looked at their subway line and it appears that the only line connecting the aiport is the ';airport express line';. Going from Airport to Tsim Sha Tsui alone costs HK$69.

Please ignore my question above. I found more info on the 1 day pass. You can%26#39;t use it on the Airport Express line:

Tourist MTR 1-Day Pass

Listed Price: HK$50.0

Online Price: HK$48.0

The ticket entitles a passenger to unlimited number of MTR rides (excluding the Airport Express Line) during a continuous period of 24 hours (within 1 month from day of purchase)

----------------------------------------

Now my question is what is the cheapest method to get from the Airport to Tsim Sha Tsui? Are there buses I can take? How much is a taxi? If I took a hotel shuttle, do I need any vouchers?

Well, that was my point (as Teddy mentioned), if one intends to transport ALOT back and forth HK island and Kowloon, and long distances on the MTR, then one might want to consider the $ 50 tourist pass for 1 day. But it%26#39;s NOT an Octopus card.

My point was that most tourists cannot do SO many tourist points that WOULD use up that $ 50.00 tourist pass. When I travel on the MTR to run errands, from HK island to Kowloon to Tseung Kwan O, even I only use about $ 36.00 -$ 40.00 in 1 day.

The Octopus card doesn%26#39;t have a 1 day one for tourist. It would be pointless to have one anyways, so either the normal regular one that us locals us everyday, or the 3 day one that includes the 1 journey on Airport Express train, which technically, if you really make use of the MTR and the AE in 3 days, it COULD be worth getting.

? new hotel in Yangshuo- Park Lane

Hi

My parents are looking to visit in May and have heard there is a new hotel near West St called the Park Lane- does anyone have any comments/experience with this one?

Thanks

? new hotel in Yangshuo- Park Lane

Thanks for your advice

? new hotel in Yangshuo- Park Lane

Hi,

We just came back from Yangshuo, a week ago, Yangshuo Park Lane is overall a good hotel.

Pro:

- New hotel

- Good location, located in the main street of Yangshuo (Yangshuo is small town, so there%26#39;s only 2 street in Yangshuo). 5 min walk to West Street.

- Clean. and friendly staff.

Cons :

- Not enough heater in the room, as the weather is 8 degree Celcius

- No separator in the bathroom, so it get all wet after you take a shower

- Limited english speaking staff.

But overall it is a good hotel.

gillg

I stayed at the Park lane in February and was so impressed with it and the potential there that I accepted a consultants position there to assist the start up of the Hotel.

I have applied to have this Hotel listed on trip Advisor but I dont think this has happened at this time suffice it to say it has to be in the top 2 or 3 hotels in Yangshuo

If you contact me on pwintle00@hotmail.com I will send you some pictures i took when I was there

Lucky Aussie

Haven%26#39;t heard of that one.

I will be in Yangshuo soon %26amp; found this little gem. The Rosewood Inn.

http://www.yangshuorosewoodinn.cn/home.html

They can arrange heaps of activities for you. I have sent some emails to them %26amp; they reply really promptly - always a good sign:) Great little spot too. In a nice area off the main drag. Nearby is the famous Dr Lily.

I will be there in April so can let you know how we go if you like. So many great places to stay - it%26#39;s hard to choose:)

Hi! Unfortunately, the reply you received to your query re Park Lane has been deleted. Was feedback good or bad about the hotel?

I myself am looking for a nice place to stay in in Yangshuo as well as Guilin. I will appreciate any suggestion you may have.

Thank you in advance!

Trendyland TST

I have read about this store where you can buy disney item cheaper than the one sold in Disneyland. Has anybody here been there? Can anybody give me the direction to reach the store?

Thanks

Trendyland TST

as far as i know most of the products they carry are different from the ones sold inside disneyland. if you are looking for items which has a ';Hong Kong Disneyland'; stamped on them, you have to get it at the theme park or at the airport Terminal 2.

Trendyland TST

Never mind if they carry other things than the one sold in disneyland. But do the things carry ';HK disneyland'; stamp on them? Still would like to check out the store though. Surely will find things for my daughter there. Direction pls anybody

Trendyland G/F, Hang Shun Comm Bldg, 12 Cameron Rd, TST,Kowloon

2739 8182

Trendyland Shop G18, G/F, Olympian City 2, Kowloon 2740 4717

Trendyland Shop 4, G/F, Sun Kong Hse, No 2J-Q, Sai Yeung Choi St. South, Mong kok, Kowloon

2384 8213

Trendyland Shop 250, Level 2, East Point City, Tseung Kwan O, Kowloon

3194 3482

Trendyland Shop B8, First Basement, Site 11, Whampoa

Garden, Kowloon

2628 4129

Trendyland Shop L2-7, Level 2, APM, Millennium City 5, Kwun

Tong

2763 9103

The Cameron Road location at Tsim Sha Tsui is almost right outside the MTR Station%26#39;s Cameron Road Exit (B2). Once you take the steps out of B2, it will be at the right side of Cameron Road within 30 seconds.

Trendyland carries Disney Character%26#39;s items, but NOT the ones with ';HK Disneyland';.

Items sold in HK Disneyland Hotel%26#39;s gift store are one of a kind.... I see items in there that even souvenir shops INSIDE the theme park don%26#39;t have them.

So, it%26#39;s worthy of shopping there!

Disney Theme Parks is a separate buying group which is why they usually have unique items.

myspace top

Cheng Du

Hi Anyone out there

I would like to visit Cheng Du next month. Any good spa or individual hot pot to recommend?

Regards

Girl girl

Cheng Du

HI

For finding good spa or food, take a look at taxi-book

[url]http://www.morechengdu.com/[/url] or

[url]http://ww.maxxelli.net/[/url]

or consult [url]http://expatschengdu.informe.com[/url]

for my part, i lived closed to the sichuan university and you can find many restaurants there, not very expensive in comparizon with the town center

Enjoy chengdu

Airport to Largos Hotel

Hi there,

Is there anybody who is kind enough to advise me how to get to Largos Hotel via MTR from the airport? Or any airport shuttle bus to the hotel? Your advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Airport to Largos Hotel

Take bus A21 ($33) and get off at stop no. 10, or bus A22 ($39) and get off at stop no. 4.

www.nwstbus.com.hk/content/default.aspx鈥?/a>

Airport to Largos Hotel

Hey glac..

how long will it take? is it hard to locate Largos after alighting? any directions to offer? thkss!!

cheers

t-leaf-w:

If you take A21, after you get off the bus near Nathan Hotel, just continue on Nathan Road for a couple of blocks and you turn left on Nanking Street. Largos is within that block. The ride takes about 50 minutes.

Hi Ah Jan,

on bus from the airport,well, there are two bus routes,that you can take:-

A21 or A22,of which the bus fares from the airport is HKD33 and HKD39 respectively.

To find your way to said hotel after alighting from advised designated bus stop #:-

On A22:-alight at bus stop # 4,where this bus stop is located before Chi Wo Street(this street is perpendicular to Nanking St). In fact this bus stop is on Jordan Road.It stops outside Ultragrace Commercial Building.So,after alighting,with your back to this building,take a left on Jordan Road,towards CHi Wo Street,then turn left into CHi Wo,then walk straight,then the first turning on your left is Nanking Street,and Largos is there(opposite of Mayfair Garden Hotel).

On A21:- alight at bus stop #10,which is located on Nathan Road,outside of Excelsior Building.

So,once you have got down from the bus,just head south,i.e. follow traffic direction,towards Saigon St,which is first st on your left,after Majestic Hotel,continue straight,until you see another street on your left- Cheong Lok,continue straight on,then you see Nanking st on your left,turn in,then continue straight,passing David House,Acme Bldg,on your left,and Largos Hotel is further up.

The duration of walk:-

From :-

A21 bus stop # 10- around 10mins.

A22 bus stop # 4 - just under 5mins.

(Assumption- you are new to the area, trying to get bearings first,so it takes 8minutes to cover a walking distance of 200m- once you are familiar, one never turn to see left or right,just dash,and just know where to turn,and of course,I have also taken in account that you are carrying luggage,so slower pace).

A22 looks a better option.

mor

weather

Hello, can anyone help? How is the weather suppose to be this coming week? Is there any rain in the forecast? Should we pack t-shirts or sweaters?

Thanks in advance.

weather

www.weather.gov.hk/wxinfo/currwx/fnd.htm

A light jacket over t-shirt should be sufficient.

weather

Warming up quite nicely later this week to mid-70%26#39;s F. It should be a comfortable trip.

Bring me a chicken fried steak if you could. I miss those!

Sammyfloyd, thanks so much for all of your kind information. We%26#39;re headed to HK. I%26#39;m looking forward to a wonderful spring break. You know - There%26#39;s nothing like southern hospitality. I would definitely bring that Texas size chicken fried steak and gravy with me, if i could.

Help! Citadines or Benito

Hi. My son %26amp; I will be in HK for 3 nites in June. I can%26#39;t decide between staying at Citadines Ashley, or Hotel Benito. The price difference is less than US$10/nite. Can anyone help me to make up my mind?

thanks a lot.

10 Day Trip Itinerary

Greetings fellow travelers,

We have never been to China before, so we would love to hear any comments on the itinerary that we have been putting together:

Day 1 Shanghai

Day 2 Shanghai

Day 3 Depart Shanghai on Mid Morning Train to Hangzhou. Spend rest of day in Hangzhou

Day 4 Depart Hangzhou on Mid Morning Bus to Huangshan. Spend rest of day in Huangshan.

Day 5 Day in Huangshan. 9 pm flight to Beijing

Day 6-10 Beijing

We were wondering if trying to go to both Hangzhou and Huangshan is too ambitious, or if we will feel too rushed?

Thank you and happy travels!

10 Day Trip Itinerary

Lots of moving around. I assume that day 1 is a full day in Shanghai. If your plane lands in SH in afternoon then you only really have one days in Shanghai which is not enough. I would cut one of the 2 sidetrips around Shanghai.

10 Day Trip Itinerary

Thanks for the quick reply!

We didn%26#39;t mention it, but we have a day 0 in there, where we get into Shanghai, later in the evening, and we probably won%26#39;t do too much that night. So, day 1 and 2 in Shanghai are actually both full days. Does that sound more do-able?

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Things to do for Macau (1 day only)

Hi,

I will be traveling to HK in 2 weeks and want to make a day trip to Macau so we are not staying overnight. Is this enough time to see some of the newer casinos (Wynn or Venetian) and to do a little bit of sight-seeing?

I want to see the large Kun lam, St. Pauls Ruins, and am still not really sure what else but open to suggestions. Can anyone make any recommendations and/or give advice how to manuever around Macau? Can we walk or do we need to take a bus?

Any advice/suggestion helps!

Thanks!!!!

Things to do for Macau (1 day only)

I also forgot to write that I want to try Portugese egg tarts!

Things to do for Macau (1 day only)

Hi Jujubee, and welcome to the forums.

Yes, you can do quite a bit of sightseeing in Macau in a day trip, although obviously you won%26#39;t be able to see it all. My first pice of advice would be to choose the day you go - a weekday is much better than Friday or Saturday, as you will wasted much less time in the immigration queues, and not have to fight through hordes of tour groups to see the sights. The second, equally important thing is to pick up one of the bilingual tourist maps and anything else that looks interesting (nearly all free) from the tourism bureau which is just to your right after you exit immigration at the main ferry terminal.

Do you mean the large Kun Iam statue or the large Kun Iam temple?

Of the sights you mention, the Venetian is quite out of the way - bus or taxi are the only practical ways to get there. Everything else is on Macau peninsula, and can be explored on foot in two or three hours (or more, depending how many interesting things you find in between!).

The St Paul%26#39;s ruins are at the end of a pedestrian zone leading up from Senado Square - St Dominic%26#39;s church and Loa Kao mansion are on the way, and also worth visiting. Monte Fortress is hard by St Paul%26#39;s, and you get a good view over the older part of the city from the top.

My own suggested walking route for these would be from the ferry - Sands casino, Kun Iam statue, Wynn, Margaret%26#39;s Cafe e Nata (for refreshments including the egg tarts), Senado Square and up to St Paul%26#39;s. If you want to visit the Kun Iam temple, it%26#39;s about a 20 minute further walk - or you could extend it by exploring the 3 Lamps market area on the way. From the temple, the #25 bus will take you to the Venetian, and from there you can catch one of their shuttle buses back to either of the ferry piers to return to Hong Kong.

You might also want to browse through other posts on this forum, and cn.macautourism.gov.mo for other ideas.

wow I am very impressed by how much detail was in your reply!!! Thanks so much and it is such a relief to know that everything is walkable. I did want to see the Kun Iam statue and probably not the temple but since it is in part of your suggestions I will also have that option. I am so excited and thanks again!!!

Happy travels, Jujubee - I hope you enjoy Macau as much as I do.

Visa

Have looked around on the web and it seems that I dont need a visa to enter Macua is this correct , my wife and myself are from australian and we are only staying in macua for two days

Visa

Thanks anyway but I did a search and found the answer : Currently citizens of Australia only need a passport to enter Macau, where you can stay for up to 20 days.

This is stated in: %26#39;Rough Guide to Hong Kong and Macau%26#39;

Visa

I visited from HK last year, and got a visitor visa on arrival. It was much like entering HK.

That Rough Guide%26#39;s info is a bit out of date - Aussies can now stay in Macau for up to 30 days without a visa :-)

It%26#39;s purely academic for day trippers, but useful for serious foodies...

Thanks for your comments

Where from HKG for a week?

First time in my life I go to this part of the world, I don麓t know anything there. I will stay in HongKong in June for 7 days, I plan to go to Macau and I want to go somewhere for a second week, but where is the best to go to see something great from history and beuaties of nature (I want some days be on the beach). Where is the easier way from HK? Philippines or Vietnam or ...??? Thanks for your help!

Where from HKG for a week?

Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia are the popular beach destinations from Hong Kong. Hainan Island in China is another possibility but don%26#39;t expect the same sort of service.

Where from HKG for a week?

Thailand is cheap and many flights to Bangkok from Hong Kong. You could do three nights in Bangkok, then take a local flight to the island such as Koh Samui for 4 nights.

mor

China - Li River versus Three Gorges cruise

Are going to China in July 2009. Which is better Li River or Three Gorges because we don%26#39;t have time to do both. Is Three Gorges river now too high to merit the trip? Gateway will be Chengdu from Lhasa. Thanks for sharing.

China - Li River versus Three Gorges cruise

Li River is quite a short cruise compared to 3 gorges. Better still are the raft rides around Yanghsuo. Spending a few days in and around Yangshuo is better in my opinion.

China - Li River versus Three Gorges cruise

thanks, this was one of the things we were considering!

Li River is basically a day trip. Beautiful! Three Gorges is a good three-day cruise, but pick the right (Western style) ship.

If you want to save time, Do Li River Cruise as it takes 4 hours from Guilin to Yangshuo. If you do Yangtze Tour, it takes three days, moreover, you need to do it from Chongqing to Yichang, then fly to Shanghai, Xian or Beijing for your next stop. If you do Li River cruise, you need to fly to Guilin, do the cruise next morning to Yangshuo, one or two nights at Yangshuo then back to Guilin airport to your next stop. Just weigh both choice.

Morgen Mo

You might also consider doing the 3 Gorges cruise via hydrofoil, if you want to save time.

I%26#39;m a fan of neither, but I went on the 3 Gorges cruise in winter a couple of years back. If you%26#39;re interested in the full report and candid photos, email me at ellyse99@yahoo.com and put ';TripAdvisor'; and your own username (eg janet17130) in the subject line.

Reports on the hydrofoil are that you cannot see much out the windows because of the speed and wave splashing/dirty windows. I suggest you skip both Yangtze and Li River cruises. Instead head to Yangshuo and take several boat/raft rides. You can take a smaller boat ride upstream which is more interesting and not as lengthy. Then take a private bamboo raft ride down the Li River a bit. Nice quiet peaceful boat ride to examine the shores of this river. Then take the Yulong River raft ride, along with everyone else in the area...but still it is fun.

I never tired of the karst hills around Yangshuo. They are so unlike anything in the USA. Plan on three or four days for touring and visiting in the area. See Guangxi or Guilin Forum postings for more ideas.

I agree with most of the replies. I just came back from Yangshou and surrounding areas for 9 days. I went to the Three Gorges a few years ago, and while it was interesting and a bit of history-making to see the changes, it was long -- 3 days. I much preferred the relaxing and beautiful and tranquil rides down the Li River and Yulong River on bamboo rafts. Go there and experience so much more. The rice terraces in Longsheng are spectacular, too, north of Guilin.

how many train stations in Beijing

I am confused on how many train stations are there in Beijing?

where do we take the z- train to Xian or to Shanghai or to Datong?

thank you for your help.

how many train stations in Beijing

There are 4 stains. Main Beijing station, Beijing West, Beijing North, Beijing South.

Z trains to Xian depart from the Beijing West Station.

Z trains to Shanghai leave from the Main Beijing station.

Trains to Datong depart from both the Main Beijing station %26amp; the West station.

web hosting sites

travelzen

Hi,

Was wondering if anybody else used travelzen.com.

Just booked the Regent Beijing in Sept for an amazing rate and was just looking to see if people every had any problems with them ?

Thanks,

Conor

travelzen

I use ctrip myselft but travelzen is often recommended here by senior members. Much to early to book flights however.

travelzen

I%26#39;ve used travelzen for booking flights, mainly because there is no creditcard surcharge. For hotels, there is no need to pay in advance when using most sites - elong / ctrip / travelzen - so I usually pick the site that has the most choices of hotels / best prices.

Ctrip user here too. Although travelzen seem to come in slightly cheaper on some things but haven%26#39;t used them yet.

North Point MTR

Hi

Can anyone tell me what the area is like, just around this MTR station? We%26#39;re considering a hotel in this area, but I know it%26#39;s a lot of office bldgs. Is it totally deserted at night? Are there any street markets, food stands, inexpensive local restaurants? Any other comments about the area?

thx.

North Point MTR

There are lots of apartment buildings, which seem to have small restaurants in the bottom or fast food places maybe, for locals presumably. There is a huge mall with an ice skating rink and a food court which remains open until fairly late. Haven%26#39;t been there really late at night but I don%26#39;t see a huge problem as it%26#39;s maybe 20 minutes from central by MTR? What with walking through the stations blah blah I suspect it would take about half an hour to get to any nightlife in Causeway Bay Central or Admiralty.

North Point MTR

North Point is OK I have stayed there on a few trips. Lots of little restaurants and a few pubs. If you want late night entertainment you are only a few minutes from Wanchai and Central/LKF on the subway. North Point is also a good shopping area with local markets and a multitude of shops on Kings Rd.

where exactly in North Point? If it%26#39;s the Harbour Plaza, the immediately neighbourhood is kind of deserted at night, being next to a factory high rise and funeral home, and a few office buildings. My office used to be around there. At the other end of North Point, it%26#39;s mostly residential buildings with extremely busy shops and restaurants on the ground/1st/2nd levels.

It takes some effort to find expensive restaurants in North Point.

%26gt;%26gt; There is a huge mall with an ice skating rink and a food court ...

That%26#39;s not North Point. It%26#39;s 2 MTR stops away at Taikoo.

In general, North Point is a residential district with some concentrations of office buildings. But it%26#39;s still safe to walk around even late at night. It%26#39;s totally non-touristy, so not a bad choice if you like to see local life.

No big malls in the area, but as Guerilla suggested, Cityplaza at Taikoo is just a couple of MTR stops away. On the other side is the mega shopping district of Causeway Bay. Both are only 10 minutes away by tram.

Lots of local food everywhere, but most don%26#39;t have English menu. You can find some western cuisine around Tsing Fung Street and Electric Road near Tin Hau Station. And if you don%26#39;t mind venturing further east, you can go to Sai Wan Ho. Look for Tai Hong Street (within the Lei King Wan residential district). It%26#39;s a waterfront street lined with bars and restaurants, and it%26#39;s got a bit of vibe especially on weekends, though nothing compared to Lan Kwai Fong. It off the beaten tourist path so doesn%26#39;t get mentioned a lot.

Gosh sorry - so it is.

Hi, a hotel close to North Point MTR is IBIS North Point(exit A1,and take a right,and this hotel is just few yards away).

Across from North Point MTR station is also the North Point bus terminus,where from here,these following bus services(recalling from my memory) are available:-

Route 63- to Stanley Market

Route 23- to Lower Peak Tram Terminus,by alighting at Cotton Tree Drive bus stop

Route 18P- to Causeway Bay,and upto Sai Wan

Route A11-from the airport.

Across the road from North point MTR station(exit A1) is also the North Point ferry pier going to Hung Hom and Kowloon City.

Within walking distance from North Point MTR station,is also the Java Road municipal building where there is a cooked food court,where even famed celebrity chef-Anthony Bourdain had patronised.

Nearby,one also can purchase HK famed egg roll from the outlet known as Duck Shing Ho.

And along the same row of North Point MTR station,there are several eateries,serving food like wanton noddles, congee, and also fruit stalls,and dried food stalls.

It is not totally deserted at night.

Staying at IBIS North Point?

Hi, I%26#39;m the OP -

Thanks everybody for your comments. The hotel we are looking at is Harbour Plaza, so it is right near the North Pointe MTR. Main reason for this hotel is price (1 BR suite $138) and swimming pool, even though we%26#39;d prefer being a little closer in.

We%26#39;re with 2 kids, so won%26#39;t be seeking out the night life nor expensive restaurants ;)

the Chinese menus at local places shouldn%26#39;t be a problem

Do want to make sure we%26#39;re safe going home at night, tho - probably the latest would be 11 or so. Also, we%26#39;d like to be able to start sightseeing early in the a.m., then return to the hotel for a few hours in the early afternoon for a swim or nap. Is this feasable given the distance?

If not... other suggestions please?

Thank you!

It%26#39;s perfectly fine re. safety late at night. Just that there is very little pedestrian traffic after 8 or 9pm as there are almost no regular shops in the immediate area, especially on that side of the road.

Note that Harbour Plaza Hotel, while technically located at North Point, is actually much closer to Quarry Bay MTR Station than North Point Station. The closest station exit is C of Quarry Bay.

This Java Road side of the area will be very quiet at night as the hotel is next to a funeral home, across from government offices and a police station, and near office buildings. The area is very safe though. King%26#39;s Road will be much livelier thought still very local.

See link below:

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

four points Sheraton Daning

Hi,

Is the location of the Four Points Sheraton Daning too far from the main attractions in Shanghai?

the other option is the St. Regis (another starwood hotel), but that will cost more.

I am trying to use my starwood points and this hotel looks fine. I am just concerned about the location.

This hotel has 2 double beds, anybody knows if they let 4 people share the room? (my kids are 17 and 14).

do you know of any hotel in Shanghai would have room for 4? I am trying to save hotel cost by not having two separate rooms.

thanks ahead for your help.

four points Sheraton Daning

The place is a typical American Shopping Mall, just all store is 4 to 5 floors building instead of flat building, there are lots of shopping and dining, epically dining, but nothing really a tourist would expect, unless you would like to investigate a local chinese%26#39;s everyday life; 4 points by itself has nothing wrong.

four points Sheraton Daning

thanks.

I had to narrow down to the starwood hotels that have 2 double beds (as opposed to 2 single beds) and hope that the hotel will let the 4 of us share the room.

If you%26#39;re planning to use the metro to get around, metro line 1 Yanchang Lu stop is right outside the hotel, so that would be a plus. You%26#39;re about 6 stops away from People%26#39;s Square.

Otherwise, there%26#39;re 2 disadvantages that I can think of for that location. Firstly, there%26#39;s a highway (elevated road) right outside the hotel, I%26#39;m not sure if the traffic noise would be a problem. Secondly, if you%26#39;re using taxis to get around, going south on the highway would soon run into the highway intersection near Shanghai main train station, and this spot frequently has traffic jams, especially during the rush hours.

Have you considered perhaps serviced apartments? Some choices you might want to try would be Somerset Xuhui, Somerset Grand, Hong Kong Plaza, Citadines Jinqiao and New Harbour.

thanks Ellyse

I have budget constraint so still try to fit 4 people in the 2 double bed room and use starwood pts.

Some hotels%26#39; web site states that they only allow a maximum of 3 persons/room even with the 2 double beds. Do you know if this is really enforced or I can just take a chance and ask to pay for an extra person once we are there.

if you have budget issue, then Da-Ning is good for you, I do not think the hotel would seriously check how many people actually stay in the room every night, if they do ask, how about answer them those are prostitutes, are you gona to report to the police?

Instead of Metro 1, you also have plenty of buses near your hotel, because there is a Shanghai University campus around. Used to have lots of cheap restaurant, I really miss those time.

If you have 17 and 14 yr old kids why not book a 4 bed dorm in a hostel. Try Koala International Youth Hostel in Shanghai (No. 1447, Xikang Road). Its clean, the staff speak English and its close to downtown by subway or taxi. Give it a try.

Sorry, I have no idea if they%26#39;d frown upon squeezing extra people in the room.

However I wouldn%26#39;t really advise travelling around on public buses as the majority of the routes are in Chinese characters only. They%26#39;re already difficult enough to figure out for those of us who do understand Chinese, let alone you or other travellers who don%26#39;t.

And yes, getting a quad room in a hostel might be a good idea too.

thank you all

I will look into the suggested options re. hostels.

Travel from Huanggang to Disneyland

I would like to travel from Huanggang to Disneyland, Is it a good idea? How much does it cost? How is the Human traffic there, would it be better than in Lowu?

Travel from Huanggang to Disneyland

The good thing about Huanggang is there are direct buses that go there. The cost is $80 but the last bus departs at 13:00 on weekdays and 14:00 on weekends.

Huanggang%26#39;s traffic is tolerable but the air quality is quite nasty.

mor

From Shanghai Pudong Airport to Yixing (Jiangsu)

How do I get from Pudong Airport to Yixing? How do I catch a bus or is there any other available options?

Thanks

From Shanghai Pudong Airport to Yixing (Jiangsu)

shanghai long distance bus station offers bus from Shanghai -Yixing , Chinese address： 上海市闸北区中兴路1666号

from Pudong airport - that station:

maglev to LongYang Road station then transfer metro line 2 to Century avenue and interchange line 4 to Shanghai Railway station.

or you could just take a cab from Longyang road station.

From Shanghai Pudong Airport to Yixing (Jiangsu)

Thanks, Cute Min Min.

Do you know the estimate cab fare from Pudong Airport to 上海市闸北区中兴路1666号?

Cheers

around 160RMB without lots of traffic jams

chinese name for that long distance bus station is:上海长途汽车客运总站 very close to shanghai railway station.

cheapest web hosting

Iternary for 4D3N in HK

anione can help me to plan for trip

Iternary for 4D3N in HK

Go to discoverhongkong.com and decide what you want to do. Then ask how to do it

Iternary for 4D3N in HK

Yep, coolest site on the net for travellers..

and you can plan based on a preference then pick and choose bits after you print out

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/planner/eng/

Trains from Nanjing to Beijing

Once more, thanks for the many invaluable post.

I%26#39;ve read and deliberated lot, but finally come up with an itinerary for my 26 day trip. One thing I have decided for sure is that this will not be my only trip.

Anyhow - on to the post. I have decided to spend a day and night in Nanjing. Not a great deal of time, but hopefully I shall be able to see some of the principal sites. I%26#39;ve scrapped Hangzhou to do this as one of my interests lies in modern history (let me know if you think this is not a recommended swap).

After Nanjing, I%26#39;m off to Beijing and considering the overnight train. Few questions -

a) am I right in thinking this originates in Shanghai? If so, does that impact on the ability to get a soft sleeper (the D trains if I am right).

b) If I board at Nanjing is it going to be particularly difficult to store luggage if the compartment is part occupied already (I have read the posts about how to store and the size of luggage - and am likely to be carrying a large rucksack (with wheels thankfully) but its not over knee hight).

c) Would I be crazy to return to Shanghai if thats where the train originates?

d) If not, where can I get tickets in Nanjing to secure a ticket.

I will be traveling on 26 March.

Greetings from London.

James

Trains from Nanjing to Beijing

a) My experience with this is that it makes it much harder to get a sleeper, though soft sleepers are easier than hard sleepers so it should be fine.

b) Not a big deal in soft sleeper usually.

c) Yes. You might as well go from Nanjing. A ticket agency worth its salt can buy you a ticket that originate in Shanghai if they can%26#39;t get a Nanjing one. If you can%26#39;t get a sleeper, fly. It probably will cost about the same.

d) Can%26#39;t say, but I would use a travel agency, maybe one at a hotel. If you can find one that will purchase a ticket for you in advance, that would be best.

Trains from Nanjing to Beijing

Thanks very much Travellevret. Very helpful.

I will ask my hotels in Shanghai and Nanjing if they can book it for me.

I like the idea of securing this booking, but (one more question) - am I right that there is no real need to book the Shanghai to Nanjing leg, and also trains between Shanghai and Suzhou, as there are so many trains, and a seat will be fine. A bit of flexibility will be nice.

James

Depends if you are doing these train trips on a weekend. Always best to book if you can - even if it%26#39;s only a day in advance. Shanghai - Suzhou is very popular.

Thanks. Will do - probably when I get to Shanghai (only 9 days to go).

Not long to go - have a great time:)

As for where trains originate look at this link. It shows where the trains originate %26amp; what time they depart Nanjing for Beijing.

travelchinaguide.com/china-trains/鈥?/a>

Thanks.

Helpful site... will ask my Shanghai hotel to arrange tickets if possible.

Actually, with a bit of hindsight, Nanjing to Beijing is pretty straightforward. Just planning Datong to Pingyao to Xian and that seems a bit more challenging.

Tongli

Hi

Planning an overnight trip to Tongli as part of my travels (difficult decision between that and Xitang). I have seen recommendations, reviews and photos of Zhengfu Caotang, and it looks ideal. Couple of things I%26#39;d like to know but there is no English option (not a criticism).

a) What is the approximate rate (1 night, staying 24 March) - both in terms of what is advertised and should I seek a discount.

b) Is it possible to book in advance? I sometimes like the idea of just sorting accommodation when I arrive, but on this occasion, this looks a very pleasant place to stay.

I am sure that I will happily wander around Tongli alone, and I have an idea of what to see and do. Where to eat tips would be appreciated though.

As always, in gratitude in advance for any help.

James

Tongli

the one you mentioned Zhengfu Caotang

price is 180, 220, 320, 380 and 480RMB/night

you could book in advance online or by calling

www.zfct.net/yuding/Search/SearchResult.asp its website but in Chinese.

Tongli

Thanks CuteMinMin. Good prices for what looks a nice place.

I may try google translator in the page to see if I can work my way through it, or alternatively will see if my helpful Shanghai hotel will book for me (went for the Old House in the end as they were very nice on email and it was a good price).

All the best.

Beijing, Xian and Shanghai

Hoping that someone can assist, we had looked a package tours to the above but have decided to do the tour selves flying in September from Melbourne

Australia into either Beijing or Shanghai but would like to visit Xian too either by train or internal flight. WE are finding it difficult to find flights reasonably that fly into either Beijing or Shanghai but depart from the other city..anyone have any ideas and also costs with the either the internal flight or the train. Can you also recommend reasonable accommodation ..not high end just clean and comfortable. Figure we can do day trips once we are there. Thank you.

Beijing, Xian and Shanghai

Do you mean an open jaw flight from Melbourne to Shanghai, then depart from Beijing? maybe possible.

If not, simple and not so expensive to do a circular trip - Shanghai - Beijing - Xi%26#39;an - Shanghai for example.

Beijing - Shanghai and Bejing - Xi%26#39;an is easy to do by overnight train. Use your hotel to help you book a ticket. See www.seat61.com/China.htm

Xi%26#39;an - Shanghai can also be done by overnight train, but it is a longer journey. For flights look on the following sites: www.travelzen.com www.elong.net or www.ctrip.com

Airfares are usually cheapest a few days or weeks before departure.

Beijing, Xian and Shanghai

Thanks for your ideas I will work on them. Just thought that Beijing, Xian and then depart Shanghai would be easiuer but it seems the airlines prefer for you to fly and depart from the same city.

I agree that it would make more sense to arrive in one city and depart from another. Maybe check the travel agents to see what is available.

For accommodation, look on tripadvisor hotels for each city. Pick the top rated ones which match your budget.

I am not sure about Australian airlines but from Canada to fly into Beijing to return from Shanghai is the same cost as a return ticket to one city. Check with the airlines. You can probably check this online.

Hi here is a link for Singapore airline with flights Melbourne - Beijing

Shanghai - Melbourne.

singaporeair.com/saa/鈥lightReview.jsp

You put in different dates or routes times etc. Sorry don%26#39;t know about other airlines going to China as we always go Melbourne to China on Singapore Air - fantastic airline.

You could also have a look at www.jetabroad.com.au

Sorry that jetabroad link didn%26#39;t work with the flights I put in. Try this one:

www.jetabroad.com.au/FlightResults.aspx

Annie

Location the holiday inn express shanghai jinqiao

I would like to know ,where is the holiday inn express shanghai jinqiao location? I search in google earth ,it show near oriental pearl tower but some information it near mrt line 6 ( Ju feng Rd) .I will catch the train to long yang rd. thank you

Location the holiday inn express shanghai jinqiao

Oh MOO086, it%26#39;s definitely not near oriental pearl tower.

if you take a cab from Long yang road maglev train station to that hotel, around 40RMB

or you could take metro line 2 (station just right opposite Maglev station) to Century Avenue then interchange line 6 to Jufeng Road station.

Location the holiday inn express shanghai jinqiao

That place is really from no where to no where.

Thanks for your heip,Cute MinMin .I will take a cab from Pudong Airport to hotel. Could you know the cab fare from Pudong Airport to hotel ? Thanks

mor

healthy hair

Jinye & Jumbo Hotel

Im looking to stay at a hotel which is convenient to walk to the gongbei underground shopping mall.

My budget is 240-320 RMB for 2 persons.

Is jinye hotel located near Lotus st. ?

Is it a safe hotel to stay at (i.e. will there be many %26#39;%26#39;working girls%26#39;%26#39; around?

Is Jumbo hotel a distance from the gongbei underground mall?

Jinye %26amp; Jumbo Hotel

The JinYe hotel is the closest hotel to the customs/border crossing in Gong bei; abotu 5 m,in walk from Lotus St. At present it appears to be advertising rooms for 199 RMB (I don%26#39;t read Chinese).

The Jumbo gets mixed reviews on TA. I%26#39;ve never seen it but appears you need a taxi to get to the shopping centre.

Guangdong Regency is right on the corner of Lotus Street. There are some small Chinese-style hotels in Lotus St - but this is prime ';working girls'; territory.

Jinye %26amp; Jumbo Hotel

thanks zhuhai2007!

:D

Beijing-Shanghai and Shanghai-HK Internal Flights??

Hi Guys,

Any advice on how to lower the cost of my internal Chinese flights?

I%26#39;m flying into Beijing and out of Hong Kong so I need 2 internal flights - Beijing to Shanghai and then Shanghai to Hong Kong.

I%26#39;ve been quoted 拢340 per person for these flights - is that about right? It seems expensive to me but then I%26#39;ve never taken internal flights in China before.

Would I be better off actually booking the flights in Beijing when I arrive there or cheaper to book before I go?

I%26#39;d assume there are lots of internal flights daily between these three cities?

Any help/advice gratefull received.

Many thanks, Mo

Beijing-Shanghai and Shanghai-HK Internal Flights??

Check some websites like www.ctrip.com or http://cn.travelzen.com/en/index.php

you get the best prices within a week of your flight. These are e-tickets so you just need access to a computer at that time. For an idea of prices just go on a site and check prices in 5 days and compare it to what you are quoted (much cheaper than what you were quoted).

To save money, fly to Shenzhen and take the ferry (airport-to-airport) to Hong Kong.

Beijing-Shanghai and Shanghai-HK Internal Flights??

Shanghai -- Hong Kong is deemed international, not domestic.

When are you flying? Yes, those are expensive.

Are you also open to the option of taking overnight train (soft sleeper) for Beijing -- Shanghai? Those would save you travel time.

Hi JpDeM,

Many thanks for the reply. Hope I can tap your knowledge a bit further:

1. I%26#39;ll def check out the sites you recommended so thanks for those;

2. Is there generally lots of availability on both the Beijing/Shanghai and Shanghai/HK flights? I%26#39;ve not gone anywhere without definite bookings before so that%26#39;s why I ask

Appreciate your help

Mo

Hi Ellyse,

Thank you for the post.

We are flying around 8th April (Beijing-Shanghai) and around 12th April (Shanghai-Beijing).

I would definitely consider taking the overnight sleeper for Beijing - Shanghai:

How much does the journey generally cost?

Are berths for two generally available?

Is it better to book before we travel or once we arrive in Beijing?

Really appreciate your help,

Regards, Mo

There are about 50 flights per day each way between Shanghai and Beijing. Lots of availability and good prices at the last minute. If you go to these web sites check the availability tomorrow and you%26#39;ll see.

Here%26#39;s a lowdown on the train choices for this route. Listed from the best quality train to the lousiest quality -- in terms of comfort.

1) Overnight D train (10 hours, 2 daily): 2nd-class and 1st-class sleepers, not sure about the price but heard to be around 800 RMB (currently discounted to 730 and 655 RMB, apparently)

2) Daytime D train (9.5+ hours, 1 daily): 2nd-class seat 452 RMB, 1st-class seat 542 RMB

3) Overnight Z train (11.5 hours, 3 daily): soft seat 283 RMB, soft sleeper 478/499 RMB for upper/lower bunk

4) Overnight T train (13.5 hours, 2 daily): hard seat 179 RMB, hard sleeper 306/317/327 RMB for upper/middle/lower bunk, soft sleeper 478/499 RMB for upper/lower bunk

5) Lousy slow train (23+ hours, 1 daily): hard seat 88 RMB, hard sleeper 176/183/190 RMB, soft sleeper 290/304 RMB

I wouldn%26#39;t suggest going by hard seat, it%26#39;s really too traumatic and not worth the savings. The D train is too expensive and a waste of money for most of us. The hard sleepers for the T trains are almost impossible to get so don%26#39;t count on them. My best options would be soft seat or soft sleeper on the Z trains.

Information and photos on my VirtualTourist Shanghai Transport travel page: members.virtualtourist.com/m/1d57/5be/9/

The deluxe soft sleepers are only on the T trains. It might be worthwhile just buying up all 4 sleepers of a room in normal soft sleeper, on the Z trains. I%26#39;d prefer to book in advance.

JPdeM,

Those sites are fantastic! I did as you suggested and put in dates for a few days from now. End result, I%26#39;ve managed to get approx flight costs down from 拢350 per person(as quoted by Trailfinders in the UK) to approx 拢170-200 as per those sites.

REALLY appreciate the advice.

M

Thank you Ellyse!

Really appreciate the trouble you%26#39;ve gone to. I may well take the luxury sleeper option just for the experience of it.

Many thanks, Mo

My pleasure.

You saved enough money to buy me a drink while in Beijing! Ha! Ha! Kidding.....

JPdeM,

I think I could afford to buy you a pint after this but to get TWO drinks, I%26#39;d appreciate your opinions on the following (with apologies for the barrage of questions):

1. In terms of Itinerary, I%26#39;m thinking of 4 nights Beijing and then 4 nights Shanghai - does this sound about right, given how much there is to do/see in both cities? I have a sneaky suspicion that I may be better off doing 5 nights Beijing and 3 nights Shanghai and would appreciate your opinion.

2. Also, in Beijing, how expensive are private guides to take us to the Forbidden City, Temples, Hutongs etc? Is there actually much benefit to getting a guide?

3. I%26#39;m assuming a day for The Great Wall - is there a particular section you%26#39;d recommend with great views but less tourists? Again, is a Guide worth it?

4. We%26#39;re staying in the Sofitel Wanda in Beijing (as the other half gets a good discount with Sofitels) - do you have any personal experience with this hotel?

Many thanks, Mo

Our Tour guide for the day John

My husband Byron and I recently returned from a 4 day stay in Beijing. I had previously organised by Email 8 months previously the services of John a Tour Guide/Driver for a full day,s driving around and seeing the sights. This day started by a smiling impecibally dressed gentleman (John) picking us up in the foyer of our Hotel and driving us away in his beautifully maintained Sonata for our drive out to The Great Wall Mutianyu. This took about a good hour with a photo stop of the Birds nest enroute. Johns command of English was a welcomed relief and the fact that we were being driven to our destination was also a pleasure initself because we could just sit and look at the surrounding countryside with a running commentary with someone that not only spoke english but also understood our questions. We arrived at Mutianyu and John assisted us with getting our tickets, we caught the cable car to the starting point of the Great Wall whilst John waited down the bottom (as planned) and for us to meet him back down there when we had finished our walk. After our Great Wall walk we caught the toboggin back down to where the stalls and kiosk where John was patiently waiting for us. He then took us to a local restaurant where we chose our fish which was prepared for us along with a couple of other dishes which were absolutely delightful and we enjoyed the lovely meal. We then drove to have a look at the Hutongs and walked around and enjoyed the informative information that John shared with us and I must say that in this one day of our time with John we were so very well informed about Beijing and its Culture we felt as if we had been there for a very long time.

What can I say but John was the perfect person to show us the sights of Beijing and we learnt so much and it was an absolute pleasure to spend part of our holiday with him.

If you would like to know Johns email address please feel free to email me. His response to my emails was always withing a 24 hour period.

Our Tour guide for the day John

We also used John and had the same wonderful experience, early November. He was very pleasant and easy to work with. Would highly recommend him.

Our Tour guide for the day John

Hi,

I am visiting beijing in late Jan. Can you pls mail be the email address of John (your tour guide in beijing).

Also can you share the charge details? Did you took the service for entire 4 days or were paying on daily basis.

Rgds

We used John for 1 day and his charge with his car and petrol included was $800rmb this was quoted to us back in Feb. This of course may have changed because we booked this back in Feb 07. In retrospect we should have booked John for the Forbidden city as well if given the chance again, because it is just like a maze, and you waste so much precious energy and time trying to understand what is around you and also one does have a tendency to get.....lost.

For anybody who has a place of interest to visit and they feel that this is an extremely important part of their holiday (whilst in a foreign country, where their language is not widly understood) get a tour guide of sorts...............you will pleased that you did.

We too just visited Beijing on Jan 2-5 and used John for one day shared the same experience. Great Wall slide and all. I echo every positive comment about John. Prompt, clean, well spoke and informative. Worth every RMB.........

Let me add another positive comment for John- he took us to Mutianyu last year and i can%26#39;t speak highly enough about him and our trip with him. Two thumbs up-- highest recommendation!

Can you provide me with John%26#39;s e-mail address please? We are planning to go to BJ in April and are very much interested in hiring a taxi tour guide.

Thanks.

His Email address is:

johnyellowcar@hotmail.com

We found him to be an invaluable for our special day in Beijing. I would also recommend him for the Forbidden City because it is an absolute maze in there, and im sure, like I said we missed alot of interesting aspects.

Have fun Cheryl and Byron

We hired John for the day during our visit to Beijing in October. He drove us to Jinshanling and showed us where to get on the wall. We hiked the 6 or so miles on the wall to Simatai and John was right there waiting for us. I cannot say enough about the great time we had. John could not have been a more gracious driver for the day. He spoke perfect English and answered any questions we had. He stopped along the way so we could buy some snacks to take with us and stopped at a local mom and pop restaurant for lunch after our hike. If I ever return to Beijing, I would not hesitate to hire John again.

Hi

Thanks for your helpful comments re: PEK

I am traveling to Beijing with my children aged 14 and 15 this Friday, Mar. 13 for 6 days.

I would greatly appreciate any info you can provide regarding John the driver.

Thank-you

Rochelle

Toronto, Ontario

Canada

e-mail: rochelle1@cogeco.ca

What Should I do at Macau

Dear forumers,

Am planning to flying to Hong Kong this coming 22 March 2009 via Macau. Taking AirAsia to Macau and then ferry to Hong Kong. ETA to Macau is around 8 pm.

(a) Could anyone advise me on how do i get myself onto a ferry to HK?

(b) I plan to stay at Venetian Hotel, is it a best choice?

(c) As I plan to check out the next day, so I just have little time to shop and get around at Macau. where should I go and do?

What Should I do at Macau

(a) Ferries leave for Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island at 15minute intervals from the main ferry terminal on the Macau Peninsula. The new Cotaijet at the Pak On Ferry Terminal on Taipa Island (next to the Airport) has ferries leaving at half hourly intervals. As you%26#39;re staying at the Venetian, you can catch their free shuttle service from the Hotel%26#39;s West Entrance lobby to the Taipa island terminal and sail on the brand new Cotaijet to Hong Kong Island. It is brand new and offers a far more comfortable ride (but at the same price) than the older ferries servicing the main ferry terminal on the Macau Peninsula.

(b) Venetian is a good choice for you since your flight touches down in Macau late and the hotel is located on Taipa Island where the airport is sited. It has casinos and plenty of great shopping and restaurants all under one roof so you don%26#39;t need to venture out of the resort if you have limited time in Macau. The resort/casino/hotel is only a five minute taxi ride from the airport. When you exit immigration, turn to your right and follow overhead signage to the exit where there will be ample supply of metered taxis waiting for you. Venetian has half hourly shuttle buses to/from the airport but no point pulling your bags to the departure deck to wait for the shuttle. You can always take the free shuttle when you leave the Venetian for the airport. Taxi meter starts at MOP13 + MOP5 airport toll, add MOP3 per piece of luggage stored in the boot. Your ride should cost less than MOP20 without lugguage and no more than MOP30 if you have two bags in the boot. Very reasonable compared to Hong Kong or Singapore.

(c) No problem, the casino operates round-the-clock and the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian open till 11pm on weekdays and till 12 midnight on Fridays, Saturdays and Eve of Public Holidays. You%26#39;ll probably regret not having enough time at the Venetian if you are a shopperholic;-). Have fun.

What Should I do at Macau

wowwww...I like your reply, so complete and make me confidence that I wont lost and also can enjoy my vacation at Macau even only one night :)Thanks a lot..

Btw, I will leave for HK the next day. I stay at Peterson St, Causeway Bay (from 23 March and leave for Singapore at 26 March ). My staff wants to go to :

1. Lantau Island

2. Madame Tussauds

3. Jumbo Restaurant

4. Ladies Market

and...I like to go to Tsim Sha Tsui (Avenue of Stars)

Would you like to tell me where should I go first and how to go?

And How to get to the airport by airport express train (from Peterson St, Causeway Bay)? and how long it takes from Peterson St to airport ? I need to arrange it well so I wont miss the flight :)

May

Hullo Maycarich, and welcome to the forums. You will get more expert advice on your questions about Hong Kong if you post them in the Hong Kong forum.

For Macau, my opinion is that whether the Venetian is a good choice depends on what you want to do in your short stay. If you just want to explore the hotel and its shops, excellent, but if you want to do more sightseeing in Macau it is not so convenient, as it is the most isolated hotel. Downtown hotels in the same price range would include Wynn, Lisboa, MGM, Sofitel, Galaxy Starworld or Mandarin Oriental. All of these have easy access to historical sights, more variety in shopping and restaurants, and other casinos. A good place to look for bargain room rates is www.macau.com .

Once again, thanks a lot...how about sight seing on boat like go to Venezuela ? :) where can I get it?

Thanks before

I%26#39;m sorry, I don%26#39;t understand how Venezuela is related to the Macau queries.

Firs time to Macau

Some info required please.

We are flying into HK with Air Asia from KL in November for 10 days. Thought we would split our time having 4 days first in Macau then 6 days HK.

1) Is this split suitanle or can u offer any other suggestions.

2) Do Air asia fly into the main INternational Terminal In HK

3) Whats the best way to get to macau from HK Airport if by ferry where to we board?

4) We will be carrying a standard size suitcase each, do they have luggage service on ferries/

5) If by ferry how long should it take? Is it advisable to pre book ferry transfers?

6)Whats the best location to stay in Macau where we dont have to use sp much transport(eg close to shops ferries dining etc)

7) Recommend Hotels 4 or 5 star.

Sorry for all the questions but thanks in advance for any info.

Firs time to Macau

1. Macau is much smaller than Hong Kong; most people would probably think 2 full days in Macau would be enough, but if you are a serious foodie or gambler 4 days might not be enough!

2. All flights into HK arrive into the same hub, although it%26#39;s so big that there is a people mover (train) to bring people in from the further gates.

3. If you are going directly to Macau from HKIA, the Turbojet SeaExpress service is very convenient. Follow the Skypier signs after getting off your plane. The ticketing area is before you go through immigration. When you purchase your tickets, give the staff your luggage checks, and they will collect your check-in bags and transfer them to the ferry. The Skypier departure gate is about the most boring area in HK airport - if there is a long wait for your ferry transfer then after passing security you are free to return to the main airside area of the airport. Just ensure that you return to the gate lounge at least 45 minutes before your ferry departure time. A bonded bus transfers passengers to the ferry pier. which means there is a legal fiction that you have not entered Hong Kong, but that your flight dropped you directly in Macau.

4. As mentioned, Turbojet staff organise your bags on and off the ferry for you. At the Macau end you collect them from a trolley that comes in just past the immigration counters, on the right.

5. The ferry trip from HK airport is about 45 minutes. There is no need to prebook this service. For the return to Hong Kong you only need to book a day or two in advance if you will be travelling on a weekend or local public holiday. The trip between Macau and HK island or Kowloon takes about an hour.

6. I would stay on Macau peninsula, where most things are within walking distance.

7. There%26#39;s an embarrassment of good hotels to choose from; each has its own style and character. Mandarin Oriental, Lisboa, Wynn, MGM, Starworld, Sofitel and Royal spring to mind.

sausage in a pasta recipe

Butterfly on Prat, HK

Hi Guys, seems like this hotel got a quiet decent and good review here. Check it out! I%26#39;m going to stay there on my March Holiday.

Butterfly on Prat, HK

Hi Andy,

Which period in March are you going to HKG? I%26#39;m looking for a hotel during 27-29 march, but it seems like this period is peak, the rates is super high. How much are you paying for your stay?

Butterfly on Prat, HK

Hi There,

I booked for Butterfly on Prat almost a month ago to avoid peak season room charge. Butterfly seems decent and good location, you can try to book through www.asiatravel.com as I did. My room for 4 days (25-29 March 09) cost me HK$2,900.00 and free wireless in room internet connection. I tried to book through their own website but they still don%26#39;t have reservation web page. The other other hotel you can consider and also good location is: http://www.hotelbenito.com/eng/index.htm I used to stay there everytime I visit HK. It%26#39;s nice beautique hotel and come with free in room internet service. For hotel Benito you can make a room booking through their website, and the last time I checked they still have superrior room with reasonable price. Good luck!

Did you get the stay 3 nights and pay for 2 deal at Butterfly on the prat? I saw that somewhere.

I%26#39;m hoping to call them to get a good rate for 2 rooms. Actually I don%26#39;t have a high budget, I%26#39;m looking for HKD600 per room.

Just try to call them. I didn%26#39;t get that offer, as I will stay there for 4 nights. But I still recommend Hotel Benito if u want to stretch your budget more instead of staying at other budget hotel but you never know the quality.

Hi,

I also chanced upon this hotel on the web. Do you know what are the diferences between the 2 types of rooms and what are the sizes? I%26#39;m planning to go in the mid of mar 09. Thanks!

Hi there,

I%26#39;m not sure for the room size and difference. I guest you can find out the difference at: butterflyhk.com/butterfly-on-prat/鈥ndex.html

I think they have similarity with hotel Benito.

ok.. i just took a ';risk'; and booked a 6 night stay with them from march 22 to 28 after doing tons of research for the last several months.. i am keeping my fingers crossed.. does anyone know if making local phone calls is free in the hotel room(I hope it is)

does anyone know if Butterfly has a good gym?

In reply to the question about local calls being free. From what I read they are free from telephones in houses restaurants etc. Hotels will charge and so do payphones in the street.

ok.. %26#39;cause at hotel benito local calls made in your room are free

mor

buying electronics in hong kong

Hi we are going to be in Hong Kong beginning of April. I want to buy a camcorder; laptop; and blue tooth. Can you get warranties that will be honoured in Canada. Can you get items with north american plugs. We are only there for 2 days - where is the best place to go. Really appreciate any advice

thanks

buying electronics in hong kong

Hi,

the best place to buy electronic items is in those big electronic shop chain such as Fortress (you can find it in many shopping mall), Broadway and Chung Yuen Electrical.

just a warning, never buy anything in the small electronic shop along the Nathan Road in TST which alway named as %26#39; SONY%26#39; or %26#39; PANASONIC%26#39;.

I may not sure about the American, but you may ask!

hope it helps

buying electronics in hong kong

Agree about not buying in the small, brightly lit shops along Nathan Road (and similar ones around TST), as they often use unscrupulous practices to rip off tourists. There has been heaps of threads on this topic. Best sticking to the well known chain stores such as Fortress or Broadway. Harbour City and Times Square have some of the larger branches. You should also check prices at home for comparison; given the current exchange rate it may not be all that attractive to shop in HK.

You will not get american type plugs if you purchase in these chain stores, but you can easily get an adaptor plug at electrical shops or stores selling home items (should be under HK$10).

I agree about where to buy, there are cheaper places than Fortress and Broadway, but you take your chances. What I would say though is that there is a certain amount of disagreement over international warranties. I would check very carefully to make sure your warranty will be honoured in Canada, don%26#39;t take the shop%26#39;s word for it. On the other hand, as has been said it might not be such a bargain. It will however be the latest stuff outside of Tokyo.

Make sure you understand about warranties, etc before buying. I%26#39;d stick to Broadway or Fortress. You might save a little (I mean a percent or two) at other places but it%26#39;s not worth your time.

Also, watch for Canadian customs. From what I know, they like to slap duty on goodies you bring back.

most electronics do NOT attract duties. Only 5% GST, and PST depending on arrival port. Since there is no direct flight to MTL, there is no PST payable at customs for the OP.

Bluetooth is so cheap in Canada, it%26#39;s not worth the hassle, unless you mean headsets - I know of none that carries worldwide warranty.

Certain brands of camcorders and laptops carry worldwide warranties valid in Canada. You have to look at the actual document (if shopping at reputable stores) or verify with the local distributor.

You will need to pay extra for the OEM north american plug, or just get an adapter for 1-2CAD in HK.

Bear in mind that customer returns, demos are often sold as new and is legal in HK.

It may or may not be cheaper. Go to http://www.fortress.com.hk and compare similar items with the prices at Future Shop.

The best thing you can do to make sure the guarantees will be valid overseas is to check the manufacturers%26#39; websites to ensure that you are going to an authorized retailer / agency. Broadway and Fortress are authorized for most reputable brands, but if there is a particular brand and model that you know you want it is worth your while to check.

I also second the advice to check current exchange rates!

Hi

I found a useful site www.shopcite.com for checking prices when I was shopping in Hong Kong last week. They even have a mobile version www.shopcite.mobi so you can use it anytime to avoid being ripped off.

It certainly helped me when I was trying to buy a Canon EOS 450D 18-55mm kit in a shop and they said they could offer me a better value for money Nikon D60 18-55mm kit at $6000. I found instantly on my

mobile the Nikon D60 kit was only selling for around $4980 so I just walked out the shop. I agree with barri to avoid the neon light shops.

Overnight at Simatai

We are planning a trip to the Great Wall in April and would like to go to Jinshanling and then hike to Simatai and stay the night there before returning to Beijing on the second day.

Any advice on good places to stay at Simatai, that aren%26#39;t too expensive?

Also, how easy is it to find the bus stop to get a bus from Simatai to Beijing?

Reaching Guangzhou for cantoon , wants tvisit macau 1 night

We two persons reaching Guangzhou airport on 14th morning around 6.30 and will stay there on 14 , 15 and 16 on 17th morning we would like to go to Macau . Will stay in Macau on 17th and back from macau on 18th evening , our flight from Guangzhou is at 5.30 evening on 17th .

We want to see Cantoon fair day time on 14 , 15 and evening we would like to enjoy a lot . On 16th we are free for day and night .

On 17th morning we wants to check in Macau any hotel very near to Lisboa , last time you suggested us Breverly plaza thats was very good .

We have 17th day and night to enjoy Macau and will check out 18th morning to get our flight from Guangzhou at 5.15 evening .

We wants to enjoy this tour a lot . Our budget for hotel is near 70 USD .

Please suggest us a good plan and best location to stay where every thing is near for enjoyment .

Reaching Guangzhou for cantoon , wants tvisit macau 1 night

Hi Rahuljinn, it%26#39;s good to know you are coming for another visit to Macau.

I do not know where you are staying in Guangzhou, but there are buses from many areas that come to Zhuhai, just near the Macau border. The journey is about 2 1/2 hours, depending on your starting point. Depending on time of arrival, allow 30 - 60 minutes for border crossing formalities..

Do you have a double or multiple entry visa for China mainland? Because you will use up a single entry when you cross into Macau.

Beverly Plaza is still the best value hotel in this area, but sometimes on weekdays you can even get a very good bargain in the original Lisboa hotel - look in the hotel agencies in the street behind the Beverly when you arrive, they have the best bargains for the day.

When returning to Guangzhou, there are express buses to the airport running approximately every hour from the above-ground bus station to the far right after the border crossing. Again, the journey time is about 2 1/2 hours.

Reaching Guangzhou for cantoon , wants tvisit macau 1 night

I regularly take buses from outside the Landmark Canton Hotel in Haizhu Square. There are both CTS %26amp; Kee Kwan Company buses - comfortable %26amp; clean and express all the way to Zhuhai - however I notice that the CTS buses actually say Macau/Aomen on the front and sometimes the driver is seated on the right (as in macau). I assume these buses cross the border but I don%26#39;t know where the terminus is - Oisaan???

Zhuhai2007, I haven%26#39;t caught them, but I assume these are the same buses that park outside the Lisboa. I think they use the Lotus Bridge checkpoint.

Ossian , Thanks for your vauable advaise , last time I visited Macau as per advice and really wonderfull tripp because of your advice .

Now our programmes is

We will check in on 15th April afternoon Landmark cantoon in Guangzhou near pearl river and will visit cantoon fair on 16th 17th day time , so our evenings on 15th 16th 17th are to enjoy Guangzhou please advice what we shld do???...we wants fun, no interest in historical , parks, should we stay for 18th also to see Guanzhou ?? otherwise we will check out on 18th morning and wants to go Zuhai , how to go ?? (We have single entry visa for china this time )

I think , We will reach zuhai in afternoon ,, which is the best centre and fun tourist area and hotel in Zuhai?? walking distance for all as Beravely plaza in macau you suggested .

What we should visit in Zuhai , day and night , from 18th afternoon to 20th morning( last night macau lisboa again ?? ) or Zuhai have a lot to enjoy ?? .

We have to reach HK airport to get our flight of 5.30 evening back to India . How to reach HK Airport from Zuhai or Macau ??

Please give me the best detaild tripp as last time you suggested me , considering we have single entry visa to china .

thanks a lot in advance

Rahul

I%26#39;m not so familiar with nightlife and clubs in Zhuhai and Guangzhou; you might get more advice on these if you post separately in the forums for those cities.

To return to HK airport, my suggestion would be to use the Turbojet SeaExpress service from Macau. They have their own website to explain the service, complete with timetables and fares, but the idea is that you can complete immigration and security checks in Macau before boarding the ferry and then proceed directly to the airside (past immigration) in HK airport.

Thanks for you suggestion , it seems you are not interested to give me detaild advice this time as about hotel , about guangzhou zhuhai travel and more i asked in my detiald post ??

I need a detaild programme if you can spare some time for me . can you help me in this regard again as last time you did for me ??

Zhuhai to Lantau Island

Is there a ferry travelling from zhuhai to lantau island?

:)

Zhuhai to Lantau Island

No, you have to catch a ferry to Kowloon or HK island and go through immigration there. From HK island, the Macau ferry pier is near the Central ferry piers with ferries to Lantau. Or you can go to HK station and catch the MTR.

Zhuhai to Lantau Island

thanks!

Is Chu Kong Passenger Transport co%26#39;s ferry the only way to get from Zhuhai to Hk (vice versa)?

i find the tickets of 175/178 HKD a little pricey.

I think they might be the only company operating that route. Even if there is another company, I wouldn%26#39;t expect prices to be much cheaper - there are three companies operating the HK - Macau route and all their prices are similar.

thanks drumbrake!

Yes CKS is the only company on the run and I think $178 is quite reasonable for the regular %26amp; reliable service they offer and the time it takes. I assume that some significant portion of the fare goes to the respective governments for the immigration service just as the departure tax you pay at International Airports.

In a few years time there will be a bridge direct from Zhuhai to Lantau Island but don%26#39;t hold your breath!

Is it necessary to reserve the tickets online?

Or can i just go straight to the jiuzhou port to purchase the ferry tickets for:

Zhuhai to HK (China Ferry Terminal) and

HK (Macau Ferry Terminal) to Zhuhai

Unless you are travelling on or just before a holiday (for example Easter) or at weekends, I would not worry about booking online in advance. However, if you are certain of your travel times you might as well.

I bought my ticket for Saturday 24 hr ahead and the ferry appeared full but last night I bought the tkt only 1 hr ahead.

conditions and marriage

tell about Guangzhou , Zhuahi nightlife and how to travel

Can you suggest me a plan as per our programmes

We will check in on 15th April afternoon Landmark cantoon Guangzhou near pearl river and will visit cantoon fair on 16th 17th day time , so our evenings on 15th 16th 17th are to enjoy Guangzhou nighlife ??

please advice what we shld do???...we wants fun, no interest in historical , parks, should we stay for 18th also to see Guanzhou ?? otherwise we will check out on 18th morning and wants to go Zuhai , how to go ?? (We have single entry visa for china this time )

I think , We will reach zuhai in afternoon ,, which is the best centre and fun tourist area and hotel in Zuhaito stay ?? walking distance for all main points night life etc ??

What we should visit in Zuhai , day and night , from 18th afternoon to 20th morning( last night macau lisboa again as we have visited once ?? ) or Zuhai have a lot to enjoy ?? .

We have to reach HK airport to get our flight of 5.30 evening back to India . How to reach HK Airport from Zuhai ??

Please give me the best detaild tripp considering we have single entry visa to china .

thanks a lot in advance

What to do in Yangshuo

Have a few days holiday and want to see the scenery of Guilin and Yangshuo. Any advice would be appreciated.

What to do in Yangshuo

bicycle riding, rafting, hiking - see www.yangers.com

mor

Visa from Hong Kong to Shenzhen

Can anyone update on the status of applying landing visa from hongkong to shenzhen now? For malaysia and indonesia passport. Thanks!

Visa from Hong Kong to Shenzhen

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g294217-i1496-k904鈥?/a>

Visa from Hong Kong to Shenzhen

The problem with giving information for Shenzhen visas is that there is no, as far as I%26#39;m aware, official information available online. Therefore, to a large extent you are relying on reports from others.

At the moment, I%26#39;m fairly certain that Malaysians can get a Shenzhen visa. However, I%26#39;m not at all certain about Indonesians.

As it is usually the same price to get a single entry visa in advance, getting one in advance might be your best course of action.

Mingle on the Wing, Hotel Benito or Citadines Ashley?

Hi

These 3 come up as being popular, cheap (for HK!) and fairly central hotels. We have a one night stopover on our trip to Borneo but unfortunately have an early morning flight at 8.00am so need to be somewhere convenient to catch the Airport Bus/Train, in time for this flight.

Which would be best? Can anyone rank in order as I am struggling to get availability for Mingle on our date although will try the hotel directly. I haven%26#39;t found times of the bus but I think the trains go from just before 6am. The bus trip seems to take about 40 mins from Hotel Benito so it depends how early a bus we can get.

Any advice much appeciated. OR if there are any reasonably priced hotels near the main Kowloon MTR station that anyone could sugges, that would be great.

Thanks!

Elong and international mobile numbers

Hello,

I was trying to book a flight from Beijing to Xian with Elong, but I%26#39;m having a blocking problem.

Elong%26#39;s booking page is asking me for a mobile number, which I%26#39;ve tried to enter several times in several formats... but all the time it tells me that the format is incorrect...

I%26#39;m using my italian mobile number, with or without international code (Italy is 0039)... if I use international code the input field does not even have enough space for all the numbers...

Anyone out there having the same problem ?

Thanks

Elong and international mobile numbers

They are a pain aren%26#39;t they. Will you require you to fax creditcard and passport details as well?

There are other companies - www.travelzen.com and www.ctripcom - the price is the same. If one causes trouble, try another.

Travelzen doesn%26#39;t charge a surcharge for international credit cards either.

Elong and international mobile numbers

See this notice from elong for %26#39;foreign creditcard holders%26#39;

icons.elong.com/banner/air/kerhc_en.html

The other company is www.ctrip.com

Use it or www.travelzen.com instead

try the other companies or make up a number

I have used elong before, and I have given then a Hong Kong number and they have phoned me up soon after booking with a question. Therefore, while they can contact you by email, I%26#39;d hesitate in making up a number - that said I just tried to make a booking and it wouldn%26#39;t accept any of the telephone numbers I tried to enter!

At the moment I just use elong to check prices - I find their display more user friendly. Then I book with travelzen.

a good myspace layouts

Suggestions on where to go for a ';vacation'; from Beijing?

Hi, my 19 year old daughter has now been in Beijing for one month, on a 6 month study abroad/internship program. The program has a ';spring break'; April 4th-April 12th, and she and her friends are trying to figure out what to do during this time. They%26#39;ve seen a good deal of Beijing and surrounding areas on the weekend trips that the group takes, so they are thinking they%26#39;d like to explore other areas of China. Any ideas for interesting areas/things to do that wouldn%26#39;t be too expensive?

Thanks.

Suggestions on where to go for a ';vacation'; from Beijing?

Yunnan for a week. Get a cheap flight to Kunming and bus from there.

late night transportation from Xitang to Shanghai?

Does anybody know of any late night transportation from Xitang to Shanghai around 10-11pm? Do you know if the minibuses run late from Xitang to Jiashan? Are there taxis?

I know there are late trains from Jiashan to Shanghai until 11pm. I just need info to know how to go to Jiashan from Xitang late at night.