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How about Macau,Las Vegas of the east?
Or Hong Kong?
I haven't been to either of them but I guess they must be good spots for tourists.
Yes both are good for tourists, depending on what you expect. Hong Kong is so populated while Macau is better. The expenses in Hong Kong and Macau are about 5 times of mainland China cities like Shenzhen or Shanghai.
The newest casino Venice Hotel of Macau is amazing. Tourist can choose to stay in either city, there is very convenient shuttling ferry every 30 minutes and it takes only 70 minutes. But for Hong Kong and Macau, I think 1 week is enough.
Lived in China for 8 years and still didn't see it all, but you never do if you're working 6 days a week!
Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, all must see's for tourism, you'll get the "new China" Area called "Shangri-la" touristy, but supposedly preserved traditionally. Hainan Island if you're looking for the modern beach experience, or Huizhou in the south China area for a more local style tourist resort. Remember sitting in a local open air place, eating plate after plate of clams, drinking local beer out of plastic cups and watching fireworks. One of the more memorable nights, nothing fancy at all, a very "local" experience but great.
Cruise down the Li River in Guilin, river boat tours, then later do a bicycle tour around the area, bamboo raft ride. Another memorable trip. When the raft selling beers comes by, buy two, one for you and one for the guy poling the raft down the river. He'll appreciate it.
Bargain hard, round-eyes get charged a "foreigner tax" meaning the price goes up exponentially in some little shops. One experience came to mind, wife liked a dress in one of the shops, price came to 800rmb. I knew better, said no way, offered 180, owner refused. Walked out, about 10 feet from the store the owner comes running out, price now 190. Dont' be afraid to offer half what their asking. Usually the shop owners have a calculator handy, punch the numbers in... Dont' be afraid to put your price in. They expect it and will laugh behind your back if you don't bargain.
Don't be put off by the local food.. Stay away from street carts. Chinese food WAY different than what you find in U.S. but can be real interesting.
Keep your sense of humor and adventure and you'll have a great time.
I would start in Shanghai, then go to Beijing and then on to Xian. Of course you want to see the Great Wall. If possible you must visit Hong Kong. Train trips through China are fascinating.
[quote=JetAgeHobo;12155605]Don't be put off by the local food.. Stay away from street carts. Chinese food WAY different than what you find in U.S. but can be real interesting.quote]
That's because Chinese food in the U.S. is not really Chinese food. They are American...more specifically Chinese-American. Some of these U.S. dishes you can't find in China or people there have not heard of before.
I just took a tour in Yunnan Province. Li Jiang and Da Li are MUST SEE cities. The old towns are spectacular. It's free to enter the old towns.
Li Jiang Old Town is an UNESCO world heritage site. If it's possible, you should visit the "Jiu Jie" (roughly translated as alcohol street) at night. Some of the bars provide entertainment, such as dancing and singing of the local ethinic groups. The cheapest beer is 35 RMB, which is quite expensive in China. Each person has to buy one beer in order to stay for the entertainment. 35 RMB for a night fun is worth it in my opinion.
I just took a tour in Yunnan Province. Li Jiang and Da Li are MUST SEE cities. The old towns are spectacular. It's free to enter the old towns.
Li Jiang Old Town is an UNESCO world heritage site. If it's possible, you should visit the "Jiu Jie" (roughly translated as alcohol street) at night. Some of the bars provide entertainment, such as dancing and singing of the local ethinic groups. The cheapest beer is 35 RMB, which is quite expensive in China. Each person has to buy one beer in order to stay for the entertainment. 35 RMB for a night fun is worth it in my opinion.
Liijang is a sort of Chinese Disney World of ultra-clean swept streets and gurgling canals. It's fun to visit. If you head north of town, you'll run into the market, where you can find good cheap street food. There's some really good noodle shops in the new town. As the poster mentioned, loud music and live entertainment last into the morning hours. Try the cheap liquor on the menu for a kick-start to your evening, but don't go through more than one little bottle of the stuff.
Another fairly nice "old town" to the north charges a hefty admission fee, but if you cycle there and follow the little old ladies sitting a few hundred yards short of the official entrance, they'll lead you across a stream and in the back way for 10 yuan plus 1 yuan to lock your bike up. Things are changing fast in Liijang, though, so follow this course at your own risk.
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