I recently stayed in the CUSTOMS Hotel on Shamian Island in Guangzhou. I highly recommend it. The place is absolutely beautiful and the staff is terrific. Their main clientelle are Chinese so the English is limited. I will stay there again when in GZ rather than the more pricey Victory hotel on Shamian Island.

I am surprised thatsallie had such bad experiences in Beijing. I have never been the victim of racism in Beijing or anywhere else in China for that matter. As for the athsma, Beijing's air is so much better today than it was a year ago when I was there that I was amazed.

I guess anyone can have a bad experience anywhere. Sorry you had bad things happen to you.

I recently was in Shenzhen and needed to to to HK for the day on business. I took the train. It is really a commuter train, often no place to sit and stops at every little town and suburb.

I had planned to take the train to the HK airport the next day for my flight back to the US. After the previous day's experience, however, I chose the ferry from Shekou. It is MUCH faster, only 30 minutes. Your baggage is checked for you. When you arrive at the airport, you claim your baggage and then check in for your flight and check your bags right there at the ferry terminal. Then a shuttle bus takes you to your terminal. Absolutely wonderful! FORGET THE TRAIN!!