The Rice Terraces of Longji

Rice terraces have a beauty of their own and the Longji Rice Terraces near Guilin are some of the most beautiful and accessible in China.  Just about 2 hours by car and you will be able to visit villages of the Yeo, Dong and Zhrung minority peoples with their colorful dress.  The Yeo women only cut their hair once in their lifetime and for a few yuan, they will unwind their hair for you to take photos.   If you are a hiker, you can hike the Dragon's Back Ridge above the Rice Terraces.  There is a wonderful family hotel where you can have lunch which overlooks the rice terraces too.   If you want to stay overnight and enjoy a sun set or sun rise the Longji-Pingan Hotel is a nice clean 3 star hotel with excellent food.  With a longer stay you can visit the Silverwater Dong Stockade and the Longsheng Hot Spring Hotel.  For more information contact us at interlak@eskimo.com     Click on the photos for a full screen view.

What to Wear when Touring China

As a tour operator to China, my clients often ask me what they should wear and what is not acceptable in China while touring.  I have a complete set of information on preparation for touring for my customers but here is just a rough idea.  For more information contact me at  interlak@eskimo.com     Shorts are o.k. but perhaps not short-shorts especially in the countryside.  China is casual everywhere and jeans, cotton slacks, knit shirts for men are quite acceptable for every occasion including nice restaurants.  Sport coat and tie only in very formal occasions or  business meetings.  For women, slacks are just fine or skirts if you prefer with blouses or knit tops.  Good walking shoes are very important especially for uneven sidewalks at sights or in the rural areas.  High heels are not recommend but low heals are o.k.  A light jacket, sweater or layers is best for the different areas of China that you might be visiting especially during spring and fall months.  Summers are very hot and humid in most areas so warm weather clothing is best.  The months of April through July is also monsoon season so be sure to have light rain gear with you which can be bought inexpensively in China.  In the fall it starts getting cold in most northern areas in early November.   Mountain travel should be between July and early October before the snow flies.  For more information and questions just email us.
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What to Expect from Most Chinese Hotels

Many people travelling to China do not know what to expect from a Chinese hotel.  It is all quite good to relieve your mind.  If you are on a prepaid hotel tour, all is taken care of.  In either case you will need to sign a credit card slip to take care of any charges you make to your room.  The slip is torn up on your departure if you do not charge anything. Tipping is not needed as there is a charge already in your hotel cost except perhaps the Bell Boy taking your luggage to your room and then only a minimum.   3 star hotels and up will usually have a safe in the room where you can set the combination yourself to keep your valuables in when you are away.  Two bottles of mineral water are usually included however anything in the small refrigerator that is in the room, can be expensive and charged to you upon checking out.   There is a free tooth brush and something that tastes like tooth paste  (I recommend taking your own)  a razor and shaving cream  (likewise) shampoo, cream rinse and body lotion.  Laundry is available and usually picked up in the morning and is back by evening.  A laundry bag and price list will be in the closet or desk with instructions in English.  Laundromats are not common in China.  You can exchange money at a desk in the lobby;  however credit card advances are not common.  Banks are usually close by or there are ATM machines available sometimes even in the hotels.  Breakfast is usually included in the cost of your hotel and are large buffets with both Asian and Western food.  Eggs prepared in front of you according to your wish including omelets.   Brewed coffee is usually available only for breakfast in the large cities and perhaps freeze dried coffee in the remote areas.   For more specific questions please email us at  interlak@eskimo.com

                                               Click on photos for full screen viewing.