Help on China and Hong Kong

Replies: 9 - Last Post: 09-May-2007 19:32 Last Post By: ellyse

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justjim1957

25-Apr-2007 12:36
Posts: 3

Help on China and Hong Kong

Hi all, My three kids gave me a trip to Hong Kong and China for my birthday yesterday and I know nothing about the place. My ticket is into Hong Kong arriving on the 6th September and leaving on the 17th September. HELP. The only place that I would maybe like to visit is Xiamen (used to be Amoy) as I have a Great- Great Grandfather who was born there. Where is good to go and how is the best way to get around? I am 50 yrs old but am very immature and am into adventure and discovery. (Definitely not into group tours).
Hoping to hear from lots of people.
Jim

odysseusthebrave

25-Apr-2007 13:41
Posts: 29

Hong Kong is very large and densely packed. It can be very intimidating for a first timer, but don't be! There is loads to see and do. The shopping is second to none...there is so much to choose from! As for getting around, a taxi should suffice if you can afford it.

For more information, try: http://www.travel--guide.org/Hong%20Kong

Next destination: Sardinia, Italy

ChrisMcMillan

25-Apr-2007 14:32
Posts: 43

Hong Kong island and Kowloon and New Territories. Plus lots of small islands. English, of course, well spoken by many. Lots of young people visit from westenr countries as they do their 'gap' years so you should be OK as a newbie traveller. But I know what you mean. I thought about Beijing to HK by train but going from what could have been snow and winter to warm spring seemed a bit too much to deal with suitcase wise. You will spend a lot more than you think wherever you go in China: some of the things you can buy are exquisite and reasonably priced: just remember airlines are strict about overweight.

Sincerely Chris

James

25-Apr-2007 15:35
Posts: 398

When you exit HK customs and before you enter the large meeting hall, there is a HK toursit office. You can pick up all the info, maps etc. you need on HK there, if you don't have a guide book. You could fly HK to Xiamen or Shenzhen Xiamen or there are bus options. From Guangdong East (Canton) train station there is an overnight train K 297 which leaves at 19:04 and arrives in Xiamen the next morning at 8:18.

http://www.usefilm.com/photographer/28275.html

gonezen

25-Apr-2007 17:06
Posts: 170

If you don't stay with relatives in Xiamen, check out the Lijiang Hotel (three star), directly across from the water with great views of Gulangyu. I think Xiamen is underrated and undervisited. Have a great time.

"Freedom lies in being bold." Robert Frost

chaskemp

25-Apr-2007 18:21
Posts: 616

Budget travel basics for Hong Kong, with 30+ guesthouses and GH resources and the only travel guide with a photo of the stairs in the Chungking Mansions
Asia 2005, 2006/2007
Asia photos 2005, 2006-2007 – some guesthouse photos and other day-to-day backpacking/flashpacking things in HK & SE Asia

If I knew where in TT world you live I might be able to recommend where to go for a guidebook. Regardless, best to go to bookstore and spend an hour or so comparing. LP has best HK guide and worth buying for stays of more than, say, 4 days. About other parts of China, I don't know.

Pretty good three kids you got there, Jim! Have a good trip.

CK

john33

25-Apr-2007 19:39
Posts: 623

You will have a great time. In Xiamen, I'd suggest staying on Gulangyu and the Marine Hotel is excellent. Sits high on a hill overlooking the harbor and prices aren't too bad. You can get a nice room for around 600 rmb a night for four. If you need less expensive then the hotel at the foot of the steps into the marine hotel is only about 350 rmb and bargain for breakfast as part of the fee.

Remember to bargain for everything. Don't pay the fees listed on the hotel rack and always negotiate. They will drop prices.

While in Xiamen see the Xiamen University, the temple next the the univesity gate and the fort located near the back gate. Also get up the Quanzhou for a day and take a day over to Chongwu.

Buy a good China guide book and it will list all the places.

john

philk

26-Apr-2007 04:39
Posts: 753

chaskemp has probably got the best info on offer for people of any age, so, follow his advice with confidence.

how long do you have in HK, as I am assuming the dates above are for your whole trip?

HK & Macau stuff to see

The Leisurely Hikers Guide to Hong Kong

justjim1957

26-Apr-2007 23:19
Posts: 3

Thanks to all. This is great.
Jim

ellyse

09-May-2007 19:32
Posts: 8,932

Amoy Magic
Cheers!

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