travel tours to china

So you've decided to go on a tour to China, but now how can you choose a tour guide? China is a vast country with a huge number of tour companies and independent tour guides. It's important to pick somebody that's knowledgeable of their area, is trustworthy, and for most tourists, it's important to pick somebody affordable. Ask the tour guide how long they will work in a day. It isn't uncommon for the tourist to forget that the tour guide also has a life to live. If you expect them to be with you all day, you better be sure that they have agreed to that.

Guangzhou, the provincial capital of Guangdong, is one of the largest and most prosperous cities in southern China. Situated between the Baiyun Hill in the north and the Zhujiang (Pearl River) Delta Plain in the south. The city is 125 kilometers northwest of Hong Kong on the Pearl River. As a tourist spot, China offers a limitless variety of spectacular scenery and historical wonders. Generally May, September and October are ideal for touring anywhere in the country. During June to August, travelers often visit central and northern China, as rainfall is likely to occur in southern China during this time. Moreover October is ideal to travel anywhere and any region in the country.

The terracotta army of Xian, Buddhist caves, temples of Tibet, Great Wall of China, the ancient places of Beijing and Shanghai are some of the most popular attractions in China. There are over 13000 travel agencies offering adventure tours in mountains and rivers in the different provinces of China. If you are looking for Chinese Kong fu excursions, Shaolin, the legendary name always comes into your mind first. Shaolin temple in Dengfeng, Henan province is considered as the origin of Chinese martial art, Kong fu and the Zen Buddhism movement. This article presents my unforgettable Chinese Kong fu tour. It's more than a tour.

Many travelers prefer to travel to China taking advantage of various tours special that can be found at any travel agency and on the Internet. But for those who know where they want to go and what they want to see, a customized tour is the way to go. Travel agencies can customize their tour packages according to your requirements and tastes. A good agency will offer you tailor-made programs taking you wherever you want to go and provide you with options to participate in activities of your choice. Travelers along this legendary route can also have opportunities to experience the unique local cultures. If your tour starts from Xian heading for Urumqi and Kashgar, you will see the gradual transition from Buddhist culture to Islamic culture. Urgur people are known for their hospitality and they are always quick to invite you into their home and serve you homemade food, and the fresh local fruits. Nearly every Urgur people can sing and dance. Dancing is an integral part of every Urgur people life. Urgur people sing and dance for nearly every event: weddings, funerals, gatherings, and just for fun.

Read More...

Hotel Guide in China

When it comes to hotels within China, you just have to be a little careful. o Hotel Travel Guide China – International Brand hotels, 4 and 5 Star Mostly these types of 4 and 5 star hotels will be ok, generally they will be run by a western boss and have western heads of all the departments. Training, etc, of the staff, consistency of the level service from an international brand hotel is important, so most will have enough English speakers around to make your stay welcome and hassle free. The breakfast will be catered for both Chinese and Western appetites, with the hotel occupancy rate around 50 – 50 Chinese to Westerner. o Hotel Travel Guide China – Chinese hotels, 4 and 5 stars within the Major Cities Within the major cities, most will be as the International brands and the level of service just as good. Within the restaurants and shops, the English should be at a level that you would get most things without too much bother. If the clientele is Westerner and Chinese, the breakfast will be all the usual food that you will recognize. o Hotel Travel Guide China – Chinese hotels, 4 and 5 star, Rural location I lot of Chinese travel, for these hotels this is their major business, not westerners, the westerners are classed as an extra, which has come along over the last few years. Some have not learnt to deal with this extra business yet. These more out of the way Chinese 4 and 5 Star hotels are a little different; comparatively the fixtures and fitting will be the same standard as any 4 or 5 Star hotel, however sometimes the same care and attention in the maintenance and service to the customer will be different to what you will be used too. Not necessarily worst or bad, just different. Western and Chinese expectations in all areas of the China travel business are different, this is the why I set up Travel-the-Real-China .com. The level of English generally will not be as good, so just take your time, they will find someone, or you will work, just keep your cool. I have stayed at some great Chinese 4 and 5 star hotels, and been very happy, so do not be put off. All I have visited have been clean tidy and for an overall statement: a pleasant stay was had by all. The breakfast will be a Chinese breakfast and if it is a regular stop for Western travelers, some western food will be served. If it is an out of the way place, you may not get the type of breakfast you expect, the Chinese eat different things for breakfast, so to get a simple cup of tea or coffee and some toast just will not happen. There will be hot water, if you have to have your tea or coffee, bring your own. The breakfast will have lots of food, just not, what you will be expecting. o Hotel Travel Guide China – Chinese hotels, 3 star These 3 star Chinese hotels usually gets very high traffic and occupancy… mostly Chinese, and now the westerners, especially with the major cities For these hotels, maintenance is not high on there lists, so you may find a few things that will not work or have fallen of the wall. If it is dangerous, most of the time, something will be done, otherwise no one will care. Within the major cities most will be clean and tidy and offer some sort of western food for breakfast. Out in the remoter areas… not really. The breakfast will have lots of food, just not, what you will be expecting. Take some tea and coffee if you really need this there will always be hot water. The level of English within the major cities will be, just enough for you to check in, and out in the remoter areas, checking in can take come time. There is a high number of these hotels and it can be a great way to see the country, in Tibet the 3 star hotels are a little pricy, however within China most are good value and will be clean with showers in all the rooms. You just need to be a where; its good value, clean and some small things maybe a little frustrating with it, however that's China. Go with the flow, its part of the adventure of China. o Hotel Travel Guide China – Shanghai hotels – Special rates and location I know of a few small and very good value inner city hotels within Shanghai. These are Chinese hotels and will not be on anyone's list to book, as they are new and classed as Chinese business hotels. Please contact to author if you would like to know more details. I hope this Hotel Travel Guide China gives you a good overview if you would like more info please let me know.

Read More...

Hong Kong Hotels – Where to Stay in Kowloon

Hong Kong hotels are some of the most expensive accommodations in Asia. But that doesn't mean you won't find any budget or affordable hotels at all. For the most hotel choices for a traveler on a budget or just anyone looking for a decent place to stay without breaking the bank, head for the Kowloon peninsula in Hong Kong. The Kowloon peninsula is Hong Kong island's gateway to mainland China. There is an efficient and affordable train system running up and down Kowloon with stations positioned throughout the popular districts in the area. You can easily travel back and forth to each other by Hong Kong's classic and iconic ferry boats across the Hong Kong Harbour or by train through a tunnel beneath the harbour. By staying in a hotel in Kowloon you will be in a strategic location for the best shopping, eating and nightlife with ways to easily explore all parts of Hong Kong. And by staying in Kowloon you'll have plenty of accommodation choices to choose from as well. But here's a warning in advance. Most hotel rooms in Hong Kong are small and most cases it doesn't matter whether you are staying at a 5 star hotel or a cheap place. The best place to stay in Kowloon is close to a major avenue called Nathan road which runs through several popular districts called Tsim Sha Tsui (TST), Mongkok, Jordan and Yau Ma Tei. Nathan road is also referred to as the "Golden Mile" that will dazzle you with it's sights, sounds and smells. Much like Broadway in New York City, Nathan road is the spine of Kowloon and when you find it you'll never get lost. One of the best budget to affordable hotel in Kowloon is the BP International Hotel located in shopper's paradise district of Tsim Sha Tsui. It is run by the Hong Kong Chapter of the Boy's Scouts association and offers guests clean rooms and good service. The BP is located right on the northern tip of Kowloon Park right next to Nathan road. Since the hotel is 25 floors high you can get a really good view of the city, park and hotel. A room at BP will set you back around HK$650 (low season room rate). The room rate does not include breakfast though, however there are many affordable places to eat nearby, even a McDonald's restaurant. Another budget hotel worth looking at is located a bit further up in Mongkok district. It's called the Largos Hotel. Just like the BP the rooms are small but comfortable and good for a night's rest. Rooms here cost around HK$600 (low season rate) and is a good option close to the Mongkok train station and the ever popular street markets stalls open every night nearby. Now if room space is a big concern and you have a serious case of claustrophobia yet can afford to spend just a bit more then the Prudential Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui district should be your first choice. The Prudential is one of those rare hotels with big rooms and bathrooms. A superior room can fit two twin beds, a large desk and a lounge couch. All for HK$900 per night. And it's also in a convenient location with a train station entrance below the hotel with plenty of places to eat and shop within walking distance. Even though hotels in Hong Kong are considered expensive they are still booked full most of the time, especially during the low season. And it's a good idea to not visit during October (the conventions in town) and February (Chinese New Year's). Room rates during those time can double and even triple in price.

Read More...