Question on Dinner Buffets

My wife and I would like to go to a nice dinner buffet while in Hong Kong. I read that both the Island Shangrila and the Kowloon Shangrila have nice dinner buffets. Would appreciate any comments on these two possible choices or another alternative if there is a better one. Thank you.

Question on Dinner Buffets

Buffets are Hong Kong people%26#39;s favour. Nearly all hotels have nice good buffets, and again, depends on what you want.

The two Shangrilas have buffets of large varieties of food. The draw back is if you go on any evening before/of the holidays, the cafes could be very crowded. Make sure you have a table at a better location.

Alternatively you can go for the more expensive ones. Intercontiential has a nice one and it has a wonderful harbour view.

In terms of environment, Harbour Plaza in Whampao is nice. But my last visit the food was a big disappointment.

Another Harbour Plaza Hotel called Metropolis next to Hung Hom train station offers nice buffets too. The coffee shop has a high ceiling and the tables are reasonably apart from each other.

Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel next to Star Ferry is a popular buffet spot.

Over at the island side, Grand Hyatt Hotel is nice. The nearby Convention Centre also has a big buffet feast every night!

Question on Dinner Buffets

Island Shangri-la and Intercontinental are a must try.

Grand Hyatt is really awesome, don%26#39;t know if they are still doing the ';dessert'; buffet too ... I haven%26#39;t been there for a long time. But the last time I had the experience, was quite an awesome one.

However, Island Shangri-la and Intercontinental%26#39;s buffet will have to be reserved quite in advance.

Longest one I heard was 1 month. (That was during December though). Usually, 1-2 weeks (for weekends) will be alright.

We were just guests at the Grand Hyatt last week. We tried their buffet. It was very good. They didn%26#39;t have a dessert buffet. But they did have a line of desserts served at the buffet dinner. They had a sushi chef, a noodle station, a prime rib carving station and a crepe station. It was all very well done. The price was about $650HKD (? forgot the exact amount). We didn%26#39;t make reservations, but we managed to get a table when we wanted it. However, it was busy, and many tables were reserved -- so beware, you may want to make reservations.

thank you everyone for your suggestions.

We went to the Kowloon Shangri-La and we thought it was pretty good. As I think is mentioned above, you should make a reservation - days in advance if possible.

We tried to make reservations on the same day on a Monday (think it would be slowest day) and there were no places at many. We got KSL - and this was 80-100% filled throughout the night.

We dined in January this year at Cafe Too at the Island Shangri-la and it was wonderful. Such variety.

We booked the day before and got the last table!

Drinks are pricey ($60 soft drink %26amp; $65 beer), but the food is well worth the visit. Around 7 stations with food made to order!

For 3 adults (with one beer and 2 soft drinks) it was $1500 HKD.

Can%26#39;t recommend it enough, can%26#39;t wait to go back. No view though.

P@

Dessert buffet at the Grand Hyatt isn%26#39;t part of the dinner buffet. It%26#39;s also (as I recalled) NOT every night. Will find out whether they still do it.

In my opinion, the Kowloon Shangri-la%26#39;s buffet is SLIGHTLY under Island shangri-la%26#39;s. However, both are scrumptious, and lots of variety. Definitely a real treat. And for us locals, with HSBC cards ... and other credit cards, we often get discounts off their regular per head price. It%26#39;s pretty good deal.

Dim sum in Mongkok area

I am staying at Standford hotel.Can someone recommend me any good dim sum place nearby? Thanks!

Dim sum in Mongkok area

discoverhongkong.com/eng/鈥ndex.jsp

Search under ';Mongkok';

Dim sum in Mongkok area

Standford Hotel now has a dim sum restaurant. The reviews by locals on it are quite good, in particular for dim sum.

Hueng Leng Road (Hunghom - Tsim Sha Tsui)

I just saw an ad listing a property at the above address available for daily rental at 60USD/day. Is this reasonable? Am considering of renting this place instead of going to the backpackers. There are four of us girls travelling together, so it seems to be not too bad a deal.

Does anyone know whether this place is easily accessible and in a safe area?

Thanks!

Chelsea.

Hueng Leng Road (Hunghom - Tsim Sha Tsui)

You might want to check the spelling of the street. The closest match I could find in that area is Hung Ling Street, which is just off Hung Hom railroad station. I%26#39;m not aware of any rentals on that street.

Or maybe it%26#39;s Hung Lai Road, where there%26#39;s a university student hostel. But I don%26#39;t think they would be renting out to tourists.

Hueng Leng Road (Hunghom - Tsim Sha Tsui)

60USd that%26#39;s about $ 450 HKD a day.... what is it? An apartment? or a hostel? what is it?

It might be the street where all the funeral homes are and funeral related shops are... sounds like it.

It%26#39;s not that cheap. Whatever it is.

Is hung lai road near hunghom as well?

http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/property/shortlets/kowloon/8huenglengroad(hunghum-tsimshatsui)/214.asp

this is the link to the ad. It says 2-bedroom apartment, 680sf, with internet connection.

We were considering a backpackers which costs $120/person/nite for a 4bunkbeds room (which mite be quite small).

This place sounds quite good, and is within our budget. But just need to confirm whether it is in a safe area, and how far away is it from the Polytech University?(if anyone knows) cos my aunt stays behind the Poly U.

I have sent the owner an email but have yet to receive a reply. Hope someone can provide some info in the meantime. Thanks so much!

The area is safe and will be close to the Polyu.

As to whether the place is a good idea to stay or not...

First, this is a private flat - so if anything goes wrong with the place, it%26#39;s not like there is a manger there to call.

There are backpackers places in Mirador Mansions - also close to PolyU- where you can get a double room for under HK$200 a night.

With a street number it%26#39;s easier to identify. Looks like it should be No.8 Hung Lai Road, which is the Royal Peninsula apartments. It%26#39;s a semi-upscale residential complex, just several years old, and the descriptions seem to fit (clubhouse, pool, etc.). The surrounding area is not very busy, but it%26#39;s as safe as any place in Hong Kong.

It%26#39;s a short walk to the Hunghom railroad station. From there it%26#39;s just one stop to Mongkok or Tsimshatsui. And there is plenty of bus routes to HK Island just outside the station, at the entrance of the Cross Harbour Tunnel.

60USD a day seems like a good deal, certainly much better than any hostel or cheap hotels.

Royal Peninsula??

Thats EXACTLY where my aunt stays! I think Im set on this! I%26#39;ll just see whether we can get a discount on it :P Hope the owner confirms soon.

Thanks so so much guys~!

Chelsea.

hi ilovecehlc,

do let me know if u managed to get some reply on this place. thanks. janet_ngtt@hotmail.com

Royal Peninsula apartments is alright. You can walk right into Whampoa Gardens... which would give you a ton of dining options, and shopping choices. Transportation slightly inconvenient, and behind it are the funeral homes, and streets of funeral related services and floral shops.

Safe- yes.

Easily accessible- not the most.

How comfortable and nice it would be- no one would know. (do you know what the condition of the place is like? How are the beds? and is it cleaned?)

I would question these things before deciding to stay there.

Park Lane Hotel-studio?

I was hoping that someone could comment on the studio room at the park lane hotel? Pros and Cons? Any oppinion is welcomed!!!thanks

Park Lane Hotel-studio?

Convenient, next to the busiest street of Hong Kong. Lots of shops, restaurants around. Location is great but of course the pollution in the area is damn horrible.

The hotel is elegantly decorated. Depending on which direction your room face, it can either see the harbour or the park.

Service in general is good, but of course depends on the situations. At one time I was in the flagship restaurant of the hotel and I was not given even a glass of water after sitting down for nearly 20 minutes. After I made a nasty complaint to the Manager, my table was served by two people.....this is Hong Kong.

Enjoy your stay anyway!

Park Lane Hotel-studio?

Thats great info! I think I will like the hussle and bussle of the city life....I want something different then our current laid back Island life style. The other portion of our trip(disney/macau) will be kind of slow anyways...I think? I am glad you liked the food at the hotel too. I have been reading mixed reviews? We will pobably only eat breakfast in the hotel?

I was hoping to here more about the rooms, I was wondering about the studios?

oops.....you did not mention the food? I just assumed you liked it I guess; you only commented on the service so if the food was liam I am sure you would have said something along with the service?? I need to stop over analyzing...lol..

Angie, there are virtually hundreds of restaurants nearby Parklane Hotel. Why bother about hotel food? I would suggest you to explore those restaurants than eating the, usual, boring hotel food!

Can%26#39;t comment on the studio rooms but we stayed in a duluxe room on the 17th floor looking over Victoria park and part harbour it was fantastic.Glass bathroom wall,Very clean and the bed was so comfy.Dont waste your money on the restruant at the top of the hotel though.We got engaged there and thought sod it we would push the boat out and booked it.We spent 130 pounds and it was the worst meal I ever had.I had better food in Thailand for a tenner.Loads of places to eat in times square.Only wish we noticed these before we booked the other.

thanks to you both. You are right about the food in the hotel, I dont really plan on eating our meals there. I do think that we will have to eat breakfest there though....dont want any of the young kids to get to cranky while waiting to eat!...haha

Don%26#39;t know much about the studio room, but I have stayed at this hotel and like the people above have said, the location is great. I would suggest that you make sure you get a harbourview/park view room. Otherwise, if you get a ';cityview'; room you may not like the view (will most likely just be a view of the building next door). Another hotel that is also very good right on the same block is the Excelsior hotel. I believe you will like the neighborhood (Causeway Bay) a lot - there is lots of places to shop and eat and the whole neighborhood is always full of people and lively.

For breakfast, you might want to try the Tsui Wah Restaurant. This is a chain restaurant and there is a branch in Causeway Bay (493 - 495 Jaffe Road), not far from the hotel. From the Causeway Bay MTR station, exit D (from what I remember), walk towards the big Sogo department store. At the Sogo department store, the street will turn to the right and you also want to make a right turn. Walk straight and you will walk through a short outdoor arcade, at the end of which, you will be in front of a building called the World Trade Centre. Make a left turn here onto Jaffe Road. You will walk for about 1.5 blocks and the restaurant will be on your right hand side. There are enough pictures and english on the menus so that you will be able to order even if you can%26#39;t read chinese. Here are some reviews: virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/Hong_Kong/Res鈥?/a> also, there is another place right across the street from Tsui Wah that is very similar as well as many other restaurants on this street and immediate area.

If you want some more western breakfast food, you can also try Oliver%26#39;s Super Sandwiches, which is right near the hotel as well. You will exit the hotel and be facing Victoria Park. Make a left, walk past Kingston Street, and keep on walking until you get to the next corner and then make a left turn (this is also Gloucester Road - which is the same road that the Park Lane is on, but for some reason Glocester Road turns to the left at a 90 degree angle here). Walk a few quick blocks (Cleveland Street, Houston Street, and Paterson Street) and you will find yourself at the entrance of the Excelsior Hotel. Make a slight left and walk towards the hotel entrance, pass the hotel entrance and you will see Oliver%26#39;s Super Sandwiches in an alleyway on your right side (it is part of a building called the World Trade Centre). Actually, you can also follow these instructions to get to Tsui Wah (as mentioned above). Just, when you get to the front of the World Trade Centre building, make a right onto Jaffe Road, walk about 1.5 blocks and Tsui Wah Restaurant will be on your right side.

wow great! I think I will look for Oliver%26#39;s Super Sandwiches, the hubby loves sandwiches!! thanks!

You directions are so detailed and helpfull. How long would you say that walk is??

Mmm, the walk from the Park Lane Hotel to Oliver%26#39;s Super Sandwiches is about 5 minutes I%26#39;d say. To Tsui Wah Restaurant, about 8 minutes.

AnyQuestions- wow thats it! I know that we can handle that walk....cant wait. Thanks!

what are the top hard disk brands

Jingshanling, Mutianyu or Badaling?

I%26#39;ve read that the Great Wall is very busy at Badaling.

Can anyone tell me what it%26#39;s like at Jinshanling and Mutianyu, please?

How much is the Wall restored at these 2 places?

How good are the views over the rest of the Wall?

Thanks

Jingshanling, Mutianyu or Badaling?

have a look at these

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=K4r3Hp7ldGE

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=nt8dp-WC_AA

better than a thousand words

Jingshanling, Mutianyu or Badaling?

Both are less touristy, but Mutianyu is relatively busier than Jinshanling.

Jinshanling is restored for perhaps 1 km and then the rest of it is ';raw';. Good views certainly.

your cosmetics

Taxi from Beijing to Jingshanling

Can anyone give some suggestions- what would be the best way to get the taxi for all day, to pick me up in the morning from hotel and take to Jingshanling and later pick me from Simatai and take me back to Beijing? Should I just go out on the street and find to get some cab or should I better ask someone from my hotel to get it from me? As I am a student, I am looking for the cheapest way:)

Any idea how much it would cost for 2 persons?

Thanks already!

Taxi from Beijing to Jingshanling

negotiate with the taxi driver,which cost 700-1000yuan for two of you,round trip

Taxi from Beijing to Jingshanling

No, best for you would be to go with a hostel%26#39;s no-frills ';tour';. Try Downtown Backpackers: www.backpackingchina.com/nr/greatwall.html

Thanks for replay! Going on this tour would be OK, but what I don%26#39;t like on these tours is that I have to wait for other people,if I finish Jinshanling-Simatai route faster!And one more thing is weather-I would like to go there only if the weather is alright,so I can wake up in the morning,see if it is OK,get the taxi and go,but what if I will order this tour,and in that day it will be raining all day!?

You will need quite good language skills if you are going to get a taxi to do that trip.

Well, just wait a bit in the bus or around it, I don%26#39;t see you finishing 2 hours faster than most other travellers -- unless you raced to the end.

I think it%26#39;s pretty hard to know at 0600 if the weather is going to be good the rest of the day! Why not just look at the weather forecast a day before (or a couple of days before) and decide?

best way to get from hotel to port

We will be boarding a cruise ship at the Wai Gao Qiao port in early May. We are staying at the Radisson New World Shanghai hotel.

What is the best way to get there...we will have luggage...What would a taxi cost?

Thanks

best way to get from hotel to port

Port is in Pudong.

However it appears that it%26#39;s a container port! Are you sure you%26#39;re boarding your cruise ship there? AFAIK the cruise ships have all moved to the new International Cruise Terminal at Dong Daming Lu, quite close to People%26#39;s Square, north of the Bund.

best way to get from hotel to port

I believe Ellyse is correct. The hotel is on West Nanjing lu so it%26#39;s a journey of approx. 15-30mins. (very dependant on traffic) at a cost of approx. 15-25rmb. With luggage a taxi is best. Get the hotel to write the cruisport address in Chinese for the taxi driver.

Re-check the cruise terminal with your tour operator.

Thank you so much for your information. I will call my travel agent immediately to make sure we go to the correct port.

Thanks again for your help

Yes, do that. If you%26#39;re on one of the major cruise lines eg Oceania, you will be docking at the International Cruise Terminal like I mentioned earlier.

Hi Ellyse

I just confirmed with the travel agent that we are leaving from the Shanghai Cruise Terminal on Gao Yang Road. It is new.

Is this the port that is 15-30 minutes away from the Radisson New World Shanghai Hotel?

Could you please write the name and street address in Chinese so we get to the correct place?

Thank you

Don%26#39;t know about that one. :( But if it%26#39;s on Gaoyang Lu then it%26#39;s in Pudong and certainly not the one that%26#39;s near Radisson New World Hotel.

This is strange. I can only suggest that you contact the cruise line directly in order to clear this up then come back to us.

Thanks, I will do that. I am quite confused!

Will be back on the forum when I get some clarification

Hi

I have received clarification from my Cruise line... We have to check in at Shanghai International Cruise Terminal which is on Gao Yang Road. The street before is Da Ming Road.

We will be at the Radisson New World...How far is terminal from the hotel by cab? Approximate cost?

Thank you very much I really appreciate your help

Doh, I cleared up the misunderstanding. Gaoyang Lu intersects Dong Daming Lu, usually we tell the taxi drivers Dong Daming Lu instead!

上海国际客运码头: 东大名路

Reckon on about 15-30 RMB for the taxi ride, depending on traffic conditions.

same style ?

Are the branded handbags / shoes similar in styles carried by Maucau compared to HK ?

same style ?

At the top end of the market, yes.

There are now more and more chains like Esprit, Giordano, Baleno, etc. which carry identical lines at identical prices in both HK and Macau.

Looking for authentic local dining / experience

I have booked a trip to HK in August this year with my two sons 18 %26amp; 21, I want them to experience real HK cooking and culture. Can anyone suggest any real good locations to eat or just take tea.

Also any tips on what to do at night would be useful.

I know HK quite well but only from business trips.

Looking for authentic local dining / experience

Almost every street would have at least one resturant that will give you real HK cooking!

A couple of places you can try include Sweet Dynasty in Canton Rd, and the seafood retsuarnts in Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma island.

Looking for authentic local dining / experience

If you really want to feel the real tea house, there is one in Central called Lin Heung Tea House at 160-164, Wellington Street in Central.

You can have the original dim sums, but mind you there is no service there! Most of the time you have to pour the hot water to your own tea pot! But don%26#39;t feel bad as the poor service applies to everybody! Despite that it is never easy to get a table there!

At night perhaps you can go to Temple Street in Kowloon and in Women%26#39;s Street in Mongkok. Both venues have a lot of stalls, selling day-to-day home use merchandise. If you are lucky, you may be able to see people singing Chinese opera songs in Temple Street.

Enjoy Hong Kong!

i agree with drumbrake, every street has at least 1 restaurant which can give you a real feel of HK and taste of its food. (those with poultry hanging by their window)

common boys names

Locker at Disneyland

How big is the locker in Disneyland? Is it enough and safe to put a cabin size suitcase and a laptop? Planning to go straight to the airport from Disneyland. Thanks.

Locker at Disneyland

The height can fit for certain lockers but I am not certain abt the width. Why don%26#39;t you just check them in the city first? most airlines offer this check in service at the HK airport express station.

Sim Card

Hi

I am spending a few days in hong kong and then beijing .what is the best sim card to use to call locally and internationally

Thanks

Ron

Sim Card

cheapest ones are from PEOPLES. Go to their website to check for details.

Sim Card

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g294217-i1496-k177鈥?/a> I posted a similar question recently that may answer your question. Some replies give links to websites.

Hi Ron I have just returned from Hong Kong after a 2 week holiday. What a fantastic place!!

The best sim card is called %26#39; Peoples ID sim card %26#39;.You can purchase them in any 7-eleven store which are everywhere. I paid $98 HKD ($14 AUD) and it lasted all week.

In Australia you need to %26#39;unlock%26#39; your phone or contact you service provider to ensure you can put in a sim card!!

Enjoy your trip!!

cheapest PEOPLES sim card is $48, IDD flat rate local/LD card is 60

your cosmetics

cds and dvds

Hi,

I notice that there are lots of cool CD and DVD titles for sale here and much cheaper compared to the US. The package covers look very nice and good. Nevertheless, I am a bit concern if they are legit (because they are cheap). Please let me know. Many thanks.

cds and dvds

If you buy from stores, they are usually legit, or at least somewhat legit (like Taiwan version). Also note that DVD are region 3 coded and can%26#39;t be played in a regular player in the US.

cds and dvds

bibimbob,

Thanks for the reply. I am aware of the regional code differences.

SDwanderlust.

Unfortunately, it%26#39;s very hard to find any fake DVD%26#39;s in Hong Kong. So chances are, the ones you find, are legit. Now if you go to China, you%26#39;ll find tons of great, fake DVD%26#39;s!

%26gt;%26gt; it%26#39;s very hard to find any fake DVD%26#39;s in Hong Kong

You didn%26#39;t know where to look.

Well, I guess I didn%26#39;t know where to look either. I%26#39;m sure there must be places in Hong Kong that sell them, but there just not as many as compared to China, or maybe not as many out in the open. So where are these places in Hong Kong???

%26gt;%26gt; You didn%26#39;t know where to look.

I would also like to know where to look.

Places few tourists would go unless they are looking for certain popular products. I%26#39;ll request admin to remove posts re. counterfeit items.

what to pack??

Langham Place / Hong kong in general

1st time visitor so I need all your help to know what to pack / buy for my 10 day trip in November, I can%26#39;t find anything about dress code within the hotel on the reviews.

what to pack??

for what to expect weather wise and to give you an idea of what to wear during those times go to:

鈥bout.com/od/鈥eatherbyseason.htm

going to posh places - smart casual

everything else- whatever makes you feel comfy

what to pack??

comfortable walking shoes.

weather should be cool by november, no need for jackets.

Dress code? It depends on what you%26#39;re doing in Hong Kong. If you%26#39;re in business meetings, then you%26#39;d need to dress up (I guess?)

For normal activities, you can wear jeans and a t-shirt and you%26#39;d be fine in most places (some places may require a slightly better dress)

November in Hong Kong should be decently warm (compared to Scotland. I%26#39;d probably check the weather to see what you are comfortable with.

thanks for these replies

:L :L

Pretty much anywhere is warmer than Scotland in November!! Hence the need to start buying/thinking bout what I should pack now because the shops don%26#39;t sell t-shirts etc for long LOL

The link from 5678 is really useful - really appreciated!

Flight and hotel deals- purchased online??

Hi,

Can anyone recommend a website to book hotel and domestic flights in advance? Other than Expedia, I haven%26#39;t found a good website to book return flights and a hotel. I am going from Beijing to Shanghai.

Thanks.

Flight and hotel deals- purchased online??

Do a forum search and you%26#39;ll get your answers.

Also, how far in advance are you trying to book? When would you be travelling?

Flight and hotel deals- purchased online??

Traveling in September and I am goin gto book before I leave and not once I am in China.

Past posts only mention flight only sites. Ctrip doesn%26#39;t seem to work for me for a flight + hotel package and eLong uses Expedia%26#39;s database of hotel and flight options.

Just wondering if there was any other websites for hotel and flight combos, aside from booking a pre-arranged tour which I am not interested in. Booking hotels and flights separately ends up being more $$$ than what comes up on Expedia.

Hmmm I don%26#39;t think there%26#39;re usually much of those, since it%26#39;s already pretty cheap to book separately. Local folks who need those usually need the rest of a tour package, that%26#39;s why. :)

I know Spring Airlines (http://www.china-sss.com) has some -- and they%26#39;re a really good budget airline to boot -- but I use the Chinese-language website so have no idea if the English-language one works just as well.

This is not so common and I think you deprive yourself of many options and cheaper deals. I suggest you book your flight and your hotels 3 to 5 days before departure, and seperately. I always stay in 5-star hotels for no more than $100 and fly for cheap. There is always plenty of choice.

ok thanks. I think I%26#39;ll stick with booking flight = hotel together on Expedia since I am happy with those prices.

Hi Filmgal,

Try travelchinaguide.com. They can arrange hotel and

inter-china flights for you. We have booked a land package with them for Sept for Beijing, Xian %26amp; Shanghai with air between cities (upgraded to First Class for a minimal difference amount). They also booked our flight from Shanghai to Beijing, where our tour starts.

Travel china is a part of Warrior Tours, which was given good reviews by Frommers %26amp; Wall Street Journal and I have been in contact with other travellers who have used them-all of which gave ';rave reviews';!

Good luck in your plans.

Lu

Booking domestic flight would be much cheaper if you get the ticket from the local travel agent compared to the price you get from expedia.

The problem for booking online is most Chinese travel site like, ctrip, elong, do not accept credit card.

So if you have some friends over there and you can use those search engine to search the flight for you (and you can find the exact price) and then ask your friends to book for you (most time they would deliver for free but even there is a charge for deliver, it would be between $2 to $3).

Here is the elong link I normally use,

travel.elong.com/flights/default.aspx鈥?/a>

Also, I heard that some of the major airlines like airchina (airchina.com.cn), China Eastern Airline(ce-air.com), China Southern Airline (cs-air.com) now allow you to use credit card to book the ticket, I never confirmed that.

identifying rows

Cellphones

I managed to lose the thread on sim cards. I%26#39;m not an cellphone person, I think I have only used mine four times, I keep forgetting how! But my wife and son are quite keen to keep in touch while in Hong Kong -- just in case someone gets lost. However not all cellphones here work on the sim card. Would it be possible to buy cheap ';throw away'; cellphones in Hong Kong in order to get round this? What would be a reasonable price? Or maybe it would be better to buy a good one and bring it home, in that case the question arises would it work once it got home?

Cellphones

NOt sure if this helps. We leave in a week and wanted to take mobile phones to keep in touch International roaming on our phones is too expensive. My phone has a sim card and is unlocked. I bought my husband a cheap new phone on ebay for $58AU for a Nokia plus postage. It is also unlocked but has no bells or whistles ( camera, radio etc). He also needed a new one and we do not require the additional extras. New one has arrived and works great. We will be buying a sim card in HK. Could you ask friends if they have an old unlocked phone? Many people change theirs because they are not fancy enough and not because they are faling. Don%26#39;t know the New Zealnd network though

Cellphones

Now I know I%26#39;m not a cellphone person. I haven%26#39;t a clue what unlocked means. Don%26#39;t get me started on the system here, it%26#39;s a duopoly with absolutely no interest in competition. We probably have the most expensive cellphone calling in the developed world.

(about $4HK per minute I think)That%26#39;s one reason why I couldn%26#39;t be bothered getting one for years. As I understand it, you say buy a cellphone that works on sim cards and get a card for it in Hong Kong. We may in fact do that, I think mine does have a sim card, because it%26#39;s Vodafone. It might be possible to just take that as well. It has absolutely no bells and whistles and cost me $20 brand new, but it does the job. Thanks.

Assuming your are in New Zealand, they have both GSM (sim card) and CDMA(no sim card) systems. I suppose you have a GSM phone, it shouold work in HK. A CDMA phone will not work in HK.

If you SIM card phone is unlocked (call your own network and ask if you can use a foreign sim card on the phone), you just need to buy a SIM card in HK.

All phones in HK are sold at full retail, since you are not signing a contract. Cheapest brand new namebrand phone starts from 400HKD, and can be used virtually worldwide.

If you bought your phone from Vodafone for $20, I am pretty sure it%26#39;s locked and therefore cannot be used with a HK SIM card, unless you unlock it.

Oh, so that%26#39;s what locked means. Okay, it%26#39;s the bottom of the range motorola which were given out to people who helped with the census, who were allowed to buy them for $20 afterwards. So hope yet exists. Thank you for the information, I will ring Vodafone and ask them. Otherwise, and I suspect my wife and son will do this anyway, we%26#39;ll buy something in Hong Kong. Do we go to a department store? Or those little tiny shops that I%26#39;m not very keen on? Or does it not matter?

Hi, NZ cellular network works on GSM900 %26amp; 1800(known in industry as the 2G),which is operated by Northelia and Vodafone.

In addition,Vodafone in NZ also has the 3G,where operating frequency is 2100.

Similarly in HK, the cellular network operators operates in similar frequency as NZ%26#39;s.

If your cellphone does not work on the SIM card,i.e. it is locked to either Northelia or Vodafone,then you will not be able to use it in HK,unless,you go on international roaming,of which the call charges(and SMS) could be exorbitant(your NZ%26#39;s network operator dependent)

Now, if you were to purchase a no frill handset in HK, which allows use of SIM card,and that back in NZ,you can get a new SIM card,then you will be able to use the handset,as network frequency in HK is similar to that of NZ.

However, a problem arises,when you need to recharge the battery,though voltage and operating cycle(Hz.)in NZ is similar to HK,but the power socket is different,as in HK,most are of the three pronged pins,whereas in NZ,is the oblique flat blades with ground(inverted V),so you may need to get a adapter.

Otherwise,upon arrival at HKIA airport, you can also rent a cellular.

Lastly, CDMA works in HK,this is 3G,which is basically abbreviation for Code Division Multiple Access,which uses code division multiple access technology over a wide frequency band,basically it is built upon the same core network infrastructure for the GSM 900,that many of us are familiar with,viz.2G.

In HK,there are even machines,besides selling the prepaid SIM cards,is also no frill handphone.

To get a general idea of cellular prices in HK, here is a website:- http://www.ringhk.com/price.php

Try going to Ap Liu St,however in these places,items are priced according to your facial expression, accent, and size of your wallet.Or the reputable chain stores of Fortress or Broadway.

Uh... the term ';CDMA'; refers to 2G, mainly used in North America and a handful of other countries. CDMA service is soon to be turned off in HK. 3G in HK is W-CDMA. CDMA is *not* the same as W-CDMA. Please visit 3 HK%26#39;s website(the only CDMA provider in HK) and notice they have 3 different services - 3G, Dual Band(GSM) and CDMA. Their CDMA lineup is 1 phone that doesn%26#39;t support data/wap. What%26#39;s 3G without data transmission?

If you don%26#39;t want to be ripped off, buy your phone only from major chain electronics stores(search on the forum), manufacturer showrooms, or network provider shops. Do NOT ever buy from small shops in the famous phone mall ';Sin Tat'; or Apliu St, or most other places. They are known for selling grey market, refurbished, re-contructed, stolen phones with counterfeit parts and accessories.

Regarding unlocking in an Australian context. It is getting technical for me. I took my phone to Vodafone and asked if it was unlocked. The man said that he didn%26#39;t think so as it was not a modael they sold but the best way to check it was to borrow someone else%26#39;s sim card from another network and see if you can ring in and out when you have placed it in yours. In Australia you can go the vodafone website and ask if it is unlocked by typing in the serial number. You will then get a reply. Are you using the same sim card as the census provided? I am assuming it was cheap because they were surplus phones not needed after the census.

My sister%26#39;s Vodafone NZ GSM phone worked with a HK People SIM card. In addition she had a Telecom NZ CDMA phone and was suprised that she was able to send and receive sms messages to and from NZ - we were in HK at the beginning of the year.

We have purchased new but not the latest model GSM phones (one 4 years ago and one 2 years ago) from Ap Liu St for use in Australia and haven%26#39;t had any problems so far.

If you are interested in local calls only try the $28 People SIM card if you can find a place to buy one.

Of course if your CDMA phone happens to work in HK, you will be paying costly roaming minutes.

Planning of buying a Canon 450D in HK

Any advise where can I buy the camera? Is it worth it? How about the price and the int%26#39;l. warranty? Thanks.

Planning of buying a Canon 450D in HK

FYI, the 450D is only more expensive by P1,000 in quiapo compared to hong kong, it comes with canon philippines warranty.

when you buy a camera in HK, it either has no warranty or local warranty. havent heard of a canon international warranty.

i highly suggest you buy the camera here in manila.

Planning of buying a Canon 450D in HK

If you shop at shady stores, you don%26#39;t get an international warranty

canon.com.hk/en/鈥efault.aspx

';This warranty registration is for products purchased in Hong Kong or Macau with a valid ';Canon Hongkong Co.,Ltd.'; Purchase Record Card/ International Warranty Card.';

Some shops will give you an official looking card that says ';International Warranty Card'; but when you inspect it closely, you%26#39;ll see that the warranty is valid only if the product is puchased in country X ... not HK.

Cameras I know about, having had some experience with shady dealers when I was young. Buy from reputable shop, preferably large chain or department store. There you should get international warranty. I%26#39;m not sure you shouldn%26#39;t buy before you go given the small price difference. International warranties are great but you have to find registered repair person etc. Can%26#39;t just take it back to where you bought it. Not always easy here, don%26#39;t know about Philippines. Mind you, consumer law here says the problem is between the shop and the importer/supplier. Could easily be completely different where you are.

Airport to Salibury YMCA

We%26#39;re going to be arriving in HK around 6pm on Tuesday evening (!!) and I was wondering if it%26#39;s possible to take the Star Ferry from the airport to the hotel. I%26#39;ve seen a few other options but thought the ferry would be fun if it%26#39;s possible.

Airport to Salibury YMCA

Take the Star Ferry from the airport to the hotel???

At first glance the answer is no. But on the other hand, yes. I suggest you take Airport Express to HK Island then take taxi to Star Ferry in Wanchai or Central then take the ferry to Kowloon. But why would you that?

Why not go straight to YMCA Salisbury, check-in first, then take a walk to the Star Ferry terminal sans luggage to take the ferry ride. Does it make sense?

Airport to Salibury YMCA

A21 airport bus will drop you very close to the Salisbury, then do as above says.

Yep - agree with above. An alternative to bus is to take the Airport Express train and either: (1) go to Kowloon Station and take taxi from there or (2) go to Hong Kong Station and take MTR to TST - this entails a bit of a walk, so while cheaper may not be great if you have luggage and/or are tired after flight (taxis are pretty cheap anyway). :)

I%26#39;m sorry, I should have mentioned the reason for taking the ferry. We%26#39;re arriving around 6 pm so by the time we get our luggage and some money changed it%26#39;s likely to be around 7:30, if it takes 30 minutes on the direct routes to get to the hotel, we%26#39;ll be checking in just at the time of the light show. Alternatively, it would be very cool to be ON the ferry for the lights instead of in the hotel lobby.

Options for transportation from HK airport to The Salisbury are clearly explained on the hotel%26#39;s web page at ymcahk.org.hk/sales/html/e_transportation.htm

I recommend the airport express train, which takes you to a free bus which stops at the Kowloon Hotel, catty-corner across from the Salisbury%26#39;s rear entrance. If time is tight (light show starts at 8 PM) you can leave your bags at the YMCA%26#39;s check-in, and just walk out the front door and cross (under) the street to see the light show from the waterfront near the Star Ferry.

your cosmetics

Chinese Medicine

I am going to HK in April for 4 days and I was hoping to visit chinese medicine practitionar. Can anybody suggest good and not too expensive place for a tourist to go? I am interested in acupuncture and herbal remedies.

Thank you

Chinese Medicine

Well, most of the good Chinese medicine practitionars are trained in Mainland China and I would say 99% of them cannot speak English. Paradoxically if they can speak English, most likely they are only with very limited experience - trained locally in Hong Kong.

I would suggest you to find a Chinese friend and go to a few reputable clinics. Probably you will discover many interesting phenomenon of the Chinese medicine.

Chinese Medicine

Check out the free class on Chinese medicine offered by the Hong Kong Tourist Board at discoverhongkong.com/eng/鈥e_ckto_medi.jhtml

I strongly recommend the free Duk Ling harbour tour in a sailing junk also. See my review on this site at tripadvisor.com/Travel-g294217-c56163/Hong-K鈥?/a>

Things to do near the Hilton?

Will be at the Hilton for a week in July and looking for info on what%26#39;s nearby?

If we are in walking mode what restaurants do you suggest?

Is there a subway station nearby?

Any ';tourist'; things to do/see nearby or do we need to taxi everywhere from there?

Things to do near the Hilton?

This is more a business area so you will need taxis to see the attractions. I once had dinner at a great Sichuan restaurant close by but I can never remember the names of chinese restaurants (assuming they have an english name). Maybe others can help.

Things to do near the Hilton?

No metro stop nearby since line 10 is still under construction.

Hilton hotel is nearby Lufthansa Shopping Center.There are many western Restaurants around Hilton.About 5 mins walking to Lufthansa Shopping Center,you will find Italian Restaurant---Trattoria La Gondola(one of famous restaurant in town)and German Restaurant---Paulaner Brauhaus(a great range of beers from Germany).

About 10-15 mins walk to ';Lucky Street';(food street),you can find all various cuision,Thai,Chinese French,Janpanese,Korean....

There is a new ';Bar street';not far from Lucky street.

You also can find Moslim food,Middle east(Iirsel).

Hilton hotel adjacent to the embassy area,you can enjoy International food there.

Cheers

I returned to the US from Beijing about 2 weeks ago. I stayed at the Hilton. There isn%26#39;t much in the area within walking distance.

The nearest subway station is a taxi ride away, and quite honestly, since you%26#39;d be in a taxi already, you may as well have the taxi take you to your destination. Taxis are REALLY cheap in Beijing and I used them extensively.

As was mentioned, the Lufthansa Center is about 5 minute walk from the hotel. This is a MASSIVE department store that sells EVERYTHING! There is a grocery store in the basement which is handy for picking up bottled water, snacks, etc. The Italian restaurant in the Lufthansa center is decent. I ate there one day and had pizza but I waited over an hour for my food to come as the pizza oven was broken (not sure why they waited until AFTER they brought the pizza to tell me this).

Here%26#39;s a tip: pony up the extra money for the ';concierge floor'; This gives you access to the 22nd floor where you can eat free breakfast daily (buffet style and there is a chef who makes omelettes). It also gives you free happy hour daily with hot hor d%26#39;oeuvres. The 22nd floor also has free wireless internet access whereas the internet in your room will cost almost $20/day and it%26#39;s not wireless. There%26#39;s also a computer up there if you don%26#39;t have a laptop.

I will be staying at the Hilton later this month. My question is this, can I buy hair products (mousse, shampoo, hairspray) at the Lufthansa Center or is it just groceries. I%26#39;m a bit ';fussy'; about my hair (it%26#39;s long enough for me to sit on it and VERY thick). With the flying restrictions I usually just buy stuff when I arrive at my destination. I%26#39;ve never been to Beijing so I wasn%26#39;t sure about what to do.

Thanks,

JP

advice how

Any Info. on New Hotel in Guangzhou

Has anyone heard of, or have any information on, a new hotel in Guangzhou called the Guangzhou Xinghewan Hotel? It%26#39;s supposed to be in the Panyu section of the city. Is it 5 star? Any information on it would be appreciated. Thanks.

Any Info. on New Hotel in Guangzhou

It seems that it%26#39;s a serviced apartment hotel called Star River Hotel. Opened in 2003, I wouldn%26#39;t consider it new.

www.elong.com/hotels/Details.aspx鈥?/a>

Any Info. on New Hotel in Guangzhou

Are you sure? I was told it is a very new hotel. The URL that you attached does not match the name I was given.

Thanks for your help.

I presume you can read Chinese? If you do, why not just post the Chinese characters here? I don%26#39;t think I guessed them wrongly.

Beijing-Datong-Pingyao-Xian

After spending 4 days in Beijing, I%26#39;d like to go see the Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Temple near Datong and then see Pingyao. And then on to Xian.

What%26#39;s the best plan as far as transportation for those trips? I believe there are direct overnight trains on each of the links. Would a day in both Datong and Pingyao be sufficient or rushed?

The time of year would be mid-October - is that a reasonable time of year to see those sites? Will the trains be over-crowded/hard-to-book?

I know I can take a morning flight from Beijing to Datong, is Pingyao reasonably near an airport?

How long would be a good time to spend in Pingyao - and what would be a good itinerary there?

Beijing-Datong-Pingyao-Xian

I think I prefer bus for Beijing -- Datong. Plane is more expensive but I suppose it%26#39;s fine if you can splurge.

I%26#39;ve also heard it can be difficult getting sleeper tickets for Datong -- Pingyao as the trains don%26#39;t originate here, so I would recommend bus Datong -- Taiyuan then bus Taiyuan -- Pingyao.

Or, you could consider overnight train Datong -- Taiyuan 1591/1594 (2335--0700, 7h25min) as this train originates in Datong; then transfer to bus Taiyuan -- Pingyao.

You%26#39;ll need to ask a guesthouse in Pingyao to get you the Pingyao -- Xi%26#39;an overnight sleeper train tickets.

Nearest airport to Pingyao would be Taiyuan.

I%26#39;ve previously posted about doing Datong%26#39;s sights as a 1-day trip, so please try searching the forum for the information. Basically it would be quite difficult to cover both sights on public transport so you might want to take advantage of the CITS tour for less hassle, or consider hiring a taxi for the day.

Time of year should be perfect.

I would suggest staying overnight in Pingyao as the accommodation options are quite quaint.

Beijing-Datong-Pingyao-Xian

Thank you Ellyse,

I know I can do the sites in Datong in a day. Your posts have been most helpful. The real question is how realistic it would be to do

Datong in a day, then take an overnight train to Pingyao. See the sites there (maybe take a round trip bike ride to Shuanglin Si, stroll the City Wall and then catch a little architecture) before catching an overnight train to Xian that night.

I%26#39;d love to spend the night there, but it%26#39;s choosing between a second day in Hangzhou and a second day in Pingyao.

I%26#39;ve not been to Pingyao personally, so I can%26#39;t really comment on that. But I would%26#39;ve no qualms about spending a 2nd day in Hangzhou.

Traveling to Taiyuan for BMX Worlds

Good evening everyone,

This is my first post on this forum but I am an avid tripadvisor member and have posted many a review particularly regarding the Domincan Republic.

My family and I will be traveling to Taiyuan in late may to attend the UCI BMX World Championships. My son qualified for the United States National team and will represent our country in the last qualifier before the Olympics in August.

We are staying in the SHANXI YINGZE HOTEL and wanted to gain some guidance as to sites and things not to miss while in this area. We will ot have a car and want to also make sure what we do we can do safely as my children are 12 and 14.

Traveling to Taiyuan for BMX Worlds

Sorry to disappoint you but there really isn%26#39;t much of interest in Taiyuan. I think almost all the provincial capitals in mainland China suffer from this problem, with the exception of some like Nanjing, Hangzhou, Xi%26#39;an, Kunming, Harbin and Shenyang.

However, if you%26#39;re exploring Shanxi province in general (ie you%26#39;re travelling around the province), and interested in history and architecture then you%26#39;d be in for a treat. Shanxi province is home to the oldest surviving wooden architectural structures in all of mainland China. It%26#39;s nicknamed the ';museum above ground'; -- neighbouring Shaanxi province is called the ';museum under ground';.

The most popular destinations in this province are Pingyao ancient town (about 1.5-2 hours by bus from Taiyuan), Datong%26#39;s Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Monastery, and Wutaishan (one of the 4 Buddhist mountains and the highest peak in this region of China).

The following URLs have more information about Taiyuan itself:

travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/鈥?/a>

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/taiyuan/

roughguides.com/website/鈥?/a>

Hotel in October

Thanks for all the great advice on here. Can someone recommend a hotel for me? I am stopping over in Hong Kong on the way home from Rome. My main criteria are:

1. good location for shopping and eating

2. good spa facilities

3. pool

4. accessible for transport

5. safety (female travelling along)

Price is not a big issue - happy to pay more for quality. I am in Hong Kong for three days during mid October and noticed that lots of hotels seem to be booked for this period.

Thanks for your help.

Hotel in October

Hi there,

I%26#39;ll let better-heeled posters suggest their favorite hotels with spas and pools, but for a couple of your other questions:

1. Shopping and eating (not necessarily in that order) are HK people%26#39;s two favorite hobbies, so the urban areas are slathered in malls and restaurants. The most foreigner-friendly would be around Tsim Sha Tsui and along Nathan Road area up to Mong Kok on Kowloon side, or Cnetral through to Causeway Bay on HK island.

4. Public transport in HK goes EVERYWHERE, frequent, efficient, clean and much cheaper than in Australia. A lot of people like the MTR because it%26#39;s normally the quickest way around, but the buses are also excellent, and you get to see the view on the way. Not to mention the KCR, minibuses, tram and Peak tram on the island, ferries and taxis! Check out the Octopus card, which is frequently mentioned in this forum.

5. HK is very safe, even for walking around at night. Just exercise routine big city precautions against pick-pockets, take care crossing the road, and avoid electronics shops on and around Nathan Road.

Hotel in October

I%26#39;d go for the Marco Polo Gateway Hotel in Kowloon, what an awesome location! I also think the Excelsior in Causeway Bay is right in the thick of it and both hotels are safe so don%26#39;t worry. The Kowloon Hotel is also very popular.

If you want luxury, there are several hotels that link to the big Pacific Place shopping centre and the MTR. Try Conrad, JW Marriott and Island Shangri-La. Or, then there is my fave, the stunning Four Seasons which links to IFC (again, a mall, and also Airport Express so very handy indeed) Four Seasons has an awesome spa, I love it there.

Have fun!

Thanks for those great suggestions. I can%26#39;t wait to get to Hong Kong - its a place I have always wanted to see.

Excelsior Hotel would suit you.

The Salisbury YMCA hotel will provide everything you need, including a harbour view room, at a great price. Check the hotel%26#39;s web site at www.ymcahk.org.hk/sales/html/hst001e.htm

It%26#39;s across the street from the cultural center and the Star Ferry.

Intercontiential seems to be a good choice for tourists.

Four Season is nice but the location is not too good. Apart from the International Finance Centre (IFC) annexed to the hotel, the surrounding areas is a bit quiet as it is in the Financial district. But Lan Kwai Fong is an about 20 minutes walking distance.

The same holds true for the three hotels above Pacific Place, an upscale shopping mall - Shangri-la Island, Cornad and Marriott.

Alternatively Tsim Sha Tsui where Intercontinential Hotel locates is more lively. You have more choices - shops/eateries catered for locals as well as the expensive restaurants/brand name stores are all there. Next to Star Ferry is a huge shopping centre, virtually you can find everything there.

Hong Kong is pretty safe and has a very good safety record. As long as you apply common sense - do not get into quiet streets, keep alert of your wallets etc, there is nothing to worry about.

Enjoy your stay!

your cosmetics

Viking Tours to China

we are planning a 16 day tour and cruise to china with viking this july and would like to have feed back from any one who has taken their trip ...can anyone compare viking to pacific delights...looking for most deluxe tour thank you,bbbb0708 p.s. we are fussy travelers who love crystal cruise lines

Viking Tours to China

This article compared Viking and Uniworld tours: www.coloradosprings.com/travel/fullstory.php鈥?/a>

cs files

Anshan Wuhuan Hotel

I stayed at the Wuhuan Hotel for 2 weeks in January07. It is a great hotel with excellent service well deserving of it%26#39;s rating. I will be staying there again in the future.

Anshan Wuhuan Hotel

Post this on the hotel review section instead.

tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g297451-d455487…

Octopus Card & ATM at Ferry terminal from Guanghanzou

Hi

We will be entering Hong Kong on the hydrofoil from Guanghanzou, is there a place there in which we can purchase an Octopus card for our stay in Hong Kong?

Also I will need to withdraw Hong Kong Dollars after being in China, is there an ATM there?

Cheers

Ang

Octopus Card %26amp; ATM at Ferry terminal from Guanghanzou

You can get an octopus card at MTR stations - if you arrive at the Shun Tak centre on HK island there is one at Sheung Wan MTR station (5 mins through underground subway). If you arrive at China HK city in Kowloon, there is one at Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station (a 10 minute walk through Kowloon Park).

There are ATMs everywhere in Hong Kong, including both ferry terminals.

There are no ferries from Guangzhou Centre to HK anymore, although there are from places near to Guangzhou.

Octopus Card %26amp; ATM at Ferry terminal from Guanghanzou

Yeah, don%26#39;t know really where we end up. We are doing a tour through china and the last day is the hydrofoil from Guanghanzou to Hong Kong, to end our tour that afternoon.

I was hoping there would be an octopus card dispenser there, but second best at least there is Money!! haha

Ang

Restricted entry

I have been told that Hong Kong has closed its borders, due to the trouble with Tibet.

Can anyone confirm if this is true?

If so does that mean no entry into Shenzhen??

Thanks

Restricted entry

No. I think someone told you on April 1.

Restricted entry

Actually, my sister told me today. she just got an email from her friend who has just relocated to Hong Kong.

There are restrictions on going to Tibet once in China, but Tibet is a long way from Hong Kong.

There are also tighter rules regarding visas for China for foreign passport holders.

But, the border between Hong Kong and Shenzhen remains open 24 hours a day.

Thanks for the clarification

must she be confused that with today%26#39;s news that china is temporarily not offering multi-entry visas to china for foreigners until after the olympics?

Macau update

You friendly Macau freak here, twiddling her thumbs %26amp; catching up with a favorite city while waiting to see if she can get a mainland visa (don%26#39;t bother with the tissues - I%26#39;m not crying real hard)...

here are some of the latest developments

1. Macaupass. FINALLY. A pay-as-you-go I/C card that can be used on either bus company%26#39;s services and at most of the Royal supermarket %26amp; pharmacy stores. Can be topped up at various places around town. Ask for more info at the tourist kiosks at any of the entry points.

2. The Venetian. At last I can say I%26#39;ve seen it from inside as well as outside. The decoration is amazing, but otherwise it%26#39;s just another megamall (and the McDonalds there won%26#39;t even give you a free coffee refill at breakfast). It%26#39;s still surrounded by building sites.

3. Kwanyin (Kwunyam) temple - if you%26#39;re planning to arrive here by bus or taxi in the next month or 3, allow extra time, as half the road has been dug up so the traffic jams are worse than usual.

4. The boulangerie / cafe Chocolat has had to close owing to their being unable to find staff (everyone has gone to work at the Venetian).

5. mainland visas - see my post on the general China forum.

Owing to what%26#39;s happening on that last point, I%26#39;ll be here for at least a couple more days, so let me know if you have any more specific questions let me know and I%26#39;ll scoot around and try to find out.

Macau update

hi! just exactly how does the visitor pass/visa for macau entry work? I will be going there for five nights. Is this just a document to be filled out once you depart the ferry? If so how long does it take? thanks!

Macau update

Angie, what passport do you have? Most nationalities get automatic visa on arrival valid for 30 days - no paperwork at all (apart from the normal statistical declaration).

Hi Angie,

The Macaupass is nothing to do with visas; it is a stored value card to use on public transport.

You can check on www.macautourism.gov.mo to see how long you can stay without a visa.

I have a US passport, so I guess no worries... :)

thank you, for that site

Hi Angie, on board the ferry, you will be given the embarkation/disembarkation slip of paper.IT is a carbonised copy.Fill it up,hand it together with your passport at port of entry,and get back the white copy,of which is to be presented when you depart.

Macau visa is not required for citizens of United States for a stay up to 60 days.

The MAcau pass,that was mentioned,will be great,so you need not jingle with coins if you are taking the public buses.If,my question time,can it be used at McDonald%26#39;s/KFC.What is the cost?

The Octopus card from HK,can be used in KFC in Macau,however it is based on 1:1,i.e. MOP1=HKD1,when in actual,it is HKD1=MOP1.03.

Hi mKiara,

So far the MacauPass can only be used on buses and at Royal chain of supermarkets, but I%26#39;m sure this will expand quickly.

thanks mKiaratravel, I enjoy any and all info that can be and is given. I would love to know as much as I can before I go. Thanks again!

i walked up and down up and down looking for Chocolat- in the end, just gave up. Now I know why I couldn%26#39;t find it.

So agree with you about the Venetian, the decoration is amazing- for the rest of it, I wouldn%26#39;t waste any time going back- once is more than enough.

mingtang youth hostel suzhou

has anybody heard of it or stayed there ...

and got contat details

mingtang youth hostel suzhou

http://www.yhachina.net.cn/ls.php?id=117

86-512-65816869

mingtown@foxmail.com

28 Pingjiang Lu

mingtang youth hostel suzhou

thankyou

hi all

we are now back in Australia , having stayed at the Mingtang Youth Hostel and it was great !!! the facilities were good , rooms clean , position was good [ 5 minute walk to city centre and 10 minute walk to lots of tourist attarctions ] and the price was very cheap ... approx 130 rmb for 2 . they are building a new dining room which should be finished shortly , but lots of eating places nearby

your cosmetics

vb

visa situation

Hi all.

Am currently in Macau trying to get back to China in order to clear up a few loose ends before heading back to ';Oz'; for family reasons.

On checking in with my normal travel agent this last Friday morning in order to get a new mainland visa she informed me that the ';easy visa'; scheme - which allows selected travel agents to accept your money, a photo, and get your visa approved for the following day - has been suspended until ';at least after the Olympics';. So if you were planning to use this method to get into China (whether via Macau or Hong Kong), you%26#39;ll need to wait a while ... it might work out faster to get a visa through the embassy in your home country.

My agent also said that even the Foreign Affairs offices here and in HK are getting paranoid about handing out tourist visas and even most business ones, so I%26#39;ll let you know how I go trying to hand in my application tomorrow.

I don%26#39;t know if the ';shopping visas'; - ones issued on arrival in Shenzhen or Zhuhai have been affected - does anyone else have news of those??

visa situation

I haven%26#39;t heard anything about this in Hong Kong, although I do know that a new visa length is limited to 90 days now.

The last I heard, this place, http://www.fbt-chinavisa.com.hk/ was still offering a one day service in Hong Kong.

visa situation

No trouble submitting visa application at Foreign Affairs in Macau, apart from a 2 hour wait.

Most destinations in China can get 60 or 90 day visas, but if you want to go to a ';sensitive area'; (Qinghai, Gansu or Sichuan at present) officials will want to know why you want to go there, maybe ask for extra documentation, and possibly only give you 30 days.

Would you tell the consulate/visa agency if you were going to Qinghai/Gansu etc?

official channel (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) in HK is still offering same day/next day service.

Absolutely, Zhuhai, particularly as there is increased surveillance of foreigners in those areas at present. I don%26#39;t want to risk future work options in China by not being scrupulously honest at a time when colleagues in Qinghai tell me they all seem to have their own personal PSB ';tails.'; The travel agent was very reluctant to sell me an air ticket to Xining - she is quite convinced that any laowai won%26#39;t be allowed on that plane, and I had to promise that I wouldn%26#39;t come back and complain if I was turned away at the airport.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Macau now has signs up saying that one day rush visas will only be issued in cases of ';urgent official business';, but it%26#39;s still possible to get a visa processed overnight.

Here%26#39;s the latest, according to South China Morning Post:

scmp.com/portal/鈥?/a>

as of April 3, shortest time possible is 24 hours (read the whole thing, not just the title which is confusing)

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

Bus Stop near Venetian

Hi all experts,

I would be staying at Venetian Macau and wonder where is/are the nearest bus stops from the hotel, and how long is the walk to those stops?

Many thanks !

Bus Stop near Venetian

we came past the Venetian on our way back from Fernando%26#39;s Restaurant. We got off the bus at the Venetian and it was about a 4-5 minute walk to the entrance, going towards Macau.

There are heaps and heaps of shuttle buses going back and forth all the time from the Venetian to the Sands Casino, so, you can always catch the shuttle to the Sands, then either taxi, or walk to wherever else you want to go from Sands.

Bus Stop near Venetian

If you want to go downtown, or to Macau Tower,without going via Sands or the ferry terminal, then your nearest public bus stop is the one on the large roundabout (traffic circle) heading back towards Taipa %26amp; Macau peninsula. Just be careful to look at the destinations signs on the buses, as they use this stop going in both directions.

Post Office

Hello, I will be starting my trip in Hong Kong, then proceeding to Bejing, Xian, and Shanghai. Since I plan to do some shopping, I am concerned about luggage weight traveling by air to these cities. Can someone tell me how easy and safe it is to mail packages back to the states from Hong Kong. I will be staying in Kowloon.

Thanks

Post Office

How easy? Very easy in case you locate a post office around. Here%26#39;s a list of the post offices in Kowloon and their opening hours: hongkongpost.com/eng/鈥ndex.htm . You can also find the rates in the same website.

How safe? I think it%26#39;s safe enough. I have not heard of any poor comment about their services. At least the local one is reliable. Hope this helps. In any case you don%26#39;t find comfortable using their services, you can always consult FedEx or UPS which are all very easy to access.

Post Office

Hi I just returned from a 2 week holiday and after many wonderful days shopping I needed to post items back to Australia or my baggage wouldn%26#39;t have been allowed on the plane!!!!

The staff at the post office ( Mongkok ) were extremely helpful and even weighed my parcel to give me an estimated cost. I paid $3 AUD for a large box and they were only to pleased to tape it up and help me fill out the customs document. Mark your items as gifts and list them.

Before you go learn to say hello/thankyou etc in Cantonese...it goes along way !!!.

Over the years I%26#39;ve found HK post very safe and reliable, also much more economical than Australia or western European countries.

Thanks to all, I guess there is nothing stopping me now!!:%26gt;)

are you staying in TST? The main post office there is on Middle Road (which runs behind the Sheraton) right above East TST station.

It is cheaper for me to send a letter/parcel to my parents in the UK, from HK, than it is to mail the same letter/parcel from within the UK. How crazy is that?

HK Post = very reliable.

Beijing Intinerary- suggestion pls!

I will be visiting China for 16days in mid Sept 2008. I m still deciding if I shud hv 5D4N for Beijing visit or only 4D3N and allow that 1 day for stayover in Luoyang.

My tentative itinerary is as follows:

Day 1 FRI

ETA Beijing airport at 6.30am from Kuala Lumpur, MY

Check in to hostel

Summer palace %26amp; imperial garden

Temple of Heaven %26amp; Imperial Sacrificial Altar

Yonghegong Lamasery (Lama Temple)

Bell tower, Drum tower and houhai area

Underground city

Pearl market

Chinese acrobat performance

Day 2 SAT

Tiananmen square %26amp; flag raising ceremony @ 6.30am?

Chairman Mao%26#39;s Mausoleum

Tiananmen (Gate of Heavenly Peace)

Forbidden city (min 3-4hrs)

Beihai park %26amp; Coal hill

Old beijing-hutong

Silk Street/ Xiu Shui market

Old style tea house %26amp; Maliandao

Wangfujing night food market

Day 3 SUN

Panjiayuan market (what time does it start?)

Great wall: Jinshanling- Simatai (need to be at the hostel at 7am)

DAY 4 MON

Imperial palaces of Ming %26amp; Qing dynasties?

Imperial tombs of Ming %26amp; Qing dynasties (Dingling)%26amp; sacred way

Olympics park- stadium like bird nest

Late night- leaving for Datong via train

Questions:

1. Day 1- shud I start my day with Summer palace OR temple of heaven? How best shud I plan the route? Is it sufficient or can I add more inot the plan?

2. Day 2- Is it too much in a day? Shud I reschedule the hutong visit to Day 4?

3. Day 3- Is it possible to visit Pangjiayuan in the morning before the tour? If not, how do you suggest I fit it into my schedule? Anything that I can include in the evening plan if I am not too tired?

4. day 4- what is the best plan/ route for the following attractions? I don%26#39;t seem to be able to figure it out.

5. Which day shud I visit Hongqiao Market? Which attraction is it near to?

6. Is it worth visiting Yuan Ming Yuan- old summer palace and Zhongshan Park? How do I fit it into my schedule?

7. Is there any must-see attractions that I have not included? I may fit some into Day 4, which currently is planned for some shopping and wandering around in Beijing.

8. What is ';Imperial palaces of Ming %26amp; Qing dynasties';? Pls furnish more details.

9. What are the interesting stadiums/ sites related to the Olympics? All located at the Olympic Park?

10.Based on the above itinerary, which is the best location for accommodation? I am looking for hostel/ dorm bed with close proximity to subway/ bus station.

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR COMMENTS!

Beijing Intinerary- suggestion pls!

1. I would not considering adding anything to Day 1; I would highly recommend subtracting. You can easily spend half a day at the Summer Palace and it is quite distant from the city centre, so you will need to factor in travel time, which in heavy traffic could be half an hour or more each way.

2. Day 2 is also quite busy, but I would consider re-scheduling the shopping for another day, rather than the hutongs, as the parks you%26#39;ll be visiting are near some interesting hutongs. You can easily stroll through the hutongs after seeing the parks.

3. Even if you could visit the Panjiayuan Market before the Great Wall trek, I would think you%26#39;d need to rise so early that you%26#39;d be exhausted before you started hiking. What time is your train on Day 4? Could you take the Great Wall trek on Day 4 and allow plenty of time for making your train? That could give you Day 3 for the Panjiayuan market and some of the other sites you%26#39;ve shaved off days 1 and 2. The Temple of Heaven is in the same general area as Panjiayuan, so it would be logical to schedule these on the same day.

I don%26#39;t want to discourage you. You seem like a very energetic traveler, but many of these sites require several hours to truly appreciate. Hopefully some of the local experts can come up with a more manageable itinerary.

Have a great trip!

Beijing Intinerary- suggestion pls!

Hi So many questions.We went to Beijing in feb08 it was great.

We hope you are young and fit to fit all that in,do you realise how far all the places are apart! and how big Beijing is.

We did most of the things you are planing over 3days all the main attraction we did with a firm called Ha Ha travel which we found online we did a 2 day tour they started at 7.30-8am and finished around 5pm good value for money.

we didnt use any public transport in Beijing nothing is written in English so good luck.we stayed in the Hotong area which is very central.

In feb the Olympic park was still being built the coach driver stopped outside the nest/swimming pool for us to take pictures.didnt see anything for us to visit it.

Our best advice is book trips,good walking shoes,and dont forget u are going in summer and its going to be very hot and busy,get up early.

We hope this answers some of your many questions.

Have a great time.

1. I would start with the summer palace, but you will most likely run out of time. Do the Temple of Heaven another day. Houhai, bell %26amp; drum towers and the hutongs are the same area.

2. Most of this is in the same area, so may be doable. The tea house and tea street should be postponed.

3. I doubt you can get to Panjiayuan prior to a 7 AM departure for the Great Wall. You should schedule Panjiayuan for Saturday morning and shift Saturday%26#39;s plan to another day.

4. I would drop the Ming tombs and probably the Qing as well. You%26#39;ll need this time for other things you%26#39;ve planned. I%26#39;m not even sure what the Ming and Qing palaces are.

5. Hongshao is near the Temple of Heaven.

6. Yuanmingyuan and Zhongshan should be left out due to lack of time. You can visit Yuanmingyuan after the Summer Palace if you somehow had extra time, and Zhongshan with the Forbidden City.

7. No you%26#39;ve included the main attractions.

8. This is probably the Forbidden City.

10. There is no hostel that is close to everything, so just select a recommended hostel that is close to transportation.

1) Too much on that day, I wouldn%26#39;t dream of adding anything else.

2) Yes, sounds like too much as well.

3) No. Put Panjiayuan market on the same day as Temple of Heaven, and those two must be on a weekend morning.

4) I%26#39;ll offer a totally rearranged itinerary suggestion at the end of the reply. Your entire itinerary right now is quite messed up, no offence intended.

5) Put it together with Panjiayuan market and Temple of Heaven.

6) Drop Zhongshan Park. Only go to Yuanmingyuan if you%26#39;re really interested in history. Otherwise you%26#39;ll find it a bore.

7) No!

8) There%26#39;s essentially no such thing with that name, but the description refers to the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City used to be the Ming dynasty palace, and then later used as the Qing dynasty palace starting from the 3rd Qing dynasty emperor Shunzhi.

10) Try Downtown Backpackers (http://backpackingchina.com/nr/ourhostel.html) or Far East IYH (http://www.fareastyh.com).

I think you should drop the Ming/Qing tombs, not enough time. Also, I%26#39;ve heard that the Underground City is now closed. I think you can safely drop Beihai Park and Jingshan if you don%26#39;t have enough time -- which IS the case!

Fri: Summer Palace, Olympics buildings, Maliandao tea market, Chinese acrobat performance

Sat: Panjiayuan market, Temple of Heaven, Hongqiao market,銆€Yonghegong Lamasery, Xiushui market

Sun: Jinshanling-Simatai Great Wall, Wangfujing night snacks market

Mon: Tiananmen Square flag-raising, Forbidden City, Beihai Park %26amp; Jingshan Park (doubt you%26#39;ll have time for these two)

';we didnt use any public transport in Beijing nothing is written in English';

You majorly missed the metro system, duh. I presume you didn%26#39;t even bother looking to see whether it had any English or not, you assumed?

BTW I%26#39;m not saying that I totally like the itinerary I gave you above. But it%26#39;s the best I could do given the amount of sights you wanted to see. I would heartily recommend cutting out a few, and probably less shopping!

Thank you all for your input!

I am a 30+ Malaysian Chinese who reads Mandarin, generally interested in history, architecture and experiencing 1st hand the local Chinese scene! I will be travelling solo in Beijing (not my 1st trip alone, but 1st trip to China) but will be joined by 2 person from Datong onwards.

Ellyse,

1. Not to worry about changing my schedule. As I am still in planning stage, any input would be valuable to make my itinerary the best possible.

2. Yes, less shopping is possible. Even when I include it in the itinerary, it is more to wander around, experience the local scene, rather than doing ';real major shopping';. If so, do suggest the above shopping spots which is not necessary.

3. I am just worried to include the Forbidden City in Day 4, my last day in Beijing, as I may miss FC all together if there was any unforeseen circumstances. What do you think?

Is it very hot in mid Sept, about 19-22 Sept? What is the temperature range based on previous years?

I will review your comments and enquire further soon.

2. Shopping - you can skip hongqiao market unless you want to buy pearls. It%26#39;s undergone reno recently and isn%26#39;t quite as vibrant as Xiushui. You do know that both are housed in multi-storey buildings. Nothing like a pasar malam :)

3. Elysee%26#39;s schedule covers pretty much the major sights. If you have 1 day less, I suggest givving up seeing the Summer Palace.and replace that with the Forbidden City. Both sights will take you half a day especially if you plan to visit every exhibit.

4. the heat- Last year I remember it being HOT in mid Sept. 26-30 deg thereabouts in the day.

Drop Hongqiao and Xiushui markets, then.

Look on wunderground.com/global/stations/54511.html and weather.msn.com/local.aspx鈥?/a> for historical weather data for Beijing.

I don%26#39;t think you%26#39;ll have a problem seeing Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City on your last day, especially if you skip Beihai and Jingshan parks.

If I were to do Mutianyu Great wall, instead of Jinshanling- Simatai, is there another location that I can fit into that day%26#39;s schedule?

Is it in the same direction as Ming Tomb, which I can just do a quick walk on the Sacred way?

Shanghai acrobats

Anyone have information on the Shanghai Acrobats? Do they have daily shows and where can one see them?

Shanghai acrobats

When you arrive in SHanghai, find a copy of Shanghai City Weekend or one of the other free publications and you will see the current Acrobat shows advertised.

There is often more than one.Different, prices, times and locations.

Most large hotels either sell tickets or will tell you where to buy them.

Shanghai acrobats

Went to the show in nov 2007. Not too expensive ( approx 30$ us we were second row in front. The theater is small so dont pay extra to be in front.

RIGHT most large hotel can sell you ticket from their desk

ENjoy the show....not too bad would rate 3.5/5

There%26#39;re 2 main shows, one at the Shanghai Centre Theatre (where Portman Ritz-Carlton is located) and the other at Shanghai Circus World. Personally I prefer the latter, one of the reasons being the live music accompaniment.

Hi Shanghai acrobatics show is shown almost daily at Shanghai centre theatre at the 4th floor of Portman Hotel at Nanjing Xilu.It costs about 200 to 250rmb with good seats.U can phone up for booking n get yr tickets at the entrance of the theatre either u see it at Portman hotel or Shanghai circus world.If at Shanghai circus world it s a bit foar u may need a cab or if u r familiar with the metro.Its quite out of citycentre.So the more convenient is at Portman hotel.Both have great venues with good modern acoustics n stage.Both the shows at these different venues r equally good.Another 1 at Lycum theatre its a older theatreso i think the place is not as nice.All three venues do accept phone bookings without extra charge or advance payment.U need to pay upon collection of the tickets before the show starts.

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The best Peking Duck Restaurant in Beijing

Hi Guys,

Do you know where is the best and delicious Peking Duck in Beijing?

Please tell .

Thanks

The best Peking Duck Restaurant in Beijing

If the city of Peking is now called Beijing (still don%26#39;t know why they did that!), why is Peking duck not called Beijing duck now????

The best Peking Duck Restaurant in Beijing

That%26#39;s a good question. Never thought of that...

Da Dong is quite popular, I think.

Best Duck Restaurant is Quanjude off Wangfujing street.

This Restaurant has been established since 1864.

I was there last week.

Yes, Quan Jude is probably the best, the most popular, and the most touristy of all the roast duck restaurants. Some of their other locations are a lot less crowded than the one off of Wangfujing.

Yes, shouldn%26#39;t it be called BEIJING duck???

It is called Beijing Roast Duck in chinese :) Anyway, best duck has to be at Da Dong.It Another is at ';Made in China'; located in the Grand Hyatt Beijing. Little bit more pricey but it%26#39;s good. Duck at both places is less fatty than most of the other recommended duck places.( believe me, i%26#39;ve had them far too many times!)

You need to make reservations at Da Dong, otherwise it%26#39;s a long wait for a table.

Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant

Add: South of Nanxincang International Building, 22 Dongsishitiao, Dongcheng District

Tel: 010-51690328

Enjoy the duck!!

1.Quan Ju De Roast Duck Restaurant(Wangfujing Branch)

2.Da Dong Roast Duck(face to Great Dragon Hotel)

3.Bian Yi Fang Roast Duck Restaurant(1 floor of Hademen Hotel,Chongwenmen Subway station)

Quan ju de roast duck is awesome and they give you a certificate so you know which duck you have had since 1864. Really cool place. You also don%26#39;t need a reservation. Da dong is popular but you will most likely need a reservation for both locations. The first one I said was by far the best duck I%26#39;ve ever had though. Its 198 rmb per duck, worth it. Also check out www.thebeijinger.com I use that when looking for restaurants to go to or clubs to check out. If your going to be here for awhile try http://www.immersionguides.com/ I found some really cool stuff from them. Their mandarin phrasebook has been more helpful for me then the lonely planet one. Also at Quan Ju de they fill your pot of tea in a really fancy way....

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airport express bus timetable?

Coming into CAN earlier this week I discovered that the last 3 buses from Zhuhai had been cancelled, and ones from Garden Hotel had also finished running much earlier than scheduled.

The airport website hasn%26#39;t listed any changes, so does anyone know if the changed schedule was just a once-off or permanent? If permanent, when does the last bus for Zhuhai now leave the airport? Thanks!

airport express bus timetable?

I just called up (domestic long-distance!) to ask. Last departure Guangzhou airport -- Zhuhai is at 2220, the 2nd last departure is at 2130.

airport express bus timetable?

Thanks, Ellyse :-)

No problem, you%26#39;re welcome. :)

Is it line 1 that I%26#39;ll have to take, if I want to go Westin? I mean that isn%26#39;t it going to GZ East Railway Station.

I don%26#39;t really understand what you%26#39;re asking, and it seems that your question has nothing to do with Guangzhou airport -- Zhuhai buses.

I presume you%26#39;re asking which airport shuttle you%26#39;ll have to take to get to Westin Guangzhou which%26#39;s near Guangzhou East train station, not Guangzhou main train station. Take airport shuttle no.6 to Guangzhou East train station.

Thanks. I really was asking about airport shuttle from airport to Westin :)

I suppose I answered your question correctly, then?

Best place to have a ring done in 18 kt. with Jade?

I already have a ring that I would like reproduced in 18kt. with stone. Any suggestions of good jeweler there in Hong Kong? July, 08

Thanks,

Santafelarry

Best place to have a ring done in 18 kt. with Jade?

geoexpat.com/resources/鈥ndex.php

a good place to start

Longyang Lu - Metro

Can anybody tell me how easy it is to get cabs from this station to Yongshou Road. We are flying in and would rather use the Maglev into Longyang but concerned about grabbing a cab to hotel. Thanks

Longyang Lu - Metro

No problem. The taxi rank outside the station is regulated by an attendant, so no pushing or queue jumping. Just make sure the meter is visible and running before you get in. You will need a printout of your hotel address in Chinese as none of the taxi drivers speak English. Once at the hotel the reception can translate any other destinations you need.

Longyang Lu - Metro

Do you have the option of taking the Maglev on the way out instead of on the way in?

recommended length of stay

Hi we are going to visit Shanghai in October. How long do you think we will need to see most things comfortably and enjoy the atmosphere eating out etc.

recommended length of stay

Hi if its only Shanghai u r talking about n not the surounding cities nearby,i would say 4 days is good enough provided if u r goin to nearby sities like Suzhou,Hangzhou or water town like Zhouzhuang.Actualy it also depends howmuch u like to explore n know Shanghai if its the normal tourist attractions n shopping i think 4 days is sufficient but to people who likes Shanghai so much,taking in some shows n exploring more of the city including Shanghai watertown like Zhujiajiao,also Qibao,or even take in the Zoo,shopping at the normal Nanjing pedestrian street,Huaihaizhonglu,with the side streets,Xujiahui,Hongqiao,n added in with the normal sites of attractions like the Bund,Yuyuan,Oriental tower,Aquarium,Science centre,GrandHyatt tower,Museum,Urban planning centre,Xintiandi,French concession area,Jade Pagoda,Longhua temple,Jingan temple,Huanpu river cruise plus some good shows at the Shanghai grand theatre or acrobatics show at Portman hotel,even 1 week pass by like a brezze.Theres simply so much to do in Shanghai!!!U dont get bored at all.......enjoy!!!.

recommended length of stay

Probably 4 days for the city itself.

Yes, as Bennystar says, you can spend a nice week in Shanghai taking some day trips out of town as well as soaking up the ambiance of China%26#39;s largest city. The British Museum is probably the best in the world, and the Shanghai Museum is considered China%26#39;s finest exhibition of its many cultural facets. You can easily spend the equivalent of a full day there, perhaps two sessions of three hours or so.

There are some notable temples, and shopping varies from the knock-offs at several locations to upscale international and everything in between. Roam through what is left of Old Shanghai around the YuYuan Garden and see some of the authentic older housing and markets a few blocks from the more tourist-oriented stores.

The best thing about Shanghai, other than its varied attractions and things to do, is that the cost of living is probably the one of the lowest of major international cities. So relax in Shanghai knowing you can stay at 1/2 the price of Manhattan and 1/3 the price of London for equivalent hotels and food (after typical bargaining, of course).

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