beware the English "student"    Beijing | ASIANISBEAUTIFUL | Jun 21, 2009 08:14 GMT-6

Americans and other English-speaking westerners traveling in China are often asked if they would assist a young Chinese person in practicing their English. These are usually college-aged people, or at least appear to be, and more often than not, they are female. Many travelers are more than willing to help, hoping perhaps to be able to move beyond the usual tour guide conversations, etc. A warning, however. Many young people in Beijing who approach westerners have made arrangements with local businesses to try and steer foreigners to their establishments.

These young people work for commissions and, hence, their seeming sincerity may have more to do with capitalist desires (wink) than with an interest in English (or you, middle aged male, who suddenly feels attractive in light of the undue attention being paid to you by an attractive young Chinese woman with an intriguing accent ;-). Some of the places that they will take you - for example, a traditional Chinese tea house or even a bar - will hike their prices accordingly, resulting in anything but a genuine Chinese "experience." If you are not careful, you will find yourself very embarrassed and considerably poorer as you are faced with paying a bill far in excess of the "Chinese price" and being unable to effectively challenge the circumstance.

The best advice is to respectfully decline anyone who approaches you and requests to practice English (or any other language), to discuss your country's culture, etc. Granted, you may end up missing out on a genuine opportunity for cultural enrichment, but that's better than ending up many hundreds of dollars or euros or pounds short.

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• This is an old scam, but it's always useful for those new to China to be reminded. There are actually lots of genuine Chinese students who want to talk to you and practise their English too. They will usually be happy to follow you around and chat for a few minutes, rather than suggest you go to an art gallery, or a tea house together... and they don't hang around Tiananmen Square!   - LEMONCACTUS   Jun 22, 2009 02:29 GMT-6   
• thank you for the valuable advice. such tactics are prevalent in lot of counrtries in one way or the other ,where the poor tourist is exploited, bringing bad name to the country. I have to travel to China & I have been told about the language problem. I do not know how to sort this problem. Shall be obliged if someone could suggest a remedy. deveshwar   - DEVESHWAR   Jun 24, 2009 12:44 GMT-6   

Correct Info, Please    -General- | MISS_ALANNA | Jun 17, 2009 22:56 GMT-6

I have no problems with paying a deposit for a hotel. I have no problems paying for the room on arrival. I DO have a problem with being given incorrect information.
Being relatively new to China, and still learning basic language, I like to be prepared when I go to a new place with my basic phrases and answers written in Pinyin for me to refer to and enough money to not look like an unprepared fool. The concept of 'face' dominates Chinese social interaction and as a new resident it has rubbed off on me rather quickly.
I was mortified when I showed up at my hotel in Shanghai, booked through TCG, to be told that the information I had been given was incorrect and I needed to pay a 700RMB deposit on the room.
The staff were very helpful, I think they felt embarrased for me, and directed me to the nearest bank whilst minding my luggage. I don't like to carry excessive amounts of cash especially as a lawei in a Chinese city for the first time.
The matter was sorted out but not before I had been embarrased, the staff had been embarrased and TCG had embarassed themselves by not having correct information for the hotel they represent.
I know that TCG lists numerous hotels from all over China as well as providing a wealth of information on these but I have to say that the information might as well not be there if it is incorrect.
My travel tip would be; find someone who can speak Chinese and double check EVERYTHING you book. It saves time, inconvenience and face.

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• Dear MISS_ALANNA,
  
  Thanks for your feedback on our hotel booking service! We have forward your message to our hotel booking center. We will take your advice into serious consideration and try to work out the problem!
  
  Thank you again!
  
  Community Moderators   - CHRISTINE   Jun 18, 2009 01:39 GMT-6   

Cultural aspects that motivate travel to Kerala    Anhui | GARY123 | Jun 15, 2009 06:46 GMT-6

The main cultural aspects that motivate people to travel to Kerala are those that are connected with the individual’s desire to travel in to other countries in order to learn more about the way of life of the people living there, and their cultural heritage as expressed in the local art, music, literature, folklore etc. Kerala state has a rich ancient cultural heritage that is known all over the world.
because he will not be disappointed due to the diversity of cultural events in the state. Not even one month passes by without any major cultural event. People enjoy the cultural events without any inhibitions. The local culture is very much part of their daily lives.

Even then, perhaps in no other district in Kerala can you see such a diversity and vibrancy in cultural activities as in Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala. Thrissur is home to scores of cultural institutions where you can learn and even participate in cultural forms that are extinct in other parts of the state. Scores of students from overseas destinations were trained and many are undergoing training in the scores of cultural institutions scattered at different parts of the district.

To witness the cultural forms in its entirety, the best time to visit the state is during the Onam season. Almost all the leading educational institutions, government departments, non-governmental organizations and other private establishments participate in the cultural events often spending phenomenal sums of money. Almost all the schools and colleges conduct cultural fests and other competitions wherein the students and staff members participate in the traditional attire.

The main venue of the cultural events is in the capital city, Trivandrum. The cultural extravaganza is often inaugurated by the CEO or the Chief Minister of the state. Due to the multiplicity of the cultural forms, the events are held at different venues so as reduce the congestion at the main venue.

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Rock Climbing in Dali    -General- | CLIMBDALI | Jun 15, 2009 05:17 GMT-6

Dali now has rock climbing. 20 routes have already been bolted by ClimbDali and by others. If you're a beginner or an advanced climber, Dali is a good place to enjoy the sport. Contact info@climbdali.com for more information.

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A must see    Kaifeng | JOKERMAN2007 | May 20, 2009 00:04 GMT-6

Kai Feng is a nice city with many attractions there and great shopping buys, as well as the food there for sale, in the evening, is second to none.
I have been living in Kai Feng for about a year now but I am still discovering this city. I recently found a small coffee shop there, where you can actually sit down and enjoy a cup. Also, you can buy roasted coffee beans, and coffee machines, to enjoy at home and you know what?, I don't have to go to Mac Donald 's as much. lol.

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The fast train from Shanghai to Yiwu    -General- | YIWUTRANSLATOR | May 18, 2009 13:33 GMT-6

Last time we had been Shanghai for first visiting there.and we don't know which staion could take the train from Shanghai back to yiwu.
Bcz have too many train stations in shanghai,maybe for me was hard to take the right one,for other easy.
anyway, don't care is hard or easy.but i think it is better that i share with other friends here,so we can save more times and give the right direction to all of you
:
.The fast train Timetable From Shanghai to Yiwu.
From: Shanghai Train Staion (North) To: Yiwu
Time Train No. Takes time
7:20 D5685 It will take 2 hours and 20 minutes
7:44 D5689 It will take 2 hours and 21 minutes
11:27 T169 It will take 2 hours and59 minutes(near 3 hours)
12:34 T211 It will take 2 hours and36minutes
13:12 D5665 It will take 2 hours and 13 minutes
15:11 Z84 It will take 2 hours and 43 minutes(near 3 hours)
15:11 Z81 It will take 2 hours and 43 minutes(near 3 hours)
15:27 D93 It will take 2 hours and 5 minutes
15:35 D112 It will take 2 hours and 6 minutes
15:35 D109 It will take 2 hours and 6 minutes
21:51 Z27 It will take 2 hours and 18 minutes
21:51 Z26 It will take 2 hours and 18 minutes

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• Your wrong, its from Shanghai (SOUTH) no trains from the north station go to yiwu   - ANAMARIA   Jun 25, 2009 09:53 GMT-6   

travelling Hangzhou when 1st May Holiday    -General- | YIWUTRANSLATOR | May 16, 2009 14:00 GMT-6

When 1st May,i went to hangzhou for inspecting facotry for T-BAR,the factory is located in Hangzhou,After finished the work,i took the chance to visite Hangzhou west lake,Can not miss it.
i like it so much,Can you see from my photos,it showed that green tree,fresh air,the most important was that you can see energy people everywhere.it doesn't matter they were older or young.

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Reminders!    -General- | MEI30 | May 6, 2009 02:29 GMT-6

Hi everytime I go out shopping, grocery visit places I always bring a copy of my passport and some copy of identifications. You never know what will happen and some places like congregations and I've read some pubs require a passport. And if you are new better to bring a map and asked a friend or someone to write your address in Chinese character so if you get lost you can take a taxi and just show this address.

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• A very sensible advice. Since I will be visiting China in the 1st. week of Aug. for a week , I am looking for such tips. Sometimes I feel I made a wrong decision to plan a trip to China, I could have gone somewhere else. I am from India, where we have similar language problem in smaller cities where people donot speak english, but you do come accross a lot of people who understand english. All the best -- deveshwar   - DEVESHWAR   Jun 24, 2009 12:55 GMT-6