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DVD: China (2 discs) $29.95 buy now
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Travel in China
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With the sudden influx of tourists over the past few years
and the 2008 Olympics on their way, China has begun to modernize
its air, rail, and road systems. Travelling throughout all
corners of the country has never been easier.
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On The Road
By Air
After the de-regulation of the airlines, almost every corner
of China is linked by one of the domestic carriers including
China Eastern, China Southern, China Northern, Yunnan Airlines,
and many others. There is no need to fret about the horror
stories you have heard regarding old Russian airplanes being
used to transport people like cattle. New Mc Donell Douglas,
Airbus and Boeing planes fly the Chinese skies regularly to
take people safely to where they want to go. Domestic reservations
can be made by the travel desk at your hotel or at one of
the travel agency services located in the larger cities. Be
prepared to pay full price for your tickets especially since
you are a foreigner. A departure tax of 50 Yuan will be slapped
on you at the airport as well on all domestic flights.
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By Rail
If you have the time, travelling by rail is an inexpensive,
safe and relaxing way to get from point A to point B with
the added bonus of getting to see some of the best that China's
countryside has to offer. The 35,000 mile rail network reaches
into every province (except not yet Tibet) that you may want
to visit. There are two modes of travel- soft seat and hard
seat - where the latter will allow you to mix (a little too
closely at times) with the locals and all of their belongings.
Keep an eye on your luggage at all times and remember to bring
some toilet paper for the not so pleasant toilet experiences.
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By Taxi
Metered taxis are available within the major cities but pretty
rare in other more rural areas of the country. Most drivers
don't speak English so be sure to bring along your destination
written in Mandarin/Cantonese or a map to point to the place
that you would like to go. If hiring a taxi for a full or
half-day excursion, be sure to agree on the price first.
By Bike
For those who really want to have the "When in Rome"
experience, renting a bike is the way to go. Rental shops
are available everywhere in China and this is an excellent
way to see the countryside and get the maximum local experience
out of your stay. Be sure to obey the traffic cops that stand
in place of light signals in some of the more urban areas!
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Go by Rickshaw: a cheap and safe way to get around Shanghai
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By Subway
Beijing and Shanghai have completely modern and extensive
subway networks. These systems are easy to use and have signs
and directions written in English to help you find your way.
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Our Journey Path
Pilot Guides: Central China
Our journey starts in Shanghai. Then west to Suzhou
and the Yellow Mountains at Huangshan. From
Wuhan we head for the heart of China up the Yangzi
River to the city of Chongqing. We end our journey
in X'ian, one of the ancient capitals of China and
home to the famous terracotta army.
Globe Trekker: Southwest China
Our journey begins in Yangshuo in Guangxi
Zhuang autonomous region. We then travel into Guizhou,
visiting Guiyang and Luizhi before heading south
to Yunnan. From there it's on to Chengdu to
finish in the north of Sichuan.
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Travel to China
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As one of the Orient’s leading airlines, Air China
boasts award-winning in-flight service combined with a warm
and traditional Chinese welcome. With a modern fleet, Air
China operates over 400 weekly flights serving over 100
destinations throughout the world. See www.air-china.co.uk
for further information about their global network. Air
China look forward to seeing you on board soon!
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