Is there anybody booked on this tour for this start date? or anyone that has done the tour? would like to know if all the train travel makes you a bit weary!!!
China Discovery 17 October
Is there anybody booked on this tour for this start date? or anyone that has done the tour? would like to know if all the train travel makes you a bit weary!!!
Re: China Discovery 17 October
Yup, I did this tour back in July. Honestly the train travel was fine, there was only the one slightly dodgy leg where the bedding was more like second hand towels. Probably best to invest in a sleeping-bag liner. Other than that I had no real complaints. The top bunk seemed to have slightly less leg room than the other bunks, and the air-conditioning varied but nothing which was a real problem.
Absolutely top tour. Altho, personally I thought the river cruise was a day too long (make sure you have plenty of reading material and don't eat too much of the food, they supply way too much and it's far too rich), and a day too long in Yangshou (no, I don't want a bike trip to sodding moon hill and no I don't want a postcard, or that book, or a flute, just let me eat my food!). That said the bike ride was good, it's just that you get very tired being bothered by the touts.
What else? Erm, don't want to spoil anything and your guide will tell you everything you need to know. Take good walking shoes for the Wall, ensure your insurance will pay to fly you home if you break a leg, and plenty of film/memory cards.
One final thing, our guide recommended a masseuse (Lee-something) in Yangshou. Now I can't say for sure, but I've been having problems with my neck and shoulders since I've come back. It could be that she loosened something up and now it's stiffening again (I do hunch over a keyboard all day long), or it could be that she aggravated something back there. She does go for it, really gets in there, incredibly strong hands, just be careful.
Re: China Discovery 17 October
I did this last year, the trains are fine, especially the first one - a bit of a culture burst! Watch out for indestructible socks!!!
The 3 lakes (once called the three gorges) were dull, but the mini gorges were great. The boat was good for a while, but I agree it was a bit long. Yangshuo on the other hand, I loved it- Loads to do Photos, bikes, Kung Fu, Cookery (some did, not me) And Coffee widely available.(and we weren't pestered at all) The rest of it- just great. One day less on the boat, and an extra day anywhere would have been great.
Re: China Discovery 17 October
Hi Debbie
I'm on the trip with you...along with three other friends. Can't wait to meet you in just a few weeks!
One of my friends is currently on the trip right now... sending us updates as the trip progresses...it sounds fantastic!
See you in a few weeks!
Re: China Discovery 17 October
HI
Are you going on the China Explored(starting in Beijing) or the China Discovery(starting in Hong Kong)?
YOu have mentioned both in your replies!
Cheers
Re: China Discovery 17 October
My bad... we are starting in Beijing... I hope you are too!