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[luke_1989]

Hi everyone

Am off on my travels in 3 weeks starting in SEA and staying there until 30th June then will fly to Hong Kong.

I plan to get my visa in Hong Kong and then travel through China for a month during July.

This is my basic plan which iv decided i want to do and would like to know from people who have travelled China if it seems realistic?

Get a train from Hong Kong to Shanghai for the World Expo

Shanghai to Xi'an by train to visit the Terrocota warriors

Xi'an to Beijing by train to visit the Great Wall, Tiananmen square, Forbidden city etc

Beijing to Guilin by train to get a bus to Yangshuo to see the amazing scenery

Then back to Hong Kong for my flight to Australia on 6th August, I hope to get my visa by 3rd July hopfully and then need to be back in Hongkong for 3rd August.

Any advise will be much appreciated

[luke_1989]

I might just take that cruise . I been looking at the prices for flights and they all seem quite exspensive so am going to stick with the train.

Get the overnight sleepers and save myself a night hotel cost as well lol.

[luke_1989]

Yeah i will keep it as an option when im there will look into how much flying cost because it will save me lots of time .

Thanks

[robjstaples]

Yes, Luke, Grace is right. It's definitely worth asking local agents in hotels or looking on Chinese websites such as Ctrip to get an idea on possible prices. You will almost never pay the full price often quoted on international sites. The train can be fun, but it can drain you too! Have a great trip.

[dzasta]

I took a few flights in southern China and thought they were dirt cheap.
I see you are going to Xian. I stayed at Han Tang Hotel in Xian and highly recomend the place. It is a bit expensive at 140 yuan but it is the best place I have stayed in anywhere in the world.

[skylab]

Train prices do not change. Get your tickets straight from the train station. Have someone write down what you want on a piece of paper in Chinese and just go to the train station yourself for the best deal. Always get 2nd class sleeper. The train to me is the best way to travel in China. You get to meet tons of locals and likely will want to talk to you. NEVER get the hard seat class. Flying can be super cheap on some of the budget airlines China has but it can be a little confusing. I forget the name of them but they even drop it off to your hostel/hotel.

Good luck and safe travels

[bob8888]

All sounds good. I have do it a couple of times but usually by plane. When you get to Yangshuo stop by and see us. We are at 18 Binjiang rd which is the road along the river. BOB's is a place where in the evening lots of students hang out to talk to foreigners. Usually form 19:00 to about 22:00. Good way to get the feel of the real china after you have seen the sites. Yangshuo is a great place to kick back. I have been kickin it here now for 5 years
Bob