Walking on China!!

Welcome to crazyChina!!

From this page you can see our holyday trip around China this summer. In the beginning this web was only a blog to communicate and show our photos and comments to our friends and relatives. Now, it is growing and transforming in a complete China guide with a lot of information about cities, transports, useful advices and forums where you can share information.

It´s possible to visit all the links about city guides, and we will update this web with new photos and comments every week. If you have some question about China, don´t hesitate to ask us.

We hope you enjoy this page!!

Chinese money: Yuan

Much people ask themselves about the Chinese currency when they want to travel there. We told you: Chinese currency is the Yuan. At the moment the relation is 1 USD = 9 yuanes. For more information, better to verify it in this Web updated in real time: Yuan exchange.

Maybe you are thinking to go to the bank in your residence country to change your money to Yuans and carry them to China, but it is not possible (At least in Europe). No European bank allows to change Euros in Yuanes. So we have two possibilities.

- To take euros/USD and to change them in China: Several offices of currency exchange in the airports and great cities exist. They receive a variable commission.

- To take a debit or credit card and to remove money from the cash machine: There is no problem, although not all the cash machines will accept your card. Bank of Chinese and some more have branches by all the cities of China, and you will be able to get your money with masterd card or Visa with a commission from approximately 4 euros in each operation.

The limit often of Yuanes which you can remove in a single operation is of 2000 yuanes in the cash machine. If there are problems in finding tellers or exchanging, it is preferable to take always an acceptable amount of yuanes that allows us to travel without nerves. Sometimes it is difficult to find a cash machine wich accepts Visa in small cities.

The payment with card in the commerce is not as common as in Europe. Only in the great cities as Beijing or Shanghai is more extended. Chinese Yuan, is divided in 10 jiaos. Coins also exist. From 1 they yuan to 1 jiao. In the countryside we have never seen use coins, instead of tickets. The greatest ticket, is the one of 50 yuans. It is Better to only pay with these tickets when we do not have change in great commerce, because people distrust of great tickets due to the amount of falsifications that exist. You do not to feel strange if whenever you pay with 50 or 20 yuanes, people examines it until the limit, to know if it is or not false.

Next imagenes of yuanes.



1 yuan



1 yuan.

Your chinese name

IMPORTANT TO REQUEST THE NAMES IN CHINESE: A great amount of name requests in the commentaries of this page exists. In order to request a name in Chinese, you have to enter the forum (it connects of the left of the page) and to put a message of the type "I want the following name..." in the request forum of names.

Here are the requested names until the moment

Yam-drok lake guide

Potala Palace guide

Market and Barkor area guide

We left photos here. We hope you enjoy.

Tibet guide

Tibet is another world. Although it is a province of China, also is an independent region in all rule. Tibetans want to live peacefully, to become independent, to have their own religion, the buddhism and to live since they have always lived. They have many conflicts with chinese government, because Han chinese, do not understand tibetans want to live isolated. And they do not understand why they are not glad because of have been annexed to China, with new infrastructures, communications and tourism that chinese government have provided to them. It is a conflict you can view reflected when you want to visit Tibet. A special permission is needed to enter.

TIBET SPECIAL PERMISSION

Much people ask themselves, what is this. For what is needed?, if it is necessary, if it is possible to visit Tibet without it. We told you our experience. People said to us, it was necessary to enter Tibet to travel in a organized group by an travel agency, to have taken steps to acquire the entrance permission and to remain a minimum of 3 days there. This is the permit




Our experience was that we contacted with an agency from Spain, and we booked a tour of three days in Lhasa, with the flight from Chengdu and the return to Beijing. Altogether, with the managements and the visits cost about 600 euros to each one (700 US dollars). The experience soon said to us, that this price is a little expensive. If you look for it by your own you can save money.We do not know if the permit is really necessary or not. They requested it in the airport when entering and to leave Lhasa.

However we knew people who have traveled in their own without the Tibet travel permit. The permission and the flight to Lhasa can be managed from Chengdu from several shelters (like Mix backpackers) by about 1900 yuanes (190 euros). The return ticket depends on where you want to return but the prices were about 100 euros for Chengdu. 200 for Xian and 300 for Beijing. The lodging in Lhasa is not díficil to obtain and there are enough inns and shelters.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

We were scared because we thought that we were not going to be able to breathe or something thus. Lhasa is located to about 3700 meters of altitude. In the end the only symptoms were that I got dizzy a little the first day, but Inma did not feel anything. The third day we raised the Yam-drok lake, that is to about 5000 meters of height, and in addition to the spectacular views, we did not feel anything with respect to altitude sickness.

Here the height was just as the one of the Everest base camp. So, if you want to go there, it is possible with no problem with altitude sickness. Although if it is truth that is people who have commented to us that has hurt him the head, you feel nauseous, lost the appetite. Our travel agency published in Internet a set of advices, to avoid altitude sickness. How to avoid altitude sickness here

PLACES TO VISIT

Tibet and Lhasa do not have waste. In addition to Potala Palace, and other Buddhist monasteries and temples. We recommend two things to you.

- The market and the Zone of the Barkor: It is essential. It is the zone of old Lhasa. Where you will find a market with objects that you will not find in all China. It is necessary to consider that Lhasa is becoming more and more Chinese. And only 40 % of the inhabitants are tibetans. The rest is becoming a city of Chinese architecture with Han Chinese people. This zone is the one that better conserve old Lhasa spirit

- Nan-Tse Lake and Yam-drok lake: Visit a lake in the Himalayas is an experience that you do not have to lose. Incredible mountainous landscapes, 5000 meters of height with a turquish water lake. And form there you can view mountains with 7000 meters. Impressive. A pile of agencies by the zone of the Barkor and the SnowLand restaurant exists. It is possible to ask in several sites, because the prices vary much (it is always necessary to haggle). By about 100 euros you can go in rented car. We leave photos and interesting documents to you.

Tibet travel permit photo
Yam-drok lake guide
Guíadel mercado y la zona del Barkor
Guía de Lhasa y el Palacio de Potala
Tibet comments

Summer palace guide

Summer residence of the emperors. They moved away from prohibited city and they approached its incredible palace in the outskirts.

Tianannmen square and forbidden city guide

We only say one thing about this places: It is compulsory visit them. Here you can see pictures:

Beijing guide

Beijing and Shanghai are the most western citis of China. In spite of his modernity, Beijing conserves much of China authenty. Although it has been very rebuilding because of the olimpic games with wide avenues, Beijing does not stop being the center of China, and for that reason it has places you do not have to lose visiting.

PLACES

We were four days there. What you do not have to visit is Tianannmen square. Greatest square in the world wich is in downtown. You don´t have to pay to visit, but it is a good idea remaining taking a walk awhile that way. Alongside it is the Forbidden city, another obligatory visit. In the past, the price to enter was the life. Now, it is only necessary to pay about 3 euros to enter. It was the residence of the emperor, and one of the prettiest things you can see in China. Between these two places you can spend two days.

Of course, you also have the great wall. Here already you can spend a whole day visiting some of the ruins of the Great wall existing near Beijing. We recommend Simatai, as you can see in locuraChina , but you can see more tourist others. There are tours by about 10 euros in any hotel or tour agency.


El palacio de verano es otra buena excursion. Está a las afueras y era la residencia del emperador. Los Hutongs, barrios chinos con casas típicas también es otra visita que no te puedes perder. Y la calle principal de compras, la WangFujing, muy cerca de la plaza de Tiannamen, es muy recomendable....


Summer palace is another good tour. It is in the outskirts and it was the residence of the emperor. The Hutongs, Chinese districts wiyh typical houses is also another visit that you cannot lost. And the main street of purchases, the WangFujing, closely together of Tiannamen square, is very recommendable....

About this destinations, you can see the commentaries of Lonely planet, but of course, the named ones previously are essential. Before continuing extending information we are going to leave photos of some emblematic places.

ACCOMODATION

We believe the most important issue is to look for a centric site. In Quianmen area and the street that lowers from here in South direction there is a good handful of quite decent sites. The displacements are very important in this city, since it could take much time. For that reason a centric zone or with subway surrounds is better. It is true taxis are cheap, but sometimes it take too much time to arrive or finish being more expensive than the subway.

We recommend Leo Hostel. Located in this zone. It is where we lodged. For 15 euros you have a complete double room, with conditioned air (very important in summer).
Prices in Beijing are the highest of China (with Shanghai).

Great Wall adventure
Tiannanmen square and the Forbidden city
Summer palace
Another comments about Beijing

HongKong guide

HongKong was the first city we visited. We were impressed by it, but it's important to say that HongKong is not China. It is not only because of its modern way of life, occidental (expensive) prices, the culture is different, more developed...and people in HongKong use occidental WCs instead of holes in the ground!. A totally recommended city to visit, to see incredible skycrapers, neon ligths in everyplaces, infinite shops and impossible markets...

CITY

The view from HongKong island to Kowlon (is the peninsula opposite HongKong) is really incredible, and one of the things we liked most. In Kowlon there are some of the tallest skycrapers in the world. Bank on china tower for example. Also you can view the China stars avenue (like in Hollywood), with Jackie Chan hands marked in the ground.

Food markets are another "must to see" places. There you can see some extrages fruits, like dragon fruit or love fruit.

A curious sensation when you arrive to HongKong is the incredible wet and hot weather. The temperature reach more than 40ºC degrees (and we thing a 200% of humidity), and you are always sweating. This fact, and the millions of air conditioned machines wich are installed in all the buildings and throw all the hot air to the street make an oven in HongKong.

Also, there is another strange thing. The rare smell in the streets. You can go walking around HongKong and then you smell cooked dog, or vomits, or rotten potatoes, perfum...In short: very curious.

The subway is another place you have to view if you go to HongKong. They have a special system to avoid people suicide. It is an unbreakable transparent glass panel, but with gates. Then when the train arrive to the station, the gates are openened at the same time that the subway doors.

And now, the most important thing. You must see the incredible views of the city, with the skyscrapers shining at night from Victoria peak. One of the most spectacular views in the world from my point of view. To go to the peak you have to go by funicular.

HOW TO REACH HONGKONG

Yo have to know, HongKong is not China. You don't need visa to enter if you live in the European Union. But if you want to enter in China again, after you exit the main land, you need a two entries visit visa.

We arrive to HongKong, by plane from Shanghai (about 150 euros), because fast trains from Shanghai, and from Beijing only departs each two days, and takes 1 day to arrive HongKong. It costs about 50 euros and itś very dificult to book tickets because a lot of people travel in these lines. It is necessaty to book 3 or 4 days in advance.

If you want to visit a not so far destination. The best way is to go to Guangzhou, a city with 10 million people. Ticket costs about 20 euros, and the trip takes about 2 hours. From Guangzhou there is no problem to reach any destination in China.
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If you want to see pictures here

Hong Kong adventure
Hong Kong shopping

Yangshuo guide

Yangshuo is a little town (200 thousand people), one hour far away from Guilin. Maybe, it´s one of the things that we liked more. Yangshuo is near Yulong and Li rivers, and the landscapes there are incredible. You will remember that all your life.

HOW TO REACH

In Yangshuo there is not railway station. However a lot of buses and microbuses arrive to the city everytime. Maybe the easiest way to reach Yangshuo is go to Guilin first, and then, from there, go to Yangshuo by bus (1 USD single trip). The trip is around 1 hour of duration and also there are buses each hour every day.

AROUND YANGSHUO

This is the most important thing when you arrive here. This is a place to enjoy, to relax and to experience the rural ambient. Stress is not alloweb here.

In any hotel or travel agency you could book tours. We recommend:

- RAFTING: In the Yulong river. It cost about 10 USD, and you can sail during 3 hours in a little boat made of bambu wood, and commanded by a very nice chinese guy. Landscapes are incredible. You can see tipycal chinese round mountains covered of trees. Also you can jump to the water and swim if you like. One of the best things we have did in China.

- BIKE RIDING: It cost about 3 or 5 USD. You can rent a bike and ride around the city, take photos, watch the landscape. Very recommended

- CAVES VISIT: Very interesting. In one of them, there is a natural swimming pool made of mud. In there you can "figth" with yours friends. Very funny.

- RICE FIELD: We didn´t go there, but we could view a lot of pictures of this places and they looks like very beautiful. Rice fields in the mountains are a very spectacular landscape.

EAT

There is a lot of places to eat. In the main street, near small square there is a kindof market with tables. You can sit there and eat tipycal Yangshuo food. It´s very cheap, but be careful, it´s possible chinese people show you the animals alive before you eat them. If you chose one, then they kill it for your dish.

CITY

Market are the best thing to see. Food market in the mornings or clothes and antiques market in the afternoon. It´s incredible. You can see people selling products at 4 am in the morning. There is a very funny ambient, and at night there is a lot of bars and pubs for occidental people (and for chinese people too) near international youth hostels.

In short, it´s one of the most beautiful cities we have been, and we recommend it very much. Very Much better than Guilin, less people and more relaxing.

You can see photos and comments in:

YANGSHUO DAWN
RAFTING

Shanghai guide

We were in Shanghai for 4 days. It´s the most modern city in China, and it is more similar to Occident than the other China cities. It´s possible to find incredible things being China. For example, cars, taxis and buses stop when the traffic ligths are in green for the pedestrian. This is because there are policemen controlling most of the streets.

SHOPS

Shanghai and Beijing are the two cities where you can find more markets. The big clothes market is incredible. There, you could find more things and cheaper than in another place. Bags, coats, shoes, sport clothes, toys, t-shirts, dvds and all things you can imagine it´s possible in this market.

CITY

Nanjing Road was the place in Shanghai that we liked most. This is the bigest comercial street in China and the views from one of their extreme points are incredible. You can see from there the television tower and the skyscrapers

"The Bund", old bog and old Shanghai city center also was an indispensable place to visit. If you have the oportunity (here or in Beijing) we recommend you the acrobatics show by the National acrobatics company. It´s really spectacular.

To move around the city, the best way is taxi or subway. Althougth the start price is the most expensive in China: 10 yuan (1,2 dolars), you can reach most of places for less than 3 USD.

EAT

Food in Shanghai is the most expensive in all China. However you could taste a lot of different dishes. From the tipycal places where chinese people go to eat rice for 5 yuan, to luxury restaurants where you can eat all you want (beer included) for 5 USD.

AROUND SHANGHAI

A lot of people visit Hanzhou. A "little town" (Only 5 million people) with an incredible lake. It take only two hours form Shanghai by bus.

We have photos in this page.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/47553794@N00/sets/835898/

Itinerary around China

After comment the cities where we have been in China, we are going to put it on the map. Because it´s very difficult for people to situate Kunming in a China map, for example, hehe!.

The itinerary that we chose includes fligths, buses and trains. In order to learn more about China transportation we will comment our opinions.

TRAINS: In our view the best transport in quality/price relation is the hard sleeper nigth train. It is only a bit more expensive than bus, but faster and much more confortable (there isn´t a road with a lot of holes). Soft sleeper train is too luxury from our point of view if you travel as backpacker (and maybe very expensive) but many times is the only way to travel because chinese people travel a lot and all the seats are sold out. In the trip Beijing - Shanghai, a waiter came to our compartment to serve us the breakfast. In many web pages about China, people say that they don´t like hard sleeper, but in our opinion it´s marvellous, also you can see incredible landscapes.

BUS: It´s the hell!! (ok, it´s not the hell, but almost a small hell). But it´s an incredible oportunity to introduce in the authentic China world: people who don´t wash their feet, shouting, laughting... and stops each six hours to go to the toilet or eat in the real rural China towns. We recommend live this experience minimun once. In the bus you don´t have a seat, it´s a kind of bed, and you can lay to see the landscape. However we don´t recommend the "common-place" at the back of the bus, where 5 person sleep in a small place. It´s better the front places. A big problem is the road, with a lot of holes and crazy drivers...very interesting.

PLANE: China fligths are more or less the same than in other countries. The seat is small but the trip is short. It is fast, but it is expensive.





TRIPS DURATION AND PRICES:

Shanghai - Hong Kong: Plane. 150 euros. 2 hours
Hong Kong - Guangzhou: Train. 30 euros. 2 hours
Guangzhou - Yangshuo: Bus. 22 euros (Bougth in CITS, the real price was 9 euros). 20 hours?
Yangshuo - Guilin: MicroBus. 1 euro. 1 hours
Guilin - Nanning: Bus. 16 euros. 9 hours.
Nanning - Kunming: Bus. 20 euros. 26 hours.
Kunming - Dali: Bus. 6 hours. 10 euros. If you arrive to your destination before the time, you can sleep in the bus for two or three hours.
Kunming - Chengdu: Train. Hard sleeper. 20 euros. 16 hours.
Chengdu - Lhasa: Plane. 100 euros. 2 hours
Lhasa - Pekin: Plane. 250 euros. 5 hours.
Pekin - Shanghai: Train. Soft sleeper. 50 euros. 20 hours.
Shanghai - Hangzhou: Bus. 10 euros. 2 hours.