... in response to Question to tThose That Have Been to Chi..., posted by KenB on Jun 11, 2004Hello Ken
My fiance is from China (Guangzhou) and I visited there for 2 weeks Feb - March of this year.
Flight information and thoughts ....
At the time I was living in California so I flew direct from LA to Guangzhou on China Southern Airlines. Delta is sort of a partner airlines with them. I should have bought one of the Delta sub purchased designated seats on the flight to have gotten better usable flyer miles. But I went with the China Southern seats instead as they were cheaper. Their frequent flyer miles are pretty much useless since they are not partnered with any american airlines . But I bought seats through a broker and I got them for about $ 100 cheaper than travelocity / expedia was selling them So I made out anyways. China Southern got me there and back in one piece but it was certainly no frills but it only cost me $ 700. If you fly with them bring some snack stuff and water with you. The stewerdess's were very pretty but once you are flying and most of the people are sleeping -- good luck trying to get any service as they are in the galleys chatting together or something.
I was all worried about customs in China but it was very lax in Guangzhou, But then again it is an old airport (new one onder construction I think) and it was 6 am in the morning when we arrived. Off the plane and had baggage probably within 20 minutes. My fiance and I flew within China first on Air China to Hangzhou -- Better food and service than China Southern. We took a bus from Hangzhou to Shanghai and then we flew back from Shanghai to Guangzhou on China Southern again.
Flying within China is kind of wild. they do not really let you check in and wait at the gate like in america ahead of time. you will wait in a long line until shortly before the flight is ready to board. Be prepared to pay Airport tax at every airport, 50 - 100 RMB fee. the airport workers and officials are quite stern in their approach and mannerisms in dealing with the public. Do not carry any thing on your carry on luggage that might be questionable. We received a bottle of wine as a gift in shanghai and it was confiscated in the airport before leaving. we could have put it in the checked in luggage I suppose but we might have had nice red bejoulais smelling clothes too ha ha ha. My fiance tried to argue with the customs people but they just ignored her and looked the other way. I said they are going to have the wine for lunch. Forget about it we have to get on the plane NOW!
Even leaving China they expected a Airport tax you might think it is included in your ticket but think again. I gave my remaining money to my Fiance but fortunately she was able to run and bail me out and buy the tax ticket so I could get on the flight. They also offer a cheap service of sealing up your bags with city labled packing straps after going through their x-ray machines. These sealed bags supposably go through customs easier as they are pre inspected and sealed.
Gifts ...
I went to Japan a year ago and my Japanese-American coworker gave me this advice this applies well for China too. People will appreciate things like locally made Jams honey etc. if you are in a sizable city get things like magnets with the city names shot glasses teaspoons -- souvenier type stuff from your city. I got some T shirts from where I was living. anything that you can make by yourself is appreciated. I am a baker and I brought some cookies that I baked and would survive the trip and they were a big hit with the family. I also bought some artistic hand made things at an art show to give. cool local photos, Glass work made by artisans. pottery etc. you wil know it when you see it. Yes I ran into the made in china syndrome too.
China was a blast but watch your back at all times. definately a money belt. try to stay with your local guides when you can. If you see something you like have them negotiate for you because otherwise you will pay much more. Watch out for begging Kids who tug on your clothes or place flowers in you hands when you do not want this. It is going to be hard to ignore them but you should continue on your way. there might be an adult with them nearby. My fiance told me that most of the time these Kids are kidnapped and forced to beg.
Many people by the public transportation depots, might offer to be private drivers if you are going on trips outside of cities my fiance advises not to use them take legitimate bus services. Otherwise you have a good chance of being robbed and maybe killed and dumped in a ditch. There are many police around but whether you get service from them or not is questionable. China is not like america the sales people are assertive. as soon as you make your purchase and the register drawer closes they are trying to sell you something else.
I don't know If you've been in China / Asia before but the cities were much more modern tha I ever expected. I did not have so much culture shock since going to Japan the year before helped out my confidence. Any other questions ask me and I'll answer them if I can from what I experienced. Eat well the food is cheap and excellent but don't buy from street venders - hepititis risks.
Windmill boy
