The following tips were contributed by travelers on the forum of travelchinaguide.com.
Taxi Drivers
Hong Kong | UNHAPPYCUSTOMER | 2007-08-08 12:36:33 GMT-5
We went to Hong on the 20th of July. After a long flight there from the UK we were exhausted. We did not arrange for anyone to collect us at the airport so relied on a taxi to take us to our hotel.
After having gone through customs we were approached by a man who asked if we needed a taxi. We took him up on the offer and later realized that we were ripped off. He took us to an unmarked taxi and drove us to our hotel. He charged us HK$600 for the journey and we later found that the journey should have cost us only HK$220. Anyone thinking of going to Hong Kong should use legitimate taxis.
Treacherous Mountain roads
Yunnan | WINDENERGY | 2007-06-06 02:37:13 GMT-5
I recently traveled round-trip from Weixin to Yibin on the bus. Much of the way was along dusty, rocky roads with major potholes and entire lane closures. There are also numerous other buses and blue coal-hauling trucks when coming and going.
The drivers are first rate and now I know why they blow their horns so often. Along a one-lane, twisty mountain road this is the only way of telling on-coming traffic that you are there.
If you plan to travel via bus in northern Yunnan or southern Sichuan, bring along water, some spending money for buying snacks, and a pillow and/or blanket to relax with. The buses stop frequently to pick up anybody that is waving them down.
Entering China from Hong Kong
-General- | JOSE | 2007-04-01 21:03:42 GMT-5
It is easy to enter China from Hong Kong. Just take the metro to the Shenzhen border. Along with you there will be millions of Chinese people doing the same, but as a foreigner you will have the advantage to use a different counter to cross the border. Just show your passport and things will be easier for you. However, during the passport inspection and stamping the guard will check carefully you and your documents.
After crossing the border, take care with people (mainly security guards) who try to "help you" speaking some English, because they will ask you for money for whatever "help" they give.
Bus travel
-General- | APAULT | 2006-12-17 01:02:47 GMT-5
Buses are often more flexible than trains and you can often get seats when booking trains is more difficult.
1. Most cities have multiple bus stations that often overlap the destinations they serve.
2. At peak times there are extra buses but once you have bought your ticket get to the barrier as they may leave early.
3. If you are inclined to feel the cold, carry extra clothing because the air conditioning can be strong.
4. If you have bags that will go on the bus with you, make sure they are loaded onto the bus.
5. All the major buses provide you with a bottle of water and if the journey spans lunch they may provide a small meal.
6. Smaller non-aircon buses are cheaper but can get very crowded when they bring out standby seating. Also they often detour from the main road to pick up passengers.
7. Many long distance buses have two decks and reclining seat/beds, but they are not comfortable if you want to sit upright.
Shuttle Bus
Harbin | DUNC | 2006-09-25 19:30:13 GMT-5
From Harbin airport, leave baggage claim and walk to the exit, which will be almost directly ahead of you (it's a very small airport), avoid the taxi drivers, (100+ RMB to town) and head for the ticket office for the bus. If no-one is there just wait and they will come back!
If you wait a long time check outside, there's normally a bus waiting and they'll guide you to the ticket booth if you missed it.
It's only 20 RMB to the town centre. (AUG 2006)
The bus will pass the RAILWAY STATION after about 30-35 minutes (cheaper Hotels from 120 pppn).
The final stop is approx. 10 minutes later at the CAAC Hotel; it's about half way down ZHONGSHAN LU, one of the main arterial routes through town.
Bus 103 1Y standard 2Y AirCon from Song Hua River (North) to Hong Qi Street (South East) via Station/Qulin Shopping Area/ Zhongshan Lu from roughly 0530-2230.
Online English Language Train Schedules/Timetables
-General- | LEMONCACTUS | 2006-07-18 21:05:32 GMT-5
I just want to point out a few online sources for finding trains in China, in English.
1. TCG's own of course: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china-trains/index.htm
2. http://treehouse.ofb.net/guide/searchtrainroutes?lang=en
3. http://www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains/
Train travel in China is cheap, efficient and fun. ENJOY!
Train
-General- | LIALEXANDER | 2006-07-07 06:51:47 GMT-5
My personal favorite is train when travelling between the cities; it is so nice if you are not in a hurry. Because the landscape is changing a lot in China, you will get a chance to see the real China.
However, there are a number of things you need to know: Never get a slow train, it stops every tiny station. Get one with air condition in the summer; Get a first class ticket so you have your own space, better services; Food on the train is not great and expensive, so bring enough snacks if you going on a long trip.
Airport Bus
Guangzhou | KEVINWARDCFC | 2006-06-15 04:52:55 GMT-5
Just a note to remind travelers that from Guangzhou Airport to the city there are many buses. But they do not all go to the same terminal. In fact, there are four routes that they follow. There is a little handout that is available to guide you. Just ask the airport staff for it and then choose your bus. The fare is less than 20 Yuan.
Bus station in Hangzhou
Hangzhou | WINDENERGY | 2006-04-28 19:18:50 GMT-5
The cab drivers at the Hangzhou bus station are like vultures. I was surrounded by 4 of them as son as I got out the door. The quoted me 300 yuan for a ride to west lake. When I refuted, they dropped the price to 200 yuan. It's best to have travels from the bus station pre-arranged (if possible) before you arrive there.
Buses in Macau
Macau | KEVINWARDCFC | 2006-04-22 04:32:08 GMT-5
The fare system on buses in Macau is interesting. What you pay depends on where you get in, not on how long you intend to travel. The fare starts high and is gradually reduced as the bus nears its destination. So if you get in near the start and travel only one bus-stop distance, you pay full fare! There is no way out of it, but it is good to know.
Ferry to Hongkong, Macau and Zhuhai
Shenzhen | JABAROOTOO | 2006-03-23 06:40:02 GMT-5
There are several ferry services to Macau, Zhuhai and Hongkong. For all the details on sailing times, fares and terminal locations check these websites:
www.turbojet.com.hk
www.shenzhenparty.com
www.xunlongferry.com
Tourist Bus to Terracotta Warriors
Xi'an | MAY001 | 2006-02-05 04:04:23 GMT-5
You can arrive at the terracotta warrior museum by tourist bus No.5 to the southeast of the Railway Station Plaza. The green bus, "游5" in Chinese, is also named No.306. The bus starts every 15 mins. 5 Yuan will take you to the destination and the round trip ticket is 8 Yuan. Just REMEMBER one thing! Never go to other buses or follow the people who try to drag you to their buses!
