China
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October 2020 Favorites: Books to discover Asian Culture
We aren’t (yet) confined to Italy but it is surely only a matter of weeks, considering the curve of positive coronavirus cases. I have a rather long list of books to read, but I will give you the books I have already read and loved, to accompany you during the evenings of confinement. This month, we will talk about books or films that help us better understand Asian (or Eastern) culture and beliefs. The list I give you isn’t mainstream. It’s not a list of Asian bestsellers, on the contrary. Journey to the East by Nguyên Phong (link): Since I am Vietnamese, I start with a Vietnamese author, whom I…
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Coronavirus & China Southern Airlines: Flight Cancellation / Refunds
The spread of Coronavirus is dramatically disrupting global air traffic Many airlines are cancelling their flights to and from China. We are concerned since we have a flight planned in 3 weeks to make the trip from Mexicoto Vietnamwith a stopover in Guangzhouin China. The Guangzhou – Hanoi flight that we were initially supposed to take has probably been cancelled since we have been moved to another flight that will take off 12 hours later (big stopover of 15 hours in perspective). For those who have a flight planned with China Southern Airlines and who would like to modify / cancel it, the company has communicated the conditions on its…
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[Travel Guide] Itinerary 19 days in China, from Beijing to Hanoi in Independent (Bus, Train, Plane) – from China to Vietnam
Even if we were not interested in China during our 1st World Tour (in favor of the Philippines), we decided to go there anyway during our 2nd World Tour. Here is the 19 days itinerary that I recommend for China. The idea is to cross China from Beijing to Vietnam. Beijing (3 days) Datong (2 days) Xian (2 days) Zhangjiajie (4 days) Phoenix City (4 days) Yangshuo (2 days) Ghangzhou (1.5 days) Hanoi or Hong Kong & Macau, your choice Comments on the itinerary Everything can be done by train or bus, but I put a few trips by plane (if your finances allow) because I consider this particular train…
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Group eVisa for China – an attractive option for Round the World Travelers
In preparation for our future trip to China, we inquired about different options for obtaining a visa for China from the country we are in. The easiest and cheapest option is to apply for a group evisa. The group evisa for China must berequested through a travel agency This type of visa has been around for ages No need to give fingerprints. Fingerprints will be taken when you arrive at the scene The evisa will not be issued by the country from which you are applying, it is issued directly from China, by the Chinese authorities: National Immigration Administration (Exit and Entry Administration) of the People’s Republic of China So…
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Prepaid 4G SIM card in China: how much does it cost? Where to buy it?
Buy a SIM card before you leave The article below talks about buying a SIM card on the spot, when you arrive in China. A simpler alternative solution is to buy a SIM card before you leave. This offer(Amazon link) allows you to benefit from 6 GB of data for 30 days at the rate of 27 €. It’s more expensive than what you will find on site but it’s much simpler and BIG BENEFIT, you won’t be blocked by the Chinese firewall and you will be able to use Google, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, … without VPN. I think it has to do with the fact that this is…
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2.5 days in Beijing / Beijing (China): Travel Diary + Travel Guide
After South Korea, we are supposed to spend the summer in Australia, but JB’s brother is getting married in September in France… so we decided to rework our itinerary and come back to Paris, then stay in Europe for a few months. Before returning to European soil, JB had the good idea to draw us a slightly exotic itinerary: Jeju => Beijing (2.5 days) => Astana (stopover) => Paris. Part 1: Travel Diary Part 2: Practical Tips Part 1: Travel Diary How to get there Jeju is an increasingly popular destination in Asia and there are many direct flights from major Asian cities to/from this small Korean island. The Jeju…
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Internet in China: what works? What doesn’t work?
Spending a few days in China is also discovering the Chinese Internet.Indeed, China has the “Great Firewall of China” which prevents access to many services that Westerners like us use.This “great digital wall” serves as much to censor what the Chinese authorities do not like as to ensure economic protectionism.Indeed, the major services we use have their Chinese equivalent: Google / Facebook is replaced by Baidu WhatsApp is replaced by Wechat Amazon is replaced by Alibaba Uber is replaced by Didi … Small feedback on our 3 days in Beijing Access and speed Internet access is quite simple, our hotel had wifi which did not even require an access code.At…
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Up to 6 days of transit in China? No need for a visa!
On our way back to France after 7 months in Asia, we organize our return to stay a few days in Beijing, China. For several years now, the French have not needed visas if they stay less than 72 hours, a principle that was doubled in December 2017. You can now stay up to 6 days (144 hours). Make sure you know the terms and conditions (not all Chinese airports offer this visa exemption and you must leave from the same airport as the one you arrived at). Here are a few tips for easy enjoyment. Prepare your documents: tickets and hotel reservations At the Chinese immigration, the officer will…
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Hong Kong (China) – A crazy city
OMG! I don’t understand why NO ONE suggested I spend MY LIFE in Hong Kong. I am too much in love with this so special city, so small but full of activities. Unfortunately JB doesn’t share my opinion, he hates it! Part 1: Travel Diaries Day 1: Discovery of the district of Mong Kok After 10 days with mom and dad in Hanoi, I leave, with a heavy heart, for Hong Kong without knowing exactly what to expect. 1h30 at the Hong Kong airport is enough for me to tell JB: at least one week in Hong Kong, there are TOO MANY things to do! Arrived at the airport of…
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Macau (China) – the Las Vegas of the East
Macau/Macao has always been on my to do list, for one simple reason: I fell in love with Macau while watching a Korean series. And I’m not the only one, because after the broadcast of this series, Macau became one of the top destinations for Koreans. I remember, the heroine was visiting The Venetian Hotel, where there was a fake Venice canal with a fake blue sky. My goal in coming to Macau: to visit this hotel, and incidentally to celebrate my birthday with dignity Excerpt from the series in question (the big part where the heroine discovers the hotel lobby is missing) There is a one-hour ferry from Hong…