Pollution in China?

That is one question that I get asked now and then especially this year with the problem they had in Beijing.  Beijing has grown very quickly and added 10,000 cars per MONTH to the roads last year.  This has been an inverted air problem for a time this spring much like we get here in Seattle as well as other major cities in the world until the winds clear it out.  Most of China especially in the countryside the weather is clear and fresh including Shanghai which is on the sea.  Fall months when the farmers burn their straw from harvesting wheat and rice, there is some smoke pollution but lasts only for a few weeks.  The China Daily Newspaper which is in English and Free in most Chinese hotels lists the air quality in all major cities each day as well as the weather conditions and temperatures.   For more information on weather in China and the best times to travel and tour, email me at   interlak@eskimo.com    Photos below are:  Top:  Shenyang industrial city, Middle:  Beijing   Bottom:  Shanghai

What to Expect Eating in a Restaurant

Many people go on tours to China where the meals are ordered for them or in group tours they often have buffet meals to choose what you like.   It is an adventure to go to a restaurant on your own and order on your own.  The menu is usually in English and Chinese. Some have photos with the dishes.  Most restaurants will try to have an English speaking waiter or waitress but if they do not; then you can read and point.   Water costs extra.  Coffee is usually only available for breakfast.  Tea which normally came free with a meal is often charged for now.  Tipping is not necessary as it is included in the cost of your meal.  If you do tip, the money must be given to the owner of the restaurant.   Be careful about ordering some expensive things like lobster or special sea foods.  The price is often by weight rather than the dish and of course they would want to serve you the largest portion.  Many good restaurants require a reservation but your hotel or guide can help you with that.  Some restaurants will have a waiting line or room which may be up to one hour or more.  To avoid the crowds eat early as Chinese tend to have dinner about 8:00..  Chinese restaurants for the most part are very noisy so expect that.  Some smoking is done but becoming less and less each year.  Stay as long as you like as you will have to ASK for the check since it is considered impolite to bring a check without the customer asking for it.   For more details on restaurants contact me at   interlak@eskimo.com
I have had 50+ trips to China eating in hundreds of restaurants....and I haven't missed many meals!  :-)

Cash is King in China

I just read an article in the Seattle Times newspaper that mentions Cash is King in China.  What does that mean?   It means people use cash most of the time to buy everything even though the largest bill is 100 yuan which is worth about $16.   It mentions that a man went to buy a BMW 5 Series that cost $130,000.  He brought in a large white bag and a big heavy backpack full of money to pay CASH.   Sound Bizarre?  Yes, but I try to explain some things in China are much different than we are use to but I often think it falls on deaf ears as people can not realize this.  I have seen it for years.  China has 5  times the amount of cash in circulation than the U.S. has for example.  Just a couple years ago a man was checking out of the hotel next to me and brought up a large black brief case, opened it up to pay his bill and it was full of 100 yuan bills neatly stacked and wrapped.  I see the same in Jewelry stores. This is the norm rather than the exception in China.   Few places other than department stores and government stores accept credit cards especially in remote areas or private stores.   As I said,  CASH IS KING in China.  Yes, there are cash machines like ours and banks for exchange and even exchanges in your hotels is common; but spending it becomes another situation.  There are several reasons for this but too many to write here.  If you would like a copy of the article, email me at  interlak@eskikmo.com     I keep it in my computer to send to my clients who ask about money and credit or debit cards.

Hainan Airlines Adds Chicago/Beijing Direct Flight

Hainan Airlines the premier airline of China has just announced they will add a Direct Flight from Chicago to Beijing starting in September 2,  2013.  Already flying from Seattle to Beijing in just 11 hours for the past 5 years they are rapidly expanding their international flights all over the world.  They also have Code Sharing with other U.S. airlines in the the United States for connecting flights from many U.S. cities at very low prices.   Flying the latest Boeing and Airbus they enjoy a great safety record during this their 20th year in flying the world.   For a quote for your flight to China, contact us at  interlak@eskimo.com  We offer special low

prices for customers booking a tour with us too.

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 good for every occasion including nice restaurants.  Sport coat and tie only in very formal occasions or 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.
Click on the photos for full screen views.