Today sketchandtravel.com and bookpleasures.com are pleased to have as a guest Shelley Jiang, Editor of LET’S GO CHINA, 6th Edition, one of the 57 guides published by LET’S GO PUBLICATIONS ‘best-selling quote series.
Norm Goldman, editor of Bookpleasures.com and Sketchandtravel.com, conducted the following interview. Norm is also a regular contributor to lovetripper.com.
Good morning Shelley and thank you for accepting our invitation to be interviewed.
NORM: Tell our readers something about yourself and your experience with China.
SHELLEY: Born in China, I spent the first six years of my life in Beijing, the city that I will always think of as my first home. Although I moved to America and attended school there, I remain deeply connected to China through books, news, movies, family, and spending summers there every two to three years. During these summer trips, I often travel around the country and have visited many of the Let’s Go: China locations.
NORM: Would you consider China a good option for a romantic getaway or a destination for weddings and honeymoons? Why?
SHELLEY: China is big enough to offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a fast-paced weekend in Shanghai, a trip to the beautiful outdoors of China, or a dive into centuries of tradition and history. But don’t expect Paris or the Caribbean – China isn’t your average romantic getaway, but rather a destination for the adventurous and free-spirited. There are no resorts or pampering here – part of the excitement and romance of a China vacation is experiencing a new culture and enjoying the bravery and beauty.
For those willing to ditch the conventional and off the beaten track, breathtaking natural sights and unique cultural experiences await. Known otherworldly landscapes from many martial arts movies (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Hero) can also serve as a backdrop for your personal love story. Ancient palaces, pagodas, and temples invite travelers to step back into a past that spans more than 5,000 years. Cities like Beijing and Shanghai proudly display their past alongside their future, with skyscrapers rising one after another and an urban culture that rivals those of any American or European city.
NORM: What is the best time to visit China from the point of view of weather, costs, crowds, and availability of flights from the US, Canada, Europe and Australia, etc.?
SHELLEY: Peak travel hours in China are around Chinese New Year (sometime from January to February, according to the lunar calendar), May 1, July-August, and the first week of October. The best time to visit would be from late April to June, when the weather is warm, students are still in school, and many establishments still have low-season prices. Fall is also a nice time to travel without the crowds (but avoid the holiday week of October 1) and see some beautiful foliage, especially in the north.
Airfares to China are most expensive between June and September. Even flying on May 31 instead of June. 1st will get you a cheaper flight. If you fly from September to May, you will get much cheaper flights. Plan Ahead: Cheapest tickets for summer flights to China sell out in early March.
NORM: Could you give our readers an idea of the costs involved if the trip originates from the US, Canada and Europe and Australia?
SHELLEY: China is a budget traveler’s dream come true, with the exception of airfare, which can cost between $ 600 and $ 1,500. It is cheaper to fly from September to May. The best places to find low fares are Chinese-run travel agencies in Chinatown; check your local Chinese newspaper or ask to find their listings.
Budget-minded people can often spend $ 2 to $ 10 a night to stay in a hostel or basic room, depending on the destination. Food can cost as little as US $ 4 per person per day for meals from street vendors and small family restaurants.
Of course, splurges and treats are everywhere. A comfortable hotel room will cost between $ 25 and $ 50 a night, and luxurious suites cost between $ 60 and $ 150 a night. For US $ 8-25, a couple can dine at fancier restaurants serving distinctive gourmet dishes.
The cheapest and most convenient way to get around China is by train. Short trips can cost around $ 5-12 for a one-way ticket, while longer trips will cost up to $ 50. However, expect to pay more than $ 100 for a private sleeping compartment for two.
The number of domestic flights in China is on the rise. One-way fares range from US $ 90-200; Round-trip fares are always double the one-way fare.
NORM: If you had to choose between 3-5 unbeatable places in China for a romantic getaway, honeymoon, or wedding destination, what would they be and why?
SHELLEY:
Jiuzhaigou: Located deep in the mountains of northern Sichuan, the “Valley of the Nine Tibetan Peoples” is known for its pristine lakes and waterfalls that shine in a spectrum of shadows in the sun. You may remember the incredibly blue lakes from the fight sequence filmed here on Hero. Nature lovers can hike under the shadow of snow-capped peaks, experience local Tibetan culture, and, in nearby Songpan, embark on horseback riding through nature. Nearby are convenient tourist services offering everything from budget accommodations to five-star hotels.
Hangzhou – Classic China lovers can head to this elegant southern city and the historic dynastic capital. Willows, gardens, pavilions and delicately arched bridges dot the shores of West Lake, the scene of the most famous love stories of ancient China. Enjoy fragrant Dragon Well tea as you dine at one of China’s oldest restaurants that once served the emperors. The misty waters and the pleasures of the city are enough to captivate anyone; otherwise nearby Shanghai promises a plunge into modernity.
Yunnan – This province on the border with Vietnam and Myanmar is the ideal destination for adventurers, with its 22 colorful ethnic minority cultures and diverse natural landscapes. Its capital, Kunming, “City of Eternal Spring”, enchants travelers with flowers on every street, but the real attractions are in the countryside. Pack your gear for a hike south into rainforests and rice paddies, dotted with Dai villages and gleaming Buddhist stupas. Northern Yunnan is better known as “Shangri-La,” where red-clad monks walk the streets of mountain villages and snow-capped peaks draw attention in the distance.
Xinjiang: Xinjiang takes romance and writes it big on vast expanses of deserts and horizons. Experience the exoticism of a nomadic lifestyle with camel rides through the dunes and nights under the stars on China’s last frontier. Or climb the legendary Tianshan Mountains overlooking the “Heavenly Pool”. The friendly Uyghur musicians will be delighted to perform at the Uighur-style wedding celebrations, filled with tasty food, fresh grapes and melons, and lots of singing and dancing.
Hong Kong: Hong Kong offers a vacation that is as sophisticated and exciting as it is expensive. From high-end shopping malls to crowded street markets, Hong Kong easily combines class and chaos. Dinner cruises in Victoria Harbor, elegant hotels and restaurants, and endless clubs, bars and entertainment options ensure you never run out of things to do. Macau draws travelers with its many casinos and its Portuguese-influenced cuisine and architecture, but you’ll soon find yourself back in Hong Kong.
NORM: What should people know about hosting a wedding in China from the point of view of the requirements, the experience of the different hotels, etc.?
SHELLEY: There are great luxury hotels readily available, with the best and widest selection obviously in Beijing and Shanghai. Restaurants are another good place, and Let’s Go: China lists many of the best restaurants in Beijing. Book months in advance for the June and August celebrations, the most popular wedding months in China.
China also excels at superbly done wedding photo shoots, which often involve lavish sets and costumes, professional makeup artists, and more. Popular choices include traditional Chinese wedding outfits, emperor and empress outfits, and turn-of-the-century cheongsam dresses. A complete set often includes the value of a complete photo album, which averages $ 125 to $ 300.
NORM: How far in advance should a couple prepare for their honeymoon, romantic getaway, or wedding in China?
SHELLEY: To get the cheapest airfares, it’s best to start planning at least four to five months in advance. Unless you are familiar with the country, it is best not to leave a trip to China until the last minute.
NORM: What resources are available on the Internet related to weddings and honeymoon vacations in China?
SHELLEY: CTRIP offers an excellent destination guide, often with photos. Their flight search is helpful for planning, but only those with Chinese credit cards can make reservations.
CHINA TOUR COM provides a wealth of practical information, from visas to foreign exchange to vaccinations. They also collect news related to travel in China, provide information on package tours, and offer short guides on Chinese culture.
TRAVEL CHINA GUIDE is another good resource for destination guides.
The TRAVEL INFORMATION GUIDE is a forum for those traveling to China.
Thanks shelley