Hotels

Hotel rooms in Chinese cities can be very expensive, often just as expensive as those in the US. By the end of 2000, there are totally 6029 hotels in China, among which 2368 are listed as three-star or above, according to international standards. Specifically, 117 are five-star and 352 four-star,are available in such major cities as Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, and Guangzhou.Most of the hotels have comfortable and convenient facilities.

All the larger hotels in China offer a choice of numerous TV channels, including several of the popular international ones. Popular English or Japanese newspaper and magazine, such as International Herald Tribune, The Times, Asian Wall Street Journal and Far Eastern Economic Review, can be obtained at the front desk of hotel free of charge. International and domestic long-distance call can be made directly in your room and services such as send and receive a telegram, telex or fax are available in the commercial center.

The three star and above rooms are air-conditioned, have a TV, a refrigerator and private bathroom. Other function halls, ballrooms, swimming pools, bowling courts, laundries, beauty parlors, massage rooms, saunas, steam baths, gymnasiums and medical services are available.Some of the hotels even have a Shopping mall, business center, bank and post office.

These hotels also provide ticket-booking services of the visitor free of charge. The managers and employees have received training in the international standards of service and some have studied English or Japanese to assist them in providing first class service to their guests. In some small cities or remote areas, there are no luxurious hotels, but there are many safe hotels that offer a clean and comfortable room. The service at these hotels is good, but not the same as found in a four or five star hotel.

Reservations can be conveniently made around the clock at all Chinese hotels open to foreigners by telephone from your home or through your travel agent,in either luxury or budget hotels. Reservations maybe made online at our website or you may contact the travel agent via telephone or fax with all the required information.

Check-in time: from 14: 00 p.m. (noon)
Check-out time: before 12.00 p.m. (noon)

Inns, Guesthouses, and Hostels

When traveling through the countryside in China,you will often happen upon small towns with inexpensive guesthouses. In villages that get a lot of tourists it is common for almost every restaurant to also provide beds for travelers. Usually you can save money by sharing a room with other travelers. Prices for such accommodation usually range from 10 to 40 RMB ($1.20 to $4.80 US).

Camping

It's easy to find a place where you can set up a tent and camp for the night when backpacking in China.Simply look for a place that's fairly hidden and doesn't have people around. You'd better set up camp after sunset and leave before sunrise,so you won't attract attention.

If you are traveling in the summer you may not even need a tent; just a lightweight sleeping bag will probably do fine. However, you might want to have a bivy sack in case you encounter rain or mosquitoes.

Staying with Friends

It's easy to find families to stay with for free in China in exchange for helping them practice English an hour or two a day.You can find them through message programs such as ICQ.Chinese families that have Internet access tend to be educated and relatively rich;thus they are likely to have comfortable homes. Staying with a Chinese family is a great way to get used to the Chinese lifestyle, eat lots of good Chinese food, and improve your Chinese ability.

If you do choose this option be aware that you may loose a lot of your freedom.If you live with Chinese people they will most likely incorporate you into the family and expect you to act like a family member. They will expect you to be home at certain times for meals, and will probably want to join you whenever you go out; if you leave the house by yourself they might get worried about you and send someone out to search for you. Keep in mind that Chinese people will have a hard time believing that your Chinese ability is good enough to get around by yourself, even if you've studied Chinese for a long time. Also keep in mind that Chinese parents treat their sons and daughters like children all the way up until they are married, and if you're a young unmarried man or women they will probably treat you much like a child too.