Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bossface]

My school's vacation is the last week of August, and I really want to head to China for the week. The Olympics would still be going on, yeah? I want to go to Beijing and Shanghai, and I want to avoid the Olympic mess, so I'd be going to Shanghai first.

Would the Olympics drastically increase crowds in Shanghai at that time? Also, would Beijing still be insane a few days after the Olympics ended? Having never been there, I have no desire to visit "Olympic Beijing," but rather just normal Beijing.

I've also read a bit about visa restrictions at this time. Is it necessary to pay for hotels in advance to get a visa, or could I just reserve and cancel if I don't like the hotel.

I'm just now starting my research on this trip, so any and all advice is appreciated.

[rokgryphon]

I think you will miss the Olympics. They are from Aug 8th to 22nd. There are not many events going on in Shanghai only soccer I think so the crowds probably won't be a lot larger than normal there. When you apply for your visa you have to have an address of where you are staying. Go through a travel agent it is easy. You may still be paying higher than normal prices, because of the Olympics, for accommodations.

[Hank the Iconoclast]

I am going to Hong Kong and Guilin/Yangshuo in early-mid August. There shouldn't be any issues in that area, right?

[rokgryphon]