Neil-- I just came across your posting....great summary with lots of useful info! I'm glad that my Tibetan tour guide recommendation worked...
mikelin128
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Mike Lin — traveler, writer, & slacker — started China-Mike.com, a site with travel tips, China’s top attractions, and funny stuff.Recent activity
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replied to a Thorn Tree thread called Trip Report Beijing,Train to Lhasa,Tibet,Nepal in the Asia - North-East Asia Branch
about 1 year ago -
replied to a Thorn Tree thread called HUANGSHAN Mountains - Summit Accommodation in the Asia - North-East Asia Branch
I just hiked Huangshan again recently....but forgot to write down the name of the cheapo hostels that I found. In general, staying on the...
about 1 year ago -
replied to a Thorn Tree thread called Which section of the Great Wall is suitable for photographer? in the Asia - North-East Asia Branch
Fyi- the Simatai section is closed for renovation (for at least another year). The most popular hiking on the Great Wall traditionally is...
about 1 year ago -
replied to a Thorn Tree thread called China - Where to Start.... in the Asia - North-East Asia Branch
I agree with the other comments-- good idea to ease into culture shock by starting first in Hong Kong (English widely spoken too!). From...
about 1 year ago -
replied to a Thorn Tree thread called Hong Kong Accomdation in the Asia - North-East Asia Branch
In general, you'll get a better value staying in Kowloon compared to HK island. For super-budget, the Chungking Mansions (see photo of...
about 1 year ago -
replied to a Thorn Tree thread called Hotel in Beijing in the Asia - North-East Asia Branch
Since you mentioned "Close to cheap bars and food", your best bet is the Dongcheng area (sometimes called Back Lakes or Hou Hai lake area)....
about 1 year ago -
replied to a Thorn Tree thread called visa on arrival in Beijing in the Asia - North-East Asia Branch
As jiejie correctly mentioned, you wouldn't even be able to board a plane headed to China without a visa. Chinese visas are almost always...
about 1 year ago -
replied to a Thorn Tree thread called Forbidden City & Great Wall in the Asia - North-East Asia Branch
Harry-- Great pics! Looks like an awesome trip!...
about 1 year ago -
replied to a Thorn Tree thread called Tipping for Guides & Drivers? in the Asia - North-East Asia Branch
I agree with Losang-- Chinese tour guides (especially ones catering to Westerners) do expect to be tipped as part of their compensation...
about 1 year ago -
replied to a Thorn Tree thread called Travel in China and Tibet with 90 year old Mother ... in the Asia - North-East Asia Branch
I agree with others who say that it sounds risky. China (and Tibet) is not wheel-chair friendly (for example, almost all train stations...
about 1 year ago -
replied to a Thorn Tree thread called Chinese railway in the Asia - North-East Asia Branch
Paul- I agree with the other comments, especially the tip about paying a small commission to buy advance train tickets (through your hotel...
about 1 year ago -
replied to a Thorn Tree thread called Hong Kong in June in the Asia - North-East Asia Branch
I agree with most of the other comments:...
about 1 year ago -
replied to a Thorn Tree thread called Solo women traveling in China in the Asia - North-East Asia Branch
rezuri --...
about 1 year ago -
replied to a Thorn Tree thread called Watch out for this popular tourist SCAM (part 2) in the Asia - North-East Asia Branch
A quick update on these scams. I just got to Shanghai yesterday and (as a solo traveler) was approached several times by con artists (both...
over 1 year ago -
posted a new Thorn Tree thread called Watch out for this popular tourist SCAM (part 2) in the Asia - North-East Asia Branch
Apologies for the re-post from last month...but just want to warn everyone because I'm still getting emails from people who are still...
over 1 year ago
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