Travelling in China

[Sazzy]

Hi - I am really wanting to travel around China but I am slightly apprehensive as I do not speak Mandarin at all. I am wanting to go to places like Guilin and Xian but not on an organised tour.

I am wondering whether anyone has ventured into China with no more than a phrase book and how they found the public transport / food etc? Would anyone recommend (or not) travelling to China with no Mandarin and no tour group?

All thoughts appreciated

[prashanthbk]

Hey. I was in Guilin and Yangsho for 3 days and they are mazing place. I have taken some nice snaps too. Will upload and send the link. I have not finished my trip there, so please also let me know if u guys are going. You can also check on lonely planet book which has a lot of details on the trip to Guilin. I am planning to go on May 15th and 16th to fin my balance part. Interested let me know.

prash

[JAherbert]

my chinese (both versions) is absolutely diabolical, and I have been to China countless times, for business and pleasure, without any problems for the last 10 years. Visited Guilin, Yangshuo, and Xian amongst others, all outstanding.

Security is always a concern, take sensible precautions, copies of passport id, dont take jewelery, etc. etc. and you will have an awesome trip.

[francocw]

I think it's not that difficult to travel by yourself in China. Especially if you go to the city which have more people to travel to. You should be able ot meet Chinese who can speak in English there. Except the phrase book, a good hostel is important as you can always ask people in hostel to help or to join the day trip organized by the hostel. I just come back from Beijing and i saw many westerner go to Xian and Guilin by themself with their lonely planet only. If you're lucky, you might met some new friends on your journey as well.

[Sazzy]

Well I have done it - booked tickets and going this weekend armed with my phrasebook and chinese visa. Flying from Shenzhen and I have bought ferry tickets. Quick question : how do I get from the Shenzhen ferry terminal to Shenzhen airport?

[elle]

Sazzy - There is a shuttle bus waiting just outside the ferry terminal - you can't miss it - and plenty of taxis as well. Have a great trip.