TOPBUZZ

I was reading in ITN magazine a report from a couple who were disappointed in their train trip from Beijing to Lhasa.  It wasn't what they had expected thinking it was a super modern train perhaps like the new Fast Trains in China.  Pictured here is the Lhasa train which is not unlike most trains in China other than the new Fast Trains.  The cars are equipped with oxygen somewhat like an airplane.  They even have extra oxygen tubes in each car.  Otherwise they are like  most of the trains in China. The photo here is the First Class compartments that have two upper and two lower berths.  During the day the  people in the upper berths can sit with the people on the lower berths.  Sheets and blankets are provided.  There is plenty of room to store luggage.  The trains of course travel at night as well as during the day so the scenery is only during the day part of the trip.  I myself have ridden from Lhasa/near Xian down to Chengd...

As a tour operator I can never quite explain to clients how much food there is in China, especially breakfasts.  Breakfasts are always in the hotels as most have Western and Asian food to select from.  You see here in this photo a typical buffet breakfast in a 4 or 5 star hotel.  3 star hotels it may be a bit less but still large by our standards.  Click on the photo for a full screen view!   Eggs are cooked in front of you the way you request.  You will never go hungry in China.  Breakfasts are usually included in the cost of the hotel room but not always.  For group or private tours arranged by a tour operator such as myself, the breakfasts are always included.  If you book your hotel on line, be sure to check to see if the breakfasts are included or extra.  Breakfasts can range from $10 to $25 per person depending on the hotel level.  There is an automatic 15% service charge also on your hotel bill that may or may not b...

I have written on the subject of money in the past and I go back and update all my blog entries often.  Chinese money is called  Yuan.  As of Dec. 2014 the exchange rate is 6.13 yuan = $1.00 U.S.  I will try to update this often but the rate has been steady around 6.10 this past year.  Pictured here is the Yuan in different denominations.   The largest bill is 100 yuan or roughly $16.00.  There are cash machines located in many larger cities; but you can also exchange cash in your hotels with a small charge.  It is a service to guests.  You can also exchange money  at some banks but not all especially in the countryside or remote areas.  So be sure to change money before going to those areas.  Cash is King in China and credit cards are generally not accepted except in large department stores, hotels and some limited restaurants.  Debit cards are limited as well.   You will ...

Booking hotels on line can seem like a money saving way to book your own tour in China.  Be sure to read the fine print for each hotel.  As a tour operator for 25 years in China I think I have seen it all.  One customer said he could book a hotel in Xian which is listed as a 5 star hotel.   He said he could book a room for $89.  I know the hotel well and have been a consultant to them.  So I checked out his price with the hotel.  He indeed could book the room for $89........plus a 15% service charge, city tax, and no breakfast included.  Room was in an old section bottom floor with no window to the outside but facing inside a dark courtyard used for storage.  Breakfasts in China are usually included in most hotels in the cost IF they list it as included.  If it does not list it as included,  then it is in addition.  Hotels have such rooms so they can list a low price and attract business.  One does not go to a re...