Traveling to China from the United States is not for the faint of heart. Despite the obstacles involved to travel to the People's Republic, the distance of the journey, the difficulty obtaining a visa and other logistical issues make this trip even more satisfying. The language barrier alone is a bear that even your best app might not be able to handle. With that said, the fuzziness of a giant panda, the authenticity of Chinese cuisine and the ability to observe the Chinese culture in full effect made the entire trip worthwhile.
Now you may not wish to travel in the dog days of summer to visit this alluring country because the heat can be oppressive. It is a time however when fewer international tourists are around and a huge presence of domestic Chinese 'tourists' take their place. With the relative recent rise of Chinese affluence, you do see more Chinese nationals looking to visit their own historical sites. But then again, if there is a time to 'get a deal' on travel to China, summer's it.
Besides China itself, navigating the special districts of Macao and Hong Kong introduces additional confusion when it comes to currency and primary languages spoken. The Portuguese influence in Macao was unexpected and the welcome english speakers in both Hong Kong and Macao was a pleasant break from the traditional Chinese culture.
Visiting the Great Wall in Beijing, the Terracotta soldiers in Xi'an or the Panda Research Center in Cheng Du alone make this an interesting trip. Combine that with the local cuisine, the "me first" culture and language barrier made this an unforgettable experience.
July 14, 2018
Saturday
United Airlines (Operated by Air China located in Terminal B of EWR)
Air China Phone: 1-800-882-8122
Flight: CA820: Depart Newark, NJ (EWR) @12:40PM; Arrive: Sunday, July 15 Beijing, CN (PEK Capital) at 2:30pm (13h 50min) Terminal 3
Connecting Flight CA 1235: Depart: Sunday, July 15 Beijing, CN (PEK-Capital) @ 5:15pm; Arrive Xi'an, CN (XIY)@7:25pm (2h 10min)
United Airlines Lounge
Location: EWR-Terminal A, Concourse A2
Beijing (PEK Air China Lounge)
Location: Terminal 3 amidst the C gates
Air China has a few lounges in Beijing Airport. There is a busy one located one floor above the Level 3 concourse and one located in Level 2 (quieter side)
United Club Members are entitled to have 1 guest only
July 15, 2018
Sunday
Airport Car Service to The Westin Xi'an
Westin Xi'an Car Service (Driver will hold a sign with name-look for hotel logo)
Cost: 704 RMB (7-Passenger Van-may charge to Westin Xi'an Hotel)
The Westin Xi'an
Phone (86)(29)6568 6558
Address: 66 Ci En Road, Qu Jiang New District, Xi'an, Shannxi 710061 CN
Check-In: Sunday, July 15 @3pm: Check -out: Tuesday, July 17@12n
July 16, 2018
Monday
Westin Xi'an Private Tour: Terracotta Warriors
Pick Up: 8am (Tour duration 6 hours and does not include admission to museum)
Cost: 1700 RMB includes round trip hotel pick-up/drop off and private tour guide (can be charged to hotel)
Address: Lintong, Xi'an, Shaanxi, CN
Admission: CNY 150/person (~$22.50) Free for children under 1.2 meters (~47 inches)
Muslim Quarter
The Beiyuanmen Muslim Market located just north of the Drum Tower is a great choice after the sightseeing in the city center. About 500 meters (547 yards) in length from south to north, the street can be reached through the archway under the Drum Tower (Address: Beiyuanmen, BeiYanMen XiaoChiYiTiao Jie, Lianhu Qu, Xian Shi, Shannxi Sheng, CN 710001)
Hours: 8a-11pm
July 17, 2018
Tuesday
Xi'an - Chengdu via China Railway Corporation
Distance from Westin Xi'an Hotel to Xi'an North Railway Station is ~42 km (~45 minutes)
Westin Xi'an Car Service Fee: Buick Van GL8 (7 seater including driver) 700 Yuan
China Bullet Train
Depart: July 17@11:55am from Xi'an North Railway Station
Arrive; July 17@3:37pm at Chengdu East Railway Station
Train No: G2213 (Xian North/Chengdu East)
Ticket Info: 1st Class Seat (Paper Tickets are mailed to Westin Xi'an)
TravelChinaGuide Agency Contact: US & Canada: 1-800-315-3949
CarryOn Baggage Allowance: Adult < or = 20kg, Child < or = 10 kg
Note: Blue tickets can be checked automatically at the ticket check machines while pink tickets need to be checked manually by staff. Keep your ticket after checking in and look after it well as it will be checked during your trip and at the exit of the arrival station
Pick Up Car Service from Chengdu East Railway Station to St. Regis Chengdu
ChengDu WestChinaGo Travel Service
Phone (+86)135 4089 3980
Pick Up Date/Time: Tuesday, July 17, 2018@3:37pm (Chengdu East Railway Station)
Car Type: 7-seater Business Van (Driver will hold sign with name)
Cost 300 Yuan
The St. Regis Chengdu
Phone (86)(28)6287 6666
Address: 88 Taisheng Road South, Qingyang District, Chengdu, Sichuan 610016 CN
Check In: Tuesday, July 17@3p: Check Out: Thursday, July 19@12n
July 18, 2018
Wednesday
Dujiangyan Panda Center
Round trip car service via ChengDu WestChinaGO Travel Service
Phone (86)135 4089 3980
Pick Up Date: Wednesday, July 18, 2018
5 seat car service roundtrip cost is 750 RMB with driver and toll gate
Itinerary
7am: Pick up from hotel lobby
7-8:30a: Drive to DuJiangyan Panda Base from Chengdu
8:35-8/45pm Check in Panda picture
8:50-10:20p Visit the Panda Base on our own
10:30-11am Panda Photo Time
11a-11:15am Receive the donation certificate and souvenir T-shirt
Return Chengdu whenever visit to Dujiangyan Panda Base is finished
Driver can drop off eigher at hotel or any other place to visit in the downtown area
July 19, 2018
Thursday
Car Service from Chengdu St. Regis Hotel to Chengdu Airport
ChengDu WestChinaGO Travel Service
Phone (+86) 135 4089 3980
Pick Up Date/Time: Thursday, July 19 @1:15p at the hotel
Car Type: 7 seater Business Van
Cost 300 Yuan
Air China Operated by AIR MACAU
Flight No. 5417
Depart: Chengdu (CTU) A@4:05pm; Arrive Macau (MFM) @ 6:45p (2h 40min)
Baggage Allowance: 1 Carry On and 1 Checked Luggage 20kg
Transportation to Hotel:
Complimentary shuttle services from Macau International Airport to Glaxay Macau (No reservation required)
Shuttle Hours: 11a-9p (Every 20-30 min)
Galaxy Hotel
Phone 853 2888 0888; Address: Galxy Macau, COTAI, Macau
Check In: Thursdya, July 19 @3pm; Check Out: Saturday, July 21 @ 11a
Rate includes buffet breakfast for 2
Located 3 km from Macau International Airport and Taipa Ferry Terminal (5-10 min by car)
July 20, 2018
Friday
Grand Resort Deck
Admission is free for hotel guests
Hours 9a-6p daily
Batman Dark Flight Simulation Ride
Ticket hotline: (853) 8868 6767
Hours: 12p-8p (M-F); 11a-9p (Sat-Sun). The last entry time is 30 minutes prior to closing.
Cost: Adults: HK $150, Child HK $120
July 21, 2018
Saturday
Cotai Water Jet: Macau (Taipa) to Hong Kong Kowloon China Ferry Terminal
Taipa Ferry Terminal is about 5km or 7 minutes from Galaxy Hotel
Departures: 10:45a, 11:45a, 12:45p, 3:45p, 4:45p, 5:45p, 6:45p
Sailing Duration: ~60-70 minutes
Check In: 60 minutes prior to departure
Fares: Cotai Class cost 175 MOP per person. Children below 12 may enjoy a discount of HKD/MOP $20 per full fare ticket
Luggage: Each passenger is allowed 1 piece hand carry luggage up to a max of 20kg with size not exceeding 56cm x 36cm x 23 cm. Check in Luggage (<20kg) cost 25 MOP per piece
Additional Information: Purchase or redeem ticket at ticketing counter at Taipa Ferry Terminal then proceed to Check In Gate. Proceed to immigration counter for clearance. Proceed to seat allocation counter for seat assignment.
Director to Sheraton Hotel:
China Ferry Terminal is connected with China Hong Kong City and there is a taxi stand on LG floor of China Hong Kong City. The distance between China Ferry Terminal to LG floor of China Hong Kong City is around 5 minutes (walking)
From Ching Hong Kong City to Hotel it takes ~10-15 min. Taxi Costs approximately HKD $50 one way (cash only)
Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers
Phone: (852) 2369 1111; Address: 20 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong HK
Check In: Saturday, July 21; Check Out: Monday, July 23
Victoria Peak
How to get there:
By the Peak Tram: The most popular option is to catch the Peak Tram from the Lower Terminus. The Peak Tram operates from 7a to 12a (7 min ride) but long lines are long. Take the tram going down instead.
By Taxi: Taxi drivers should go strictly by the meter in Hong Kong. A taxi ride from Central to Victoria Peak takes ~20 min and the taxi fare is around HK $100
At Victoria Peak you'll notice a gigantic structure which looks like a bowl and a pair of chopsticks to most Chinese. That is the Peak Tower where you will find Madame Tussaud's Museum, Upper Terminus of Peak Tram (where you can buy tickets for the Peak Tram ride back to the Lower Terminal) and Sky Terrace 428.
Cast: Peak Tram Sky Pass (The Peak Tram & Sky Terrace 428)
One Way: Adult HK $84, Children HK $38
Round Trip: Adult HG $99, Children's HD $47
Star Ferry: A Symphony of Lights Harbor Cruise (1 Hour)
Departure: Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier
Time: 7:55p
Cost Adult HK $215, Children (Under 12) HK $194
July 22, 2018
Sunday
Hong Kong Disneyland
Phone +852 3550 3388
Address: Hong Kong Disneyland. Lantau Island, Outlying Islands
Cost: Adults (12 and above) HK $619, Children (3-11 years) HK $458
Hours: 10a-9p
Directions:
Train: HK $23 per person (Single Trip)
Take the Tsuen Wan line (direction to Tsuen Wan) from Tsim Sha Tsui Station to Lai King Station.
Interchange Tung Chung line (Direction to Tung Chung) to Sunny Bay Station.
Interchange Disneyland Resort Station
Look for Disneyland Resort Station Exit A, you will find Hong Kong Disneyland within 5 minutes walk
Taxi:
Cost: HK $300 One way (Cash Only)
Take Taxi from Hotel. (~25-30 min)
Attractions:
Meet Baymax and Hiro at Annex (Main Street)
Sword in the Stone (Fantasyland)
Iron Man Experience (Tomorrowland)
STAR WARS Command Post (Tomorrowland)
Toy Story Land
Moana: A Homecoming Celebration (Adventureland)
Mickey and the Wondrous Book (Fantasyland)
Jedi Training: Trial of the Temple (Tomorrowland)
July 23, 2018
Monday
China Southern Airlines
Flight No. 309
Depart hong Kong (HKG) July 23 @1:20p; Arrive Beijing (PEK) @ 5:10pm (3h 50min)
Arrive at Terminal 2; Baggage: First Checked Bag: No fee up to 23 kg
United Club Lounge
Near Gate 60, Departures Level (L7), Terminal 1 (Restricted Area)
Hours 6a-12a
Airport Pick Up and Hotel Drop Off Service (Jinling)
Contact: Mobile +86 13701275414 E-mail: jinlingzh@outlook.com
Cost 300 RMB ($50)
The St. Regis Beijing
Phone: (86)(10) 6460 6688
Address: 21 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Beijing, Beijing 100020 CN
Check In: Monday, July 23 @2pm; Check out: Thursday, July 26 @12n
July 24, 2018
Tuesday
The Great Wall Of China, Summer Palace & Olympic Park
Beijing Private Tour (Jinling)
Contact: Mobile +86 13701275414 E-mail: jinlingzh@outlook.com
Hotel Pick Up Time: 7a
Tour: Mu Tian Yu Great Wall + Summer Palace (9 hours) Cost 1100 RMB
Buick 7 seater vac
Includes: Driver, Gas, Tolls, Parking Fee (Excludes Entrance Fee)
Overtime 50 RMB/30 minutes
Mu Tian Yu Great Wall entrance fee: 60 RMB ($9)
Cable Car & Tobaggan cost: 100 RMB
The Summer Palace entrance fee: 30 RMB
July 25, 2018
Wednesday
The Forbidden City and Silk Factory: Car Service (Jinling)
Contact: Mobile +86 13701275414 E-mail: jinlingzh@outlook.com
Pick Up/Drop Off Service Cost 450 Yuan (Jinling will pick up at 8am at the hotel)
Private English Speaking Tour Guide Cost: 400 Yan
Forbidden City Address: 4 Jingshan Front St. Dongcheng Qu, Beijing Shi, CN 100006
Admission: CNY 60/person (~$9), Free for children under 1.2 meters (~47 in). For minors between 6-18 years old, the admission ticket price is CNY 20 and the ticket for Treasure Gallery and Clock and Watch Gallery each is CNY 5
Forbidden City Hours: 8:30a-5p (TIckets sold until 4p)
Kungfu Show
Showtime: 7:30p. Jinling will pick up at 6:30p at the hotel.
Address: Red Theater: No 44 Xingfu da jie, Chongwen District, Beijing
Pick Up/Drop Off + Tickets = 1000 Yuan
July 26, 2018
Thursday
Airport Drop Off Service (Jinling)
Contact: Mobile +86 13701275414 E-mail: jinlingzh@outlook.com
Cost 3000 RMB ($50)
Pick Up Time 12n
United Airlines (Operated by United Airlines)
Flight: UA88: Depart: Beijing, CN (PEK-Capital) @3:35p; Arrive: Newark, NJ (EWR) @5:25p (13h 50 min)
Air China Lounge Beijing
Location: Terminal 3 amidst the C gates
Air China has a few lounges in Beijing Airport. There is a busy one located one floor above the Level 3 concourse and one located in Level 2 (quieter side)
United Club Members are entitled to have 1 guest only