Yichang - anything interesting or unusual to do other than the dam?

Hey Thorntreers

I will be going to Yichang to see the Threee Gorges Dam, but there does not seem much more to do in the area and I have some spare time. Is there anything else unusual in Yichang? Is there any way to take the boat through the dam without taking a lengthy cruise of more than a few hours?

I will be arriving from Wuhan by overnight train and going on to Nanjing, then to Hangzhou. Are there any destinations of interest I am obviously missing out here by which I could reduce the amount of time spent in Yichang? I imagine seeing the dam would only take the morning, and that a whole day is too much in Yichang?

Let me know if you agree or disagree, and whether there is indeed anything else to do near Yichang.

Thanks

Ben

Travelling from HK/Taiwan to Korea to Japan on SUPER tight budget!

Hi all,

I'm new here and also to travelling. I have just graduated from college and have always wanted to see Asia as I have never gone abroad. I plan on flying to Hong Kong in the Fall - probably September - and from there, go to Taiwan, then Korea (Seoul), and then to Japan (Tokyo and Kyoto possibly). I plan on staying around 1 week in each country.

Does anyone know of any good travel agencies that might be able to arrange cheap flights for me (I hear it's cheaper to go that route than finding flights on my own)? Or would I have to look into 1 agency for flying to China, another to go to Korea, and 1 for Japan?

Also, any recommendations for cheap accommodations and modes of transportation (to get around Korea and Japan? I know for Japan, there is the Shinkansen, but just wondering if there are even cheaper ways to go)?

Since I'll only be in Asia for 1 month, and I'm a U... more »

Bus maps for Chinese cities?

During my trip through China, I want to make use of city buses to travel places not on subway lines. Also, one of the cities I'm visiting (Yangzhou) has no subway. Do bus maps exist in most Chinese cities? If so, where do you find them? If not, do you just have to ask people directions for the bus to your destination? (I think I can handle that in my limited Chinese, but I'd rather see for myself on a map.) Thanks.

P.S. Please forgive me for the double posting. I mistakenly posted this first in North East Asia, but I want it in China, since that is where it is most likely to be seen by someone who can answer.

Guiling to Beijing bus?

We are planning to visit Guangxi (Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces and Yangshuo) and then Beijing to round out the rest of our trip in China. We have spent the last few days in CTS offices trying to book our eventual Guilin-Beijing train, which we want to take about 8 or 9 days from now, but apparently all are full except for a 29-hour ride on a hard seat.

Flights seem to be about $250-300, which is a little on the expensive side for us. We have looked into busing to another city to take a cheaper flight, but it doesn't seem worth it.

So, does anyone have any advice about trying to take the bus between Guilin and Beijing? I have read some old posts here and seen everything from 'don't attempt it' to 'it's a reasonable 28 hour ride.' Is there a decent sleeper/deluxe option out there for us that won't take a week to arrive? Any other advice for us?

Thanks! more »

Need hotel suggestions - Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara

Headed to Japan for 15 days in August.

Need hotel suggestions for Tokyo/Kyoto: Looking for convenient location to public trans in a unique - hip - neighbohood/section of Tokyo. Under $200/night if possible.

Nara - Looking for romantic place to say for my boyfriend and I. Looking for a real old-Japan experience for this part of our trip.

Also looking for suggestions of cities to visit between these three locations we're planning to hit.

Just been to North Korea with Young Pioneer Tours

just got back so thought i would update a few things since my previous questions.

firstly YPT were really good, and so much cheaper than all the other options but much better in the following respects:

• we had a group size of 5 which meant we didnt have a bus load of fellow travellers competing for pics in the whirlwind style of DPRK tours
• they were flexible about switching itineries around once we got there and seemed to have a sway over the guides in that respect.
• group was all under 40ish and all of similar mindset in that we were all quite relaxed and easy going
• they were really quick answering emails and flexible when various issues came up
• little touches like breakfast delivered to the train at dandong after the sleeper from beijing were welcome and the guide gareth was a londoner who constantly made sure the guides gave us what we wanted within reason and fo...

First time Japan-help with itinerary much appreciated

My husband and I are very excited to be visiting Japan for the first time next week. It was a last minute decision after our plans for Mexico fell through... And planning this trip in such a short time is rather overwhelming!!

I've bought our tickets, booked hotels, and also bought a 7day JR pass. Below is our draft itinerary -your comments and input would be greatly appreciated! Many days are devotedto Tokyo because hubby is very much into anime/manga and pop-culture. We will be based in Tokyo and Kyoto and taking day trips coz don't feel like tavelling around too much on this vacation

29/07 arrive Tokyo early morning. Staying at hotel in Ginza (easy to travel around from here? Interesting neighbourhood?)
30/07 Tokyo. Booked guide from Tokyo free guides to show us around
31/07 Tokyo
01/08 early departure for Kyoto. Overnight in ryokan with traditional dinner & bfast
02/08 k... more »

Travelers that have received Tibet permits - Updated rules you should know

Dear Travelers,

Tibet Permits have been issued!

We're happily to share some great news, we have successfully received several permit for our groups these days. They are for travel to Tibet starting in the end of July.

We know it has been annoying with all the complicated restrictions about Tibet permit, and it looked almost impossible to obtain permit in the past few weeks.

It is definitely possible to travel to Tibet - things you should know:

1. At least 4 people in your group (someone says must be 5 people, but we do get permit for 4 persons group)

2. All group members should be same nationality.

3. UK, South Korea, Norway and Austria citizen still cannot receive permits.

4. Mt. Everest Base Camp is not allowed to visited — even it's listed on your permit.

Hope all of you can find a way to visit that wonderful land.

Regards,

Murphy from Windhors... more »