upcoming trip to China

[harc3]

Well my trip is coming soon. Unfortunately now I will be going alone. I had hoped to share this experience of a lifetime with someone.
Leave in mid April and will be gone 6 weeks. Am soooo looking forward to it. I have read thru the "tips for trip to China" thread and got some valuable info. Thanks.
I have 4 different agencies trying to put together a package for me and then I will select the best one. My plan is to do a 2-3 week tour as well as a couple day excusions before starting the tour, then go to Hong Kong and stay with a friend. He will then show me around Hong Kong as well as take me back and forth to China to Shenzhen, Xintang and the village of my ancestors so I can meet my family for the first time as well as other places.
My friend in Hong Kong speaks cantonese and will act as my translator when I meet the family.
The ONLY thing that concerns me is the VISA. Because I will be staying in Hong Kong after the tour, then travelling back and forth to China I need a multiple VISA.
This is my first trip to China and have never had any visa before. Has anyone ever had trouble getting a multiple VISA?
I know there is no control,over what the Chinese Gov decides but does anyone have any tips or any help to increase my chance of getting a multiple VISA

Thanks
Finally....China here I come
My family there are as excited as I

[Ah Gin]

harc3,

I have travelled to China many a time, since the 80s, some on pleasure, some on business. Whist on pleasure tour, I tend to prefer "do it yourself" -- cycle around Beijing, relay on public transport, Schzou, Hangzhou etc. Other occasions, I attended our Clan World Conferences at Kaiping (Hoiping). I had applied Visa while at my normal overseas post (Australia), and at times, while I was in HK. In all cases, I found the Visa application process was straight forward and over the years, staff increassingly more customer focused and friendly. That's my experience anyway.

If you are meeting your relatives, I recall the Visa application would want you to include information about their addresses, names (but please check the latest situation) -- that is quite normal, as indeed, when one applies for a US Visa, similar questions are asked re: where are you staying etc.

As Visa application is a legal process and it's a legal document, take the same care as you would in dealing with any legal documents -- factual and truthful. You should have no problem.

Wise to have a Multiple Entry Visa, given that you intend to visit China again and again.

Have fun, and may your visit be smooth and memorable. It will be emotional, as one visits ones ancestral home. It was for me.

Regards, Ah Gin

[douglaslam]

Hi harc3,

It is exciting just thinking about your very first trip to China. You are also bring a lot of joy and anticipation to your extended family members in China. You will be overwhelmed by their hospitality. Things were very different when I returned for the first time in 1973 during the Cultural Revolution. Back then, overseas Chinese were granted special privileges.

These days going to China entails a lesser degree of dos and don'ts. You will find Customs at HK Airport or China is very casual. I don't think anyone is interested in checking your personal luggage. But avoid taking fruit or meat into China. It is wise to have travel insurance. As you are travelling with a friend from HK, I can't see any unexpected obstacles. Your HK friend probably crosses to the mainland dozens of time each year, you are in safe hands.

I am also thinking of going to China around April when it isn't too hot and airfares are not at a premium. These days I go unaided from HK to my home village. I don't have a language barrier, which is an advantage.

Be warned: after your first visit, you'll want to see more. China will grow on you. Just ask our friend Henry, he has visited China dozens of times, the latest just last November. Yet he never gets tired of going back again and again. Cost is a big consideration in my case, China is still so affordable. I always feel at home and comfortable anywhere I go. There is so much of the country I have yet to experience.

Enjoy your visit.

Douglas

[helen]

wow, 6 weeks Harc3.I thought my 3 weeks was great. Are you booked into a hotel in Zengcheng? Use the one I went to - relatively comfortable and close to the action. As Ahgin said - do it yourself when in Zengcheng/HK. You will be fine. It may be cheaper for you to go online to book the Beijing leg than rely on an agent. Sharon, from USA also came in with me to Zengcheng. She will have experience of arranging trips from USA.

Have you had luck with your Aunty's daughter in NZ? They were from Satow, nearby to your village. If you want, I can get hold of the people in NZ if you like. My husband's cousin said she can take me, as she is also from Satow.

Camera and tape recorder at the ready.

[geoff]

Harc3,

Reading about your forthcoming trip to China brings back memories of my 2 trips in 1978 & 1979. In 1978, China wasn't setup for mass tourism. We like it so much that we returned the following year. One year on, we could see the changes & since then massive changes have taken place. We stayed at Uni dorms, old but clean hotels, travelled in old trains as well as on an old ex Russian plane. The purpose of the trip was for my father to take his family to see the relatives who'd raised him in 1930's , over 40 years earlier. We enjoyed ourselves.

I'll be an experience you'll never forget.

[skwdvm]

Harc3,

Congratulations on your upcoming trip to China! I went to China for my first time last June and want to thank everyone on the forum for their advice, maps, and shared experience/wisdom. I downloaded the Visa application at the Dept.of State website www.state.gov. I didnot have any problems getting the Visa and didnot do anything "special." The best part of the trip was getting to meet Helen & go to ancestral villages. Don't worry about getting the mutiple visa. Enjoy your trip!

[Henry]

Hi Harc 3,

Last night, I returned from a 2 week vacation in Colombia visiting my wife's family and we had a wonderful time.

When we went to Colombia, we could carry 2 carry on bags - a small luggage piece and a computer case or a handbag for my wife. On our return trip, we were only allowed to carry on just a single piece. This was a new rule because during the holidays, a man was caught with explosives wrapped to his body - also, personal electronics had to be turned off an hour prior to landing. I do not know if these new rules apply to the airline you are taking to China and/or to Canada -but, I suggest checking.

A China visa obtained in the US for $130 USD includes multiple entries and is good for a year. During our 3 week visit to Hong Kong & the China mainland for places such as Lowu & Shenzhen, I used my US passport 5 times. They also have a "seniors lane". The first time thru, you'll have to fill out 2 forms to enter and 2 forms to return to Hong Kong - I took several bank copies of each form, so I was ready on subsequent entries.

Lowu Commercial Center, jus a couple hundred meters from the China border crossing, is great for a one stop shopping:

video.google.com/videosearch?q=Lo+Wu+shopping&hl=en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=MYPBSYPhBpmqMs_J8bEN&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&resnum=4&ct=title#

www.hkstreet.com/story0101j.htm


On the ground floor in the back of the Lowu Commercial Center is a place for ATM machines where you can get Chinese RMB currency to spend. the vendors will accept US and HKG dollars - but, the exchange rate they use is higher. Using the Chinese RMB is exact. Also, there is a restaurant on the 5th floor - fantastic dim sum and great Chinese dishes at quite a reasonable price. Be willing to wait for a table, - well worth the wait.

My wife and I did not have the typical 2 pieces of checked luggage - we only had carry on pieces, but, we did carry 4 duffel bags, each in a very small case and weighs 2 pounds each and meets most airline luggage dimension requirements - to carry back all the presents we bought in China back home as our checked luggage for 2 people:

www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/CAMOmnifindQueryCmd?storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1&searchCategory=&ip_state=&ip_constrain=&ip_navtype=search&pageSize=24¤tPage=&ip_sortBy=&searchKeywords=90520BLK

If you need any specific advice, ping me on "[e-mail]"

Happy New Year,


Henry

[Ah Gin]

Henry,

Good to see you back. When you settled down, got rid of the lovely snow from your mile-long drive way, polished your SUV, it will be great if you can entertain us with some stories (Chinese Heritage or not) based on your recent Indiana-Jones type of track. But seriously, I know for a fact that quite a number of Chinese migrated to South America. Any Chinese where you went? Surely there are a few Chinese restaurants there?

Regards, Ah Gin

[Henry]

Hi Ah Gin,

We just got 1.5 inches of snow this morning - must have been a welcome home present. I quickly used my stout push broom ( 2.5 feet wide ) and cleared the snow from my driveway and sidewalk. I did get my self-propelled snow blower repaired - so, I am ready for any substantial snow again.

I am told by my wife that most Chinese restaurants in Bogota, the capital city, are run by Colombians, however, I did drive by one Chinese restaurant that had real Chinese characters - so, I assume that the people that own and operate this restaurant are native Chinese. I was also told that there are lots of stores in Bogota selling many Chinese products imported from China. Also, there has never been a Chinese presence in Bogota, Colombia. But, in Lima, Peru - it is my understanding that there is a major Chinatown with over 6,000 Chinese restaurants and that the Chinese population originating from the mid 19th century.

The following link talks about Chinatowns from all over the world.


Henry

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinatown

[Ah Gin]

Henry,

Thanks for your response. Gee sounds like there is a job for snow clearing. Lucky you. Snow means water, and in this dry island continent of ours, just like in Colombia, we are in the heights of Summer. Has been relatively mild so far, even floods in parts of Australia. My rain water tank is half full. I wish for more gentle rain. But I digress.

The reason I asked that question (Chinese in South Am) is that, as the web master of our San Francisco Clan Homepage, from time to time I get updates or questions relating to our Clan from all sorts of unexpected places, and I am always interested in how far and wide our little clan travelled. On the SA Continent, I know for a fact that our Clan is represented in Mexico, Costa Rica. Also there are others in the smaller costal countries.

Back to the North Am Continent, I know we are represented in Alaska as well.

I think we can safely say that the sun never sets for the Chinese community.

Once again, Welcome back. May we have a 2010 good series of postings and help few more people to reconnect with their past and heritage.

Regards, Ah Gin

[jing]

Hi Harc3,

You shouldn't encounter any problems getting a multi-Visa for China. The cost for a China Visa is $130 whether you enter once or multi-times within the year or on the same trip. Just be prepared to fill out an entry and exit form each time you enter and leave China into HK ! In 1994, I had to fill out a form when checking into each hotel too. I don't recall whether I needed to do that for my trip in 2005.

One thing helpful was having my Chinese name written on a strip of paper and taped to the back of my US passport. When I travel in a group tour or with my spouse, the passports are collected by the tour guide for hotel check-in and returned to you. It makes the passport return faster... plus I can ID my own passport.

Jing

[harc3]

WOOHOO Countdown is on.....Have my flight all booked, have my tour all booked
Got a double entry visa from here (CANNOT get a multiple on first visit to China, double entry only) Will get another double entry in HK. That will give me 4 trips to China (1 for tour and then the other 3 going back and forth from HK.
Going over for a total of six weeks. First 19 days on tour. Then a 24hr train from Beijing to HK (looking forward to the ride) then spend the remaining 3ish weeks seeing HK and visiting family back in villages and Shenzhen, Guangzhou.

Got an amazing tour at a great price

I am leaving Canada on April 14. Arrive Shanghai April 15. Begin tour Fri April 16 (Day 2)

DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Shanghai (April 16)
Arrive in Shanghai and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Shanghai
DAY 3, Saturday - Shanghai City Tour
This morning, tour the major attractions of Shanghai. Wander the classical Yuyuan Garden, built during the Ming Dynasty by the high-ranking government official Pan Yunduan. The Gardens' total area occupies approximately five acres, and features pavilions, ponds, rockeries, cloisters, and streams all within six scenic zones, including the Sansui Hall and Wanhua Chamber. In existence for 400 years, the Gardens were specifically constructed for Pan's aging parents as a sanctuary in which to live out their lives. Next, experience the old world charm of the Bund, the former "Wall Street" of the foreign powers. Walk along its park-like waterfront promenade between the Wusong River and Old Town. Later today, enjoy a stop at a local Pearl Factory. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure
Optional: Acrobatic Show with Dinner
Overnight: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Sunday- Full Day in Shanghai
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Shanghai on your own
Optional: Full Day Suzhou with Lunch by bus with a cruise on the Grand Canal
Overnight: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Monday - Yangtze River Cruise
Morning at leisure. This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Yichang. Upon arrival, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, then transfer to board your ship on the Yangtze River
Overnight: Yangtze River
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6, Tuesday - Yangtze River Cruise
This morning, you will have the option to visit the Three Gorges Dam near the Sandouping Village. This dam is the largest hydroelectric dam in the world, nearly six times the size of the Hoover Dam. Following your visit, cruise upstream to Xiling Gorge. The longest section of the Three Gorges system, it comprises the rapids of Xietan, Qintan and Kongling, collectively known as the Three Rapids of Xiling
Optional Shore Excursion: Three Gorges Dam
Overnight: Yangtze River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7, Wednesday - Yangtze River Cruise
This morning, enjoy an optional to visit the Small Three Gorges along the Daning River. Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountain passes as you sail through the 25-mile long Wuxia (Witches) Gorge, famous for its fabled Twelve Peaks. According to legend, the peaks are believed to be the spirits of 12 fairies, the most famous of them being the Shennu Feng (Goddess) Peak, which is topped by a huge rock resembling a kneeling maiden. Continue through the Qutang Gorge, the smallest of the three Yangtze gorges, and admire its bluffed banks and lush terraced hillsides
Optional Shore Excursion: Lesser Three Gorges
Overnight: Yangtze River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Thursday - Yangtze River Cruise
Cruise to Fengdu, the "Ghost City," to where you will have the option to visit the fantastic Snow Jade Cave. Alternatively, the cruise may visit Wanxian or Shibaozhai depending on local conditions
Optional Shore Excursion: Fengdu
Overnight: Yangtze River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9, Friday - Yangtze River Cruise, Flight to Guilin
This morning disembark in Chongqing and transfer to airport for your flight to Guilin. Upon arrival in Guilin, transfer to your hotel and have lunch at a local restaurant. Later today visit a tea garden. Here you will learn how Chinese tea is grown and you will take part in a tea making demonstration. This evening enjoy a unique tea dinner at local restaurant. All menu items are inspired by, cooked with or immersed in tea
Overnight: Guilin
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10, Saturday - Li River Cruise
Cruise the crystal clear Li River and view the many vertical rock formations, stone pinnacles, bamboo groves and villagers reaping rice along the river banks. The high forested peaks that dominate the banks and terraced hillsides are why the Li River is one of China's top sightseeing destinations. Many of the peaks are associated with legendary stories of mystical spirits and love. Later this afternoon, lunch will be served on board. En route back to the hotel, stop to a visit a local art gallery to witness the a demonstration of Chinese calligraphy and painting
Overnight: Guilin
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 11, Sunday - Flight to Xian
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel to freshen up. Later in the afternoon a visit to the Muslim district of Xian to witness local cooking and way of life of Chinese Muslims. On your return back to your hotel, stop for a picture opportunity, of the enormous Bell Tower and Drum Tower
Optional: Dumpling Dinner
Overnight: Xian
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12, Monday - Xian Antiquities Tour with Terracotta Army
This morning enjoy a tour of Xian's antiquities. Your tour includes the archaeological site at the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang (259-210 B.C.), where more than 8,000 finely sculpted, life-size terracotta soldiers and horses were discovered by local farmers in 1974. The archaeological excavation of the three pits where the Terracotta Army was found continues today, more than thirty years since the time of its unearthing. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to a local Lacquer Furniture Shop before returning to your hotel
Optional: Tang Dynasty Dinner with Entertainment
Overnight:Xian
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 13 - Tuesday - Flight to Beijing
This morning, trace the beginnings of Chinese civilization at the Shaanxi Provincial History Museum. Opened to the public in 1991, the museum is in southern Xian, and is home to a wealth of historical artifacts and treasures from the Han and Tang dynasties. Later this afternoon enjoy lunch at local restaurant, then transfer to the airport for your flight to Beijing. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure. Dinner at local restaurant
Overnight: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 14, Wednesday - Full Day Tour of Forbidden City, Summer Palace and Beijing Zoo
Begin at Tiananmen Square, the largest public plaza in the world. Erected in 1417 at the height of the Ming Dynasty, the square was renovated and renamed two centuries later at the outset of the Great Qing Dynasty. View several impressive monuments outlining the Square's perimeter, including the Great Hall of the People, the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong and the Square's famed ceremonial gateway. From here, venture north for a visit to the Forbidden City (Imperial Palace), a construction comparable in scope to the Pyramids in Egypt. Known today as the Palace Museum, the entire site is comprised of 800 buildings with more than 9,000 rooms. Enjoy lunch at an authentic Chinese Restaurant close to the Forbidden City before a visit to the Summer Palace and Panda Visit in the Beijing Zoo.On way back to your hotel visit the Local Silk Carpet Factory
Optional: Peking Duck Dinner
Overnight: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 15, Thursday - Great Wall of China and the Ming Tombs
Enjoy a full-day excursion to the Great Wall of China, the longest man-made structure on Earth, spanning nearly 4,000 miles of China's northern frontier. Walk along the promenades and enjoy the unrivaled scenic views of beautiful mountain passes, plateaus and grasslands from this 7th-century defensive fortification. Afterwards, depart for lunch at a local Chinese restaurant. Following lunch, continue for a tour of the Ming Tombs and a visit to a local jade factory before returning to Beijing
Overnight: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 16, Friday - Lama Temple
This morning enjoy a morning tour to the Lama Temple. Also known as the Palace of Peace or Yonghegong Lamasery. It is an active temple and monastery of the Geluk School of Tibetan Buddhism, whose most influential figure is the Dalai Lama. It is one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world. It features five large halls and five courtyards with beautifully decorative archways, upturned eaves and carved details. It houses a treasury of Buddhist art, including sculptured images of gods, demons and Buddhas, as well as Tibetan-style murals. It was converted into a lamasery and became a residence for large numbers of monks from Mongolia and Tibet
Optional: Hutong Tour with Lunch
Overnight: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 17, Saturday - Depart for the home------I am not going home this day.

I will stay 1 more night in Beijing and then will catch train from Beijing to Hong Kong
Return home May 25

[Ah Gin]

harc3,

Sounds like you have a full programme. You will enjoy it, even if it can be tiring as you are on the go all the time. Safe journey, and tell us of your stories and experience when you return.

Regards, Ah Gin

[Henry]

Hi harc3,

Wow - quite a trip!

My suggestions:

In Shanghai:

Visit the museum on the Bund at the Meteorological Signal Tower - historical photos

Shanghai Museum - excellent

Shanghai Library - largest in China - Chinese genealogy section

Yangtze Cruise - avoid swimming in any of the streams, rivers, and lakes - schistosomiasis

Beijing - if you need a private guide at a very reasonable fee on your last day in Beijing - I can recommend one - just contact me at: "[e-mail]"

In Hong Kong:

Take the Metro to the border crossing and shop at LoWu and Shenzhen.

Nice day trip to Macau - sightseeing, casinos, fabulous Chinese beef & pork jerky.


Enjoy!


Henry

[harc3]

Could someone tell me please how to pronounce these names
in CANTONESE
view>unicode UTF8
奶奶:刘焕芳...his grandmother
爸爸:沈桥恩:...his dad
我:求仔.沈志求....himself
叔叔.沈镜坤...his uncle
These are some of the family I will be visiting
Thank you
Woohoo....3 weeks tomorrow