Do take a tour
by amambaw
Okay, I know some people might cringe at the thought of doing a tour (tour, you mean as in TOURIST???), but for many places, having an informed guide means you get to know a lot more than the little plaques tell you.
We had one guide for our entire trip, and she was fantastic. At every site, she provided a brief history, as well as important events at the site, and any other culturally significant info.
Although I'm sure you could look up most of the info on the internet, or you could take along a guidebook, there's something to be said about having a Chinese person show you around their country. They grew up there, they speak the language, they know the history. AND, they can get you through the ticket counter unscathed!
Sense of Security
by SLLiew
There was a lot of security in Beijing during the Olympic Games.
With the many volunteers in uniforms at security check at each Olympic event, everyone was cooperating and a sense of security prevailed.
There was a conspicuous absence of military hardware, guns or uniformed soldiers.
Packing List
by Krystynn
DON'T forget to bring along your much-treasured ATM card to withdraw cash. Yes, no need to rush to the money-changers to change all your currencies into Chinese Renminbi (or Yuan, as the locals there call it) before your trip. Once you adhere to the following steps closely, you should be fine:
- Flip to the back of your local ATM card now, do you see the logos 'Cirrus', 'Plus', 'The Exchange', 'Maestro' etc on it?
- If the answer is 'yes', then you have absolutely nothing to worry about!
- Why? Because you can withdraw cash from any ATM machines in China, no matter how obscure the town or village you're at is.
- If you use this method, you'd also save alot on the interbank exchange rates. Money changers will charge you much, MUCH more compared to a bank.
- DO NOT withdraw cash from your Visa/ Mastercard. This is considered a CASH ADVANCE and you'd be slapped with a very hefty fee! Not worth it. :-(
I've used this method many, many times before and so far, no ATM machines in this world have failed me.... Yes, even at the remotest village in China! :-)
So, happy travels!
'Every land has its own special rhythm, and unless the traveler takes the time to learn the rhythm, he or she will remain an outsider there always!' - Juliette de Baircli Levy (English Writer); b.1937
Bargains, bargains everywhere!
by niclcl about Yuexiu & Yaxiu Markets
As with most shopping done in Beijing, bargaining is a must. Prices are horribly inflated, so this would be a good place to practice your bargaining skills (if you're not already a pro). You can get clothes, bags, shoes, souvenirs, trinkets, electronics as well; but don't expect the real thing. Mens and ladies jackets should be in the range of RMB 60-80. RMB 90 is acceptable. Go elsewhere if they refuse to lower the price. Most of them will call out to you as you walk away; shouting the reduced prices. There's no need to huff when they tell you the inflated price, just smile, decline politely and walk away.
Bit of Latino Spirit
by zypher_girl about Havana
Havana: cuban style restaurant, haven't tried the food there yet, but the kool part is the live band and dance at weekend nites! in summer it goes from 11pm till 4am in the morning~ hot, hot and HOTTER!
the music is good, and always meet interesting ppl there from everywhere :D u can sit inside the restuarant or outside (in summer for sure, but watch out the mosquitos! and the kids who would 'force' u to buy flowers for any female sitting next to u!!), just chill out & have a break~ up to u really, it's not very strict. so, wear whatever u like, just casually smart ;)
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The lake at Simatai
2009: Main Gate
Guard and Mao
Badaling section of the Chineese wall
