Tips for Travel to China
(31 Reviews)
100% Recommended
Daniel Oppliger
El Paso, TX
Group Travel Expert
I have been immersed in the travel industry since relocating to El Paso in 1986. Initially, I worked with a local tour operator before venturing out on my own.Over the years, I've developed specialties in Destination Resorts and River Cru...
I have been immersed in the travel industry since relocating to El Paso in 1986. Initially, I worked with a local tour operator before venturing out on my own.Over the years, I've developed specialties in Destination Resorts and River Cruises, specifically traveling to Turkey and China. I have organized group trips across the globe and visited 65 countries, leading tours extensively in Australia, Chile, China, Costa Rica, and Turkey.
In my capacity as a travel agent and advisor, I have also coordinated group travel to Argentina and Chile. As both a travel agent and tour guide, I focus on river cruises with premier vendors like Avalon. I appreciate Avalon for its spacious cabins and beds that offer stunning water views.
For group bookings, Ama Waterways simplifies the reservation process, allowing you to hold your space while you finalize your plans.I am dedicated to meeting all your group travel requirements and excel at creating balanced itineraries. I help your group steer clear of tourist traps while incorporating enjoyable activities into your travel schedule, like evening performances.
Feel free to inquire about experiences such as yachting adventures, bicycle rentals, or specialized programs.I cater to both large and small groups, whether private or organizational. As a travel agent specialist, I can transform any tour into a more relaxed and thrilling journey. I can identify the ideal suppliers to meet your travel needs, whether traveling as a group or solo.
Interested in visiting the floating markets of Asia? Or perhaps you wish to taste authentic Turkish cuisine? Whatever your preference, I can help you book a vacation that brings your travel dreams to life.I possess strong negotiation skills with vendors, ensuring you can secure a river cabin or hotel upgrade without additional costs. Reach out for my expertise in booking a unique river cruise or crafting an extraordinary travel experience.
Contact us today for all the details. An El Paso Texas Travel Agency.
Can Be Reached At
1-915-280-2922
Summer Palace near Beijing
We have been to China four times and are anxious to go again. Here are our observations.
### 1. **The Great Wall of China
**- **Location:** Various sections near Beijing, Hebei, and other provinces.
- **Highlight:** One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into China's ancient history.-** Now the Beijing Metro goes to the Great Wall. We have taken coach tours to two different sections. The coaches communicate with each other to avoid overcrowding in parking areas. Some areas are partially assessable by aerial tram. Others you must use your own two feet. Less visited areas offer overnights on the wall by camping or a Chinese home.
### 2. **The Forbidden City**
- **Location:** Beijing- **Highlight:** A vast palace complex that served as the home of emperors and the political center of Chinese government for almost 500 years.--Extras: Take a rickshaw ride. Best to have a guide arrange it so you don’t get ripped off. Visiting the Hutong villages are a fun way to interact with the locals.
### 3. **Terracotta Army**
- **Location:** Xi'an, Shaanxi Province
- **Highlight:** An extraordinary collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China.
-** Don’t forget the Wild Goose Pagoda and it is a must to ride a bicycle around and atop the Xian City Walls.
### 4. **The Bund**- **Location:** Shanghai- **Highlight:** A waterfront area showcasing Shanghai's colonial architecture and offering spectacular views of the modern skyline. Great area to take photos and get food.
### 5. **Giant Pandas in Chengdu
**- **Location:** Chengdu, Sichuan Province-
** Spicey food and a great place to interact with locals. You may also see Pandas at the Beijing Zoo.
- **Highlight:
** Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see these adorable and endangered animals up close.
### 6. **Li River Cruise**
- **Location:** Guilin to Yangshuo, Guangxi Province
- **Highlight:** A scenic cruise through stunning karst landscapes, with picturesque views of the river and surrounding mountains. See scenes that were painted or sketched by Tom Lea during WWII. The Impression Night Show is not to be missed.
### 7. **Zhangjiajie National Forest Park**- **Location:** Hunan Province- **Highlight:** Known for its towering sandstone pillars, this park inspired the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the movie "Avatar."
### 8. **The Potala Palace**-
**Location:** Lhasa, Tibet-
**Highlight:** A monumental palace that was the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
### 9. **Hangzhou's West Lake**-
**Location:** Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province-
**Highlight:** A beautiful and historic lake surrounded by temples, pagodas, gardens, and historic buildings, embodying classical Chinese beauty. Along with Suzhou it is great place to find Water Towns, a different twist on Chinese food. The lake is beautiful a night and makes fine evening dining. This is great place to see some famous Chinese gardens.
### 10. **The Silk Road**
- **Location:
** Various cities including Xi'an, Hami, Lanzhou, Dunhuang, Urumqi and Kashgar- **Highlight:** Explore ancient trade routes, visit historic sites, and experience the rich cultural tapestry that shaped China's history. Ride camels at Dunhaung, ride sleeper or fast trains between cities, night markets, wine, grapes and raisons are in abundance. Meet the Uyghur people.
-- ### Additional Tips:
- **Cuisine:** Don't miss trying local dishes like Peking duck in Beijing, dumplings in Shanghai, spicy hotpot in Sichuan, and dim sum in Guangdong. Noodles either rice or wheat to your taste. Sweet and Sour fish in Shanghai and nearby.
- **Culture:** Experience traditional Chinese arts such as calligraphy, tea ceremonies, and classical Chinese opera. Musical shows are found in many Chinese cities and towns- often they are an option at a small cost because of scheduling. Traditional Chinese gardens are amazing.
- **Shopping:** Explore bustling markets and shopping streets for unique souvenirs, traditional crafts, and modern fashion. Avoid commissioned shopping tours ie Chinese Medicine shops, carpet weaving, silk factories, jade factories etc. Go to department stores.
-** Get Alipay app on your phone. China is becoming more and more cashless. These attractions and activities provide a well-rounded experience of China's rich history, culture, and natural beauty.