Browsing Category: Real China Travel Questions - Answered

With China’s high-speed rail network, Shanghai (上海, Shànghǎi) makes an excellent base for exploring several nearby cities. But if you have time for only two day trips, which should you choose: Suzhou (苏州, Sūzhōu), Hangzhou (杭州, Hángzhōu), Nanjing (南京, Nánjīng), Shaoxing (绍兴, Shàoxīng) or Wuxi (无锡, Wúxī)? The Traveler’s Question Help me decide on 2 day trips from Shanghai. These are the locations I have picked. Let me know if you recommend any others please: NanjingHangzhouSuzhouShaoxingWuxiGexian Village Thank...

Foreign visitors and expats in Beijing (北京, Běijīng) sometimes assume that they must use an expensive international hospital if they need medical care. But can foreigners actually visit Beijing’s major public hospitals — including China’s highly regarded Grade III Class A hospitals (三级甲等医院, sānjí jiǎděng yīyuàn) — and how do you make an appointment with a specialist? The Traveler’s Question How to book specialist appointments at Beijing public hospitals • Tips for expats visiting 3A hospitals...

Thirty days gives first-time visitors something particularly valuable in China: the freedom not to rush. One couple planning their first mainland China trip wants to travel slowly and inexpensively, with plenty of nature, local food and places away from mass tourism. Their initial route includes Shanghai (上海, Shànghǎi), Chongqing (重庆, Chóngqìng), Chengdu (成都, Chéngdū), Xi’an (西安, Xī’ān) and Beijing (北京, Běijīng) — but they have almost two weeks still to allocate. So where should they go? The Traveler’s Question...

A first trip to China doesn’t have to follow the classic Beijing–Xi’an–Shanghai route. One traveler planning a 19-night trip in mid-October is considering a very different journey through Shanghai (上海, Shànghǎi), Chongqing (重庆, Chóngqìng), Zhangjiajie (张家界, Zhāngjiājiè), Furong Ancient Town (芙蓉镇, Fúróng Zhèn), Fenghuang Ancient Town (凤凰古城, Fènghuáng Gǔchéng), Guilin (桂林, Guìlín), Yangshuo (阳朔, Yángshuò) and Guangzhou (广州, Guǎngzhōu). But is that too much for one trip? The Traveler’s Question First trip to China this...