| March 2000 - According to the World Tourism
Organization, U.S. tourist travel to China is up more than 300 percent
from 1990. However, for even the most intrepid traveler, a trip to
China can be intimidating. This is understandable, since the language,
customs and etiquette are often wholly different than those in the West.
Moreover, customs on the Mainland differ from those in Hong Kong.
Given the growing popularity of travel to China, Nikko Hotels International
polled experts for tips that will make the most of your visit to the world�s
most populous nation and its oldest continuous civilization.
Keep the following in mind while traveling in China:
| �Since China is a vast country, we recommend taking planes to get around,�
suggested Mr. Liuyin Yang, Director, China National Tourist Office in New
York. �China boasts six national air carriers and more than a dozen
regional carriers, all with modern fleets. There are many flights
between cities and to areas offering tourist attractions and prices are
reasonable. If you have more time, China�s trains are a great way
to see the country. They are comfortable, reliable and fast � often
reaching speeds of 100 m.p.h.� |
| �China�s festivals are world renowned,� according to Mr. Yang.
�In June, the International Dragon Boat Championship Rally will take place.
More than 100 traditional wooden boats with 20 rowers each will compete
in this thousands-of-years-old sport.� |
| �Some basic faux pas to avoid in China include patting an adult on
the head, using your middle finger to point to others and staring at women
at meals if you aren�t acquainted with them,� said Henry Zheng, General
Manager, Hotel Nikko Pudong Shanghai. |
| �There is no need to tip in Mainland China, unless someone has gone
out of the way to provide exceptional service,� said Lisa Coulombe, Sales
Executive, (Nikko) Jinglun Hotel, Beijing. Tipping in Hong Kong is
another story. According to Christine Yue, Public Relations Manager,
Hotel Nikko Hong Kong, �hotels and most restaurants automatically add a
10 percent service charge � an additional five percent may be added as
a tip. If no service charge has been included, a 10 percent tip is
acceptable.� |
| �There is no such thing as being �fashionably late� in China. Be on
time, especially for banquet celebrations,� said Ms. Coulombe. Moreover,
�asking too many questions about China�s one-party system is not a good
idea. You don�t want to place your host or guide in an awkward position,�
she added. |
| �September and October are the loveliest months to visit most of China,
since you�ll enjoy warm weather and clear blue skies before the rainy season
arrives,� said Mr. Zheng. �For the summer, I�d recommend Qingdao for its
beaches, cooler northern climate and its famous Tsingtao beer. In
the winter months, Hainan Island in the tropical South China Sea is the
place to be.� |
| �Touring with a guide is essential if you don�t speak the language,�
said Ms. Coulombe. |
| Nikko Hotels International is an international
luxury hotel chain owned and operated by JAL Hotels Company, Ltd., a subsidiary
of Japan Airlines Development Company, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.
Nikko Hotels International has 44 hotels worldwide, in Europe, North America
and throughout the Asia/Pacific region, including Beijing, Shanghai, Xi�an,
Hong Kong, Taichung and Taipei. In addition to Nikko Hotels International,
JAL Hotels Company, Ltd. owns and operates JAL City Hotels, a chain of
business hotels in Japan, and independent hotel properties. |
(Nikko) Jinglun Hotel
Beijing
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