China-Family-Adventure.com News

Do we need vaccinations for travel to China?

Wed, 30 May 2012 18:08:41 GMT

There are no required vaccinations for travelers to China, with the exception of Yellow Fever IF you are visiting an infected area prior to your China trip. However, it is a good idea to make sure that everybody's routine vaccinations are up to date. That includes Tetanus, Diphteria (DTaP), measles (MMR), polio, hepatitis B, Varicella and influenza. Also, although not required, some vaccines are recommended for travel to China. Our doctor recommended Hepatitis A and Typhoid, these are illnesses associated with food and water contamination. If traveling to rural areas, the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is also recommended. Please note that the articles and information on this site are for the purpose of providing general information, and do not take the place of, or constitute professional, medical, or legal advice on any subject matter. You are responsible for deciding how to use any information you read on this site, and for seeking further professional advice as you see fit.

China Travel Guide Books - Excellent Resources

Tue, 29 May 2012 10:34:05 GMT

Here is a selection of our favorite China Travel Guide Books. We have used them to plan our trips, map out itineraries, check out logistics, or just simply for inspiration! A good Travel Guide is an excellent tool to help you get the most out of your China trip, or any trip for that matter. They help you plan and prepare yourself for what you're about to see and experience. For kids, likewise, a little advance preparation goes a long way. They will be excited to see things and places they have read about before. That look of realization and recognition on their faces when they see something they have only seen in pictures before is really priceless. If they have learned about it in school, it reinforces that knowledge. Here's a short selection of guides we have found very useful in the past and are worth looking into.

Where to Go in China? Some Family-Friendly Tips

Mon, 28 May 2012 17:33:09 GMT

China is such a great land, where should you go? What is there to do with the children? What's the best way to get there and around? We try to answer these questions in the following pages, as well as give you some ideas of what has worked for us when traveling with our kids in China. Plan your family-friendly itinerary to include a Pedicab trip through the Beijing alleyways, a Toboggan ride down the Great Wall, biking through the countryside among gumdrop mountains... planning a trip to China with the kids will take a little more work, but in the end, it's all worth it! Don't try to cram too many places in a short period of time. After all, you wouldn't try to see the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, Yosemite, New York City, Disneyworld, the Florida Keys and the Everglades all in two weeks...

Could the Giant Panda have originated in Spain?

Fri, 18 May 2012 10:23:36 GMT

The fossil remains of a small omnivore believed to be related to China's beloved Giant Panda and which shares some genetic similarities to the endangered species, have been found near the Spanish city of Zaragoza. According to the researchers close to the findings, physically, this was a much smaller version but very similar to the Giant Panda, with its black and white patterns but not much information is really available at the moment.

Life in China - A day at the Local Market

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:36:14 GMT

A staple of Life in China is the Local Market. Of course you find supermarkets and department stores in the cities, even Walmarts, but not far from them, you will always find the local market or shopping alleys, which is not necessarily just for shopping, folks come to socialize, these are essential meeting places for the local communities. Here's a picture tour of the local market and shopping streets in the village of Jiu Jiang.

Celebrate Earth Day: Check out the Panda Cubs on Explore.org live cam

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 10:44:57 GMT

It's Earth Day! And to celebrate, Explore.org is releasing a live cam of five Giant Pandas from the Bifengxia Reserve. The Bifengxia Reserve is one of the largest Panda Reserve and Research Centers in the world. Facilities include include a Panda Kindergarten, a Panda House and Breeding and Research Stations. Best times to watch the live cams and the Pandas in action are mornings and early afternoons China time: 9:30am - 11:30am & 2:30pm - 4:30pm China Time 9:30pm - 11:30pm and 2:30 am - 4:30 am Eastern Time in the U.S. 2:30am - 4:30am and 7:30 am - 9:30 am London Time 11:30am - 1:30pm & 4:30pm - 6:30pm Sydney Time Enjoy!!!

Planning your trip to China: China Visa - Who needs one, Where to get it

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:41:17 GMT

A China Visa is needed by all foreign passport holders upon entry into China with very few exceptions. At the time of this writing, a Chinese visa is not required for passport holders from the following countries:

Singapore
Brunei
Japan

for a visit of up to 15 days for business, sightseeing, visiting relatives and friends or transit. All other nationalities are required to obtain a China Visa to enter the PRC. For visa purposes, Hong Kong and Macau are separate Special Administrative Regions and most Western nationals do not require a visa. If traveling to Tibet, an additional permit is required. There are several kinds of China visas. For ordinary tourists, the type of visa is the L visa, which can be a single, double or multiple entry visa. There are two dates you need to be concerned with:

The validity of the visa, indicated by the "Enter Before" date. You may enter China anytime during this period when the visa is valid. China Visas are valid for either 3, 6 or 12 months according to the purpose and number of entries.
How long you can stay, this is typically 30 days per entry and your duration of stay begins the day you enter China.

Where to Stay in China?

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 07:04:45 GMT

So flights are all booked? Let's move on and take a look at the different kinds of accomodation in China. When looking where to stay in China, you will find that there is no shortage of options. Tourism in China, although a fledgling industry relatively speaking, is fast becoming one of the top travel markets in the world for both domestic and international travelers alike. Hotel companies are racing there and accommodations in a wide range of options are popping up to the benefit of travelers with standards that rival and in many cases, surpass the West. As far as your accommodations in China go, you can choose to travel very inexpensively or you can choose to go as luxurious as you wish, you are bound to find something that fits your budget, preferred accommodation type and location. Our Where to Stay in China guidelines are not intended to make recommendations of specific places to stay, but to give you an idea of the different accommodation options you may encounter, the standards you can expect at each and tips on booking and getting the best deals. Even if you are traveling with an organized tour or a private tour where your accommodations are included, I encourage you to check out the different options you are given. Normally the class of hotel is determined but the specific property is not cast in stone, that is specially true with a private tour, and you can make the selection yourself for something that better fits your needs.

Booking your Flights to China

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 08:02:09 GMT

A new hub for travel into China specially if you are going to the Giant Panda Reserves or the interior of China is Chengdu City which now operates direct flights from the Netherlands, Singapore, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, and the UAE, with direct flights from the United States and Australia planned for this year. Traditionally the main hubs for travel into China have been concentrated along the Eastern coast: Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Guangzhou. The development of Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) is a major step in connecting China's interior to the rest of the world. Here are some tips for booking your air tickets to China, finding the best flights and saving money.

China with Kids this Summer, it's time to start planning!

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:11:51 GMT

Here are some tips when starting to plan your trip to China with the kids. At the top of the list is to bring an open mind and the right attitude. A trip to China with the kids could be a test to your nerves... but also a very rewarding experience... And of course planning the right activities to do with children at different destinations in China and keeping a light schedule mingled with things the kids will find interesting will win you half the battle. Here are some more recommendations to get you over and back with your sanity intact, and as always, we welcome your tips, suggestions and stories, so keep them coming!

Wildlife in China

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 17:16:21 GMT

Wildlife in China is very diverse, there are over 30,000 kinds of plants and over 4,400 species of vertebrates. Because of China's immense range of climates and landscape, there are many different kinds of habitats which support many different kinds of flora and fauna. China's natural world has been since ancient times a source of inspiration in the arts, literature, religion and mythology. Philosophers have preached the virtues of living in harmony with nature for centuries. Unfortunately, the rapid economic development and rate of urbanization in China have led to increased deterioration of the environment and loss of habitat for many of the species endemic to China. Many of them are currently listed as endangered, and none more well-known than the Giant Panda. Here's a short introduction to many of China's wildlife treasures and the threats some of they face.

Learning Chinese: Books and Resources for Kids

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:45:30 GMT

We have just updated our China Books and Resources for Kids. Check out these great books and CDs that are fun for kids to start learning their first words and phrases in Chinese.

From books, flash cards, CD's, charts and posters, lots to choose from, learn some words, practice the writing, sing along, enjoy!

Physical Map of China

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 12:50:32 GMT

China's Geography and landscape is extremely varied, with a wide range of weather and climate as well. Along the coast concentrate the main cities and ports. In the North and West are mountains and deserts. The South is crowded with jungles and tropical lowlands whereas the South-West is home to the harsher Tibetan Plateau. The majority of the people live in the milder coastal areas and along the rivers. These areas are booming modern economic and industrial zones which are in high contrast to the poorer areas as you travel inland.

China Facts for Kids: Where is China?

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:03:41 GMT

Located in the Asian continent, China is the fourth largest country, after Russia, Canada and the United States.

China borders 14 different countries, tying with Russia for the country with the most neighbors: Russia, Mongolia, North Korea, Kazhastan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Burma, Laos and Vietnam.

New at China Family Adventure! China Facts for Kids

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:38:36 GMT

We are starting a new section to help you learn more about China. We kick off our "China Facts for Kids" pages with an introduction to the China Flag. Do you know what the red background means and the symbolism of the 5 golden stars?

A nuestros amigos en Madrid!

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:28:11 GMT

No se pierdan estas lindas imagenes de las recientes celebraciones del Ano Nuevo Chino en Madrid contribuidas por nuestros amigos de Little Natives.

Las celebraciones comenzaron con una cabalgata desde la Puerta del Sol hacia la Plaza de Espana.

Entre los participantes contaron las diversas asociaciones Chinas, clubs de deporte y grupos escolares, todos vestidos en manera tradicional, inclusive los participantes de mayor edad con su vestimenta imperial.

La cabalgata termino en la Plaza de Espana, que estuvo decorada muy vistosamente con las lanternas rojas tradicionales chinas.

Se celebraron espectaculos y shows, y un mercado pequeno de articulos chinos y exhibiciones de Kung Fu por el grupo del Shaolin Temple Cultural Centre.

No se lo pierdan el proximo ano!

Chinese New Year in Madrid

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:58:19 GMT

Enjoy these great pictures from the recent Chinese New Year celebration in Madrid which were provided from our friends at Little Natives.

The Chinese New Year celebrations in Madrid start with a parade from Puerta del Sol where the participating associations gather and march on to Plaza de Espana.

Participants include the many Chinese Associations, sports clubs and other educational groups, all colorfully dressed in traditional garb and the elders sporting imperial robes.

The Parade ends at Plaza de Espana where there are many shows, a small market with traditional Chinese crafts, and Kung Fu exhibitions by the Shaolin Temple Cultural Centre.

Did You Know that Chinese Dragons have...

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:26:29 GMT

The body of a serpent
The claws of an eagle
The legs of a tiger
The whiskers of a catfish
The antlers of a deer
The scales of a fish

Since the Dragon is a creature from Chinese mythology and not a real animal, it adopts characteristics from several animals!

We Want Your Pictures! How Are You Celebrating Chinese New Year?

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:01:41 GMT

There are many Traditions which have been passed on from generation to generation. There are also many new ways people around the world are celebrating the festivities. Together with the time-honored Dragon Parades, the energetic Lion Dances, the fireworks, the red envelopes... communities are finding other ways to celebrate. A good Chinese New Year celebration is not far from you, so come and share your celebrations with us. We, and I'm sure all our visitors, would love to learn how others are celebrating the festivities, and whether they can also take part in a celebration nearby. It's easy to share, just fill out the form on this page and you can also take a look at what others have shared!

Asian New Year in San Antonio Texas

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:11:07 GMT

The Asian Festival at UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures is a community event honoring Asian cultures and traditions from the Pacific Rim.

In addition to the wide variety of delicious foods including Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Pakistani, Filipino and Polynesian.

The festival showcases a wide variety of performances, including martial arts and dance demonstrations.

Other activities include Ikebana floral arrangement, seminars, Asian games like Go and Mah-jong and vendors selling Asian crafts, jewelry, clothing and more.

Chinese New Year Hokkien Style in Malaysia

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 10:56:41 GMT

According to Hokkien traditions, the "Pai Thien Kung" Celebration which occurs on the 9th Day of the New Year, is celebrated in grand style throughout the island.

The preparations start early on, Pai Thien Kung is a celebration of praying to the Gods of Heaven.

The houses and streets are lavishly decorated. Here we are busy preparing some josticks which will be lit on the eve of the celebration.

And here are a few photos from our Chinese New Year celebration in Penang, Malaysia. It was a great start to the New Year.

Chinese New Year in Albuquerque NM

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 07:11:14 GMT

Celebrate the Chinese New Year in Albuquerque with traditional Oriental festivities at the Chinese Culture Center. The revelry includes:

The Dance of the Dragon, with a 60-foot Chinese dragon operated by ten people
Colorful ribbon and flag dances
Adorable little girls dancing with fans
An expanded Lion Dance team
Demonstrations of Tai Chi Chuan and Kung Fu fighting forms
Exciting drumming and more!

The Lantern Festival is coming!

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:23:46 GMT

The Lantern Festival 2012 is on February 6, 2012.

As the Chinese New Year Celebrations are in full swing, keep an eye for Dragon and Lion Dances in your neighborhood, maybe your Chinese Restaurant or Chinese Association in your local college will put one together!

The New Year Celebrations culminate on the 15th day of the New Year with the Lantern Festival.

Let the Chinese New Year Celebrations begin...!

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 12:18:31 GMT

With all the preparations behind us, New Year's Day finally arrives and the Chinese New Year celebrations begin.

Gong Xi Fa Cai !!!

Family and friends visit each other. Traditional New Year's gifts are oranges, tangerines and sweets.

At home, the feast has been prepared. The entire family enjoys the big dinner on New Year's Day with all the traditional foods for good fortune and luck...

Also part of any Chinese New Year celebration are the Red Envelopes, the Lion and Dragon Dances and of course, Fireworks!!!

Good Luck Banners Part 3!!! "Fu" Abundance, Prosperity, Wealth...

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:28:18 GMT

Today we learn to write the character for "Fu". "Fu" is a very lucky word, it represents wealth, prosperity and abundance and is one of the most popular symbols you will find at home entrances during the New Year celebrations.

Sometimes you see it pasted "upside down", and that is because of a play of words, "upside down fu" sounds like "good fortune or prosperity arrives" so many Chinese will post their "Fu's" upside down near their doors to let the "good luck in".

So hurry and make your "Fu" signs, paste them by your doors and let the good luck come in! Otherwise all the wealth will flow out next door (ok so I made that last part up) but upside down or not, we are definitely not taking any chances letting OUR FU get away, so wallpapering the whole entrance just for good measure!

May the Dragon bring lots of luck and good fortune your way, abundance of happiness, abundance of love, abundance of peace to your homes!

Good Luck Banners Part 2!!!

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:36:39 GMT

Chinese New Year came about from ancient celebrations to mark the end of the long winter season and the beginning of spring. It celebrates the earth coming back to life and the beginning of the growing cycle.

This is why the Lunar New Year is also called the Spring Festival.

Today we learn how to write the Chinese Character for "Spring". This is an easy one, only 9 steps.

Follow the stroke-by-stroke instructions here!

Cultura China... para Niños!

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:32:14 GMT

Aqui exploramos muchos aspectos de la Culura China, comida, festivales, dragones y tigres, escritura y Confucio...

Harbin Ice Festival is on!

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:47:33 GMT

The Harbin International Ice Festival is one of world's largest international ice festivals, along with Japan's Sapporo Snow Festival, Canada's Quebec Winter Carnival, and Norway's Ski Festival.

It is held annually from the beginning of January and depending on weather, lasts usually to the end of February.

During the snow festival, top class ice and snow artwork will be exhibited. Film festivals and group wedding ceremonies will also be held on ice.

Check out these awesome photographs from this year's event.

Time to start making those Good Luck Banners!!!

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:31:32 GMT

Chinese New Year is fast approaching, it's time to start making those Good Luck Banners!

Red banners with New Year messages of good luck decorate the main entrance of your house/room. Red is a very lucky color and symbolizes vitality of life and happiness.

Let's start with GOOD FORTUNE or DA JI. It's two characters, so grab a piece of Bright RED paper and some markers, here's stroke by stroke instructions!

Year of the Dragon Celebrations in Hong Kong

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:20:24 GMT

Hong Kong Chinese New Year Celebrations are some of the liveliest and most colorful we have ever experienced. This is a great time to visit and share in the spirit of the festivities as the city prepares to welcome another year.

2012 is the Year of the Dragon, the Year of the Dragon heralds good fortune, wealth, prosperity and longevity, a very lucky and highly anticipated year. Chinese New Year will be on January 23, 2012.

Preparations in Hong Kong are well under way for the festivities which traditionally include the Chinese New Year Parade in Tsim Sha Tsui and a world class fireworks display over Victoria Harbour.

Welcoming the Year of the Dragon - The Chinese Dragon Dance

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:30:58 GMT

Chinese New Year is right around the corner. This year, the Lunar New Year begins on January 23rd, 2012 and it happens to be the Year of the Dragon. Dragon Dances and Parades will be very much a part of the celebrations. Every Chinese New Year Parade ends with a Dragon Dance. The parades start on New Year's Day and continue for the next fifteen days until the end of the festivities with the Lantern Festival. The Dragon Parade is a highlight of the festivities. The Dragon represents wisdom, power, and wealth and a very important aspect of Chinese Culture. It is also said that the Dragon Dance performed on New Year's Day scares away the evil spirits and all the bad luck with them... During the Dance, a dozen or so performers hold the dragon up on poles. They raise and lower the Dragon making him "dance" as they wind through the masses to the sounds of horns, drums and gongs.

2012 Year of the Dragon... the Water Dragon!

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:12:30 GMT

2012 is the year of the Dragon, the year of the Water dragon to be more precise. What does it have in store for you? The Dragon is full of strength and energy, a very lucky animal that brings wealth and good fortune. The Water element represents flow and therefore flexibility and fluidity. Water at the same time can also be very powerful, as in the power of a flood or surging water. What will the Dragon combined with the Water element bring in 2012?

Old China Pictures - Beijing in the 80s

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:34:03 GMT

Here are some pictures from some of our very first trips to China in the '80s. Things have certainly changed! Enjoy!

Tiananmen Square
No more bicycles and Mao suits.
But the portrait of the chairman is still at the gate. The Great Hall of the People
is still across from Tiannamen Square,
but the Lenin and Stalin Portraits are no longer there. The Great Wall at Badaling
No cable cars, zip lines, or toboggans back then.

Dealing with Pollution in China

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 07:17:08 GMT

The rapid pace with which China has grown in the past few years has taken its toll on the environment. Air pollution has become a major threat to the population's health. We noticed the heavy smoggy air as soon as we got off the plane. In urban areas, heavy traffic and increased number of cars contribute to the permanent hazy layer covering the cities. As we traveled inland the problem did not go away. The fast pace of industrialization and migration to urban areas is well beyond the heavily populated areas of the coast. Most of the energy supply comes from coal, not the cleanest of sources but most readily available. You might experience the effects of the poor air quality in different ways: Air pollution has become a major threat to the population's health. We noticed the heavy smoggy air as soon as we got off the plane. In urban areas, heavy traffic and increased number of cars contribute to the permanent hazy layer covering the cities. As we traveled inland the problem did not go away. The fast pace of industrialization and migration to urban areas is well beyond the heavily populated areas of the coast. Most of the energy supply comes from coal, not the cleanest of sources but most readily available. You might experience the effects of the poor air quality in different ways: dry eyes, nasal congestion, tiredness and an occasional minor headache. Here are some suggestions that can help you deal with pollution in China during your travels.

China Travel Tips: About Chinese Money, Exchange Rates, Where to Exchange, How Much to Bring

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:24:13 GMT

The most frequently asked questions regarding Chinese Money have to do with how much to bring, where to exchange local currency and are there ATM's in China. How much money to bring? Here is an idea of how much things cost so you can decide. China is considerably cheaper than the U.S. and Europe, Shanghai is probably the most expensive city. Boat rides, entrance fees, etc, are reasonable, allow on average US$5 each per activity, some will be less, some a bit more. For example, entrance to the Beijing Zoo was about US$2, to the Forbidden City US$8, the Terracotta Warriors were a bit more US$12, the boat ride to the Summer Palace less than a dollar, renting bikes at the Xian Wall about $2 each. For food, with $3 - $4 per person you will eat really well, with $5 per meal you will eat like kings, except in Shanghai, Hong Kong (and some of the larger "touristy" cities) Regarding transportation, taxis are inexpensive, metro and buses even more so. A single ride in the Shanghai Metro for example is only a few cents (Rmb3-8) There are ATM's everywhere, specially at airports and train stations, so there is no need to bring too much cash. You can always make a stop at the ATM if you are running low and incidentally, this is one of the best ways to exchange money as you get a better rate and save the high commissions charged by hotels/exchange bureaus.

Tips on Choosing Your China Tour Operator

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:13:45 GMT

A simple search on the internet for "China Tours" will give you literally millions of options. So, which one do you select? How do you know which ones will deliver what they promise? They all seem to offer pretty much the same programs. Here's help on choosing a China Tour Operator: 1. Compare what they offer, there are always differences: Tour Director/Tour Guides: will your guide accompany you throughout the entire trip in China or will you have a different guide at each place you visit? Your guide plays an important role in your trip. In many cases, the local guides/drivers are "outsourced" from the local state-owned agencies in China and quality may vary as you go from place to place. Domestic Transport: Will you be flying or taking trains? Is the domestic airfare included in the price of the tour? If it isn't the add-on might be substantial. Meals: see how many are included. Some tours offer a few meals where you can order "a la carte". Are drinks with your meals included? 2. Where is the Tour Operator registered? If you are searching online, they could be anywhere in the world. Remember you will be asked to send a deposit to secure your booking. Do they offer some sort of guarantee to make sure the funds you are sending are safe?

Family China Tours - is it for you?

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:54:20 GMT

A typical day on a regular China tour that includes a couple of temples, a stop at the imperial palace, a visit to the monastery and a couple of museums, three factory shopping stops in between, and the Peking Opera to cap it all off would not be quite a hit with the children... and I wouldn't blame them... There are a number of tour operators that have designed their tours with families in mind:

China tours that are tailored for families are slower paced than the regular tours
The itineraries include lots of activities to keep the children entertained like kite flying, face painting and bike excursions
You join other families with kids. It is fun to go with others that share the same interests, the children also have pals to run around with. You don't worry if your kids are being too noisy, get cranky or start acting up. Your fellow travelers are also parents and they know...
The groups are normally smaller than with a regular China tour, between 16-20 to a group or about 3-4 families

Here is more on China Tours for families, find out if this could suit your family travel plans to the Middle Kingdom!

China Travel Guide: With a Tour or On your Own?

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:34:50 GMT

When I first traveled to China in 1986, options were very limited. There were few hotels and quality was hit or miss. You could not venture easily on your own since most places were still closed to foreigners. Roads and infrastructure was chaotic to say the least. Tourism has come a long way since then. Hotels are popping up everywhere with excellent standards that rival and in many cases, surpass the West. Transportation networks are extensive and modern although still chaotic. There is no shortage of travel offers to China in the internet. You can go cheap and you can go as luxurious as you wish. Some people prefer to arrange it all by themselves, some people prefer to leave it all to "the experts". There's a wide range of options, from group tours that organize everything for you, to private tours where you can customize most of it, or just going off on your own. Here's some popular ways and tips for choosing what's right for you.

China Travel with Toddlers and Preschoolers

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:28:03 GMT

Traveling to China with Toddlers and Preschoolers is an entirely different game. Children at this early age will not care about the largest palace in the world or 5,000 years of history! As with most places with young children, it is about the "mundane" daily experiences that are most interesting and most memorable... What children remember is the markets, the smells, the people, the activities... not the museums or even the Great Wall... Here are some tips from our readers for some of the most popular places: Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guilin, Hong Kong, etc.

Traveling to China on Business? Bring the Kids along!

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 13:00:07 GMT

If you are a business traveler to China, you have seen first hand the opportunities and trends emerging out of this nation and the impact these developments could have on our and our children's future. We talked with Lisa La Valle-Finan, MA a cross-cultural specialist who recently developed a presentation for women traveling and doing business in China. She is the Creative Director of getGlobalized and we talk to her about her views among other things:

Why you would want to bring the children on your next business trip to China
A primer on Chinese Business Etiquette
Her views on helping children develop their own multi-cultural attitudes

Cycling from Xian to Chengdu

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 20:14:14 GMT

Bicycling in China is for most people as unimaginable as traveling with children in this "hostile" country. After all, "China is a country full of people who speak only Chinese, are only interested in ripping you off and making your life in the country as hard as possible". True? Of course NOT! It used to be a hard country to travel, in Yangshuo there's still the reminder with the Hard Seat Cafe. But nowadays China is an excellent country for everyone, it's quite easy to go around and it offers everything for everyone.

Expo 2010 Shanghai

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:04:08 GMT

La Expo 2010 en Shanghai tambien conocida como la Feria Mundial, es el equivalente de las Olimpiadas en Economia, Cultura, Ciencias y Tecnologia y promete ser el mayor evento de Exposicion Mundial organizado hasta la fecha.

My China Internship Experience - 7 Months On A Boat

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 11:04:29 GMT

on a five s

My China internship took place tar cruise ship that sailed the Three Gorges (between Wuhan and Chongqing). My job was to be the tour guide who looked after the English speaking passengers. I translated cultural lectures, gave outdoor narrations as we sailed through the gorges, hosted evening parties, and got to work with a 300+ person Chinese staff. It was a great experience and prepared me a great deal for the China business travels that are such a big part of my life now.

Remote China: Off the Beaten Path... with kids

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 20:23:48 GMT

So you've climbed the Great Wall, seen the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, eaten dumplings in Shanghai, cuddled with Pandas in Chengdu... and you know that's just the tip of this vast land. How about traveling to the more remote areas of China, the "off the beaten path" places away from the main tourist cities? Can this be done with children? Is it safe? Is it worth it?

We talked to Carolyn B. Heller, a contributing author of Lonely Planet's China guide who has traveled extensively throughout the Region, and has gotten off the beaten path all the way to Inner Mongolia with kids in tow.

Here's what she has to say...

China Travel: Tibet With Children

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 07:08:25 GMT

For anyone thinking about traveling to Tibet with children, there are a few issues that need your consideration. Here are recommendations and advice regarding:

Altitude Sickness
Strong Sun
Food
Tibetan Dogs
Alternatives at lower altitudes where Tibetan Culture can be experienced and enjoyed by the family

China Travel: Yangtze River Dam - Crossing the Locks

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:07:25 GMT

The Yangtze River Dam is the largest hydro development project ever built. It is the backbone undertaking in the development and harnessing of the Yangtze River in China. By the time the project was finally completed in 2009, water levels had been raised by almost the 175 meters (575 feet) expected target and over one million people in 116 towns had been resettled.

It took 17 years to build. The structure created the world's largest reservoir, and it is a monumental achievement measuring 2 kilometers wide and 185 meters high, a very impressive sight.

Benefits will be mainly in

flood control
power generation and
navigation improvement

China Travel: Yangtze River Cruise and the Shennong Stream

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:44:15 GMT

All Yangtze river cruises in China offer different excursions along the way. One such side trip is the one to the Shennong Stream, where you go on small "peapod" style rafts and navigate through the shallower and ever narrower waters of this side arm of the Yangtze.

You are completely dwarfed by the towering peaks raising tall on both sides of the stream.

We first disembarked the Cruise Ship and boarded a Ferry which brought us into the opening of Shennong Xi. The Ferry trip took about 45 minutes.

From here, we boarded the "peapod" style rafts, each manned by four "trackers" which brought us to the narrower and shallower waters of the stream.

China Travel: Yangtze River Gorges

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 09:18:15 GMT

The Yangtze River Gorges are one of China's most famous scenic spots. They extend for 200 km. and cliffs on both sides of the narrow passageways are hundreds of meters high.

Peaks are as high as 2,000 meters. Even as the water level of the reservoir has been raised the full 175 meters, the visual impact of the gorges has maintained its splendor.

We had an early 6 a.m. wake up call as we approached the first of the Three Gorges:

Qutang Gorge, the shortest at only 8 km. but considered the most spectacular because of the gigantic peaks that seem to enclose you as the river snakes and curves in very short intervals, truly a beautiful sight.

China Travel: Yangtze River Cruise and the Ghost City of Fengdu

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:50:12 GMT

Fengdu, the Ghost City, is scattered with temples, shrines and statues of wicked demons. This was our first stop after we left the hustle and bustle of Chongqing on our Yangtze River Cruise.

It's a short climb to the top of the hill where the temples are, but if you prefer, there is a cable car that will zip you there in minutes. At the temples, with evil names such as "Palace of the King of Hell" and the like, there are tons of sculptures of demons and assorted wicked beings. The kids were more interested in what the trinket vendors had to offer...

China Travel: Shanghai with kids - Watertowns

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 12:18:54 GMT

Chinese traditional water towns are notorious for their very old houses lined up along canals and the bridges criss-crossing them.

Water towns sprung up along the many waterways as these have always been historically important means of communication and supplies distribution.

Zhujiajiao is an ancient water town in the western side of Shanghai. It is about 1,700 years old. Here, residents strive to maintain their traditional customs and heritage.