Visiting Beijing & Xian ??guide required.

Visiting Beijing & Xian ??guide required.
Jul 10, 2005 19:35
SC109 Points: Join Date: Jul 10, 2005 Status: offline	I am looking forward to a trip to Beijing and Xian in August 2005 as it has been our 'dream' for quite some time. We do not speak Mandarin! although we are eager to learn some basic phrases. We are a family of 3 and would like to have recommendations as to whether to fly or take a train to Xian. We would like to see more of the countryside but checking the train schedule it means getting a late train so missing most scenery at night or arriving quite late by travelling during the daytime. . Would it be a good idea to have a'guides/translator' who speaks English? Do not need 'official' guide or guided tour perhaps as there are plenty of literature about all sites available. We like travelling 'ad-hoc', have never joined any tours in all the countries we have visited. Like any other travellers we do not like being taken 'for a ride' whether it be in London or Timbuktu. Will be glad for any recommendations.

Jul 10, 2005 19:35

SC109
Points:
Join Date: Jul 10, 2005
Status: offline

I am looking forward to a trip to Beijing and Xian in August 2005 as it has been our 'dream' for quite some time. We do not speak Mandarin! although we are eager to learn some basic phrases. We are a family of 3 and would like to have recommendations as to whether to fly or take a train to Xian. We would like to see more of the countryside but checking the train schedule it means getting a late train so missing most scenery at night or arriving quite late by travelling during the daytime. . Would it be a good idea to have a'guides/translator' who speaks English? Do not need 'official' guide or guided tour perhaps as there are plenty of literature about all sites available. We like travelling 'ad-hoc', have never joined any tours in all the countries we have visited. Like any other travellers we do not like being taken 'for a ride' whether it be in London or Timbuktu. Will be glad for any recommendations.

Jul 10, 2005 20:15	#1
TOMORROWNEVE... Points: Join Date: Sep 29, 2004 Status: Offline	Well the train from Beijing to Xi'an is convinient. Leaving Beijing at 8pm and arriving Xi'an 7.20am . So you don't have to worry abt you itinerary.You don't have to hire a full time guide. There will be english guiders in almost every spot you r going to visit.The only problem is to know how you can get there. I am glad to help your following questions:)

Jul 11, 2005 14:26	#2
CONNY129 Points: Join Date: May 25, 2005 Status: Offline	haha~~welcome to xi'an ,but the temperature here in Auguest is very high ,so you should prepare enough to prevent sunstroke.

Jul 12, 2005 03:53	#3
SC109 Points: Join Date: Jul 10, 2005 Status: Offline	Thanks. Trouble is that we will not be able to see the countryside travelling at night. Thinking of taking the journey in two stages so as to view the countryside. Is this worth doing ?

Jul 12, 2005 03:56	#4
SC109 Points: Join Date: Jul 10, 2005 Status: Offline	Thank you. Will make sure we pack suntan lotion, hats etc and always have plenty of water at hand.

Jul 12, 2005 08:40	#5
TOMORROWNEVE... Points: Join Date: Sep 29, 2004 Status: Offline	you won't miss the contryside and you will miss the contryside too if you take flight. You have enough time on tour bus which will show you around. See Terra Cotta is about fouty kms from the city.

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