Welcome to the TravelPod forums

[prairiedogg]

I'm an American who has been living in China since 2002. I lived in Beijing until 2008 and have since split time between Hong Kong and Kunming. I'm currently living in Kunming. I speak Mandarin and have definitely learned a thing or two about living in China over the past seven years. I'm a big foodie, so looking forward to meeting other Chinese cuisine buffs here.

I've also travelled a good bit in China over the past seven years. I've travelled in or lived for 1-2 months in Harbin, Xinjiang (Urumqi and Turpan), Chongqing, Xi'an, Kunming, Lijiang, Dali, Pingyao, Datong, Anyang (Henan), Qinhuangdao, Tibet, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Macau, Chengdu, Kangding, Jiuzhaigou ... the list goes on ... I've been a bunch of places.

Really hope that my experiences can be of use to the other members on this forum! Glad to meet everyone and please feel free if you have any questions about Beijing, Hong Kong, or Kunming, the three Chinese cities that I have spent the most time in.

[starlagurl]

Wow, that is some amazing China experience. I hope you stick around to share some of it with us.

What are some of your favourite things to do in Kunming? Where can you get the best food, and what is it?

[prairiedogg]

If you want to run into some of the seasoned local expatriates I'd recommend hanging out at Salvador's

The latest events, etc. that are happening in Kunming can be found out the best (and only) local website, [GoKunming](http://gokunming.com) - it's also a good place to find an apartment, short or long term.

The best short term housing arrangements I could find without signing a 6+ month lease were around RMB 100 / night, not a great rate for backpackers, but dorm beds at someplace like the Hump will certainly come cheaper. I found a room in a shared apartment on GoKunming for RMB 700 / month and have been quite pleased with it.

I'm actually about to give making a run to the Vietnam border a shot, going to Vietnam's consulate in Kunming tomorrow. If folks are interested I'll post any info I find out about that, perhaps in the China forum.

[luke_1989]

Hi

Im thinking of traveling through China while on my travels. Am starting off my travels in SE Asia in April and traveling there for a couple of months then i am thinking of booking my flight to Australia from Hong Kong and want to travel a bit around China making my way overland to Hong Kong..

I am quite worried about the thought of traveling in China so havent made my mind up yet.

How difficult will travel be for me in China and whats the best way to travel considering I don't speak any dialect of chinese however will be trying to learn a bit before i go?

The biggest concern i do have is that i won't be able to read the signs.

I am hoping that i will meet people while im in SE Asia who want to travel with me in China so it wont be as scary but if i book my flight and that doesnt happen will be on me own!

Thanks

Luke

[skylab]

Luke,

You really have nothing to worry about. Once you get to China, you'll hit yourself for ever thinking China was hard to travel to in the first place. I found the hostels in China better then ALL the hostels I've been to in SE Asia. prairiedogg mentioned a hostel called Hump.. I've stayed there and it was fantastic. Wish I stayed longer in Kunming. You wouldn't believe just how helpful all the hostels and guest houses are in China till you get there.

Just go luke. Don't worry about a thing. It's a really beautiful country, the people are wonderful, and you'll have a WAY different experience then SE Asia.

Oh and welcome prairiedogg

[rauri]

Welcome to the forums Prairiedogg!
You have already posted a helpful reply to a topic of mine, so I'm sure you'll be a great help on this forum with all the knowledge that you have of China.
I must say; I envy you. Living in China seems amazing to me.

And to Skylab: I love your recommendation "just go...don't worry about a thing". very motivational. It's pretty much what I'm doing "just going for it". Going to have the time of my life...at least 'Try'

I look forward to hearing about some of your travels Prairie!

[luke_1989]

Thanks Skylab made me feel a bit better about traveling in China, but am always going to worry up until the day i leave to go traveling lol but im sure im going to love it once im off doing it :-D, I just want April 2010 to hurry up

[lala0453]

Yeah. It’s good to be yourself. Same with you, I will try to do something. So I support your decision!