Deciding which of China's wonderful sights to take in can be a headache for travelers - but they need not be scared off by cost. In fact, money might just be the solution, writes Nancy Zhang.
National Day golden week is looming and if you want to brave the crowds and travel within China, inspiration can come from an unlikely place - RMB notes. On the back of every note is a picture of a landmark location in China that is well worth a visit. Take a look.
1 yuan note: West Lake, Hangzhou
Famed for the serene waters and hills of West Lake and being very close to Shanghai, Hangzhou is the first choice expats should venture outside of the city.
Convenient, cheap buses run to Hangzhou from Shanghai Stadium at the state-run Tourist Bus Center, which also runs long distance buses to other nearby destinations such as Suzhou, Moganshan, and the water towns.
You can even book cheap deals, including attraction tickets, hotels and guides.
5 yuan note: Taishan Mountain, Shandong
The mountain is one of China's Five Sacred Mountains of Taoism with temples on its slopes that have been a pilgrimage destination for thousands of years.
The easiest way to travel any great distance in China is by air especially in the crowded holiday season.
Domestic flights are inexpensive with the country's first (and only) budget airline: Spring Airlines. Based in Shanghai and established in 2004, it flies to most major cities in China. You can book via its online travel agency (chinaspringtour.com). Other online agencies include 9588.com, ctrip.com and elong.net.
10 yuan note: Three Gorges of the Yangtze River
Though the Three Gorges is now a large dam project, it is still worth a visit as part of a cruise on the Yangtze River.
Travel agencies can take care of everything for your trip including transport, hotels, guides, tickets to attractions and even meals.
The China International Travel Service is the largest travel agent in China and has offices in Shanghai and abroad.
It is run by government and is the local partner international agencies usually use.
An example is STA Travel which has an office here for discounted youth travel. But when we called, their English was patchy and we were passed on from one employee to the next.
Your best bet is to visit their central office on Beijing Road W. and ask to see the manager. The next biggest travel agency is Jinjiang Tours. They have an office near the Garden Hotel and a foreign tourist department.
Another option is expat-run agencies such as travel-the-real-china.com. Having lived in China for over 20 years, founder John McKenna will liaise with local agents for you and is on call for emergencies throughout the trip.
The Chinese online travel agencies also do package holidays and chinaspringtour.com is particularly good for Yangtze River tours.
