Travel to Tibet - How to get there and Tibet Entry Permit

It is no more hard for foreign tourists to travel to Tibet. You can take flight or train from many cities in China such as Beijing, Chengdu, Xi'an, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc. For the moment, the most convenient places shall be Beijing and Chengdu. Xi'an is also a good choice but due to the limited flight (usually one flight only and not daily) and limited tickets of pass-by trains, it is still not easy to make connection there. You can also take a direct international flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa but which is not suggested except you have a tour there. According to a memo between the Chinese and Nepal governments, foreign tourists must obtain their China Visa in Kathmandu if they would like to enter from there, no matter if they get the visa already in their home country or not. This usually requires three days at least.

No matter which way you take, a Tibet entry permit is necessary for issuing the flight/train tickets. This permit is released by the Tibet Tourism Bureau to officially licensed travel companies only. You shall provide a copy of your passport and visa with your Occupation info for the permit application. It usually takes five working days but we shall always try to apply for it as early as possible to secure a smooth trip since more and more travelers coming to Tibet making the quequing much longer than before. The cost is around 7USD charged by the government department. If you will travel outside Lhasa and some remote areas, some other permits will be applied as well including the Alien's Travel permit, military permit, etc.

More on other China Tour, visit Budget China for detail

About the Author
Sherry Jia, experienced Tibet travel adviser, a local travel agency based in Lhasa with an office in Chengdu to handle all the on-line inquiries regarding a tour to Tibet and China. There are day-to-day itineraries of some popular tours in Tibet including that to Mt. Everest Base Camp, Mt. Kailash and some trekking tours as well.

Touring the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall is the most significant symbol of China which has become one of the widely known artificial constructions in the world today. This structure has contributed to the development of China's history and continues to pay a major role in the culture and tourism development of China.

Travel to China without visiting the Great Wall is like not accomplishing anything which is the reason why many people want to start off their China tour itinerary in Beijing. Aside from the historical feel of Beijing, it is the best city in China to visit the Great Wall.

A brief history about the Great Wall tells us that it was built over two thousand years ago as a key to protect the agricultural lands from invasion. The wall was built in sections in between years by peasants, villagers and prisoners; which also reflects the reason why the different sections of the wall portray different looks due to the types of materials used in the construction. These materials varied from grass, stones, earth and wood.

Although the construction of the wall started in the early seventh century B.C., it was later during the Qin dynasty; the sections were further built and renovated to become a whole structure. This was the period when China derived its English name from the word "Qin" pronounced as "Chin". Today, the Great Wall of China stretches to a length of over 6,700 kilometers winding through hills, cliffs, plateaus and deserts from across the east coast to the northwest of China.

At present, there are nine sections of the Wall opened to tourists from all over the world which include Liaoning sections of the wall, Hebei sections, Tianjin sections, Beijing sections, Shanxi sections, Shaanxi sections, Inner Mongolia sections, Ningxia sections and the Gansu sections. However, out of all these sections, the most visited are the sections of the Wall in Beijing; this is because the wall is well preserved and showcases the remains from the Ming dynasty, an era when the wall was in tremendous construction.

The main sections of the Great Wall in Beijing are: Badaling, Simatai, Jinshanling, Mutianyu, Gubeikou, Huanghuacheng and Jiankou. Badaling section is famous for its imposing structures, completeness, and the famous Juyonguan Pass. Most of the pictures of the great wall published in guidebooks were taken at the Badaling section of the Great Wall.

The Mutianyu section also provides great viewing pleasure for tourists. Jinshanling, Simatai and Gubeikou sections of the wall is narrower and quieter than the Badaling and Mutianyu sections of the wall, while the Huanghuacheng and Jiankou sections have become an ideal choice for adventure hikers.

The fascinating aspect of the Great Wall is that no matter what section of the Wall you visit, the outstanding engineering of this structure tells you a lot about the history of China.

For more information about China Travel, China Tour Vacations, visit Passport to China.

Lola writes about China travel and adventure tours for China Tour & China Travels as a foreign inbound tour operator in China.

A Journey on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa

For tourists to Tibet, the best way to enjoy the magnificent scenery is to ride the Qinghai-Tibet railway from Qinghai province. It goes into Tibet via a 2,000-km long railway that started running in July last year (2006).

With this railway, it is much easier and budget for tourists to visit Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Traveling mainly at altitudes of more than 4,000m, many passengers might find the air thin. While oxygen is not plentiful, the scenery certainly is beautiful.

Along the seven-day journey, the train will chug past endless grassland with varying shades of green and yellow; endless stretches of barren soil, where red and pink dust mingle, and in distance, the majestic mountain ranges, many permanently capped with snow, and the occasional cloud dancing in the bright sun rays.

With brand new carriages and locomotives, this train ride is as comfortable as it can be in China's humongous railway system - the most extensive in the world. But, be forewarned, the high mountains can make some passengers ill with altitude sickness. Oxygen masks are readily available in the carriages.

But, whenever physical discomforts there might be, the chance to visit Lhasa, a place rich in culture and heritage, is worth the trouble. Just try standing at the foot of the Potala Palace. Gaze in awe as you pay silent tribute at the spiritual center of Buddhism in Tibet.

Be it a journey to the west on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, or seeing the majestic monasteries in Lhasa, China has these and more, if you care to explore its amazing treasures.

For detail on train traveling to Lhasa, included timetable and fare, please visit Train Travel in China for more.

Unique Vacation Ideas for your China Travel Holidays

China is one of the oldest countries which date back to ancient civilization. Because of this, it has retained a lot of its historical background and culture, many of which are still practiced today. To many people, China may still be regarded as a place that is located on the dark side of the moon, but it is not until you visit this unique and beautiful country, you can truly satisfy your curiosity about China.

Adventure travelers and globe trotters around the world have started discovering the natural hills and scenic spots in China, many of who return with interesting stories and beautiful pictures. If you have always wanted to visit this side of the world, then its time to pack up your bags and bask in the sun this summer as you discover many of China's hidden beauties.

Let me start with beaches; not many are aware that China has a tropical side to it except the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong which proudly boasts of the famous Repulse Bay. Located in the Southern province of China, Hainan is a beautiful exotic island with a rich culture for beach lovers to enjoy. It is the largest ocean province and smallest land province in China. Sanya, the most popular destination on Hainan province is known for the beautiful Yalong bay and Dadonghai’s white sand beaches. If you want to partake in this tropical Chinese beach tour, you can consult the services of a Chinese travel & tour operator in China to assist you with your vacation plans.

Golfing is another travel and leisure sport which is becoming very popular in China. Even with its old uncivilized environment, China still boasts of high class luxurious green paradise for you to enjoy your holidays golfing in the orient. Whenever, you speak about golfing, the first thing that comes to your mind is the lush green golf courses and perfect weather to enjoy this sport. There are four beautiful golf courses in China which are all located in different provinces with the perfect weather to enjoy the sport. Engaging in a golf travel tour particularly one in China can be the greatest adventure travel of your lifetime. Apart from golfing on China’s wonderful golf courses, you are afforded the opportunity to visit some of China’s main tourist attractions in Beijing, Kunming, Hangzhou and Shanghai. These cities highlight some of the must sees in China which you must not miss during your holidays. Once again, the tour operators can assist you to design your tour itinerary with affordable lodging and transportation.

Gastronomy Tours are specially designed for the cultural lover in you. If you delight in enjoying special Chinese delicacies, then, this is the right tour package for you. Discover more about Chinese culture and traditional cooking methods as you savor the exotic wonders of China.

Travel Agencies and tour operators have specially arranged tour packages for gastronomy tours which allow you to cruise and enjoy fine dining in exotic oriental restaurants as you are guided through many provinces and their long historical culture.

Shopping is a time consuming activity which must not be missed in China. Almost every province has a small market where you can get different varieties of shoes, bags, clothes at very reasonable prices. To be able to enjoy shopping in Shanghai, you should be an expert in price negotiation as this could pose to be a fun activity for a whole day. Many tour operators allow personal and free time during a tour, so you have the choice to visit any markets around.

There are a number of activities to do during your China tour experience. These includes Karting, Chinese tea discovery, Calligraphy and painting courses, hot air ballooning trip, Martial Arts and a whole lot more.

Lola as a foreign inbound tour operator, writes about travel and adventure tours for China Tour & China Travels. You can visit Passport to China for some suggested things to do on a China holiday.

Must Sees of China in 12 days

China boasts of twenty four cultural and five natural relics inscribed on the World Heritage List. Apart from this record, there are still fifty eight relics on the tentative list of the UNESCO World Heritage list to be officially added to China’s cultural treasures. This record has in turn led to the rapid boost of China’s tourism contributing to its economic growth.

Almost every city in China has one or more sightseeing to visit and if you don’t plan your itinerary ahead, you might just wander through some cities without seeing the most important attractions making your trip to China incomplete.

Beijing is usually the first city to visit. Because of its significance in the historical development of China, it has a number of sightseeing which is not to be missed during your short visit here. They include The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, The Summer Palace, The Ming Tombs and the traditional Hutong. All of these attractions can be visited in three days.

Xian would definitely be your next stop after Beijing. Spending two days in Xian allows you to discover the past of China since it is believed by many to be the birthplace of ancient civilization. The two major attractions to see in Xian are the Terracotta Army Warriors and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. These Xian attractions played significant roles during the Chinese revolution.
From Xian, you can fly to Guilin and Yangshuo where you can spend 2 days cruising the Li River and exploring the Reed Flute caves and the Elephant Trunk hills. The few days you spend in Guilin renews your spirit with its breathtaking beauty.

After the rejuvenating experience from the land of Guilin, you can spend the next five to six days in the beautiful province of Yunnan. Kunming, the spring city of Yunnan is known to be the most peaceful and laid back environment very much inclined to foreign tourists. With a wonderful landscape, more sightseeings and a favorable climate, it is no wonder why tourists flock to this part of China to spend more days there. The major highlights of Yunnan province include the Shilin Stone Forest, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and Erhai Lake.

And finally, the last two days can be spent shopping and wandering around the cosmopolitan streets of Shanghai. Shanghai is one of the oldest cities in China which has developed into a fast bustling metropolis. Yuyuan garden, The Jade Buddha temple, Shanghai Bund and the French Concession are major places of interest in Shanghai. There are also a number of shopping malls and markets to buy assorted bags and shoes at reasonable prices.

Five cities and twenty attractions in twelve days could just be the best way to enjoy your China travel adventure.

About author: Lola work as a a foreign inbound tour operator in China. She writes travel and adventure tours for China Tour & China Travels. Visit Passport for China for more.

Beijing Major Tourist Attractions

Beijing is the capital of china and is one of the most visited cities in Asia. It offers tourists an almost limitless number of places to see and things to do. It is a very busy metropolis that mixes modern living with ancient history unlike any other city in the world.

The cities main attraction is the “Forbidden City”. It contains 800 buildings and was closed to the public for a very long time. Today it is one of the best preserved sections of ancient china. This was the imperial palace and it was constructed in 1406. It took 200,000 workers 14 years to complete and its buildings contain 8700 rooms and halls.

The second most popular site in Beijing is the Tiananmen Square. In contrast to the Forbidden City, it was built in the 20th century under the Mao dynasty. It is a large open area flanked by the Museum of Chinese history, the great hall of the people, and Mao’s mausoleum. This particular place became infamous when a young demonstrator was killed during a pro-democracy demonstration.

Another fascinating place to visit in Beijing is the national Museum of China. This museum was founded in 1926 and it has a collection of some 300,000 historical artifacts of witch about 5,500 are on display at any one time. The displays include painted pottery, bronze ware, and ceramics. Located in the same area as this museum, is the Museum of the Chinese Revolution which focuses on the history of the communist party in china.

One more site of great interest in the Sun Yatsen Park. It was originally the site of the temple and was named after Sun Yatsen, a leader of the 1911 revolution. The park includes a number of cypress trees, and a great marble arch.

Beijing has many things to see and do for tourists wishing to explore the city. The above list is just a small sampling of some of the places to see while in the Beijing area. For a more detailed list please visit Beijing city guide on Timeout Travel.

Xi’an, a China Archaeological City

Xi’an is in China’s fertile lowlands. It is most famous for the discovery in 1974 of the Terracotta Warriors, and is one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites. This city is home to one of china’s largest mosques and has been inhabited for over 6000 years.

Xi’an is probably the central most important city in Chinese history and so it is most famous for the large number of historic sites, and museums that outline the rich history of the area. Many dynasties both started and fell from this city.

There are five main museums in Xi’an. The Forest of Stele was setup during the Tang Dynasty and in 1090 during the Song Dynasty was turned into a Confucian temple. This museum now holds the oldest collection of steles in china. A stele is a stone that is stood upright and has been inscribed with calligraphy. There is so many of these stele’s that it is referred to as a forest!

Mentioned earlier in this article was the Terracotta Warriors. Well the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang and the Museum of the Qin Terracotta Figures display artifacts from the Qin dynasty including the terracotta warriors. The mausoleum was in fact an underground palace and it is said that 700,000 people worked on its construction of 36 years. The vaults where discovered between 1974 and 1976. In 1979 the actual museum was constructed and the artifacts where put on display.

The three remaining museums that are of interest to tourists are the Big Goose Pagoda, The Small Goose Pagoda, and the Banpo Museum. The Big, Goose and Small Goose temples where built around 653 and 707 AD respectively and feature artifacts from the Buddhist monks and their scriptures. The Banpo museum was built in 1954 to cover and protect the site of five excavations and occupying an area of 33,400 square feet.

Needless to say, Xi’an is an ideal place for those interested in the rich history of China to visit.

Most museums within the city of Xi'an are easily reach by foot or city bus#5, 14, 21, 501, 610 & 715. The Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang and the Museum of the Qin Terracotta Figures are 37-km east of Xi'an, take coach no. 306 or 307 in front of Xi'an railway station.

Anyone wishing to plan tours or vacations to Xi’an would be well advised to consult with a travel agent or they can visit China Travel Guide for more info.

Suzhou, the Beauty of China

Suzhou is one of the most beautiful cities in china and probably one of the most historically significant cities in the country. The metro area including the city itself is home to over 6.9 million people. The major language spoken in the city is Wu, a Chinese dialect. The city is very much like Venice where the streets and canals are winding, and intertwined. The city is famous for its vast gardens and offers quite a variety of sites for the tourist to explore.

The gardens alone can be traced back to 6 BC and all these gardens have been beautifully maintained in their original splendor and glory. The four top gardens to see in the city are Canglang Pavilion (Blue Wave Pavilion), Lingering Garden, Humble Administrator's Garden and Lion Grove Garden. The garden of Master of Nets is one of the best examples of a small to medium size garden and is also well worth a visit.

The water townships of Suzhou are another interesting set of places to visit. The ancient homes and the lovely views are unlike anything a tourist will have ever seen anywhere else. Three of the most beautiful water townships are Zhouzhuang, Tongli Town, and Luzhi. All are beautiful and once again well worth a visit.

Along with the water townships and gardens Suzhou has a number of other tourist attractions. The Panmen Scenic Area, Water and land city gates, Wumen Bridge, and the Suzhou Amusement Park represent just a few of the huge number of sites that may be if interest to the exploring tourist.

The last major items of interest to most tourists are the famous temples located in the Suzhou area. The Temple of Mystery and the Xiyuan Temple are probably the two most popular tourist destinations though there are many others as well.

The Suzhou area has a vast amount to see and do. It is very rich in Chinese history and well worth the time spent visiting the gardens, temples, and water townships that it has to offer. When planning a trip to china do make sure that the Suzhou area is on your list of things to do.

Suzhou is easy accessible by train or bus from Shanghai, traveling time is about an hour. For more information, visit: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/

Cruising Down China Yangtze River

The Yangtze River,which follows across China, start in the Tibetan highlands and travels all the way to Shanghai on the eastern seaboard of China.
Also known as Changjiang, which means "a long river" in Chinese, the Yangtze is Asia's longest and the world's fourth longest river. Million of people centre their lives along this river, and millions of visitors come and see the treasure trove of beauty and scenery this 6,221-km long river presents.
The best way to experience the Yangtze is to book place on the cruise liners that ply up and down the river. With various port cities and towns lining the river, tourists enjoy the flexibility of choosing their embarkation point.
A typical itinerary begins at Chongqing, where, after a night on board, the ship will reach the world-famous Three Gorges Dam. Here, the first major tourist spot is Fengdu Ghost City. Legend has it that a Taoist follower in the Han Dynasty achieved immortality after settling down in the area. From then on, its reputation spread far and wide, with numerous temples and shrines - many depicting ghosts and spirits from Taoist mythology - built in the neighborhood, thus giving Fengdu the "Ghost City" nickname.
Further downstream lies Bai Di City, also known as the City of Poems. Li Bai, the most famous of the Tang Dynasty poets, immortalized the city in one of his most famous verses.
After the poetic scene, there is also the mysterious - the hanging coffins suspended hundreds of feet from the face of a cliff. Archaeologists and anthropologists struggle to offer a satisfying explanation on why the ancient dwellers did this, while the modern tourists simply stare and marvel.
What's noteworthy too is the home town of Qi Yuan, another ancient poet whose patriotism is tied forever in Chinese culture with Dumpling Festival, otherwise known as the Dragon Boat Festival.
On the way to Yi Chang, make it a point to stay on the deck, and check out the scenic spots along the way, like the Goddess Peak, Wu Gorge and Xilin Gorge. At this point, the ship will also sail through the Three Gorge Dam, the largest hydroelectric project in China.
Usually, by the sixth day, one would have reached Zhangjiajie, and the most famous stretch of Yangtze River behind, it is time to visit new locations.
The best way to experience Yangtze River is to cruise downstream on a ship. Many travel agents in Chongqing will offer tours for Yangtze River. A typical four days cruise from Chongqing to Yi Chang, excluding meal on board costs US$240 for a first class (twin cabin), US$165 for a economic class (4 persons cabin) and US$130 for a budget class (6 persons cabin). From Yi Chang to Wuhan is easy accessible by coach or train.

Low Cost Skiing Resort in China

If someone were to ask you about ski resorts in the world, you may think of kangwon-do in South Korea, Davos in Switzerland or Salzburg in Austria. Nowadays, however, you have another answer: Xiling Snow Mountain, located in Chengdu, capital city of Sichuan province in China.
You may like the whirling snow in Kangwon-do, the well-equipped ski run in Davos, or the romantic ambience of Salzburg. However, on Xiling Snow Mountain, you will definitely be amazed by the famous poet Du Fu (712-770) of the Tang Dynasty are fondly remembered by the Chinese people for over a thousand years. However, some people may not know exactly where the west peak in the poem (Xiling Snow Mountain) is located. Located near Chengdu Plain, the mountain always presents the people with enchanting scenery and an air of mystery.
Tourists from the Southeast Asia will definitely find it a unique experience to spend a relaxing holiday on a snow mountain. As fascinating as South Korea is, it may be a bit too pricey a destination for some, while the beautiful continent of Europe may be too far away. Therefore, Xiling Snow Mountain, a place of unique nature beauty, is a perfect destination where people can enjoy themselves without worrying too much about cost. In addition, choosing the mountain as a holiday destination will provide a good opportunity to gain an understanding of the profound and distinct Shu Culture of the Chengdu people in ancient times, and not forgetting the tasty food and snacks in Chengdu.
The ski resort on the mountain is the biggest of its kind equipped with up-to-date equipment and facilities in China. Here the people can ski on snow and glass, and play sports. Standing 2,200 to 2,400 meters above sea level, the ski resort covers an area of seven square kilometers. With a minumum air temperture of -10C in winter, the area of a snow season from between November to March, with a thickness of snow of over 60 cm.
You can spend about 40 minutes appreciating the spectacular scenery of the scared mountain, including the sea of clouds and the sunrise by taking a 2,500 meter cable car from Riyueping to the ski resort. Declining and smooth, the ski course is actually an alpine platform, and reputed as the "Alps in the East" thanks to its particularly favorable natural conditions.
Around the mountain there are many amazing natural attractions including Riyueping, where you can enjoy the sea of clouds, the sunrise and Yinyangjie. Beside 20 sports activities you can do in the resort, you can relax yourself in the nearby Huashuiwan Hot Springs.
Getting to the resort, can be accessed by coach from Chengdu city major transport center. For more information, visit: Xiling Ski Resort.

Travel Tip For The First Time Visitor To China

China is a large country at a size of 9,596,960 sq km. China was only partially open to the world from 1980 onwards and has been a communist country for many decades. Although there is much progress in the travel industry and infrastructure of China, there remain areas that need to be improved before it can match the level that most tourist would require.

However, much of the fun remain that it is different from the rest of the world. China will be the host nation for the Olympics in Year 2008. Travel facilities and infrastructure will be improving quickly as we approach Year 2008.

China is rich in culture and history. Visit the Great Wall of China in Beijing, sip Chinese tea in Xiamen, dance with ethnic tribes in Yunnan, check out 19th Century European buildings in Qingdao - there are just so much to do and see in China!

Below are some travel tips to make your travel in China easier:

Entry Visa

China require entry visa from most countries. Apply at the Chinese consulate or through your travel agent before travelling to China.

Climate

Extremely diverse; tropical in south to subarctic in north. Be prepared with the right seasonal clothing.

Foreign Exchange

The unit of currency is known as Renmembi(RMB) or Yuan. Get some Chinese Yuan in your local country before travelling. When in China, exchange foreign currency for local currency in the banks or at the hotel. Banks tend to give slightly better rates than hotels. Take note that some banks close for a noon siesta between 12-2pm.

Payment facilities

Most better class hotels and shopping centres take Credit Card or Travellers cheques. Smaller hotels and shops take cash only. Once out of the bigger cities, credit card and ATM cards tend to be almost impossible to utilize. Cash is still king in Chinese business and trade.

Counterfeit notes are common in China. Check carefully before accepting change, especially if it consists mostly 100RMB notes. You can feel a texture difference where counterfeit notes is concerned.

Understanding of English

Most civil servants, custom officials, police, hotel staff and men in the street do not speak English or at best a smattering of English.

Most signboards and notices will carry both English and Chinese. However, be aware that some translations can be so notorious that one can hardly understand what was it's original Chinese intention.

Do not expect hotels or shops to understand English. Only the very big hotels will have staff that will understand English.

Most young people can understand basic English if you speak slowly.

Social Security

China is generally a safe country. However, hang on tight to your wallet especially in crowded, popular tourist sites in tourist cities such as Beijing and Xian.

These tourist cities also has a lot of touts in the streets touting tourist from currency exchange to jewelleries to female companionships. Avoid at all cost!

Domestic Travel

Bus, train, ferries and domestic flights are quite well developed. Avoid the crowd at the stations and book your tickets through the hotel tour desk or the nearest tour agent. Prices are likely to be competitive and tickets will be delivered to your hotel room. Again, avoid ticket touts who approach you in the streets.

Local buses are cheap (US$0.10 or YS$0.20) and you may want to try out. Taxis are convenient and are available at all hours. Starting fares differ from each city and may be as cheap as US$0.70 in Weihai and US$1.50 in Shenzhen.

Avoid travel in China during peak holiday seasons or book tickets well ahead.

Local Hotels

There is a good choice of hotels in China ranging from one star to the most luxurious 6 stars. Most of the time, the rooms are safe and clean and in my opinion, cheap does not mean bad.

There are many websites selling China hotel rooms on the internet. You can also check out the travel counters which are available in most train, bus stations as well as airport.

Book ahead if travelling in peak seasons.

Peak Tourist Seasons

Chinese New Year: Date varies but generally late January or early February.

May Day: First two weeks of May

China National Day: Middle two weeks of October

Avoid travelling during these period. Book rooms and travel modes way early if need to travel. Believe me, the crowds during these period of time will be scary. What do you expect when the entire Chinese nation of 8 billion people are on holiday as well!

Chinese Food

Local food is absolutely fabulous. Try as much Chinese food as your wallet or stomach can afford. Restaurants are available everywhere and open to late hours. Most restaurants will have a menu that include photographs of the various dishes. Better yet, simply point at the food that your next door table is having, especially if it looks delicious!

However, avoid street side stalls and drinking directly from the taps if you have delicate stomach.

Telecommunications

Mobile phone coverage in China is good in most locations. Global auto-roaming within China is not a problem.

Internet

There are cyber-cafes everywhere in China, especially in tourist areas. Most are patronised by young people playing online games but you still can check your Hotmail, Yahoo or Gmail. Access may be a bit slow for international websites.

You will need to show your passport as China has tight regulations at Internet Cyber Cafes.

Toilet facilities

One of the worst experience many has with China is the atrocious toilet facilities. Things has improved very much but it may still be a good idea to empty your stomach or bladder at every opportunity in a hotel, restaurant or departmental store. Public toilets and toilets in small shops can be a nose hazard!

* Useful China travel tips *

Try to get a English speaking tour guide at every opportunity you can. China has a rich and wonderful history and culture and without a guide, somehow, the flavour and significance of most tour sites can be lost.

*Sneaky tip: Hang around a group that has a English speaking guide if you cannot afford one!

Always ask for a receipt from a taxi driver so that you can complain if you have been cheated or for tracing purposes if you happen to leave your camera behind in the taxi.

Try to take the namecard for each hotel that you are staying at as these cards will have a Chinese address and the map of your hotel location. This is useful if you need to seek assistance to find your way back as the English version or pronunciation of a hotel or a street name may be quite different from the Chinese version.

After a tiring day, check out Chinese foot reflexology or Chinese TuiNa (Chinese massage). Wonderful for the body after a hard day and very cheap to boot. Simply look out for shop signs that shows two feet! They are everywhere.

Make friends with the Chinese whenever you can. They love to meet foreigners and will make good tour guides. Just buy a small present as a small token of appreciation.

About The Author
Ken Cheong worked and live in Mainland China for 5 years. He shares his experience in China with people interested in visiting or working in China in his chinese culture website. Please feel free to share or post this article as long as acknowledgement is made to: http://www.chinese-culture.net