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Rice terraces have a beauty of their own and the Longji Rice Terraces near Guilin are some of the most beautiful and accessible in China.  Just about 2 hours by car and you will be able to visit villages of the Yeo, Dong and Zhrung minority peoples with their colorful dress.  The Yeo women only cut their hair once in their lifetime and for a few yuan, they will unwind their hair for you to take photos.   If you are a hiker, you can hike the Dragon's Back Ridge above the Rice Terraces.  There is a wonderful family hotel where you can have lunch which overlooks the rice terraces too.   If you want to stay overnight and enjoy a sun set or sun rise the Longji-Pingan Hotel is a nice clean 3 star hotel with excellent food.  With a longer stay you can visit the Silverwater Dong Stockade and the Longsheng Hot Spring Hotel.  For more information contact us at interlak@eskimo.com     Click on the photos for a full screen view.

As a tour operator to China, my clients often ask me what they should wear and what is not acceptable in China while touring.  I have a complete set of information on preparation for touring for my customers but here is just a rough idea.  For more information contact me at  interlak@eskimo.com     Shorts are o.k. but perhaps not short-shorts especially in the countryside.  China is casual everywhere and jeans, cotton slacks, knit shirts for men are quite acceptable for every occasion including nice restaurants.  Sport coat and tie only in very formal occasions or  business meetings.  For women, slacks are just fine or skirts if you prefer with blouses or knit tops.  Good walking shoes are very important especially for uneven sidewalks at sights or in the rural areas.  High heels are not recommend but low heals are o.k.  A light jacket, sweater or layers is best for the different areas of China that you might be visiting e...

Many people travelling to China do not know what to expect from a Chinese hotel.  It is all quite good to relieve your mind.  If you are on a prepaid hotel tour, all is taken care of.  In either case you will need to sign a credit card slip to take care of any charges you make to your room.  The slip is torn up on your departure if you do not charge anything. Tipping is not needed as there is a charge already in your hotel cost except perhaps the Bell Boy taking your luggage to your room and then only a minimum.   3 star hotels and up will usually have a safe in the room where you can set the combination yourself to keep your valuables in when you are away.  Two bottles of mineral water are usually included however anything in the small refrigerator that is in the room, can be expensive and charged to you upon checking out.   There is a free tooth brush and something that tastes like tooth paste  (I recommend taking your own)  a razor and sha...