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twoofus
Joined: 19 Nov 2005
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 Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2006 5:52 am Post subject: Beijing in late July? |
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Hello!
My husband and I are visiting Beijing for a week at the end of July - is a week long enough to explore? Is there anything you would recommend seeing? Should we go to Shanghai as well or is that cheaply possible given our time limit?
Thanks so much!
~ sue |
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J.B. Clamence
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
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| Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2006 6:10 am Post subject: |
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| If you want to do Beijing cheaply, the best way is to do the tour package. I never do tour packages (I detest them), but unfortunately China is hard (and expensive) to do on your own. There are many companies in Seoul that offer these packages. The hotels are nice, transport and guide are included, and they are dirt cheap. The only drawback is that they take you to all kinds of tourist traps, but you don't have to buy anything there if you don't want to. For the price, I'd say it's worth it. |
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Free World
Joined: 01 Apr 2005
Location: Drake Hotel
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| Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2006 7:14 am Post subject: |
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There is plenty to do in and around Beijing and you don't need a package tour.
Go climb the great wall.
Tour the Forbidden City.
Spend a day at the Summer Palace.
Go fly a kite in Tiananmen and then watch the soldiers take down the flag at sunset.
Ming tombs would take a day to see.
Rent bikes for a day.
Go to Temple of Heaven park (was under construction during Chinese New Year but maybe will be finished by the end of May).
Get yourself a lonely planet city guide... you can do a lot without spending too much money. |
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twoofus
Joined: 19 Nov 2005
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| Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2006 7:53 am Post subject: |
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Brilliant - we just got quoted $700 for three nights, four days and that seems like quite a bit.
Thanks guys - what's the average price to Beijing and back via Incheon, does anyone know? (I'm contacting travel agents but should I just book a flight directly through an airline?) |
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travel zen
Joined: 22 Feb 2005
Location: Good old Toronto, Canada
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| Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2006 11:32 am Post subject: |
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$700 sounds a little much as you can get a double room with tv. frdge, room service (very good condition) for about USD$20 per night.
I would do more research. Round trip flights from Beijing to Inchon (yast year this time) were about USD$250 economy per person. Air China. |
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Free World
Joined: 01 Apr 2005
Location: Drake Hotel
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J.B. Clamence
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
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| Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 6:46 am Post subject: |
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| twoofus wrote: |
| Brilliant - we just got quoted $700 for three nights, four days and that seems like quite a bit. |
Keep in mind that these tours usually include everything: flights, airport pickup and drop-off, private transportation to everywhere you go, including out of town to the Great Wall, guide, entry tickets to sites you visit, nice hotel, meals, and even some evening entertainment. The tours have their negative points for sure, but it is actually quite a good deal when you think about it. Also, the travel agent will send your passport to the Chinese embassy for your visa so you don't have to go through the hassle yourself. Avoiding Chinese bureaucracy: how much is that worth? |
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ilovebdt
Joined: 03 Jun 2005
Location: Nr Seoul
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| Posted: Wed May 24, 2006 4:13 pm Post subject: |
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Where did you stay in Beijing?
I am thinking of heading over there in July?
ilovebdt |
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ttompatz
Joined: 05 Sep 2005
Location: Kwangju, South Korea
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| Posted: Wed May 24, 2006 4:41 pm Post subject: |
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| twoofus wrote: |
Brilliant - we just got quoted $700 for three nights, four days and that seems like quite a bit.
Thanks guys - what's the average price to Beijing and back via Incheon, does anyone know? (I'm contacting travel agents but should I just book a flight directly through an airline?) |
For late July, a $700 package is not bad. A Korean tour package also includes all your meals, transfers, hotel, entrance fees and escort.
A flight at that time will cost you $500+ on Air China and more $$ on one of the Korean Carriers. Been there many times. Lots of flights daily going to/from Beijing.
You also remember that you need a VISA to get into China. It takes 4 days to process in Seoul (unless you pay extra for same day service). Visa cost will also very depending on where you are from. Most countries pay $35 for 4 day service. Americans pay $60. Add $20 for next day service and double for same day service., |
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