Ugar Family on the Silk Road

The Silk Road is kind of like the Last Frontier of China in the far Northwest part of the country.  For many years it was almost ignored by Tourists for not having good accommodations.  Today that has all changed with new hotels, the fast trains, historical sights of all kinds and of course the diversity of having several different cultures.  The main culture are the Ugars now mixed with many other cultures from near by countries.  The family of Ugars pictured here are just north of Urumqi which is the largest city in northwest China.  Once you leave the city, you go back hundreds of years as many Ugars and others live like their ancestors did centuries ago.  You will find them very friendly although few speak English.  That is why it is good to have a Ugar guide who speaks their local dialect and language.  The beauty of the Silk Road which extends from Xian to the border of western China  has much to offer in sights, history and culture besides the beauty of mountains and desert.  We have several private packaged tours of this wonderful area that include desert as well as mountain areas.  See our web site at  www.interlakechinatours.com and click on Packaged Tours and then Silk Road Tours for examples.  We also do customized private tours to your specific interests too.

Hand Embroidery in China

Although these pieces look like beautiful paintings, they are actually hand made embroidery.  This is just a small sample which you can find in museum like stores in many parts of the country.  The three at the top came from one of the museum shops in Chengdu.  The bottom one I purchased in a small village outside of LiJiang in the mountains north of Kunming.  The woman took 3.5 months to do it and it was her own design.  I have several others in our home.  Hand made embroidery has been made usually by women in the countryside to bring money in for the family.  In past days one could find these beautiful pieces very inexpensive.  My wife  found some antique pieces in a remote village where the family was selling items from their mother who had passed.  One was from the mid 1800's.  One needs to be very careful when purchasing embroidery as many are now made by computer in work shops these days.  Close examination will tell you which are hand made and which are machine made.  If they are very cheap, you can realize that they are probably machine made.  Silk threads of many colors often hand dyed are used to embroider the shading and with light on them they will come almost live.   Private customized tours can take you to these places without pressure to buy so that you may admire the work and yes if interested you can also purchase them.  For more information, please contact me at  interlak@eskimo.com   My name is Dave.

      CLICK ON THE PHOTOS FOR A FULL SCREEN VIEW!

My China Photo Album of 25 Years

After 25 years of travel in China and posting photos on many web sights, my photo album has become quite large.  Google picks up these photos that I use and adds them to my photo web site.  You can find it at  www.picasaweb.google.com/ChinaDave1    It shows several albums but one has over 800 photos in it.  Some are duplicates.  I have always enjoyed photography and China is a fantastic country with so much variety that it is difficult not to take good photos.  I always refer to it as a photographers paradise.  I always carry a camera with me but one time I missed a shot that I still kick myself about.  I had left my camera in the car when we went to an outdoor café in the countryside.  A bus came by with cages of geese on top of the whole bus.  The geese all had their necks sticking out of the cages facing forward as if on tour.  All 200 of them.  Over the years I have missed other opportunities but also have gotten some great shots too.  I have had a few clients who are professional photographers and they have said that China is a great area for photography especially of rice terraces and their national parks for scenery.  Please enjoy looking at my albums.
        CLICK ON THE PHOTOS FOR A FULL SCREEN VIEW!

               They Call Me "ChinaDave"  with 25 Years of Travel in China!

China Visa Is Needed

It has just been announced that a visa to China which formally was only for one year for a multiple entry visa, a 10 year visa will now be available.   You will be able to enter China multiple times in a 10 year period without needing to apply each time.  Cost is still the same about $200 per visa through a Visa Service.   Your passport must be valid at least 1 year to obtain a 10 year visa.  If valid less than a year, then a 6 months visa will be issued.   If you would like a visa kit emailed to you, just advise me and I will have it emailed to you.  I just need to know which state you are located in as there are several Consulate Districts.. The new forms are now available reflecting the 10 year visa.  Visas either need to be applied for in person at one of the Chinese Consulates or sent to a visa service which will do it for you.   It is suggested that you  apply at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance of your departure.  If in the  future your passport expires having a 10 year visa in it that has not expired  you may summit your old passport with the new passport to keep the 10 year unexpired time of the visa.   Let me know if you would like a visa application emailed to you.  You can then apply for your visa directly yourself through a visa application service.  IF you have any questions on visas please let me know.  My email address is   interlak@eskimo.com   My name is Dave and better known to my friends as ChinaDave.

One Expense We Forget

One expense most people forget about is laundry.  Most hotels in the cities have laundry service.  Leave it in the morning and it is back by night. On my recent trip I collected laundry lists from several hotels.  I chose a 4 star hotel in Shanghai as the best example.  3 star hotels are a bit less and 5 star hotels a bit more.  Laundry does not always include Pressing in many hotels.  That is extra.   Here is an average cost:   Man's Shirt  $6  pressing $4.    Pair of Men's Jeans.  $7.00 and $4 for pressing.    For women as example, a blouse is $6 and $4 for pressing if needed.  A dress is $9 and $6 for pressing.  Ladies slacks are $6 and $5 for pressing.  This is in the larger cities of course and less costly in the smaller or remote areas.  In the remote mountain areas however it may take more than one day as most hotels do not have dryers and clothes are hung out to dry. As you can see during a two or three week's trip that cost can add up.  My wife and I have polyester/nylon shirts and pants when we travel.  These can be washed by hand in your hotel room.  You flatten them out on a bath towel and then roll it up.  You then squeeze the tube to get some of the water out.  Then leave it for about 2 hours to let the water soak into the towel.  You then hang them on the string across the bathtub in all hotels and they usually dry over night.  Cotton clothing dries very slowly and usually takes a couple of days.  For more tips on travel in China, email us at   interlak@eskimo.com     My Name is Dave and I am always glad to answer your questions without expecting your tour business.  You might enjoy viewing my photo album of China Photos.  www.picasaweb.google.com/ChinaDave1  and web site at  www.interlakechinatours.com

 

Prices in China - Fall of 2014

Many people think that the Orient and China in particular is inexpensive.  As a Tour Operator, my clients receive a questionnaire when they return home asking about their tour.  One of the questions is:  Did you find China   More Expensive   Less Expensive  or   About what you thought.   3/4th of them this past year ticked  More Expensive.   I just returned in late Nov. 2014 from my 55th trip to China.  I have seen all the fantastic growth that must be seen and not read about.  Prices have increased as their economy has flourished.  Some tour operators have cheapened their tours by cutting out some services, using less expensive hotels in not so convenient locations and putting in Buffets rather than sit down and be served meals.  As a custom private tour operator I know how to save money and at the same time offer great tours with my Chinese partners.  We never cut the quality of our tours and still put our clients in well located hotels where it is easy and safe to be able to walk around in the evenings or day time on free days without worry. There are a wide range of prices in China and one needs to work with a tour operator that knows China and has the connections to obtain the best prices making your tour one to always remember.  A bargain tour is not a bargain if you are unhappy and just have to stick it out until you return home.  A well planned tour is long remembered after the cost is forgotten.  Bargain shopping is still available in some areas but one needs to be aware of the quality too.  For more information contact me at  interlak@eskimo.com  View my web sites at  www.interlakechinatours.com and Photo Album at  www.picasaweb.google.com/ChinaDave1

25 Years of Photos I took in China

If you would like to see personal photos of China that I took over a period of 25 years you can go to my Photo Album.  www.picasaweb.google.com/ChinaDave1   There are six albums shown there with the largest being over 800 photos.   Just click on one of the photos to look at the Albums.   As you will see China is so very different from one end of the country to the other and I have never tired of travel in China either in a former business or my tour company.  My tour company has a web site at www.interlakechinatours.com   We have been doing private custom tours to China for over 20 years with customers from all over the world.  Located here in Seattle, Washington, we only work on the internet from a low overhead home office.  We enjoy a A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and have never had a reported complaint.  We have Chinese Associate partners in China with the best reputations for quality and service taking advantage of their low contract prices with hotels and services.   We pride ourselves in doing quality tours to China and Tibet only specializing in custom private tours.  Email us for a list of references of past customers for their insights too.  You can contact me at   interlak@eskimo.com    Enjoy my photo albums and hope to hear from you.

On Site Inspections!

I will be leaving  this month  (Nov. 2014) on my 55th inspection trip to China since 1989.  Having travelled all over China for some years in another business, I started the tour business in 1993.  Since then I have sent over 2,500 people from all over the world to China and Tibet on private custom tours and private custom group tours.  I travel all over China each year checking new places to send people that are newly opened to tourism.  I not only look at new sights with my Associate Chinese partners, I check hotels for cleanliness, service and location to assure that my clients have satisfactory accommodations whether it be a 3, 4 or 5 star hotels.   We obtain low contract prices with hotels through our Chinese partners assuring best value.  I also will be taking my 8th cruise on the Yangtze River with the Century Line which is the top cruise line in China.  www.centuryrivercruises.com  Click on the British Flag for English.   New to the U.S. market we represent Century Cruise Line on the Yangtze and as an introduction are offering  50% off cruises when combined with at least a 10+ day custom private tour.  Bookings must be completed by April 15th and the cruise must be taken before Oct. 31st.   I never tire of the cruises with so many activities, entertainment, and off ship activities including an up close tour of the largest Dam site in the World!  Contact us for more information and prices.  My friends call me  ChinaDave and can be emailed at  interlak@eskimo.com

               Click on the photos for a full screen view

                     Dave at the old Panda Preserve

                5 Story Tall Buddha Carved from one Tree Trunk in Beijin
                    Lobby of the Ball Room in the Beijing Hotel

For More Photos go to  www.picasaweb.google.com/ChinaDave1

2015 Web site Now on Line!

Our 2015 web site, Interlake China Tours, Inc. is now on line at  www.interlakechinatours.com    This year we are featuring the Yangtze River Cruise at 50% OFF.  Bookings are available until April 15th. for sailings completed by Oct. 31st.  See our web site for details or email us at   interlak@eskimo.com    This special price is available only this year to introduce the 5 Star Line,  Century Cruises  to the U.S. public with 6 modern and beautiful boats sailing the Yangtze River.  For details of the itineraries including a tour of the dam with the largest locks in the world check out their web site at   www.centuryrivercruises.com   For English click on the British flag on the top right corner of the front page.  This is our 26th. year of doing custom private and group tours to China and Tibet only.  Our specialty is doing Customized Private Tours for individuals or Groups who come to us with their Special Interests.  Let us plan a special tour just for you to your special interests and budget.  China is a large country with countless sights and over 57 minority peoples living in a country the size of the U.S.  A good planned tour to your special interests, accommodations and budget makes a great tour rather than a general tour which may include sights that you may not be interested in and  shopping stops that take up valuable sightseeing time.

 

 

            Click on the photos to see a full screen picture.

Shortest Flight to China from the U.S.

Hainan International Airlines of China is truly one of the best services to China.  Departing now from Boston, Chicago and Seattle with connecting low cost flights from many U.S. cities.  Non-stop flights from Chicago, Boston and Seattle with free air from California and Oregon to Seattle.  Seattle to Beijing non-stop is only 10 hours leaving and arriving at convenient hours.  From Seattle you arrive just in time for dinner and a good nights sleep.  Some airlines arrive in the late evening with less costly landing fees but inconvenient to you.  Hainan Air flies the new 787 Boeing aircraft that is smooth and has great service.  Business class is similar to other's First Class and has seats that open up flat for a good nights rest.  They even have  pajamas it you like and soft comforters and pillows.

The flight is very scenic flying up the Canadian coast, Alaska, the Aleutian islands and the Bering Sea, down across Siberia and into Beijing.  You depart from Seattle at 1:00 p.m.  and arrive in Beijing the following day at 5:00 p.m. having sunshine the whole way.  Returning home you can watch the sunrise over Alaska as you fly down to Seattle arriving during the late morning.   There are flights from Hong Kong or Shanghai connecting in Beijing to fly non-stop to Seattle, Boston or Chicago too.    Ask for a quote and check my web site for both  Packaged Tours and our specialty is doing Customized Private tours to your interests and needs.  www.interlakechinatours.com 
                   Click on the photos for a full screen view!

 

Which Tour Should I buy to See China?

I have been teaching a class on Touring China for 15 years at local Universities and Community Colleges.   I have travelled throughout China and Tibet for 26 years.  One of the questions I get asked often is "How do I determine which tour to buy?"    Most people determine how much time they have available and then start checking tours either on the internet or with a local travel agent.  I have to agree it is difficult at best to compare tours without a great deal of knowledge about the country so most end up looking at Prices.  The cost of the tour should of course be on your list of considerations but should be down the list of your needs.  It is easy to compare international air costs which get you to China and back.   Nothing is worse than buying a poor tour and having to stick it out going home dissatisfied.   You spend a great deal of money so you should see what you are interested in and be comfortable with your tour arrangements.  Checking with tour operators you should ask for a list of references of their past clients.  If they can not furnish one, then you can eliminate them.  If you are just interested in seeing China in a general way, then a small group tour of 15 people or less or a private packaged tour is a good choice.  If you have specific interests and needs, then a Private Custom Tour to your interests and needs is a better choice from an experienced Tour Operator who specializes in China.   

For more information on touring China please contact me at   interlak@eskimo.com   without any pressure to purchase a tour from my company.  My friends call me "ChinaDave" from Seattle.

Xian's Terra Cotta Warriors Site

One of the must see sights for many people is the Terra Cotta Warriors site in Xian.  The Warriors seen here were unearthed in 1974 when three farmers digging a well found them.  The site is large and now has four pits unearthed and open to the public.   The Warriors were arranged at one time as an army to protect the Emperor Qin Shi Huang in front of his tomb.  The site took 38 years to build with over 700,000 workers.  The artisans who constructed his burial room were buried alive in the tomb to keep the location of the room secret.  The Tomb itself has never been opened as it has been considered too dangerous having very loose soil contaminated with arsenic to protect the tomb from grave robbers.  In a separate building there is a museum of artifacts found in the pits and near the tomb in excellent condition.  Well worth the small extra fee to visit it.  Located near the airport is a little known site called the Yangling Mausoleum over 2,500 years old.  This tomb of Emperor Jingdi of the Western Han Dynasty is actually open and you can enter it to see the inside burial place along with many artifacts well preserved and on display.  Because the Terra Cotta Warrior site is so famous, the Yangling Mausoleum often is overlooked and not included in most

tours.  As a tour operator I often suggest this site to clients who are interested in history and it is convenient to see it on arrival or departure from the airport.    Click on the photo for a full screen view.

Wild Elephants in China?

Yes, there are wild elephants in China along with many other animals, birds and wild life including Tigers.  Here you see some of the wild elephants in Xishuangbanna are of south Yunnan province.  They are located in the Sanchahe Nature Reserve not far from the city of Jinghong.   Jinghong which is in the middle of one of the most diverse areas of China has the only airport in southern Yunnan province.  The home of many minority peoples each with their own customs and dress is one of the most beautiful areas of China and is seldom visited by western tourists.   There are many faces of China with countless Nature Reserves with birds of every species, wild monkeys including the rare Golden Monkeys which I have seen myself in upper Yunnan province.  I have toured many different countries around the world but China still remains one that continues to fascinate me with now over 50 visits to all corners of the country.  The variety of sites, 57 different nationalities each with their own customs and dress, festivals, food and very friendly people makes it much to look forward to during each of my visits.   Variety is the Spice of Life and China fits into that description from one end of the country to the other.  Check my web site for just a few of the tour packages to give you some ideas on where to tour but we specialize in doing Custom Private or Group Tours to your interests and needs.  For more information contact us at www.interlakechinatours.com 
 email:   interlak@eskimo.com   My friends call me "ChinaDave"

Chinese Magazines

As a tour operator to China, I must keep up on all the news and changes going on in China.  Besides my annual trips to China for inspections and seeing the changes, I read everything I can and watch web sites that keep me informed.   China National Tourist Office is one source you will find interesting and you can order maps, brochures and other information for free.  I faithfully read one special magazine called   "CHINA TODAY" which is published here in the U.S. in full color.  What is happening in China and especially tourist information is all included.  You see here one issue on the changing childhood in the cities and how the "one child policy" has fared over the years.  Even the education system is changing to reflect the needs of dealing with the modern world.  The  monthly magazine costs about $34 per year post paid.  You can order it from the Cypress Book Company, Subscription Dept.  360 Swift Ave.  Suite 48   South San Francisco, CA. 94080-9838.   Insights to modern China are written about each month along with many cultural sites in China opening up to tourism now.   For more information contact me at:   interlak@eskimo.com   I am known by my friends as "ChinaDave".

Sanjiang - Home of the Dong People

As a China Tour Operator for the past  25 years, I often receive inquiries from people wanting to visit culturally rural China to see areas outside of the large cities and major sites.  Usually I recommend south central China with Sichuan, Yunnan and Guizhou provinces being the favorite places as it has so much to offer in a compact area.  There are over 57 minority peoples in China each with their own customs and unique dress.  Many of these are located in these three provinces although there are others.  Sanjiang pictured here is about 100 kms. north west of Guilin in Guangxi Zhuang region, and very typical of a minority group called the Dong people who settled this area over 1000 years ago. 
Other nationalities you can visit in this area are Miao, Yao, Zhuang and Han.  This to me is the real China of the past far from the large busy modern cities.  Sichuan province to the north is the most populated province with over 100 million people in it; however some of the most remote villages are also located here that have changed little in hundreds of years.  I plan personal customized tour itineraries for my clients so that they see and experience their personal interests.  Group tours seldom if ever visit these areas and they will never be crowded. You are may have your own personal visit and often be able to visit people in their homes when accompanied by a guide who can translate for you.  I hope I can do a personal tour for you...check my web site at  www.interlakechinatours.com

Modern China

As a Tour Operator to China only, I send a Profile sheet to each Inquiry asking them to list some information on their personal interests, way they like to tour, level of hotels, etc. etc.  After I receive it back from them, I develop an outline of cities and number of days for them to tour based on their input.  Many are  looking for the ancient culture of China with such spots as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terra Cotta Warriors etc.  Few ever ask about MODERN China.  Of course you need to see all the cultural sights but don't overlook some of the modern sights and experiences of China.
Here you see the modern engine of the Fast Train that runs from Beijing to Shanghai in as little as four hours.  In the past it took 12 hours by regular train and only went at night since leaving during the day made arrivals in the middle of the night inconvenient.  Part of your tour should include one of the new fast trains that routes are being added every year.  Going from Beijing to Xian by train was only available by night trains as it also takes 12 hours so you would see nothing on the way.  Now the new fast trains are available for day time trips where you can see the countryside as you go.  I took a fast train this past year from Chengdu to Chongqing and it was unbelievably smooth with no clicking of the tracks and only took 2.5 hours. There is no longer air service between some of the closer cities today because the trains are so fast and convenient going from center or each city eliminating airport transfers too.  The only negative is that stations are very busy and crowded; however the experience is well worth the time.  If you want another train experience going 285 mph. there is the train from Shanghai to the airport.  It takes one hour + by taxi or bus...but only 7 minutes by the MagLev train.  And top speed is reached for only 2.75 minutes of that trip as it takes time to get up to speed and time to slow down on arrival.

 
For more modern sights of China contact me at  interlak@eskimo.com   My friends call me
"ChinaDave"   My web site is  www.interlakechinatours.com 

Why Tour China?

As a tour operator to China for the past 25 years, I have  come in contact with many people  who inquire about China.  Sometimes one partner is not as excited about going on a tour as the other but is going along with it.  Mostly it is a lack of information or pre-conceived ideas about China but both become excited about their trip when they return.  I have travelled throughout China for 26 years.  During the off season my wife and I have travelled to many other countries for several years.   Although each country has it's distinctive culture and sights; China I think has the most diverse sights to offer with over 57 different nationalities each with it's own culture and dress. You can visit as many as 20+ cultures in one or two provinces.  As example, one culture does not marry and lives around a fairy tale like lake in the mountains.  Another once a couple marry, the man retires and the women do all the work. :-)  Another culture the men sleep in one room and the women in another and each has a different entrance to their house.  These are just examples.  Each area of the country is quite different and there is so much to offer.  I have made over 50 trips to China and I never tire of my travels there as there are always new things to see and do.  I retired early at 47 from a business career and needed something to do.  I visited China with a business friend in 1989 and saw first hand a country in transition from ancient ways to modern ways and wanted to watch the progress of this large country.  It has been exciting to say the least to watch both their economic progress as well as the social changes such as the one child policy amongst others.  As they have had more exposure to the West, the changes in China have been rapid.   I continue to scour the countryside to find places that are not changing as fast since the young people want to leave the countryside and go to the larger cities for as they say  "For a better life".  Ancient China with all its fantastic sights and modern China with their fast trains, modern airports, (continued below)

architecture, and preserved sites has become a mecca for tourists from all countries.   Be sure put China on the top of your list of countries to visit in the future.  You can check my web site at  

www.interlakechinatours.com 

Cost of Touring China

As a Tour Operator I receive many inquiries about how much it cost to tour China.  Many think it is very inexpensive because IT IS CHINA with their low costs of labor etc.  That was true just 10 years ago but things have changed.  There is Old China in the rural areas and there is New China in the cities.  Costs can vary a great deal.  My Chinese friend who lived near Boston for one year while going to school, returned to China this year and could not believe the difference in prices of food and many other things.  She said prices in China for many food items were much higher.  Many other costs in the U.S. were less for many items including hotels.   I travel to China myself often and find the same things.  A cup of Chinese coffee at the airport in Chengdu was 20% higher than Starbucks  which was just 50 feet away as an example.  If you see a very inexpensive tour to China on the internet, there is a reason why which you will find out when you arrive.  Expect to pay at least $3,000 to $4,000 per person not including international air for a 15 to 17 day private tour.  Group tours may be about 10% less but some can actually be more. Tours that are less costly or budget tours usually include two to three shopping stops each day often masked as cigarette or toilet stop breaks.  Many tour companies are now making some sights optional or steam table buffets to make their tours look less expensive.  China tours normally include most meals, all transportation, hotels and all sightseeing that they list.  Tips and Visas are usually extra and visa costs can range from $150 to $250 per person for the visa alone. You get what you pay for in China!  You spend about the same to get there so you should be able to see what you are interested in without having "shopping stops" taking up your touring time.  For more information on Cost of Travel in China contact me with any questions.  I am always glad to be of assistance in your planning without pressure to book a tour. www.interlakechinatours.com   My name is Dave and you can email me at  interlak@eskimo.com

Friendly Faces of China

I have travelled China for 26 years and everywhere I go I see friendly faces like these in the photos.  The people of China are very open and friendly always welcoming me wherever I go.  In the countryside you will often be invited for tea if you just show up at their doorstep.  Even when they do not want their pictures taken, they give a broad smile and shake their heads.  Getting into the culture is very easy no matter where you go.  In restaurants no one hurries you to eat and leave.  You must ask for a check as it is impolite to give a check to a guest without them asking even when they are very busy.  When travelling with a guide, they will often just shout out to the home  (no door bells in the countryside) and say,  "There is a foreigner here who would like to visit you if you are not busy".  Even when they are busy, they stop to invite you in and serve tea while they continue to work.  Exchanging questions asking about your life as well as you asking about their lives is common.  In the city it may be quite different however you will still see friendly faces even if they can not speak the language. Parks are a great place to have those personal encounters.  If you have children with you they will often be approached by Chinese children who are very curious about young foreigners. 

 Children see t.v. and learn English after 3rd grade and you always get a friendly "Hello" from them.   I hope you get the opportunity to have those personal encounters too.
     My web site is:   www.interlakechinatours.com   Click on the photos for a full screen view!

Chengdu - a Relaxing City

Chengdu in Sichuan province which is in the central part of the country is not always included in many group tours.  I like to send people there on private custom tours as Chengdu has so much to offer in the surrounding areas.  Home of the Panda, you can visit the Experiment Station which has only Pandas  including new born ones in the nursery.   Chengdu has many relaxing parks and tea houses where the local people gather to play Mahjong and other games during the warm afternoons. Dufu's Cottage park is one of my favorites.  You can often see an orchestra practicing, choir groups and children playing games.  They have a fantastic Bonsai collection also.  The Wen Shu Temple park is another with vegetarian lunches and tea with snacks in the park.  There are also several areas of the city that have preserved the old buildings and left as they were 100 years ago.  Here you see Jinlin Street as one example.  Another is the beautiful Kuan Xhai Xiang Zi Alley with its beautiful courtyard restaurants and tea houses.  I often stay at the Buddha Zen Hotel which is a traditional hotel built around a courtyard and the area around the hotel has been preserved in the old style. There are many small towns and villages surrounding Chengdu like Huanglongxi town which is very scenic as one example.  If you want to visit remote mountain areas with small villages and Tibetan people you may want to visit my web site at www.interlakechinatours.com       Look under packaged tours:  10 Day Mountain Tour.

You may even stay in a Tibetan family hotel in one of the small villages if you like.  For more information check my web site or email me for details at    email:  interlak@eskimo.com

China is Pandas!

You see here me with a pair of two year old Pandas. They are like lively children always willing to play.  Chengdu in Sichuan province is the home of the Pandas in China.  Located in south central China, the Experiment station just outside Chengdu is like a wonderful zoo devoted to only Pandas.  There is a nursery with a very large picture window where you may see the New Born Pandas close up.  The old Panda Preserve was destroyed by a large earthquake a few years ago.  Fortunately they had just remodeled the Experiment Station so tourists can see the Pandas in their natural habitat close up.  If you go to see Pandas be sure to visit them during the morning hours as afternoons they usually sleep which is part of their habit even in the wild.   I had  my photo taken with a large Male Panda a few years ago and couldn't believe how friendly he was since he was born and raised at the Panda Preserve.   Sichuan province is one of the most interesting provinces in China with many nature sights and cultural places to visit.  A kind of sleepy large city with many parks and tea houses, a visit here will be well rewarded with fond memories of old and new China.   Let my 26 years of Travel in China help you plan a special tour customized just for you and your special interests.  You can see my web site at www.interlakechinatours.   Click on the photo for a full screen view!

Little Visited Guizhou Province

Guizhou province usually gets passed over by most tourists as one can not see everything in China in just a few weeks.  A client wanted to go there to see a specific village years ago so I went to check out the province to see if it was ready for tourism with good hotels and sites worth visiting.  I found very few tourists which was nice and many wonderful small villages one that you see here nestled in a hillside and valley.  Zeniel Village has both Shui and Miao ethic nationalities living there near DuJiang Town.   The largest waterfall in China is also located at Huang Guo Shu on the way to Anshun is a wonderful visit and there is one of the most beautiful Bonsai parks I have seen in all China of which there are many.  In Anshun you can visit Dragon Palace Cave park and take a boat ride on the near by lake.  There is 700 year old Tunpa Han Village nearby where 22 generations of people live who had been warriors.  The Stone Fort or Temple still stands and can be visited at Stone Temple Village.  Eastern Guizhou province is still developing but if you would like to see what past

generations lived like, it is a good place to visit although good hotels are yet to develop fully.   For more information on Guizhou province touring contact us at   interlak@eskimo.com
Let my 25 Years of travel throughout China be of help to you in seeing China up close and personal.

"Encountering the Chinese" Book on China

If you are doing research on China, one of the best books I have found is "Encountering the Chinese" a Guide for Americans.  It is difficult to find so I went right to the publisher and ordered 100 books to have on hand for my customers.   It is just $24.95 post paid if you would like a copy.  It gives an over all picture of meeting and interacting with the Chinese people besides giving you valuable insights into their culture.    It is a must read for anyone who will be interacting directly with the Chinese people whether it is in Business, cultural exchange delegations or as a Tourist who is interested  in understanding and dealing with the culture more in depth.  You can send your check or money order for $24.95 post paid to  Interlake China Tours, Inc.  P.O. Box 33652  Seattle, WA.  98133