China | JustRetired50Plus

Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai

A sense of China

While modernisation has meant that many western amenities are now available within China, there are still a few hurdles that might catch the unprepared traveller. Its a country with rich history and culture, beautiful landscape and delicious food. But many foreigners see China as an exotic destination that’s challenging to travel to mostly because of the language barrier. Some of our observations may help you to surmount some barriers.

Our observations and tips from our trip to China

One of the most important things to know when travelling to China is that they do not offer visas on arrival. So well in advance of travelling to China you must have received your visa. We had to provide a detailed itinerary of our intended trip to the Chinese Embassy in Dublin. This application included our return flights and confirmed reservations for our hotel bookings.
China is a very safe country with relatively low crime, however, get travel insurance, it pays to be prepared.
China is a very big country so research the areas you are visiting for weather and food information, before travelling there.
Larger cities in China have serious problems with air pollution, particularly in Beijing. Many locals wear masks on days with hazardous air pollution. Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit, especially if you are sensitive to air quality.
China is serviced by a fantastic network of buses and trains, including the high-speed trains that can whisk you across the country in a matter of hours. Rates are extremely affordable by western standards.
In most major Chinese cities subways are the main method of transportation. For security reasons, you will have to X ray your bags and luggage every time you go inside a subway station, at least in Beijing and Shanghai.
Make sure your bank knows you’re going to be using your credit or debit card on your trip to China. You don’t want your card being cancelled mid-trip for unusual transactions.
Chinese airports can often be chaotic and overcrowded. It is advisable to get to the airport three hours early for international flights to China and at least two hours early for domestic.
The Chinese love to take photographs, and don’t be surprised if a local tries to snap a sneaky photo of you or even comes up to ask for a picture with you.
Taxis in China are cheap and plentiful. Most drivers will not speak English, so it’s a good idea to get your destination address written in Chinese by somebody at your hotel.
The official currency of China is the ‘yuan’. This the only currency recognised in China.
Doing your banking face to face in China, you may need to bring a local to help translate. Very few bank employees will have sufficient English to help you.
The Chinese do not use handkerchiefs and tissues to clear their noses. They spit instead. As Westerners we may find this revolting, however, they are revolted at the practice the we use a handkerchief and then keep it.
Chinese street food is delicious and it is everywhere. When choosing which vendor to purchase from, check to see where the locals are dining. If you see a queue, it’s likely to be a safe bet.
You’ll need your passport when making any internal travel bookings, and you can only book one ticket per passport. Don’t even think about traveling by train or bus without carrying your passport with you.
China blocks Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. As Google is blocked in China, you will not be able to get directions from Google Maps.
China is a densely populated place, and the locals have become accustomed to a much smaller personal space than we are accustomed to in the west. Don’t be surprised if you’re jostled or shoved when queuing. This is just part of the Chinese culture.
Make use of the facility to post home your larger purchases, because with cheap prices and a huge variety of products, it can be easy to go over your luggage limit while shopping in China.
Also, when shopping be aware that knockoffs of prominent brands can be seized at the airport upon your return home.
In restaurants, be aware that conventional western service is hard to come by.
When shopping anywhere in China outside of boutiques and chain stores, use your haggling skills. Remember to never accept the marked price or first price offered.
For the most part, cash is preferred when you are travelling in China. Generally, you can pay by card in the large cities. International ATMs are available in all major cities but may be harder to find in less tourist friendly areas. Many Chinese banks do not accept foreign credit and debit cards.
Chinese roads can be rather chaotic, so self-driving would really only recommended for the particularly brave. Luckily, as a tourist you are not allowed hire a car anyway.
Most Chinese toilets do not provide toilet paper. Hotels and nicer restaurants will have it available, but it’s always a good idea to carry a roll of toilet paper, hand wipes and a box of tissues with you on your travels.
Hand soap is not standard in many Chinese bathrooms. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitiser with you just to be sure.
Tap water in China is not drinkable. Bottled water can be purchased very cheaply at most restaurants and stores.
Chinese pharmacies offer both western and eastern medicine at very reasonable prices.
Chinese hospitals can be over-crowded and daunting, however, most major cities have specialised hospitals catering to foreigners, just ask at your hotel.

We spent 11 days on a guided tour, visiting the tourist attractions that three Chinese cities has to offer.

Link to still image montage of China visit:-

https://youtu.be/Yx0FzZ_PPHA

Review of China 2017

We visited China in March/April 2017 for a 11 day period. The climate was temperate in China at this time of the year and ideal for open air trips and excursions.

In considering a trip to China, the language barrier in general rules out a self directed trip, so instead we choose an Irish travel company called “The Travel Department”, which provided us with a guided group tour based on the three cities of Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai.

The entire trip comprised five nights in Beijing, three in Xi’an followed by an internal flight to Shanghai where we spent our final 2 nights before flying back to Dublin via Dubai.

Sense of China

The official currency in China is the Yuan.

During our trip we drove by coach to all of the excursion venues. There were 27 Irish people in all on our China tour.

If you get any opportunities during your travels there to visit the Beijing zoo, be advised that for an animal lover, the experience is of a far lower standard of animal care than we are use to in the west.

Our general experience of the Chinese people was that they are extremely friendly, hard working and generally like to have westerners, with good white teeth, be part of their family photo shoots.

Recommendations for China

There is an enormous language barrier, if you only speak English. So it lends itself to undertaking guided group tours only.

In each of the three cities, we visited all the local tourist trails and highlights on offer. We also visited a community health centre and primary school as well as a dairy farm which left us with a genuine respect for their Chinese culture.

The street food in China is fantastic to look at and superb to taste, however, if you have a delicate stomach, you should take extreme care when partaking in street food.

Our must see recommendation for a trip to China:-

(1) Our visit to Xi’an and the nearby site of the Terracotta Warriors was the highlight of our entire trip to China - truly spectacular. China’s Xi’an Terracotta Warriors lay hidden for over 2000 years, until 1974.

(2) Our second choice highlight would be the “Great Wall of China”, which we visited from our base in Beijing. Beijing in China has a history stretching back over 3000 years.

As always, the people we met on the trip and our Travel Department Chinese guide, Jack, enriched the whole experience.

“You should travel away from home, to really appreciate the value of what you have at home, on your return.”

“Happiness is found in the journey and rarely in the destination, alone.”

An image of China Optional tours Schedule

Anchor 1

Hong Kong to Singapore

We spent 10 days visiting the tourist attractions from the cities visited on our cruise trip from Hong Kong to Singapore.

Link to still image montage of Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore visit:-

https://youtu.be/abnrizZ-oB4

Hong Kong to Singapore

We visited in January 2018 for a 10 day cruise. The climate was temperate and ideal for open air trips and excursions and warmer as we got towards Thailand and Singapore.

Given the geographical distances between these countries, we decided that the cruise option, for first time visitors, was the easiest option, with a view to doing a return visit to preferred countries/ locations at a later stage.

We flew, via London, to Hong Kong where we stayed overnight before picking up the Celebrity cruise ship.

We did tours of Hong Kong from the ship and then departed for Hanoi in Vietnam. We toured Hanoi and also did a day long trip around Halong bay and the Thien Cung Caves.

Our next port of call was Da Nang, a disappointingly industrial port on the coast. However, the coach trip to Vietnam war sites across the mountains were very interesting.

We next visited Saigon, now known as Ho Chi Minh City where we took a city tour and a further tour of the Cu Chi tunnels.

Our next port of call was Bangkok in Thailand where we took a city tour and a further tour of Pattaya Beach.

Finally we visited Singapore where we spent two nights and took tours of the city.

We then flew from Singapore to Hong Kong and from there to London and finally flew home to Dublin .

A sense of Hong Kong_to_Singapore-2018

A great trip, from the luxury of the cruise ship. Our general experience of the these various countries is that the people are extremely friendly. There is a complete culture difference between our existence in the west and their eastern life style.

Hong Kong is still very British due to its previous United Kingdom status albeit with a enormous Chinese influence. Singapore is a very impressive city, very clean and efficient, with lots to see and do.

Recommendations for Hong Kong_to_Singapore-2018

There is an enormous language barrier, if you only speak English. So it lends itself to undertaking guided group tours.

In each of the six cities, we visited a great cross section of the local tourist attractions. We also visited some of the local temples and these left us with a genuine respect for their eastern religions and culture.

The street food in all of the cities is fantastic to look at and superb to taste, however, if you have a delicate stomach, you should take extreme care when partaking in street food.

Our must see recommendation for a trip from Hong Kong to Singapore.

(1) Our visit to the Cu Chi tunnels was the highlight of our entire Cruise trip, and a real eye-opener.

(2) Our second choice would be a longer stay in Singapore.

(3) Our third choice would be the trip around Halong Bay by boat.

As always, the people we met on the trip, enriched the whole experience.

“You should travel away from home, to really appreciate the value of what you have at home, on your return.”

“Happiness is found in the journey and rarely in the destination, alone.

To view the PDF format aide to memory, made daily during the visit:-

A sense of Hong Kong

Hong Kong is known as a concrete jungle, a metropolis that’s home to over 9 million people. As an international hub, many people visit Hong Kong on a layover on their way to other destinations in Asia. Most people only stay for a few days, luckily, there are many things to do in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is such an exciting, lively and vibrant city, that really lives up to the term: “East meets West”. It is a great mix of both Western and Eastern culture, food, shopping and architecture. It is a city that has “everything”. On any given day, you can head to a fishing village less than an hour from downtown, lie on a beach and go on a shopping bonanza in one of the many flashy shopping malls or back-alley markets. After a busy day, you can wind down at one of the city’s multitude of Michelin restaurants.

Our observations and tips from a trip to Hong Kong.

With regard to getting around, over 80% of people use public transport so don’t use it during rush hours, unless you like the crush and chaos.
One of the first things you should do when you arrive in Hong Kong is get an Octopus card. It is a travel card that works on all public transportation (but not in taxis). You can purchase your tourist Octopus card in advance and pick it up from the airport when you arrive. It comes with HK$50 already pre-loaded. If you don’t use all its value, just hang onto the card for your next trip. Octopus card is useable on all eight forms of public transport, it is also usable in 7/11 and other shops and small restaurants.
MTR system is easy to navigate but not cheap, your fare will be relative to the distance travelled. Make sure to consult exit diagrams to be sure to exit where you want to go. The stations are enormous, it is very easy to get disoriented.
Taxis are red (local ) green (new territories) blue (to big Buddha island & airport) and work out cheaper than Uber. Use Uber for long distance travel.
Fast food only generally accept cash so carry some small cash. Get cash exchange at airport as bank will only exchange money if you have an account with them.
No refunds in shops....particularly with regard to clothes and any other products bought at a sale price, make sure they fit your purpose before purchasing them.
The local currency is the Hong Kong dollar. Most places accept Visa or Mastercard. There are also tons of ATM machines dotted around Hong Kong.
Pay in Hong Kong dollars (HK$) if given the option on credit card machines, you will get a better rate.
They do not use chip and pin. Just swipe cards only, anything over $200 you have to sign for, make sure your credit card has the same signature signed on the back of your card....they will check it.
Despite outside temperatures, the aircon in shops is really cold so bring a light jacket.
Hong Kong gets all 4 seasons. Summers are really hot with high humidity and it gets fairly cold during the winter months (December to February). The best time to visit Hong Kong is from March to early June, and September to November.
The best way to get to and from the airport is via the Airport Express train. Tickets can be purchased at the station and the train stops in Tsing Yi, Kowloon and Hong Kong Island – it takes just 24 minutes from end to end. Once you’ve purchased your ticket online, you can use the QR code that they send you to swipe through the special gates equipped with the QR reader.
There are tons of huge shopping malls here, both on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, as well as some great street markets. Ground rent is extortionate in HK so, no bargains on the ground floor of stores, go way up the floors for bargains. The site of St. John’s Cathedral is actually the only freehold land in Hong Kong, granted the Church of England Trust Ordnance. All other land in Hong Kong is leasehold in nature.
Shops open later in the morning and stay open later into the evening.
The main language spoken in Hong Kong is Cantonese, a local dialect. Many people speak English (or at least basic English), and almost all signs are bilingual.
In Hong Kong, fruits are good quality and really cheap. The variety of fruit available is impressive.
In Hong Kong you pay for meals at the cash desk or the server stands and waits for payment at your table.
Buy and carry tissues with you as they are not routinely given out in stalls and fast food locations. Try pineapple buns.....they are surprisingly nice.
Most visitors opt to book hotels on Hong Kong Island or on Kowloon side. For the more price sensitive, you should check out hotels in Wan Chai, Central, Soho, Sheung Wan and Causeway Bay for maximum convenience and easy access to public transportation.
There are up to 50 hiking routes in Hong Kong of varying degrees of difficulty.
Hong Kong is a very walkable city.
If you have the time in your trip, a visit to Maccau is well worth it and it is only an hour on the ferry. Hong Kong money is not accepted in Maccau or China.

The Big Buddha, Avenue of Stars, the Peak, Man Mo Temple, Stanley Market, Temple Street…these are but a few of the typical “Top 10” places to visit in Hong Kong

The Peak

Victoria Peak is accessed via the funicular tram from Garden Road. It is a popular attraction as it is the highest point on Hong Kong Island, which means it has panoramic views of the city. You can purchase tickets at the Peak tram station for both the tram and the Sky Terrace. At the top there is a shopping mall full of shops, cafes and restaurants but save your money for the Stanley Market and the arts crafts and galleries at both PMQ and Tai Kwun. If you are price sensitive, there is a free viewing area in the peak Galleria, if you can find the well hidden access. Next to the Peak Tram, is St. John`s Cathedral. Step inside, sit down, and enjoy the peaceful silence for a moment to clear your head from all the city noise.

Stanley Market

Yes, it’s another tourist trap, it is one of the most popular places to see in Hong Kong and the home to tons of souvenir shops which make up “Stanley Market”. Try to visit on a week day, it gets very busy at weekends. If you walk to the far end of the market you can see the refurbished Blake Pier and Murray House.

Relax in Hong Kong Park

In the middle of the city sky scrapers, on Hong Kong Island, is a Hong Kong Park. You will find some peace and quiet here. The park also contains the Zoological and Botanical Gardens.

Tai Kwun and PMQ

Tai Kwun is a heritage site that used to serve the central prison, court and police station. Tai Kwun is located close to PMQ and after years of renovation it was opened to the public in May 2018. It has now been converted into a heritage & arts centre.

Both are to be found in Soho. They have become the Hong Kong creative hub for local designers.

Must Eat and Drink

The most popular restaurants have queues outside waiting to enter, so just look out for the queues.

Egg waffles are a Hong Kong creation consisting of waffles made in the shape of bubbles. As a type of waffle it was created by a store owner who was trying to find a way to use up the leftover egg, flour, sugar and milk in his store back in the 50s. Their name derived from their shape, which is also called bubble waffle.

Eating Dim Sum or Dumplings is a must in Hong Kong, and Maxim`s Palace in City Hall (3rd floor) is one of the best and most authentic Dim Sum places left in Hong Kong.

Luk Yu Tea House (Stanley St, 24-26) is a real old-school Chinese tea house. It is one of the very few authentic Chinese Houses left in Hong Kong.

If after all the ethnic food, you are looking for a 24 hour American food hit then look no further than the Flying Pan on Old Bailey street and Lockhart Road.

Go Hiking

It might surprise you to hear that hiking is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong, but it’s full of hiking trails and country parks. In fact, many of these hiking trails offer spectacular views of Hong Kong that you’d be silly to miss. If you want something easy, then Dragon’s Back is for you. If you want the best view, then don’t miss the Kowloon Peak. For a bit of both, head to Devil’s Peak.

Go shopping

Hong Kong is a great shopping city. It is not a cheap city though, so dig deep and find your credit cards. There are tons of huge shopping malls here, both on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, as well as some great street markets. It isn’t a proper trip to Hong Kong without some shopping.

Just walk around and soak up the sights

Just wander around the streets of Hong Kong and experience the atmosphere and the sights of every day life. Take in all the smells and noise of this bustling city.

Look up towards the sky when walking around the busy streets of Hong Kong, and look at all the spectacular sky scrapers. There are over 7 million people living on Hong Kong, in a fairly small area, making it one of the world’s most densely populated area. The lack of space has turned Hong Kong into the world’s most vertical city, full of sky scrapers

The Noonday Gun

The Noonday Gun is located on the waterfront at Causeway Bay. It is a former military piece mounted on an enclosed site. A bell is rung and the gun is fired every day at noon and it has become a tourist attraction. Thats it, blink and you will miss it. We were lucky, we just happened upon it by accident.

Visit Some Temples

There are many temples scattered throughout Hong Kong, dedicated to the many Buddhist and Taoist gods, that you can visit. One of the most popular one is Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan, a tribute to the Literature and Martial God. Other temples, such as the Tin Hau Temples dedicated to the sea goddess, can be found along the coast or hidden in the mountains, such as the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery. You might be hard pressed to visit them all, but at least go to one!

Ride on the Mid-Level Escalator

The longest outdoor covered escalator (upwards only) in Central takes you from the business district up through the vibrant SoHo, and is a tourist attraction in its own right. It goes past a lot of attractions as well, skirting alongside the stone slab street of Pottinger Street as well as the Hollywood Road. Not to mention the SoHo district is brimming with quaint western restaurants that are reminiscent of the SoHo of London, as well as the beautiful street arts.

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