China Visa Cost Rises / Limits on 5 Day Shenzhen visas.

In today%26#39;s SCMP (localHK newspaper) there is a report that visa costs are increasing - HK$850 / HK$1050 for a British passport (single entry /double entry) and HK$500 / HK$600 for Australians, Canadians and most Europeans.

I%26#39;m not sure where the newspaper gets their figures, but a poster on LP thorntree confirms that a single entry for a British passport holder is now HK$780.

Also for the 5 day %26#39;Shenzhen visa%26#39;:

There are notices at the China Ferry Terminal in Kowloon, Hong Kong stating that the 5 day visas at Shenzhen Fu Yong, Shekou, Zhongshan and Zhuhai ports have been suspended until further notice (after Olympics).

The same LP thorntree poster got a 5 day visa at the Lo Wu border crossing (HK$450) a couple of days ago - so the new rules appear only to affect entry by sea.

China Visa Cost Rises / Limits on 5 Day Shenzhen visas.

Also, for most nationalities, visa issuing offices appear to be limiting new visas to single (or possibly double) entry of 30 day duration maximum. It may be difficult to extend visas after July 1 2008 within China.

China Visa Cost Rises / Limits on 5 Day Shenzhen visas.

New Cost for Canadians from Forever Bright Agency in Hong Kong:

';from now to oct/2008, you can get the single or double china visa, every time only stay 30days; the single is $480hkd,the double is $550hkd.';

Direct from visa office would be a little cheaper.

Costs for Americans at Wanchai Visa Office (Hong Kong):

Single Entry 30 days: About HK$1000 (3 day service, put it in Monday, get it Thursday)

Add HK$150 more for 2 day service (get it Wednesday) and another HK$100 for 1 day service (get it Tuesday).

Reports say only single entry 30 day visas are available for Americans in the Wanchai visa office.

Update from Hung Hom Station:

There are no notices stating that 5 day Lo Wu visas are not available. This is in contrast to the China Hong Kong ferry terminal where it is clearly stated that you cannot get a visa after getting the ferry.

I asked at CTS at Hung Hom station, and they said they were %26#39;unsure%26#39; and that they %26#39;couldn%26#39;t guarantee%26#39; a visa being available at Lo Wu.

I think it is still possible - someone posted that they got one on Saturday 5 April.

CTS also told me that the price for a 30 day single entry visa for a British passport (pick up one day later) is HK$1400. Only single entry is available.

Other agencies say that they can get a double entry visa still, for less money (British - HK$1000).

in mainland-official speak (including CTSese) ';not sure'; / m%26#39;ji / bu jidao mean ';NO';.

Currently held visas are not affected.

You might be right. The person who got the 5 day visa got it a week earlier - on the 29/3, so it%26#39;s quite possible things have changed.

Do I understand it correctly that due to the upcoming Olympic, the practice of the Chinese visa issuing authority has changed to only issue single or double entry visa valid for 30 days for most nationalities?

Yes, in practice you are right - only single or double entry, 30 days each.

The reason is not officially given, but I think everyone knows.

Hey what reasons do people cite exactly? Olympics or Tibet unrest or other? These restrictions seem draconian to me...

The OFFICIAL reason given has been ';computer system upgrade';, within mainland I%26#39;ve heard security reasons cited, and of course Deng Xiao Ping%26#39;s dictum that ';to get rich is glorious'; means that getting all the lao wai to pay lots more in order to see the Olympics and the rest of the country is absolutely politically correct ...

Chinese Visa

Hi

I%26#39;m a british citizan looking to obtain a chinese visa although I%26#39;m no longer in the UK. Will I have any problems getting a Visa in Singapore as i%26#39;m not in my country of origin. Also will I be able to get an express service?

Thanks

Chinese Visa

all information is on their website.

www.chinaembassy.org.sg/eng/lsqw/t165685.htm

Chinese Visa

Don%26#39;t expect any up-to-date from the Chinese embassy website in Singapore, or anywhere else.

Regulations for Chinese visas have been tightened up since the end of March, and there are rumours that there will be further tightening up before the Olympics in July. Until now, I have not heard of problems for British citizens getting the visa besides increased costs and shortened visa length /number of entries. There are reports that Americans can only get a Chinese visa in the US or in Hong Kong.

Regarding express service, it now takes a minimum of 24 hours from the visa office in Hong Kong, although agents can do it on day. I expect rules in Singapore are similar.

Ok, take back what I just said. There is uptodate info on the HK visa office site now. Not good news if you are in Hong Kong. Good luck in Singapore.

fmcoprc.gov.hk/eng/zgqz/bgfwxx/default.htm

Notice posted on the site of the Wanchai Visa office:

Visa applicants are increasing in a large number and need longer waiting time in the visa office recently. If you don%26#39;t reside or work in Hong Kong permanently, you are required to apply Chinese visa from the Embassy or Consulate-General of Peoples%26#39; Republic of China in your resident country. You are welcome to China for tourism, business, visit of the Olympic Games.

This is going to be a real problem for travellers.

One day trip from Kowloon to Macau

My partner and I arrive in Hong Kong on Thursday 24th April and plan to visit Macau on the Friday. He has to be back at the Miramar Hotel in Kowloon by about 5pm for work. Can anyone advise a suitable itinerary? I am particularly interested in seeing the casinos, but would be good to see as much of Macau as we can in the limited time we have. Do we need to book anything in advance? Many thanks.

One day trip from Kowloon to Macau

Hi Cinogirl, I%26#39;ve PM%26#39;d you with some of the details you wanted.

You won%26#39;t have much time in Macau if you need to be back in HK for 5pm! In order to allow for immigration, running a bit late, and getting back to the Miramar, you wouldn%26#39;t want to catch any ferry later than 3pm - would suggest First Ferry, as it actually docks in Tsim Sha Tsui on arrival back in HK.

I understand the earliest ferry to the Venetian%26#39;s pier (Cotai) is at 7am (this runs from Macau Ferry Terminal on HK island). This would get you to the Venetian by 8:30 or so. This place is absolutely humungous - I don%26#39;t know if you just want to look at the casino itself, or around the whole complex - the latter could take you your whole time in Macau! Depending how much time you have left, you could take a taxi to Senado Square, have a quick browse around this heritage area including the walk up to St Paul%26#39;s ruins (10 minutes non-stop comfortable walk one way, but you could take as long as you like) then catch another taxi or a bus to Sands, or you could catch one of the Venetian%26#39;s suttle buses directly there.

IMO, the casinos are about the least interesting things in Macau, but to each his or her own, and if you%26#39;ve only got 6 hours ...

getting back to the main ferry pier by 2:30pm will give you plenty of time to buy a ticket and get through immigration for the 3pm ferry. Remember to go to the First Ferry ticket offices, which are on the left as you come into the departures level. They have lairy orange and purple livery.

One day trip from Kowloon to Macau

Yes, it will be a little rushed, but can be done. You will kind of have the speed-readers version of Macau.

I would get to the Venetian, do that (yes, it is huge!), then get the bus to the Sands (or Taxi). Have a look at that. Then Taxi to the ruins/fort (if you are in to that), then walk down through the streets, through the square (food, etc), then to Grand Lisboa, Wynn and end at the MGM Grand (which I heard is nice). Catch the MGM bus back to the ferry terminal. It is not everyones idea of a day in Macau, but that would give you a good feel for the main casinos (there are many more!) and a bit of the local Macau tourism sites/feel.

Book your tickets the day before if you can.

Enjoy!

I%26#39;d pick up the heritage walks brochure from information at the ferry terminal; get a taxi from the ferry to St Pauls %26amp; walk downhill to Senado Square. You may miss the museum this way as it may not open in time, however the shops should be opening as you stroll down the pedestrian precinct. Perhaps walk or bus down to the Lisboa, via Margaret%26#39;s for an egg tart; then free shuttle from Sands to Venetian and lunch. Free shuttle Venetian back to port in time for 3pm ferry.

Thank you all, that%26#39;s been really helpful, and on the basis of your information, we%26#39;ve decided now to go straight to Macau when we arrive on the Thursday night and stay there overnight, so we%26#39;ll have the night and the next day (at least til about 3pm).

Hi, since you are planning to head straight to Macau upon arrival in HK on Thursday night,as you have not specify your time flight arrival, there is a turbojet ferry service departing at 1910hrs and 2200hrs from the airport pier direct to Macau ferry terminal in Macau peninsula. One way fare on the economy class is HKD180 for adults.

If the departure times are not suitable,then you need to go through HK immigration and customs,then either head to China Ferry terminal in Kowloon (TST) or HK Macau ferry terminal in Shun Tak Centre(Hk Central) for ferry to Macau. Frequency of departure on Turbojet is higher than first ferry,and first ferry last departure from Kowloon to Macau is 2100hrs for weekday night sailing;so,if this is not convenient,advise to head to Shun Tak Centre to take turbojet (here is the website showing the schedules and fares for your convenience:-

www.turbojet.com.hk/eng/schedule/prd.html

Thank you, I didn%26#39;t know that either. We arrive at 1750 so that ferry will probably be perfect for us. Any recommendations on a hotel in the heart of things?

A lot depends on your budget. The good news is that as you would be in Macau on a Thursday night it will be significantly cheaper than HK, like for like :-)

For 5* in the centre of things, I%26#39;d stay at the Wynn, for 3* the Sintra. If you don%26#39;t mind sharing your nighbourhood with ladies of the night, Lisboa, Beverly Plaza, Metropark, Holiday Inn or Emperor are also right downtown. Places closest to the main ferry terminal are The Rocks, Mandarin Oriental %26amp; Casa Real - these are about 5 minutes by taxi from downtown, within 30 minutes walk. The Waldo and Golden Dragon are also in this area, but only recommended if you want the hard core (matress) Chinese gambler experience.

The Royal and Guia are in a quieter neighbourhood, but still within 20 minutes walk of downtown.

Hi cinogirl,as previous thread,mentioned,a place to stay in Macau peninsula,in the heart of things,will be dependent on your budget that you wish to allocate for your accommodation,which is actually for only ,say 2030hrs to noon(the next day)-i.e. about 15hours,but since you will be tired from your flight,and require the energy for evening and next day,venture into Macau sights,best to choose a hotel that promises a good night sleep,with less distractions and noises,and yet providing convenience ,i.e heart of things-on this basis, I will advise to look at Sintra or Guia.

If budget allows for more on accommodation,a very new hotel in Macau is Sofitel Ponte 16-French grandeuar at its best.I provide herein the website,and it gives the pointer on taking the airport ferry at HKIA to Macau :-

accorhotels.com/accorhotels/fichehotel/gb/so…

Hi, oops,forgotten that you will be arriving into Macau in April,disregard advise for Sofitel Ponte 16,as it is still not opened yet,but its website,giving advice on transit transfer at HKIA for turbojet airport ferry is worthwhile noting.

OK I%26#39;m tossing up between the Sintra, the Lisboa and the Beverly Plaza. Any advice on how to choose? Do all of these provide a shuttle bus service from the ferry? We will probably arrive about 8pm, go somewhere for dinner, then hopefully see the water show (not sure where that is?) or a light show or something (any suggestions?), get some sleep then sightsee the next day til we get the ferry to Hong Kong at about 3pm.

concealer

Advise on hotel to stay~ Island Pacific good?

Hi all!

I%26#39;m going for a 7day trip in HK.. in june.. and I am thinking of staying in Island Pacific Hotel for a few nights. Can anyone tell me more about it? Is it accessible? Are the views of the harbour good?

For the 6 nights in HK.. I was thinking of staying 2 nights in Island Pacific.. then going to Macau for a night before coming back to Island Pacific for another 2 nights and switch to Disneyland%26#39;s hollywood hotel for the last. Is it advisable to do that?

Is there alot to see in Macau? Shld I actually stay a night there? Also, would it be possible for me to leave my luggage with the hotel for a night?? :X If not, I guess I would only make a day trip there to Macau.. and stay at Island Pacific for 5nights.

Looking forward to the replies.. Thank you!!!

Advise on hotel to stay~ Island Pacific good?

By the way.. may I know how is Island Pacific as compared to Dorsett Seaview Hotel? Which is better? Location+Cleanliness+Price-wise? :)

Thank you!!

Advise on hotel to stay~ Island Pacific good?

Island Pacific is at a rather odd location. You need a short bus/tram ride to be connected to MTR (underground train). It is in a residential neigbourhood and are surrounded by dried seafood shops!

Dorsett Seaview is more convenient locatonwise. But the rooms are pretty awful.

Island Pacific is compact but with reasonable facilities and the rooms are much better maintained compared with Dorsett.

You can always leave your luggage in the hotel.

Macau has a different ambient and I think it worths to stay for two days to justify the boat trip! But mind you the hotels in Macau are getting rather expensive.

Island Pacific is at a rather odd location. You need a short bus/tram ride to be connected to MTR (underground train). It is in a residential neigbourhood and are surrounded by dried seafood shops!

Dorsett Seaview is more convenient locatonwise. But the rooms are pretty awful.

Island Pacific is compact but with reasonable facilities and the rooms are much better maintained compared with Dorsett.

You can always leave your luggage in the hotel.

Macau has a different ambient and I think it worths to stay for two days to justify the boat trip! But mind you the hotels in Macau are getting rather expensive.

Ok thanks for your help, Francis!

Guess I will stay at Island Pacific cos I read the reviews and it seems that it%26#39;s only a 15min tram ride to Central and there are many good reviews on it..

As for Macau.. I shall do more research about it after my exams! :P

Any other suggestions? Any idea which hotel in Macau is good and reasonably priced? like the price of Island Pacific? :)

Regards.

Hi Gelow,

Try this one for Macau Hotels:

http://www.hongkonghotels.com/big5/macau.html

The public transporation in Macau is rather cheap. There are mini-buses running virtually in every corner. I would suggest choose one close to the Pier would be ideal.

Enjoy Hong Kong and Macau!

Thanks, Francis!

The rates from this website seems cheaper than the website I was looking at previously! haha.. Yay~ Thanks alot~

Try to go to Macau on a weekday to avoid the crowds and get cheaper hotel prices.

You can get good packages from the travel agents at the Macau ferry terminal including return ferry tickets and one night%26#39;s hotel - a good deal if two of you are travelling together.

I agree strongly with Drumbrake%26#39;s suggestion of going to Macau on weekdays - hotel prices up to triple on Friday and Saturday nights, getting ferry tickets is a hassle, and you can hardly move for crowds of mainland and HK tourists!

For research on Macau, check out cn.macautourism.gov.mo

If you get a sea-view room or suite at Island Pacific in summer, you should have an excellent view of every kind of shipping on the harbour as well as Kowloon and the hills behind. On a clear day you can see right out to Tsing Yi and beyond. It%26#39;s true it%26#39;s not as centrally located as some other hotels, but because it%26#39;s mainly a residential area things like food are noticeably cheaper (e.g. dim sum) than in more ';touristy'; areas. If you don%26#39;t want to walk in the summer heat, there are trams and buses running directly past the hotel, or you can spend a bit more on taxis.

Ok! I have decided on Island Pacific and am looking forward to it cos it sounds really good! I went to the website and realised that it%26#39;s under the same group of hotels as Singapore%26#39;s Fullerton! Which is a very good hotel in Singapore. Now, I%26#39;m even more keen to stay there. :P

As for Macau.. Yes, I%26#39;m planning to go on a weekday :) But I might not be able to do it as I%26#39;ll be arriving HK on a Thursday, Monday is a public holiday.. And I%26#39;m planning to stay at one of Disneyland%26#39;s hotel on Tuesday. :( Is Sunday ok to travel to Macau??

Anyway, anyone heard of Casa Real or Sintra? Are they ok? I%26#39;m still thinking of whether to stay a night there.. Or just go for a day tour (My bf %26amp; I are not very sight-seeing people so just wanna know abit of everything. haha).. then go some market or shop at night and proceed back to HK.

Drumbrake, you mean I don%26#39;t have to book my hotel for Macau in advance?? So I can just go to the ferry terminal and get a package?? Wow. Can I really do that? I usually will book before flying to be safe.

Thanks to the both of you! Looking forward to more replies~

Gulp - if the Monday is a public holiday then Sunday will be a madhouse, and hotel rates will be sky high in Macau for Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

As Singaporeans I assume that if you get sick of sightseeing you will at least still enjoy good food - for this Macau is still well worth staying a night or 7 :-)

Because HK is so much larger than Macau the extra crowds on public holidays are not so obvious, except at places like Ocean Park and Disney.

resort near hong kong to stay for extended beech holiday

on our recent holiday to thailand there was a holiday programme on the tv advertising a holiday resort island not to far from hong kong can anyone help to tell me were this is and what was it called.i seem to think it was a couple of hours or so away and it began with the letter h

resort near hong kong to stay for extended beech holiday

Possibly Hainan Island, a tropical island off the southern China coast. Sanya is becoming is becoming an increasingly popular resort on the island.

resort near hong kong to stay for extended beech holiday

Hong Kong is not known as a beach destination but I came across travelinsaikung.org.hk/english/beaches.shtml

According to them there are Clear Water Bay Beach and Silverstrand Bay Beach, which have good water quality and are popular with the locals. You might want to google it. Sai Kung is supposedly well known for it%26#39;s fresh seafood. I plan to check it out on my trip next month. I doubt you%26#39;ll find anything comparable to Kata Noi (you mentioned Thailand) anywhere near Hong Kong, but I could be wrong.

Another good link:http://www.geoexpat.com/hong-kong-guide/visitors-guide/best-beaches-in-hong-kong/

I vote for Sanya... just came back a couple of weeks ago.... I plan to go back myself !

Other options: Thailand- Phuket, Koh Samui

Indonesia- Bali, Bintan (via Singapore)

Japan- Okinawa is becoming popular destination for HK locals....

hong kong to siem reap

We intend to take a Bangkok Airways flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia. Can any one tell me how long the flight is what the the time difference is between to countries.

Thank you

AQ

hong kong to siem reap

it would be easier if just went to bangkok airways site directly

鈥angkokair.com/birts/en/fastbook.aspx鈥?/a>

hong kong to siem reap

Siem Reap%26#39;s time is one hour behind than Hong Kong.

Direct non-stop flight is about two and a half hours.

The ticket price of Terra Cotta Warriors

since the Pit 2 of warrrios is still in the process of repairing and the price now for meseum is still RMB65/person

The prcie will back to RMB90 ,from April 20

if any question, please let me know

The ticket price of Terra Cotta Warriors

Can entrance fees be paid with credit card or are most fees cash only?

The ticket price of Terra Cotta Warriors

Oh no, don%26#39;t count on paying for any admission tickets with (international) credit cards! I can%26#39;t even pay for them with my (domestic) bank cards here. -_-

Yes,cash only

But the process of repairing on Pit No2 is finished ,so it opened again for public from begining of this month.

yes ,only cash

it%26#39;s not hard to buy it

no need to pay in advance or soemthing else

buy you need to pay only in RMB

The entrance fees can be paid with credit card .

now the pit 2 can be seen !!

price is also RMB65,which will back to 90 since April 20

beijing weather

Our family is leaving this Tuesday, April 15 for a week in Beijing, can anyone give me an idea as to the weather? What will the temperatures be like and what type of clothing you would recommend?

Thanks very much!

beijing weather

Look on the following websites for weather information.

wunderground.com/global/stations/54511.html

weather.msn.com/local.aspx鈥?/a>

beijing weather

at morning and evening and night time it might be a little cool. need to put more cloth on.

day time very hot,! just wear a t- shirt is enough.

day time is warm ,Put on the T - shirt 銆?/p>

night time is a little cool锛孭ut on the coat 銆?/p>

as i know that, there is littte rain and wind in Beijijg recently

take care and do bring the umbrellar

Which hotel to book in April... panicking right now!

Hi everyone... yes... as the topic suggest, I am panicking big time now... i only need one night%26#39;s hotel stay (29-30 Apr) so i dragged my feet until i surf this website to discover April is super peak and super ex for hotels... dang

My budget is SGD250-300; USD375-450; HKD1250-1500, preferably nett but a bit over these figures shouldn%26#39;t kill. If you have any suggestions or have any good deals to share... please spare me a lifeline...

And it would be great if someone can advise if the check-in service at MTR stations is still available.

Thanks to all kind souls out there!!

Which hotel to book in April... panicking right now!

No need to panic, if you look at wotif.com, there is a lot of hotel rooms avaiable for that night and within your budget. Wotif.com listing are real stock-in-hand. Choices includes -

Near Causeway Bay :

L%26#39;hotel Causeway Bay HK$1695

Kowloon :

Royal Plaza HK$1474

YMCA Salisbury HK$1540

Check-in service still available at MTR Hong Kong Station and MTR Kowloon Station, but not for Jetstar Asia.

Which hotel to book in April... panicking right now!

Hi Tin,

Thanks! Tried to check out the rates at Wotif but they seem to change on a daily basis. Will have to make up my mind fast!

Btw, have you got any idea if there is a restriction on the number of hours in advance I can check in my luggage at the MTR stations? My flight is at 8pm and I was hoping I can check them in early in the morning so I can move around fuss free.

Oh, I forgot to mention that I came across this hotel called Hotel Panoroma by Rhombus during my search. Apparently it%26#39;s very new.

Does anyone have experience staying there? Is it near any MTR and shops? I have learned that not all hotel home sites are trustworthy so it%26#39;s better to seek the advice of those who have been there done that =)

If you are on Singapore Airlines or Cathay Pacific, shouldn%26#39;t have problem checking in at the stations in the morning.

Hi Tin,

Thanks again!! Btw, will you have any idea how I can get to the Olympic MTR from Island Harbourview apt? The apt is at Hoi Fai Rd. I checked the map and the MTR station looks the closest but was wondering if I could walk between the two or need to take a bus.

Sorry if it%26#39;s too much to ask =P

There is an overpass connecting, and the walk is around 300 metres.

Thanks a lot Tin! You hv been a gem!!

concealer

Accomodation -budget hostels/backpackers hostels/guest house

Which part of Shanghai will you all recommend..convenient for shopping and transportaion..

Accomodation -budget hostels/backpackers hostels/guest house

Anywhere in the French Concession or People%26#39;s Square/Nanjing Lu area, within comfortable walking distance of a metro stop.

Accomodation -budget hostels/backpackers hostels/guest house

Hi anywhere along Nanjing pedestrian stret ,or near Peoples square or along Huai hai zhonglu been the most convenient to metro as well as shopping.

Ucool International Hostel

Building 3, Lane 8, No.2, Eat Zhongshan Road, Shanghai

Is this a good location to stay.. and convenient to move around?

Thank you again.

Hong Kong Airport Transfers

We will be travelling to YMCA Salisbury (Salisbury Rd. Kowloon) in September 2008. 5 Adults and 2 Children (11 and 8). We are trying to determine the best option for transferring from the airport to our hotel (taking into consideration that we will be coming off a long flight from London). We checked out Paklane Limousines who offer a 7 Seater Van but were concerned that we wouldn%26#39;t be able to fit all our luggage in.

Would appreciate any recommendations/suggestions that you might have.

Carol

Hong Kong Airport Transfers

call these guys, they have seven seaters with a big boot space. price would be similar to cab fares about 250 to kowloon side

kwok

852 6886 0035

lam7662@yahoo.com.hk

24 hr service

852 8116 0182 / 8116 8322

billy

852 9208 3864

dicky

852 9654 1653

email : chankamfai00@netvigator.com

alternatively, you can go through the local travel agents who can help you

ttp://www.amextravel.com.hk/limo/index.asp

www.orientaltravel.com/tours/carpricelist.htm

http://www.swiretravel.com/home/als/als.html

www2.anytours.com.hk/eng/transp/car.php

2-bedroom serviced apartment for 1 week

Any recommendations? I intend to bring my family to Hong Kong for a 5D4N visit in May and am sourcing for a 2 bedroom serviced apartment where possible.

2-bedroom serviced apartment for 1 week

Hi, wonder if this is available for 1 week:-

Citadines Hongkong Ashley

18 Ashley Road,

Tsimshatsui, Kowloon,

2-bedroom serviced apartment for 1 week

Want to try this? www.olympicterrace.com.hk

I will be staying in this apartment from 29/03 till 02/04.

You may want to wait for my review on this apartment before you made decision?

thank you for both your recommendations. I%26#39;ll check out their websites and will look forward to the subsequent reviews.

Just posted the other post, and here is another who is asking for service apartment, you can also try below webiste for more comparison

www.involvementstay.com/Accommodation.htm

ckow,

Hi, after a 5D4N trip in HK, I just written a review for The Olympic Terrace, you may check it out later.

Overall, we are very satisfied and higly recommend this apartment. The location is great and safe.

furniture

Goin to Shanghai in 2 days, am just wondering where we could buy nice modern furnitures in shanghai..places like orient home in xiamen.. I heard there some buildings with lots of nice furnitures to see there but I don%26#39;t know the names. Thanks!1

furniture

B%26amp;Q

Number 393锛?yinxiao road

Pudong xin district

shanghai

tel锛?21-50590088

Wholesale fashion accessories in shenzhen

Hey, any ideas where can I buy semi-precious stones and other ladies fashion accessories in shenzhen? Is there a wholesale area that sells only accessories? Thanks

Wholesale fashion accessories in shenzhen

Yingang Stationery toy Present Wholesale market

baoan north road

luohu district

shenzhen

Zip code 锛?18020

accomodation for 2 adlts and 2 young kids

Hi all,

Travelling to HK around aug-sept with 2 young kids ( 3 yrs old and 6 months) Have been reading the reviews for hotels. When i read one that recomm. a hotel for families, I then read another review not recommending it. So am a bit confused. It will be our first time. Preferably looking in Kowloon. A hotel near the harbour( with a view). A pool would be perfect. As a family we love to walk to as many places as is possible (we most probably be using a pram/buggy). Wife wants to do some shopping, so anything near the markets that we could stroll to in the evening would be great. Happy to take taxis as well. Like a nice buffet also . Happy to spend a little extra for that convenience.

What wouldyou all recommend???

Cheers

accomodation for 2 adlts and 2 young kids

do a search on this forum as this has been discussed already

example

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g294217-i1496-k188鈥?/a>

accomodation for 2 adlts and 2 young kids

We have some experience travelling with kids, though not as young as yours. Firstly I would recommend you go to the hotel websites and check the room sizes. Hong Kong rooms are small on the whole. It might be better to accept the slightly lower standard of hotel if the room sizes are bigger. There is also the question of room layout, many websites have this as well and it might be as well to check just to see where the extra beds/cots are going to go. Then make sure that the hotel is reminded that you are going to need extra beds/bedding. Remind them again at the desk when you register, because they will have forgotten, and this will give them time to rush around and get everything upstairs while you are checking in. You can also Google Hotel room sizes, it usually takes you to the hotel website but sometimes to places like this where the sizes are part of the discussion. Depending on your budget you might like to go for a suite, though your children might not like to be separated in a strange place ours didn%26#39;t. Got very clingy for a day or two.

Marco Polo Prince has big room, close to the park, near the harbour and within the Ocean Terminal Mall, located in Kowloon, but there is no harbour view, no pool.

You can also take a look at Royal Pacific (Tower Wing), Sheraton, YMCA Salisbury, Kowloon Shangri-la, Royal Pacific, Harbour Plaza Hong Kong, InterContinental or InterContinental Grand Stanford. Althought they might not be 100% fit to your requirement or/and your budget.

concealer

looking for resonable hotel in nathan road.

mY family of 12 would be going to hongkong for 4 nights we are 10 adults and 2 kids. so would need abt 4-5 rooms. can someone recommend somewhere pretty cheap?? not looking or a 3 or 4 star just somewhere clean n convenient.

thanks would be going june 3 to 6.

then off to macau 7,8 june if u could recommend hotels in macau too

appreciate any help and recommendations.

looking for resonable hotel in nathan road.

not sure your defination of ';resonable';, how about YMCA or Caritas Bianchi Lodge?

tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294217-d305950鈥?/a>

tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294217-d309418鈥?/a>

BTW, no matter which hotel you stay in Macau, you have to pay the highest rate during weekend.

looking for resonable hotel in nathan road.

ymca salisbury has dorm rooms

Nathan Road is a very long road that stretches all the way to the Kowloon waterfront promenade. Along this stretch there are two YMCA properties which offer clean and affordable rooms. The YMCA Salisbury at the Tsimtsatsui end of Nathan Road faces the harbourfront and rooms here would cost about 30% more than the YMCA International House on Waterloo Street. I personally prefer the latter YMCA because it is perched atop the Yaumatei subway station (which means HK Island is less than 15 minutes train ride away) and within walking distance to the Mongkok street markets, Langham Place Mall (or 1 subway stop away) and Temple Street night markets. Other cheap and clean hotels near the Tsimtsatsui end of Nathan Road, but without harbour views, are Benito Hotel (new boutique hotel) and Stanford Hillview (just off Knutsford Terrace whose pubs and restaurants do brisk business after dusk).

If you could juggle your itinerary, I would suggest visiting Macau on weekdays and staying in HK during the june 7-8 weekends for two reasons (i) you avoid the long lines at immigration and huge weekend crowds of mainland China tourists; (ii) weekday room rates are about two-thirds of those for Fri/Sat nights. For a big group like yours, the savings can be enough for feasting and duty-free shopping in Macau. That said, the more centrally located and clean hotels include Lisboa, Sintra, Beverly Plaza (no in-house casino) and Grand Emperor which are within 10-15 minutes%26#39; walking distance to (i) the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Trail attractions such as St Augustine%26#39;s Square, Senado Square, the Ruins of St Pauls and Mount Fortress (ii) popular casinos including Las Vegas exports Wynn and MGM. Of course, if you would like to splurge, Wynn is centrally located too and I hear they have beautiful and spacious suites.

Happy holidays.

Thank u so much for all the suggestions and the quick reply. will check the budget hotels in nathan road. ymca will not be suitable for my parents who are in their late 70.but however will check them out too.

and if u dont mind will ask u more questions after i check them out.

thanks again

each dorm room at the y salisbury has 2 bunk beds in a room with private toilet. so your 70 year old parents could possibly each have the lower bunk, two younger ones can stay in the bunk beds above.

there are 7 rooms with such configuration. you can book 3 rooms to fit all 12

Or your parents could have a double room and the rest of you share dormitory accommodation.

Footwear for weather

Counting down the weeks now until we arrive in HK and preparing all the little details. I have read suggestions re sneakers for walking in HK, but would like to ask about Crocs and Birkenstocks. I am not really attracted to either style but have heard many people during our summer here, rave about them.

My question is how do these shoes fair in humid weather and HK terrain? Can either of these be worn into cafe/reataurants without question from staff?

Does anyone suggest anything else that I may have missed?

I%26#39;m hoping that there is a better alternative to sneakers as they tend to get wet in humid weather, not to mention smelly.

Footwear for weather

Generally, you can put on any types of footwear you like that you find comfortable. There is little restriction from cafe or restaurant (unless for the high-class restaurants such as those in the top-rated hotels) concerning your footwear or clothing.

If you are not going to the countryside, you will mainly be walking on concrete floor. %26#39;Sandals%26#39; like Birkenstocks work fine on this type of floor if you are accustomed to the hardness of the shoes.

So if you are coming in summer, when rainfall is not uncommon, sandals of any kind might be a good choice (of course you won%26#39;t put on a new pair of them which will obviously get your feet hurt after walking).

Footwear for weather

We arrive in May.

Some shoes become quite slippery in humid weather and I wanted to be comfortable and prevent blisters from the rubbing associated with the wetness. Hope this makes sense.

When we go to the outskirts we will wear covered in sneakers but for general sightseeing would like the open style if possible.

Anyone else like to comment regarding good footwear for humidity? I don%26#39;t want blisters.

Hi travelling times,

Personally, sneakers will be a little warm unless you intend to do some jogging. Else, I%26#39;d suggest those Teva sandles. It%26#39;s comfortable and suitable for HK weather too.

Of course, its always better to bring a pair of %26#39;back up%26#39; shoes just in case you intend to walk into a posh restaurant. Else, its find if you wear either sneakers, croc or Birkenstocks.

Sports sandals are good - good comfort and treads for walking, good to keep feet cooler, and good when rains - not get soaked. :)

Thanks lifestyle.. and Bona..,

I haven%26#39;t heard of Teva before, are they easily accessible and price reasonable? Are these sports sandals? I will have to go look for them.

Still not sure about crocs as I am worried I%26#39;ll get blisters from the rubbing and Birks aren%26#39;t soft to wear. I don%26#39;t think I%26#39;ll have much time to break them in given it%26#39;s raining here. :)

Hi TT;

I personally like Columbia sportswear sandals. Usually there is not much breaking-in - - they are pretty soft to begin with and I don%26#39;t ever recall have wearing-in pains (like rubbing). BTW, you can definitely wear them in the rain - that is one great advantage of them as travel footwear. I wear them all day even when I have to jump in and out of the sea to wade back and forth to boats at beach/island destinations. They definitely can take rain well. :)

In humid weather in HK, I use Havaianas

Thank you all. I am checking all of your suggestions out. Not knowing much about any of these (and in fact I never have heard of most of these)your replies are appreciated.

Looking forward with much anticipation.

Hi Just back. I wore Aero walking shoes for the first couple of days but found my feet just got too hot and sore. Ended up wearing comfortable sandles. You walk miles and thats only in the underground. Be warned stations have multiple exits and you can easily get lost.The trains take longer to get to than the journey time, hardly any waiting time and so fast to get around the city. I dont know how handicapped peole would manage.

Hotel benito, any one stayed there yet

Iv contacted the hotel about prices for next may and they have quoted 700hkd per night which i think is pretty good, just wondered if any one has stayed there yet.

I thought it may be noisy as its right on nathan rd.

Hotel benito, any one stayed there yet

The hotel is situated on Cameron Road and Lane off Nathan Road. The area is generally busy with shops and local cafes on your doorstep.

However, I think that the moment you are in the hotel the noise will not be much of an issue.... But i think its a trade off between noise and convenience.

You may want to look at Katetam comments on this hotel. Since its just newly open, I don%26#39;t think many people will have stayed there yet.

Hotel benito, any one stayed there yet

we are asking everyone who booked at this hotel this december /january to give us a review.

until then, as it is a new hotel - there are no reviews.

for that price, don%26#39;t have high expectations - too high that is. the main thing is that it is a new hotel and im sure there will be a few kinks but im sure they will try their hardest to provide good customer service and to sort out things during the so called teething period.

and also the hotel is a converted office building.

The hotel is NOT on Nathan Road. It%26#39;s one block in from nathan road. It is on busy Cameron Road, very lively and busy at night, but once the stores close at 10:00 or 11:00pm, there isn%26#39;t any reason for the streets to be noisy. There is no club or pub or anything late opened at night. Tom Lee Music %26#39;s main branch is next to it, so no, it wouldn%26#39;t be noisy.

HSBC is right there, and McDonalds, and Watsons.... I think it%26#39;s one of the BEST location for a hotel... very smart.

Im torn between this hotel in the middle of every thing brilliant location and a good price and the ramada in the wesrern district on the island as iv stayed there before but it was a little far out but transport wasnt a problem.

I don%26#39;t think you have anything to lose in trying out Benito. The rooms might be smaller than Ramada, but why not give it a try?

you know you could always book / reserve hotel benito first as your trip is not until may.

check out their cancellation policy. usually you have to give a month or so notice to cancel without penalty.

by february, there would be some reviews of hotel benito already.

if you feel that this is for you - then go ahead with the booking

if not just cancel it.

Does the hotel staffs operate on weekend, it seem that no one is reply my mail since Friday... for Hotel Benito

Of course they operate on weekends... how did you contact the hotel? By email? Try sending again, as sometimes email doesn%26#39;t get received. And today, is Sunday, SOME hotels%26#39; reservations don%26#39;t operate during Sundays.

If you still don%26#39;t get a reply soon, fax to them.

The email is working unless you have the wrong address. I emailed my inquiry a few days ago. I got a reply in less than 24-hours. By the way it was a weekday so maybe that explains the prompt reply. I am now booked in the hotel at room 810, a de luxe double room. Overall rating: satisfied, happy and impressed. Will post my review later.

wow!!! you even got a room assignment!!

Airport to Metropark (Mongkok)

Hi there, would like to check, how can I travel frm the airport to Metropark mongkok hotel (缁存櫙).

Understand there%26#39;s airport shuttle, correct me if I am wrong. I can take bus A21 to the hotel, which stop mus i alight to get to my hotel? And A11 from my hotel back to the airport?

Can I use the Octopus card to pay for the bus fare as well?

Thanks.

Airport to Metropark (Mongkok)

citybus.com.hk/eng/鈥?/a>

5th stop is Metropark mongkok.

Yes u can use the Octopus card to pay for the bus fare.

Airport to Metropark (Mongkok)

Thanks taipo_babe. May I knw which bus no. shld I hope on from my hotel back to the airport then.

Hamham, we stayed at Metropark Mongkok in March. The one in Lai Chi Kok road right? We took Airport City Bus A21 and it stops right outside the hotel. Cost HK$33. Very convenient. There will be announcement before the next stop so just pay attention or look out for the board announcement inside the bus. It will show Metropark Mongkok if it is the next stop.

We thought we can take the same bus back from hotel to airport but the bus driver said we can%26#39;t so we had to take the Airport Express instead.

The Prince Edward MTR is just 1 minute away. Take the MTR to the nearest Airport station and change to the airport express.

Yes, you can pay using the Octopus card.

The A21 doesn%26#39;t have a stop near MP Mongkok when going back to the airport. Alternatively, you can catch the E21 bus, which stops outside 739 Nathan Road before Bute Street, a block or so from the Metropark. You can ask the concierge for directions to the bus stop.

You should note that the E21 makes more stops along the way than the A21, and therefore would be a bit slower getting to the airport. However, the fare is less expensive ($14 vs. $33).

citybus.com.hk/eng/鈥?/a>

Great Wall Tours - Which is best?

We want to do a tour to the Great Wall but would like to get there earlier than normal to try and see some of it without the crowds. Is there a recommended tour or private car or similar which starts earlier than the other tours? Most we have found dont get to the wall until 10am?

Thanks for any advice!

Great Wall Tours - Which is best?

Try one of those that have you sleeping overnight on the Great Wall.

Great Wall Tours - Which is best?

Try cycle china (www.cyclechina.com). They don%26#39;t go to touristy places and we did a trip with them last year and until we got to the restored wall we only came across 2 other people in two days! Well worth it.

I highly recommend them.

You sleeping on the Great Wall锛?/p>

then watches the sunrise 銆?/p>

There are a number of walls in beijing.

1.2.1.1 Great Wall Hiking at Simatai

1.2.1.2 Great Wall Hiking at Jinshanling

1.2.1.3 Simatai hiking plus local villager family living plus Chengde emperor鈥檚 summer resort visit

1.2.1.4 Great Wall Hiking at Xiangshui Lake

1.2.1.5 Great Wall Hiking at Huanghuacheng

1.2.2 family visit of Great Wall

1.2.2.1 family visit of Great Wall at Badaling, Ming Tomb and Sacred road

1.2.2.2 family visit of Great Wall at Mutianyu

There are some more other wall in or around beijing.

what is your interest?

There are some wild great wall in beijing. you can do camping there.

Hire your own taxi for about 500 Yuan and go on the Jinshanling-Simatai hike of 10K. Few people bothering you. Check the search function for many posts on this great experience.

Yeah, there are many sites of Great Wall in Beijing in deed as recommended in previous replies.However the best site where I go often is called ';Jiankou';, which is a wild site of Great Wall and has not been reconstructed. Few forigeners go there.

Simata Hiking is certainly a good place as well.

New China International Exhibition Center -

I want to go to beijing for auto show 2008. could you please suggest me some good hotels (at least 4 star) close to ';New China International Exhibition Center'; %26amp; interesting place % shopping center.

could you please help me?

best wishes,

New China International Exhibition Center -

Eh, that%26#39;s out at Beijing airport. I hardly think there would be any interesting places or shopping centres out there?!

New China International Exhibition Center -

thank you for your reply,

please advise some good hotels (at least 4 star) close %26amp; interesting place % shopping center.

also not so far from ';New China International Exhibition Center';.

is it possible?

Excuse me, but it seems that you%26#39;re merely repeating your original question without comprehending what I just said in my answer.

Beijing airport is about 60 mins from the city centre. There%26#39;s nothing really of interest there, nor shopping centres. It%26#39;s just an airport, not the city itself. Please try to use a map and figure out the geographical layout of Beijing.

To answer your question: no, I don%26#39;t think it%26#39;s possible. Especially when I don%26#39;t know what you consider ';interesting place';. I suppose, an advantage would be that if you stay in this area, you%26#39;re saving on half the journey distance/time needed to get to the Great Wall!

thank you for your reply.

what%26#39;s your suggestion about a good hotel (4 star) near shopping center?

is it possible near to great wall too?

best wishes,

No, it is NOT possible to be near to shopping centres (ie city centre) AND Great Wall as well. The nearest sections of the Great Wall lie about 50 km from the city centre!

This website already has plenty of hotel reviews, so please browse through for something that%26#39;s suitable for you.

tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g294212-Beijing-Hotel鈥?/a>

what is the best area to shop in Beijing?

do you know any hotel in this area?

Depends on what you%26#39;re shopping for. There%26#39;re many places for shopping in Beijing. Please do a forum search for ';Beijing shopping';.

And to start you off, some results from Google:

http://www.beijingtraveltips.com/shopping.htm

travellady.com/Issues/Issue61/bejingshopping鈥?/a>

travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/鈥hopping.htm

journeywoman.com/shopping_worldwide/china_be鈥?/a>

what is your opinion about ';Holiday Inn ENTRAL PLAZA BEIJING'; ?

is it good hotel?

do you know about the nearby area of this hotel?

101 user reviews for that hotel on TripAdvisor: tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294212-d325490鈥?/a>

I%26#39;m not that familiar with Beijing, but I took a quick look of the hotel%26#39;s location on a map and it doesn%26#39;t seem that ideal for your purposes.

concealer

oasis hong kong are bust!

Hi People

I couldnt see any posts on this but im sure people are aware

Oasis HK have gone into liquidation! (and ive lost my dosh!)

This is annoying for me as i decided to suppport a new airline and now have lost my holiday to HK in May as cannot afford to pay for another trip!

I was taking two friends as they wanted to be shown round the city they were nervous to go on their own!

Oh well we will all have to save again and prob go the end of the year!

oasis hong kong are bust!

More information on this thread over at Lonely Planet ThornTree forum: www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa鈥?/a>

oasis hong kong are bust!

tjay, if you paid with a UK credit card you should be able to get a refund from your card issuer.

tjay2

Do you not have travel insurance?

apparently you weren%26#39;t looking hard enuf

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g294217-i1496-k188鈥?/a>

yeah didnt look hard enough!!

i paid on debit card well in excess of over 120 days ago dont have travel insurance that covers scheduled airline failure so pretty screwed.

I can get Return flights with Cathay for 拢250pp in June but just cant afford to pay out again!

I hope that you are able to find a way to be redeemed of your situation! I dont know what I would do if I booked with them? I would not wish your situation on anyone!! lets hope that they can find a way to help those they burned(not by choice) in the next couple of weeks?

actually, there is a much more informative (but you have to sift through the dross) thread on this at geoexpat:

geoexpat.com/forum/鈥ost208252

It appears that all hope is not yet lost if the apparant disagreements between investors can be resolved;

www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp鈥?/a>

i shall keep evertything crossed for the airline! hopefully things can be resovlved and they can start flying again!

whether they honour previous bookings is another thing though!

3 days, 4 nights...what to do?

I%26#39;ll be in Beijing during the second week of May for 3 days and 4 nights. Will be staying at in the Xicheng District.

Can anyone help me plan out my visit?

I definitely wanna hit up the historical hotspots (Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen, etc.), but also bike around some hutongs, walk around some parks, and EAT!

Could anyone recommend some itineraries?

Also, where can I find good street food and/or good cheap to mid-range restaurants?

Thanks!

3 days, 4 nights...what to do?

I%26#39;ve previously posted similar itineraries MANY times, so please try to do a search.

Also please provide your dates.

Try Gui Jie for restaurants, and Donghuamen for snacks in the evening.

3 days, 4 nights...what to do?

May 17 (arrive 9:30pm) - May 21

Sat 17/5: arrive 2130

Sun 18/5: Panjiayuan Market, Temple of Heaven, Yonghegong Lamasery, dinner at Gui Jie

Mon 19/5: flag-raising at Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall, Wangfujing, Donghuamen night snacks market

Tue 20/5: Summer Palace

Wed 21/5: leave Beijing (I assume you%26#39;re leaving early on this day since 3D4N are already covered!)

Yes,Hutong is very intersting,it%26#39;s around Back Sea,a beautiful lake,and along the lake,there is a bar street,you can rent a bike over there. About the park,you can go to the Jingshan Park and Beihai Park,wihch are behind the Forbidden City,not far from Hutong.

Near the Wangfujing Walking Street,there is Night Snack Market,strat about at 4:00pm.You will see snakes,seahorse,scorpions and something else.If you are a adventure tourist,you can try them.

And the Guijie Street is famous for spicy food.

You can try the Hotpot.Near to the Jingshan Park,there is a nice restaurant for hotpot,called Manfulou.(No.38 Dianmennei Street.)

I meant to include a hutong bike ride in between Temple of Heaven and Yonghegong Lamasery but somehow forgot.

Thanks for the suggestions.

I planning on doing the Downtown Backpackers Great Wall hike.

How will that change the itinerary?

Any particular day you%26#39;re going on?

Sat 17/5: arrive 2130

Sun 18/5: Panjiayuan Market, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City

Mon 19/5: Jinshanling-Simatai Great Wall, dinner at Gui Jie, Wangfujing pedestrian street, Donghuamen night snacks market

Tue 20/5: Summer Palace, Yonghegong Lamasery (if there%26#39;s time)

Wed 21/5: leave Beijing

Sorry, readjust that.

Sat 17/5: arrive 2130

Sun 18/5: Panjiayuan Market, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Wangfujing pedestrian street, Donghuamen night snacks market

Mon 19/5: Jinshanling-Simatai Great Wall, Peking duck dinner, Qianhai/Houhai

Tue 20/5: Summer Palace, Yonghegong Lamasery (if there%26#39;s time), dinner at Gui Jie

Wed 21/5: leave Beijing

18-5锛歵he Great Wall at Badaling and Ming Tombs

19-5锛歵he Tian%26#39;anmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace

20-5:the old Beijing Rickshaw Tour

21-5: end the Beijing trip

I%26#39;m sorry to say that I think the last answer gave a typical, rushed, non-recommendable Chinese tour itinerary.

Badaling is easily the most touristy of all the Great Wall locations around Beijing.

Squashing Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace into ONE day would be done by none except Chinese tour groups who rush through Forbidden City in a max of 2 hours, and probably Summer Palace in a max of 3 hours.

Sensible independent travellers usually leave a full day for the Summer Palace, at least half a day for Forbidden City and the better part of a morning for Temple of Heaven.

1 day visa to shenzhen

I will be in Hong Kong for a few days and would like to take a day trip to Shenzhen to see Window of the World. I read somewhere that you can get a 1 day visa for about $15 USD. Is this true and if so where would I apply for that? I am American and the regular visa is around $50 and I am only going to be there for one day, just to go to the theme park with my mom and my kids. The cost of the round trip train tickets and the park entrance fee is only around $25 per person so it seems a bit pricey to spend $200 on visas for just one day. How is Window of the World, is it worth going just for that? I would appreciate any advice. Thanks!

1 day visa to shenzhen

Americans cannot get the Shenzhen only visa.

The full visa will cost you around USD120.

As to what Windows of the World is worth..

1 day visa to shenzhen

Cost of Chinese visa for US passport holders if obtained in HK, at the ministry

fmcoprc.gov.hk/eng/zgqz/blsjfy/default.htm

Sorry I was wrong. It will cost you around US$130.

My best advice to you is to obtain your visa before you enter China either at Hong Kong%26#39;s Airport or at your nearest Chinese embassy.

If you wait until you get to the Hong Kong/Chinese border, you will waste a lot of your day queuing for a Visa.

Rules and costs of Visas for UK and USA citizens are a little bit more expansive than for other citizens of the world.

US citizens cannot get a visa at the shenzhen border.

I am UK passport holder and have been to Shenzhen from Hong Kong a couple of times for the big shop. I am travelling to HK again in August and was planning to cross the border again, however my friends in HK have told me that you can no longer buy a single entry visa at the border as they are tightening up in preparation for the Olympics in the summer. Does anyone know if this is true? And does anyone know what the shopping is like in Zhuhai?

Snoozie, I%26#39;m afraid the report is true - no more visas on arrival at any of the border crossings (which counts out Zhuhai, too). There are rumours that regulations will tighten even further in a couple of months; we%26#39;ll have to see what happens.

Depending on what you%26#39;re looking for there is some excellent bargain shopping to be done in Macau if you want a break from HK.

Non HK residents / workers can no longer get a Chinese visa in Hong Kong.

See fmcoprc.gov.hk/eng/zgqz/bgfwxx/default.htm

Back to the future ... next thing we%26#39;ll be needing a recommendation from our union boss to get a visa again... (or, with ';socialism with Chinese characteristics,'; quite possibly from our investment manager).

Best Soup Dumplings?

I know this is a speciality of Shanghai, but is there anywhere in Beijing that sells good ones?

Best Soup Dumplings?

They aren%26#39;t easy to find in Beijing. It%26#39;s possible that one of the Shanghai-style restaurants has them.

Best Soup Dumplings?

Ding Tai Fung, perhaps?

Yes, I think it%26#39;s Ding Taifeng Restaurant as well. It%26#39;s famous for Dimsum,a very nice restaurant with Shanghai-food style.

I found a link and they look good. What area are they in?

Both outlets are in Chaoyang district.

Xintiandi outlet: 6th floor, 87 Jianguo Lu

鼎泰丰(新光天地店): 建国路87号新光天地6楼

Hujiayuan outlet: 24 Xinyuanli Zhongjie

鼎泰丰(胡家园店): 新源西里中街24号(近渔阳饭店)

Getting from Shanghai to HK

I%26#39;m traveling to China and May and need advice. I%26#39;m hoping to find a 1 way flight from Shanghai to HK and am finding nothing under $380!?! Does anyone have any suggestions on places to find cheaper flights or any other ideas to get to HK? I%26#39;ve heard of ppl flying to Zhuhai and taking a ferry, has anyone done that or something similar? Thanks so much!

Getting from Shanghai to HK

look on elong.net

Fly to Shenzhen.

Get to HK by ferry, bus or train.

Getting from Shanghai to HK

Yes, if you fly to Shenzhen then take ferry or bus, you can save round half cost as you mention above.

Thanks for the replies. How long is the ferry trip? Will this be difficult with luggage and non-Chinese speakers or is it easy to get to the ferry from the airport?

Ferry from Shenzhen airport to Hong Kong: turbojetseaexpress.com/eng/鈥rd_2.html

If you can afford the time, there%26#39;s also a direct train every other day from Shanghai to Hong Kong that takes 20 hours: 鈥tr.com.hk/B2C/UserPage/sysTimeTable_Eng.asp (scroll down)

Spring Airlines (http://www.china-sss.com) is a good budget airline flying Shanghai -- Guangzhou, from there you could get a bus/train to Hong Kong easily.

After you pick up your luggage there is a counter for the ferry tickets right there. Less then 200RMB. You take their bus just outside the door to the ferry terminal (which is right next to the airport). The ferry ride is one hour. You can check luggage.

But don%26#39;t arrive in late evening as there are no more ferries.

Really easy.

Should I spend a night and some of the day in Shenzhen? I%26#39;m thinking about getting in late on a Monday night, or earlier, and either going straight to HK and leaving Thursday. Do you think it%26#39;s better to spend 2 full days in HK, or part of a day in Shenzhen and 1.5 in HK? Would it be cheaper to stay a night in Shenzhen rather than HK?

Don%26#39;t bother with Shenzhen unless you%26#39;re going to shop for knock-offs, or really keen on either of the 2 theme parks.

Shenzhen has cheaper accommodation but not much to attract travellers other than what I mentioned above, otherwise just a transit point between Hong Kong and mainland China.

I%26#39;d just spend both days in Hong Kong.

Great advice, I booked my flight a few days ago, will be travelling from Shanghai to ShenZhen on Juneyao Airlines, arriving at 1010.

I tried to look at Juneyao%26#39;s website, but it is mostly in Chinese, does anyone have any experience with them?

Also, coming into ShenZhen, I%26#39;ll be taking a ferry to Hong Kong, does anyone know if there%26#39;s anything with customs that we%26#39;ll have to do upon arrival into HK? Thanks so much for the help!

Had a friend take it for the Shenzhen -- Shanghai route in December and he was pleasantly surprised, especially with the onboard food which he said was much better than what he%26#39;s ever had on Chinese domestic flights.

photo

if i have this person photo can i find him in qingdao...

photo

If you spend the money to erect billboards with his photo, advertise on TV and newspapers... perhaps?

concealer

A good Hotel

What is a good Hotel for sight seeing and romance for about 70.00 usd a nite ?

A good Hotel

Hi its a tall order indeed.For USD70 u dont expect much for a very good hotel in Shanghai.The budget for a good hotel easily surpass at least 100Usd..but u still can get a good enough hotel around yr budgetor slightly more like Charms Hotel.,East Asia hotel,Celebrity services apartment,Bund riverside hotel,Asset hotel,Astor house (cost slightly more),Galaxy hotel,Nanjing hotel,Seventh heaven hotel.,Pacific luck hotel,Cityhotel.

A good Hotel

Since this site, Tripadvisor, is all about user hotel reviews, I suggest you scan the top 60 or 80 hotels in the Tripadvisor ratings.

I would much rather trust the literally thousands of reviews posted by travelers than one person%26#39;s recommendation on this forum. Remember some hotels add service charges and taxes on top of the base rate.

Hi also please be advised that some of the posters r literally working on behalf of the hotels or certain agencies so its also not very advisable to believe everything that is posted.Frankly i had stayed in a number of the hotels as i travel in n out of Shanghai many times in a year n i always stay in hotels so i wouldnt recommend any that i had not stayed before.Besides its difficult to measure the value by a yardstick as the standard varies fromeach individual expectations.But if for USD70 i will not expect too much,just so long as the location is good n the hotel is clean with efficient staff(i may add that the staff may not be proficient in English in this category of hotels).this is another factor taken into account.

And romance?!

Hmmm. Try Ambassador Hotel?

Briefly Beijing

Hello,

This is going to sound a bit hair-brained, but I%26#39;m currently living in South Korea and some friends and I wanted to visit Beijing, but we only have 3 days off. The only flights avaliable are arriving Saturday mid-afternoon and the leaving Monday morning. Is this trip worth the money? Can we see enough stuff in this time to justify it? Thanks!

Briefly Beijing

Do you guys have any chance of going to Beijing and spend more time there some other time or is this like a once in a lifetime oppurtunity?

If you will not be able to reschedule here%26#39;s how I would do it:

Day 1:

Dash straight from the airport to see the Great Wall at Mutianyu which is fairly close. Arrange this with a taxi-driver outside the terminal, or prebook this with a local guide (I recomend Alvin - alvinbenton@hotmail.com) The touts who meet you in the arrival hall will rip you off! Go out for duck and maybe catch a show (acrobatics, gong fu or opera in the evening. Book a hotel in a hutong-area to get a feel of it.

Day 2

Sunday morning get up real early and go to Tiantan Park (west gate) to watch the locals practise Tai Chi and stuff. Go round to the south entrance and see the Round Altar and the Temple of Heaven. Leave by the west gate and hop on the subway to Tiananmen Square. See the Forbidden City, and stroll down Wangfujing. Eat at the Night market or go out for hot pot for dinner, and check out another show or just go for drinks in the Houhai-area.

Day 3

Remember to be at the airport at least 2 hours before departure

Briefly Beijing

You certainly can%26#39;t see everything in a day and a half, but you can see something that%26#39;s worthwhile.

It%26#39;s probably worth it if you can afford it and won%26#39;t have another chance to get to Beijing.

Up to you. Do you think you could get the chance to come to Beijing sometime in the future? If you won%26#39;t, then you just have to make the best of what you could do on this trip.

need help in determining our China itinerary

We arrive in Hong Kong on July 30th and have until August 16 when we must be in Beijing for 9 daysfor the Olympic Games.......can anyone give us some suggesstions on how to see the most of China%26#39;s Best prior to the games?

I look forward to hearing your suggestions.

David

need help in determining our China itinerary

Hi davidappollo and welcome to Tripadvisor forums,

The best first step is to figure out what you might like to see, then prioritize the places. Since everyone has different tastes and preferences, I suggest you buy a touring guide such as the DK Eyewitness Guide to China and look at the many wonders of China. Pick just four or five places to avoid spending your entire trip packing, unpacking and in airport waiting areas.

You have a nice amount of time at the peak of summer. I might suggest some cooler places, such as areas of Yunnan Province and Yangshuo. Beijing and Shanghai can be insufferable in August, especially by Miami Beach standards. You will not find cooling breezes in the cities, just blast of oven-heated air.

need help in determining our China itinerary

Suggestions? Sure.

Figure out what your sightseeing interests and preferences are, to start with!

Beijing , a wonderful city, u just have to be careful

Beijing is a wonderful city, a mix of heritage with a dash of modernity. restaurants are wonderfully pleasant, don%26#39;t forget the peking duck. da dong kaoya dian is tops for me. makiayme is also a great place to dine, tibetan food without going to tibet, probably will be difficult to secure a travel permit there anyway these days, lol. order the yak meat and yak cheese very very exotic even my kids love it.

went to beijing with my family without a tour guide, anyway am a mandarin speaker though not the best. still was very wary of tea ceremonies and whatever ceremonies that come my way having read abt all the possible scams. but still fell for 1, where we were brought to a temple near ming tombs, we vehemently protested though and were duped of 600 rmb, because my kids already lighted joss stick for blessing and in orientals when a joss is lighted u have to pray to whichever deity the temple was dedicated too. taxi driver was apolegetic after that, funny we would laugh abt that experience with my wife everytime we reminisce abt this particular episode.

well guys, if ever u were brought to places not in your itinerary just dont go in. cheers

Beijing , a wonderful city, u just have to be careful

Haha OMG are you telling me that you agreed to pay 600 RMB for incense?

Beijing , a wonderful city, u just have to be careful

';we were brought to a temple near ming tombs, we vehemently protested';

After a while, you will find a taxi driver who will be driven solely by commissions, kickbacks or scams, and try to dump you off somewhere.

Happened to me in Yunnan, and we simply did not get out of the taxi and said no. After a minute or two of sitting there, the driver got the message.

I can%26#39;t figure out why anyone got out of TimemasterSingapore%26#39;s vehicle.

Sorry to say, sounds like a typical Singaporean. Nuff said.

789 Nanjing Lu Bar

Hello

Had anyone been to the bar called 789 Nanjing Lu Bar in Le Royal Meriden Shanghai Hotel?

Does it open to anyone or just the hotel guest?

Is there any dress code?

Thanks

Justin

789 Nanjing Lu Bar

hello

Justin

The hotel open to anyone銆?/p>

address锛?/p>

Le Royal Meridien 64-66 floor

nanjing east road 789

huangpu district

shanghai

tel锛?21-33189999

time锛?7锛?0--02锛?0

consumer standard one person锛?40 RMB

789 Nanjing Lu Bar

Thanks, what about dress code?

Am i allow to take compact camera to take pictures of myself with my friends.

Cheers

Justin

1st time need some recommendations

Hello all,

My wife and I are celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary In Hong Kong in November. So far we have booked our plane tickets and nothing else. We are planning on staying 2 weeks. I would like some recommendations on where to stay. I prefer a central location because we like to walk everywhere we can. We are from NY and in our late 20鈥檚 so we are in shape. Usually when we travel we like to rent flats, or apartments. I am having a hard time finding any in Hong Kong. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

1st time need some recommendations

Ashley Apartments, 18 Ashley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui.

2 weeks is quite long - why don%26#39;t you also have a trip to China, or at least Macau?

1st time need some recommendations

service apartments here usually cater long term rentals... and they are quite expensive.

but having said that, you can try this link for short term flat rentals. some are not really central in location but transportation here is efficient

hongkong.asiaxpat.com/property/shortlets/

otherwise you can try some of these links

ttp://www1.gohome.com.hk/service_apt/list/list.php?lang=eng

hongkonghomes.com/serviced_apartments/鈥?/a>

http://www.geoexpat.com/apartments/index.php

http://cityloft.com.hk/

www.cozy.com.hk

www.hstudios.com.hk

www.landfortune.com

www.studiostudio.com.hk

www.apartments.com.hk

www.regentheights.com.hk

www.castlehk.com

http://www.empirestudio.biz/

http://www.onpowerproperties.hk/

2 Weeks may seem like a long time and I actually got the same response last year when we went to Rome Italy for 7 days. Many people kept advising we visit other cities but when we actually got there we wish we would have stayed 10 days! We love to travel slow, we take in everything! We might visit Macau or southern China. But we are still in the planning phase and all we have is airline tickets. Is there a countryside of Hong Kong? Transportation wise should I rent a car or scooter to visit the areas outside of the city? Thats for the replies so far! Keep em coming!

Best to avoid driving in Hong Kong. Drivers are extremely polite (at least compared to here where they are worse than me Los Angeles freeways.) But traffic is very heavy and very slow. Also the MTR gets you just about anywhere you want to go, including the countryside more or less . Or take a bus. There are many walking trails in Hong Kong, well technically a few huge ones but the usually divided up into more doable bits. And wherever you get off the is usually a bus along within about 15 minutes to take you back to town. Don%26#39;t worry too much about where you stay, within reason just about anywhere in Hong Kong is central. See if you can find a map with a decent scale, not one of the tourist ones, it will show you how close everything is.

I%26#39;m going next week for 17 days paying $6300 HKD at The Nest (thenest.com.hk).. only bad thing is its location is in Kowloon near Mong kok

Check it out

WOW the nest seems right up our alley. Have you ever stayed there before? Why is the location the only bad thing? Thanks for the info, that was exactly what I was looking for.

%26gt;%26gt; Why is the location the only bad thing

Sort of like Chinatown in NYC - very local.

Have you stayed there before? Are the rooms clean? Quiet? What is the advantage of staying there vs. a hotel?

Thanks a bunch for your response.

A buddy of mine is currently staying at the nest and it was recommended by him of course.. i%26#39;m not really too picky on the accommodation aspect as I don%26#39;t intend to say in much.. the location isn%26#39;t too bad neither as it is within a blocks away from Mong Kok and a 2 min walk to the Prince Edward MTR station

concealer

Shenzhen Organised Day Tour

My wife and I have a one day organised tour to travel to Shenzhen from Hong Kong in May 08 to see Terracotta Warriors etc and shopping at LoWu. After reading other threads on the forum we are now having second thoughts regarding this tour. Can anyone reassure us that it will be ok being an organised tour and is it worth the trip.

Thanks in advance for your advice

Shenzhen Organised Day Tour

If your main objective in going to Shenzhen is to shop I don鈥檛 believe these tours allow enough time. We recently spend 6 hours shopping at LoWu and could have easily spent more time but had to be back in HK at a certain time.

Shenzhen Organised Day Tour

Terracotta Warriors in Shenzhen...I don%26#39;t think so.

Can%26#39;t see any advantage at all in an organised tour if your main objective is just to shop at the LoWu Commercial Centre. Just jump on a train and go. We went a fortnight ago no problems. If you need a visa, plan to be at the border by 10am latest in case of queues and leave by 4pm latest. Bit of advice, take a bite to eat and something to drink, the food places we saw were a turn-off. Alternatively, you could have a buffet lunch for around RMB$250 at the Shangri La Hotel which you will see in the distance as you walk out of the station.

Woops I note from another post, visas no longer obtainable at the border. Looks like you%26#39;ll need to make prior arrangements for this.

There are some warriors in Shenzhen. Not the main body obviously but there are thousands of them and they are turning up everywhere these days. I fully endorse everyone else%26#39;s opinion about the tour though, go yourself, do what YOU want to do, and come back when you feel like it.

Shenzhen has a couple of life-size replicas of the terra cotta warriors, or you can see the miniature version of the first couple of pits of warriors discovered at Splendid China.

If you think a day%26#39;s shopping is worth the current expense and hassles involved in getting mainland visas, okay, otherwise spend your visa money visiting a few more HK markets (now much more competitive with the strong AU$) or take a trip to Macau instead.

Hi, Just got back from Hong Kong yesterday. We went to Lo Wu shopping last Saturday and we got a 5 day visa at the border however in the HK papers it was reported this week that no visas will be issued at the border anymore as all visa were going to be issued through a central office due to Olympic security.Make sure you double check this. This will have a huge impact on Lo Wu.

It was easy on the train and I would not take a tour. Just go first class on normal train from East TST.Its quite an effort at the border but still only took us about 15 minutes to get through and Lo Wu is staight outside the station. Lo Wu and very confronting. Everyone yells out to you and touts try to engage you all the time. Once we learnt to ignore them they went away ,but it does seems rude. My teeen age daughter got wonderful buys there but if you are bigger than size 12 you will find it difficult. Just before we left HK we found a very cheap market with fixed prices as cheap as Lo Wu anyway. It was situated on Jardine Cresent opposite Causeway bay station. Just a little alley way market.

Also if you are going to HKwear comfortable sandals I found walking shoes too hot as you walk miles.

We were keen to do this tour in Janauary until we found there are only a couple of warriors in a small museum.

I agree, Jardines Crescent market is really good at Causeway Bay, only small but very cheap prices. Same with the other markets (ladies,temple,fa yuen. Depends what you are looking for I guess.

Hong Kong is so easy to get around, I wouldn%26#39;t do any organised tours at all.

Pat

Can anyone tell me if the Jardines Crescent market is near the Marco Polo Hong Kong hotel? If not, what is the easiest way to get there?

Hi,

Jardine Crescent is opposite an exit from Causeway Bay Underground station and on a street which leads to Times Square Shopping Centre, not sure where Marco Polo is but everywhere is close using the underground railway.I liked the market because the prices were shown and I was sick of bargaining.It seems to be mostly locals there and no body hassles you. My daughter got shoes in a side shop there for 69HK$(We had seen %26amp; bought the same ones at Ladies market the night before for double the price) but she is lucky because she is tiny.She also bought tops,tights,scarves. Not great quality but fine for a teenager.If you are looking for more quality items City Gate opposite Tung Chung station has brand name outlets with things in bigger sizes but I found Australia was just as cheap really.Enjoy your stay.

health concerns

Planning a trip for December %26#39;08. I have heard there is an epidemic of Dengue Fever. Is it true and should I be concerned, cancel trip?

health concerns

No epidemics in Hong Kong.

health concerns

wrong country....

Number of weekly dengue cases up

By Heather Tan, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 14 April 2008 2348 hrs

SINGAPORE : The National Environmental Agency (NEA) has confirmed that there were 97 dengue cases reported from April 6 to 12.

jwalkercapecod,

You will find HK to be one of the cleanest countries in the world and there level of hygiene is of a very high standard.

Westin or Mandarin Oriental for families

We are 4 families who are meeting up in Macau for a reunion of sorts - coming from Singapore, Shanghai and Hong Kong. There are 8 children between us under the age of 5 yrs. Westin seems so removed from everything yet might be the best due to our family make-ups - Mandarin is tempting but is it family friendly enough for so many little people? Will likely spend lots of time pool side but would like the option to get out and about a little if we feel the urge. Appreciate any thoughts/input.

Westin or Mandarin Oriental for families

Westin has better service, Mandarin is closer to town.

It is quite difficult to decide.

If it is a short stay, say 1 night, I would go for Mandarin, otherwise Westin.

Westin or Mandarin Oriental for families

Resort area at the MO is very nice, but there are more facilities for children and the Westin. The latter has free shuttle buses running to and from the ferry terminal, which is amain public bus stop for getting everywhere else and very close to Fishermen%26#39;s Wharf %26amp; Yahoan department store. The bus trip from the Westin takes about 20 minutes.

Thanks for your replies. Sounds like we would enjoy either hotel but will likely go for the Westin for this trip with all the children. Appreciate input!

Pre China Trip Questions

OK, so I finally have decided to visit one of the Countries of my handful of Countries that I have always wanted to visit. I have always loved the Oriental history and culture. I have the option to go with a friend but I made the decision to visit China alone (solo). From the packages I have seen online I have noticed most charge a single supplement fee which range from $300-$600. For those of you who have visited China before I would be grateful for any advice. I would like to stay in China for 12-15 days

1- Should I pay for a package deal (Flight, Hotel, Tour Guide) or should I simple purchase all individually?

2- If a complete package is recommended then do any of you recommend a specific one? I enjoy five star hotels and would like to visit Beijing, Xi%26#39;an, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.

Thank you,

Robert

obby@soturecords.com

Pre China Trip Questions

I%26#39;ve never seen a package that was cheaper than booking individually.

However, if you are traveling alone, you may prefer a group tour, which would allow you to travel with other people.

Pre China Trip Questions

Where are you from, as I could maybe recommend a travel agency that specializes in tours of China but ';Earth'; isn%26#39;t too specific...haha.

Once in China, the hotels often offer the same or similar rate whether it is one or two people staying in the room.

As countless people on this forum will confirm, travelling to the cities that you mention is very easy without an organised tour. If you like, you can book a guide for one day when you get there.

Just DIY. Relatively very simple since your hotel and destination choices are very well-touristed.

If you are staying in five-star hotels, you can always get their help to arrange transportation locally and between cities, and can join hotel organized tours if you wish. The only thing is, I%26#39;m not sure this will be cheaper than going on a tour since 5-star hotels charge a lot for everything, but it would give you more flexibility.

One advantage/disadvantage of a tour is the other people--do you prefer to travel with the other people? Are they going to be like you, or different--wanting to shop when you want to spend more time seeing the sights for example?

The ';Earth'; statement is my sense of humor. I live in Miami, Florida and yes, I would prefer to travel alone. No strings attached. I want to first, see the historical sites then second, shop a bit.

if you%26#39;re going inland, they don%26#39;t speak much english (except for the big cities) and the signs are in Chinese only. I reco a guide or you%26#39;ll waste time, get frustrated, get lost and you won%26#39;t get the full experience. we just finished an 18 day Inland China trip with Gecko and had a great time. don%26#39;t think there would be a solo extra fee but check. you can get 5* hotels but the adventure is all in the being right in there with the locals.

If you want to travel solo, then by all means do. You must get a good guidebook and a good phrasebook, and don%26#39;t try to pack too many cities into your itinerary.

OK, from what I see I am better off booking a package deal with a travel agency. I went to hotels.com to see how much the flights alone would cost me and I was quoted more that $3000 just for the flights.

Rather than dealing with a domestic travel agency, would you guys recommend finding a Chinese travel agency to do the same?

Here are a couple of domestic packages I found:

www.friendlyplanet.com/taste-of-china.html

http://www.ritztours.com/earlybooking2.html

I don%26#39;t know what dates you are travelling or where you looked but I just checked in May on Kayak.com and was quoted $1100 for return flights (United).

5-star hotels can be found for between $100 and $200. No extra charge for single traveller, quite the countrary, they will charge extra for second person for extra breakfast.

You can book your interior flights after you arrive here. You choose one on www.ctrip.com but byt with your hotel concierge.

I always travel alone here and never buy a package. These are big developped cities that are easy to visit. some places like the Forbiddent city have audio guides you can rent. You can hire a guide at the entrance as well if you wish; it gives you some company as well as guide you if you feel bored.