O/T Going to China in a month - Advise?

[Desmostro]

Going to China Mid Nov. Being the large and mysterious place that it is, I was wondering if any of you savvy travelers have been and taken note of any 'can't be missed' sundries or spots to behold.
Any advice at all?

[desmoquattro]

The slow boats...

But seriously: talk to Zee from Oz. And mostro900. They've both been there. mostro900 lived there for a while.

[somegirl]

Yes it's large.  Wanna narrow down what part you're going to?

Start working on your visa ASAP.  If there's a chance you might go back within the next 6 months then try to get a multi-visit one, will make your life far easier.  I usually use Visa Network in SF.

[Desmostro]

I'll be heading over semi-frequently. Hong kong area company apartment awaits me.  
That will always be the jump off point. I'm open to suggestions. Maybe this trip will be around Hong Kong.
Business visa on the way. thanks!

[DanTheMan]

Hong kong is actually considered a different country when it comes to visas so be aware. not sure if you even need one for Hong Kong...

[Desmostro]

Hong kong is actually considered a different country when it comes to visas so be aware. not sure if you even need one for Hong Kong...

Ya I'll definitely be flying into Hong Kong then going to China, just over the water from Hong Kong. ..and I guess getting a lot of shots first. Not looking forward to that semi-sick thing from inoculations.

[somegirl]

No visa needed for HK for US citizens but you definitely need one for mainland China.

Are you going out into the countryside?  If you're sticking to big cities you probably don't need shots.

[johnc]

I'll be heading over semi-frequently. Hong kong area company apartment awaits me. 
That will always be the jump off point. I'm open to suggestions. Maybe this trip will be around Hong Kong.
Business visa on the way. thanks!

stanley market on the island http://www.hk-stanley-market.com/

victoria peak http://www.orientaltravel.com/province/city/area/HK_Victoria_Peak.htm

lan kwai fong (for bars/night life) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lan_Kwai_Fong

temple street night market http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294217-d315245-Reviews-Temple_Street_Night_Market-Hong_Kong_Hong_Kong_Region.html

temple of ten thousand buddhas http://www.fodors.com/world/asia/china/hong-kong/review-161043.html

take the speed ferry to macau ... unless macau did a MASSIVE spick-n-span project, expect the entire island to smell like a urinal ... but it's worth seeing, if just for the road race circuit.

the jumbo floating restaurant in aberdeen http://www.jumbo.com.hk/eng/main.php

[DanTheMan]

stanley market on the island http://www.hk-stanley-market.com/

victoria peak http://www.orientaltravel.com/province/city/area/HK_Victoria_Peak.htm

lan kwai fong (for bars/night life) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lan_Kwai_Fong

temple street night market http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294217-d315245-Reviews-Temple_Street_Night_Market-Hong_Kong_Hong_Kong_Region.html

temple of ten thousand buddhas http://www.fodors.com/world/asia/china/hong-kong/review-161043.html

take the speed ferry to macau ... unless macau did a MASSIVE spick-n-span project, expect the entire island to smell like a urinal ... but it's worth seeing, if just for the road race circuit.

the jumbo floating restaurant in aberdeen http://www.jumbo.com.hk/eng/main.php

Johnc with something useful and informative??   

[MendoDave]

I have almost no advice. But a friend of mine went there and brought back a "Chairman Mao" lighter. I am surprised  that 15 years later it still works. Get one of those.

[somegirl]

We had a thread in NMC with some advice about Hong Kong:
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=16289.0

As far as mainland China, if you're going to Shanghai, Beijing, or Xian I can make some recommendations.

HK is very easy to get around in, everyone speaks English, the subway system is very efficient.  Lots of traffic (they drive on the other side) but the driving is ok.   Things tend to be fairly expensive there.

On the mainland things tend to be cheaper (both in price and in quality), although Shanghai is more high-end.  Anywhere in mainland China be very careful with the traffic, even crossing the street is dangerous.  Those drivers are some of the craziest I've seen (far worse than the Italians).

[ducatiz]

Hong Kong is like New York, it is overbuilt and highly urban and pretty pricey for good times.

I was not impressed with it, what other places are you going to? 

There is a lot of fun to be had.  See if you can find any ex-pat groups there for pointers, that's what I did -- you'll find they are almost 100% American & UK male divorcees, all having the time of their lives.... go figure...

[johnc]

Johnc with something useful and informative??   

someone stole my account ... fack you 

[Desmostro]

Thanks for all the tips guys! See you in a couple of weeks!
mebe I'll post some pics like the n00b in Asia that I am.

Ciao for now  -E       

[somegirl]

Safe travels!