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Chinese National Holidays - namely early Oct

Replies: 3 - Last Post: Feb 24, 2013 12:41 PM Last Post By: Bishi

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Bishi

Bishi avatar

Feb 22, 2013 2:18 PM
Posts:  22

Chinese National Holidays - namely early Oct

Now I know that travel and accommodation around China can be very tough around National Holidays however how are things in China for the holiday in early Oct.

We were planning to be in Gansu for this period visiting a few places for a short periods of time before jumping on a train to Tibet. With this in mind, should we plan to sit tight during this period or will travel and accommodation be fine?

Normally I'd play it by ear and deal with what ever comes about but given we need to prebook our Tibet tour I could do with knowing whether it would be easy to continue on our travels as planned around Gansu during this period or whether we should be en route through Tibet before this holiday starts to avoid disruption, difficulties and ramped up costs.

Thanks in advance
Bish

JPDeM

JPDeM avatar

Feb 22, 2013 3:30 PM
Posts:  353

1

To have an idea of what to expect during the National holidays, check this website: http://www.chinasmack.com/2011/pictures/national-day-golden-week-holiday-crowds-throughout-china.html
For many Chinese, getting a visa to travel abroad is complicated and expensive. so they travel domestically. Unlike the Chinese New Year holidays when they visit family, this one is for tourism.
I usually leave the country at that time.

bengbubob

bengbubob avatar

Feb 23, 2013 3:57 PM
Posts:  269

2

A week before Oct. 1st, the week of and the week after you should have reservations for everything as Chinese have money today and they are great at touring filling up hotels, trains and planes. You need a Tibet Permit also to go to Tibet and MUST travel with a 5 person group of people all from the same country or you will be denied. Trains to Lhasa and back are always full. A good tour operator will take care of you and worth the money. Otherwise as you say, take it as you come and deal with it. I go to China often and see many people who thought they could just wing it and found themselves spending half of their time dealing with the infrastructure and little time enjoying themselves. FIND A GOOD TOUR OPERATOR.

Bishi

Bishi avatar

Feb 24, 2013 12:41 PM
Posts:  22

3

Thanks for the input there!

Still in 2minds as would be great to experience this as it is a big party to Chinese culture today, although the potential of 3weeks in one place is not good use of time or money when limited with both.

Thanks again,
Bish
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