I have just returned from China (the China Discovery tour) and hope I can put your mind at rest
Unless you have been advised otherwise you will probably be staying at the SHENGDAYUAN HOTEL, which is close to the underground railway system, which is the best way to get into the city and explore.
A visit to the Temple of Heaven is not included in the tour but you can easily get there by taxi from Tiananmen square (takes about 5 - 10 minutes) and back again.
If you are staying in the 'Sports Hotel', which we sometimes use as an alternative, then taxi is the best way to get to the centre of the city. Prices are very reasonable but it really helps to have your destination written down in Chinese characters to avoid any confusion as little or no English is spoken by the taxi drivers.
Remember that your tour leader will be on hand to help you travel around the city and will escort your group to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City (next to each other) on day 3. Beijing is surprisingly easy to get around so don't worry! You'll probably be given a map by your tour leader with places listed in Chinese too, which is handy.
You'll encounter lots of people trying to sell you touristy items such as kites, books, T-shirts and fake watches but there are no real scams to look out for. You'll learn quite quickly to carry on walking if you see them coming and do not wish to make a purchase. I was offered 10 rolexes for 100 RMB on my recent visit; I'm not sure that they were genuine though...
As with any big city keep your belongings close to you and out of sight where possible but it's not renowned for crime and nobody on my tour ran into any problems.
You do not need a chain and lock for the train journeys! You'll be travelling in a group (6 to a cabin) and your main luggage will tuck away above the carriage corridor (you'll see) and you just need to make sure that somebody stays with hand luggage in your cabin throughout.
I haven't explained that very well - you won't be going anywhere other than your (open) cabin whilst on the train so even if theft was a problem, which it isn't, nobody would have the opportunity to take anything from you. When you go to sleep it's best to push your belongings into your bag under the bed or alongside you but you won't encounter any problems on the trains, which are very nice and well organised.
I hope this helps. If you have any other last-minute questions about your tour or China please feel free to fire away
Regards, Brendan
jetblast
Offline
Joined: 13/06/2005
Posts: 30
Re: China Explored???
Tifa,
You'll want to be on guard for a tea ceremony scam that is prevalent around Tiananmen square. Traditionally, one is approached by one or two young people that claim they want to try out their english. They invite the victim to a local tea ceremony and the bill can be several hundred dollars. If anyone asks if you want to go to tea, you should choose the place yourself and ask for prices up front.
Secondly, the SHENGDAYUAN HOTEL is a dump. Prepare yourself. Rooms are filthy and the lighting is incredibly poor. That was my experience last October when I stayed there on the first floor just behind reception. Seriously, I had better accomodation in Sisophon Cambodia.
Do have a great time in Beijing. It is an interesting city but the pollution can be intense. The subway is really easy to navigate as all the stops are numbered so make use of it.
Have fun.
jetblast
Offline
Joined: 13/06/2005
Posts: 30
Re: China Explored???
Oops, forgot to mention that you might want to invest in something called pacsafe. Not sure if it is available outside north america but here is a link if you are interested.
One guy on my trip last November had his phone stolen on one of the trains. I'd also be very wary in Shanghai if your travels take you there as I know a few people that have been robbed/roughed up in that city.
Two girls and I were being tailed in Xi'an while walking through the market one afternoon but we eventually shook them off. That was really the only issue that I had on my China trip. Always keep your eyes open and that goes for travel anywhere, not just China.
Re: China Explored???
Hi Tifa,
Thanks for your questions.
I have just returned from China (the China Discovery tour) and hope I can put your mind at rest![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Unless you have been advised otherwise you will probably be staying at the SHENGDAYUAN HOTEL, which is close to the underground railway system, which is the best way to get into the city and explore.
A visit to the Temple of Heaven is not included in the tour but you can easily get there by taxi from Tiananmen square (takes about 5 - 10 minutes) and back again.
If you are staying in the 'Sports Hotel', which we sometimes use as an alternative, then taxi is the best way to get to the centre of the city. Prices are very reasonable but it really helps to have your destination written down in Chinese characters to avoid any confusion as little or no English is spoken by the taxi drivers.
Remember that your tour leader will be on hand to help you travel around the city and will escort your group to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City (next to each other) on day 3. Beijing is surprisingly easy to get around so don't worry! You'll probably be given a map by your tour leader with places listed in Chinese too, which is handy.
You'll encounter lots of people trying to sell you touristy items such as kites, books, T-shirts and fake watches but there are no real scams to look out for. You'll learn quite quickly to carry on walking if you see them coming and do not wish to make a purchase. I was offered 10 rolexes for 100 RMB on my recent visit; I'm not sure that they were genuine though...
As with any big city keep your belongings close to you and out of sight where possible but it's not renowned for crime and nobody on my tour ran into any problems.
You do not need a chain and lock for the train journeys! You'll be travelling in a group (6 to a cabin) and your main luggage will tuck away above the carriage corridor (you'll see) and you just need to make sure that somebody stays with hand luggage in your cabin throughout.
I haven't explained that very well - you won't be going anywhere other than your (open) cabin whilst on the train so even if theft was a problem, which it isn't, nobody would have the opportunity to take anything from you. When you go to sleep it's best to push your belongings into your bag under the bed or alongside you but you won't encounter any problems on the trains, which are very nice and well organised.
I hope this helps. If you have any other last-minute questions about your tour or China please feel free to fire away![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Regards,
Brendan
Re: China Explored???
Tifa,
You'll want to be on guard for a tea ceremony scam that is prevalent around Tiananmen square. Traditionally, one is approached by one or two young people that claim they want to try out their english. They invite the victim to a local tea ceremony and the bill can be several hundred dollars. If anyone asks if you want to go to tea, you should choose the place yourself and ask for prices up front.
Secondly, the SHENGDAYUAN HOTEL is a dump. Prepare yourself. Rooms are filthy and the lighting is incredibly poor. That was my experience last October when I stayed there on the first floor just behind reception. Seriously, I had better accomodation in Sisophon Cambodia.
Do have a great time in Beijing. It is an interesting city but the pollution can be intense. The subway is really easy to navigate as all the stops are numbered so make use of it.
Have fun.
Re: China Explored???
Oops, forgot to mention that you might want to invest in something called pacsafe. Not sure if it is available outside north america but here is a link if you are interested.
[url=http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=11]http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=11[/url]
One guy on my trip last November had his phone stolen on one of the trains. I'd also be very wary in Shanghai if your travels take you there as I know a few people that have been robbed/roughed up in that city.
Two girls and I were being tailed in Xi'an while walking through the market one afternoon but we eventually shook them off. That was really the only issue that I had on my China trip. Always keep your eyes open and that goes for travel anywhere, not just China.