http://lotustours.net/forum/ Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:19:07 +0000 MyBB http://lotustours.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=249 Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:44:01 -0500 http://lotustours.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=249
Have a wonderful new year!

Iris Culp
Co-Moderator]]>
Have a wonderful new year!

Iris Culp
Co-Moderator]]> http://lotustours.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=56 Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:15:30 -0500 http://lotustours.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=56
Yesterday was the Chinese "Winter Solstice", it was celebrated like new year especially in the area like Guangdong province. We had "Hot Pot" with dumpling since our chef Louie was not home. Girls were talking how US children are taking two weeks off for holidays at dinner table, but they have been working triple hard to prepare for the final exam which will be taken place on Jan 05 and 06.

Selena is taking a break at home today as she has been sick for three days, but she had to go back to school for different contest and exams in the last couple of days. She said she could not handle it anymore, I am totally sympathetic. She had terrible headache and bad appetite, I am sure it has to do with pressure. Now she is reading book in my room and is totally relax and fine. Final exam is like the bench mark, 100 is a dream grade for every kid. Everyone works really hard toward the goal. I told girls 90 is good, even though it is NOT under the competition. I made arrangement of a gathering tonight, a Christmas Eve dinner with girls' best friends and a Christmas party on Sunday. Wish them relax and enjoy the holiday, of course lots of gifts are waiting for them to open.

"HOLD" is a very popular web word in China lately, meaning "hold the best". I wish our girls and many Chinese children "hold" their happiness and health for their childhood. Competition is way too much here in the school. It is not completely bad, but it is not healthy.

Wish you and your family happy, healthy and very happy holidays!

Cheers,

Lea in Guangzhou]]>
Yesterday was the Chinese "Winter Solstice", it was celebrated like new year especially in the area like Guangdong province. We had "Hot Pot" with dumpling since our chef Louie was not home. Girls were talking how US children are taking two weeks off for holidays at dinner table, but they have been working triple hard to prepare for the final exam which will be taken place on Jan 05 and 06.

Selena is taking a break at home today as she has been sick for three days, but she had to go back to school for different contest and exams in the last couple of days. She said she could not handle it anymore, I am totally sympathetic. She had terrible headache and bad appetite, I am sure it has to do with pressure. Now she is reading book in my room and is totally relax and fine. Final exam is like the bench mark, 100 is a dream grade for every kid. Everyone works really hard toward the goal. I told girls 90 is good, even though it is NOT under the competition. I made arrangement of a gathering tonight, a Christmas Eve dinner with girls' best friends and a Christmas party on Sunday. Wish them relax and enjoy the holiday, of course lots of gifts are waiting for them to open.

"HOLD" is a very popular web word in China lately, meaning "hold the best". I wish our girls and many Chinese children "hold" their happiness and health for their childhood. Competition is way too much here in the school. It is not completely bad, but it is not healthy.

Wish you and your family happy, healthy and very happy holidays!

Cheers,

Lea in Guangzhou]]> http://lotustours.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=55 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:01:45 -0500 http://lotustours.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=55 http://lotustours.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=54 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:56:53 -0500 http://lotustours.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=54 In some ways the beauty seemed a bit surreal, but I was jarred into reality of the risks of living and working in China, as I saw a young man in his twenties perched near the top of a rather slim tree, with hatchet in hand swinging near his bare feet in order to trim the branches. That would never be shown in a postcard. Though I was too stunned to capture a picture of that, it is seared in to my mind as I am reminded of the safety laws in the US are so pervasive, one would never even envision the scene in the US. And, certainly here, the young man had no safety ropes anywhere around. To me it served as a reminder that living in China has a “raw” sense of adventure. Thankfully he was skilled (and lucky) enough that he accomplished his task to cut away limbs that were blocking the stunning views from our vantage point.
These were my two favorite glimpses of Guizhou. Unfortunately (or fortunately for travelers such as I! ) this province tends to be overlooked by most who are making plans for a China trip. If you have the opportunity to include Guizhou on your agenda, you can to visit several areas that retain an original charm and visit several regions with a pristine, beautiful landscape. With the rapid modernization taking place in China, that is becoming an increasingly scarce commodity in China.]]> In some ways the beauty seemed a bit surreal, but I was jarred into reality of the risks of living and working in China, as I saw a young man in his twenties perched near the top of a rather slim tree, with hatchet in hand swinging near his bare feet in order to trim the branches. That would never be shown in a postcard. Though I was too stunned to capture a picture of that, it is seared in to my mind as I am reminded of the safety laws in the US are so pervasive, one would never even envision the scene in the US. And, certainly here, the young man had no safety ropes anywhere around. To me it served as a reminder that living in China has a “raw” sense of adventure. Thankfully he was skilled (and lucky) enough that he accomplished his task to cut away limbs that were blocking the stunning views from our vantage point.
These were my two favorite glimpses of Guizhou. Unfortunately (or fortunately for travelers such as I! ) this province tends to be overlooked by most who are making plans for a China trip. If you have the opportunity to include Guizhou on your agenda, you can to visit several areas that retain an original charm and visit several regions with a pristine, beautiful landscape. With the rapid modernization taking place in China, that is becoming an increasingly scarce commodity in China.]]> http://lotustours.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=53 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:48:56 -0500 http://lotustours.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=53
Tianlong Tunpu Minority Village
It was a traditional, ancient village that was partially built into the side of the mountain area there. It had winding streets and showed different aspects of life. There were small shops, homes and many traditional buildings. There was also a small “museum” that highlighted some rock drawings, fossils and local findings. Since the museum descriptions were written in Mandarin, I mainly admired the art itself and the quaint building housing the artifacts. The building had numerous stairs and as I was the last person to leave one of the rooms, the lights automatically switched off. It was small, quiet and had some lovely rickety stairs one had to climb to view the art on the second floor. This would never pass muster in the US for a museum and that is one of the things that created charm to the place. It appeared that the building had been made from a shopkeeper’s former shop and home. This village is not typically frequented by foreign visitors, so it retains much original charm. Village residents carried themselves with a general ease and there was no sense of any souvenir “hawking” or intense interest in making sales, though several shops lined the streets. There were a couple of villagers that were more extroverted or curious and were interested in a photo with a North American face sporting some blond hair. That made for some delightful interactions and a few fun photos.
There were several grandparents caring for grandchildren and the children were a bit curious about our group. Two of the children were playing together and I asked the nearby adult if it was allowed to offer a bit of candy. I happened to have a pack of lifesavers in my pocket. I believe I enjoyed sharing my candy more than they enjoyed consuming it, LOL!
Throughout the village there was a number of Chinese tourists visiting and just a sprinkling of foreign visitors. There were some quaint vendor stalls offering some locally created jewelry, primarily in silver or beadwork. Tables offered numerous options for earrings, bracelets, pendants, etc. Some shops created their own jewelry on site, with some very traditional tools, as one can see in the photo here.
There were shopkeepers offering food options, such as this woman selling baked potatoes which were very appealingly warm on a cool fall morning. I was enthralled with the small children who were in the village and there were several, who each appeared to be cared for by a grandparent.
Along the winding streets there was a small traditional Chinese hostel, which offered a bed for the night for just 12 yuan or so. Just down the walking path there was a rounded room offering community seating for a performance with traditional costumes and masks. The grandfather with his granddaughter, and I were among the last to leave and I offered a small yuan bill as a gift to his granddaughter, that he automatically refused. He and the granddaughter shared a comfortable curiosity and ease about wandering the village and watching others. I’d like to go back and spend more time, staying in the hostel of Tianlong Tunpu.]]>
Tianlong Tunpu Minority Village
It was a traditional, ancient village that was partially built into the side of the mountain area there. It had winding streets and showed different aspects of life. There were small shops, homes and many traditional buildings. There was also a small “museum” that highlighted some rock drawings, fossils and local findings. Since the museum descriptions were written in Mandarin, I mainly admired the art itself and the quaint building housing the artifacts. The building had numerous stairs and as I was the last person to leave one of the rooms, the lights automatically switched off. It was small, quiet and had some lovely rickety stairs one had to climb to view the art on the second floor. This would never pass muster in the US for a museum and that is one of the things that created charm to the place. It appeared that the building had been made from a shopkeeper’s former shop and home. This village is not typically frequented by foreign visitors, so it retains much original charm. Village residents carried themselves with a general ease and there was no sense of any souvenir “hawking” or intense interest in making sales, though several shops lined the streets. There were a couple of villagers that were more extroverted or curious and were interested in a photo with a North American face sporting some blond hair. That made for some delightful interactions and a few fun photos.
There were several grandparents caring for grandchildren and the children were a bit curious about our group. Two of the children were playing together and I asked the nearby adult if it was allowed to offer a bit of candy. I happened to have a pack of lifesavers in my pocket. I believe I enjoyed sharing my candy more than they enjoyed consuming it, LOL!
Throughout the village there was a number of Chinese tourists visiting and just a sprinkling of foreign visitors. There were some quaint vendor stalls offering some locally created jewelry, primarily in silver or beadwork. Tables offered numerous options for earrings, bracelets, pendants, etc. Some shops created their own jewelry on site, with some very traditional tools, as one can see in the photo here.
There were shopkeepers offering food options, such as this woman selling baked potatoes which were very appealingly warm on a cool fall morning. I was enthralled with the small children who were in the village and there were several, who each appeared to be cared for by a grandparent.
Along the winding streets there was a small traditional Chinese hostel, which offered a bed for the night for just 12 yuan or so. Just down the walking path there was a rounded room offering community seating for a performance with traditional costumes and masks. The grandfather with his granddaughter, and I were among the last to leave and I offered a small yuan bill as a gift to his granddaughter, that he automatically refused. He and the granddaughter shared a comfortable curiosity and ease about wandering the village and watching others. I’d like to go back and spend more time, staying in the hostel of Tianlong Tunpu.]]> http://lotustours.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=52 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:37:01 -0500 http://lotustours.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=52 Professionals, such as child psychologists or adoption agency personnel often suggest the early elementary years as the best for instilling a love and appreciation for the culture during a heritage trip. Other plusses of travel during this development age period is that the child has the physical stamina and the overall flexibility for the rigors of international travel. They also aren’t typically so wrapped into their own social context as teens or pre-teens may be. So, it’s easier for them to dive into new cultural experiences with a sense of adventure while looking to the parents for guidance to understand or interpret a new experience. Younger kids will not likely “overthink” a new experience. Or, as some might say, the younger age kids don’t take a trip with the same amount of “emotional baggage” that often accompanies the experience of a teen or pre-teen. Teens are more likely to be enmeshed in the in the conflicting complexities of the realities of loss within the adoption story. Also, younger kids typically don’t mind still being seen traveling with their parents ?

I'm attaching a complete article from Dr. Rebecca Nelson who writes articulately on this topic also.

Iris Culp
Mom to 2 great kiddos!

  Birth_Country_Visits_final_on_letterhead.DOC (Size: 47.5 KB / Downloads: 0) ]]> Professionals, such as child psychologists or adoption agency personnel often suggest the early elementary years as the best for instilling a love and appreciation for the culture during a heritage trip. Other plusses of travel during this development age period is that the child has the physical stamina and the overall flexibility for the rigors of international travel. They also aren’t typically so wrapped into their own social context as teens or pre-teens may be. So, it’s easier for them to dive into new cultural experiences with a sense of adventure while looking to the parents for guidance to understand or interpret a new experience. Younger kids will not likely “overthink” a new experience. Or, as some might say, the younger age kids don’t take a trip with the same amount of “emotional baggage” that often accompanies the experience of a teen or pre-teen. Teens are more likely to be enmeshed in the in the conflicting complexities of the realities of loss within the adoption story. Also, younger kids typically don’t mind still being seen traveling with their parents ?

I'm attaching a complete article from Dr. Rebecca Nelson who writes articulately on this topic also.

Iris Culp
Mom to 2 great kiddos!

  Birth_Country_Visits_final_on_letterhead.DOC (Size: 47.5 KB / Downloads: 0) ]]> http://lotustours.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=51 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 03:32:53 -0500 http://lotustours.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=51
There’s a saying goes like this “East or west, Guilin landscape is the best!” It is no doubt that most foreign tourists come to Guilin because of its beautiful scenery. Yet there’s a small group of people who come to Guilin to teach or study at schools besides enjoying the impressive scenery.

As a graduate from a university in Guilin, I have had chances to meet foreigners from a number of different countries. I’ve even asked one of my foreign teachers “Why did you come here and teach in a small city like Guilin?” This professor said the reason he came to Guilin is the gorgeous landscape of Yangshuo. Several years earlier he had visited the city for a just few days and left. However, after he came to Yangshuo, he loved the life there. He told me his thoughts, “Every day is a beautiful day and I can slow down for a while and learn some Chinese besides working”, he said to me. Then he came and settled down to teach at my university. Now, he’s been teaching at my school for several years. And, I think he did a really great job at teaching English. At the time I was in college, the students love to visit with him! And, during the years of his teaching his Chinese is improved a lot! I think it is a smart way to approach his work and establish his way of life: touring, working and learning can be all done together in a wonderful place.

I once met two girls from a university in Texas, when I was at Guilin University. They had come to Guilin to complete some research. As it turned out, my classmate and I showed them around our school to see our classrooms, recreation area and dorms. We also invited them to have lunch with us at the dining hall. We ended up having a really had a good time sharing what we learned in our English classes. They discussed many things with us, including about the origin of Christmas and Jesus Christ. That was really fun. My classmate and I really enjoyed the brief visit immensely because we were exchanging our ideas and opinion about things.

I think this might also be the choice for some adoptive families. It might even have a special appeal to those adopted teenagers who really want to get an insight of their birth country. They can extend their stay at city like Guilin, experiencing the real life in China and practice learning Mandarin in addition to touring. Here in China, one can visit the colleges or universities pretty easily and meeting and making new friends with university students is not difficult because most university students in China speak English. And they are always friendly to foreign people and would like to talk, if somebody comes to them.

My thoughts are that visiting various universities can be fun for adopted teens. They can see the real school life of students at their age, in their home country and even contemplate what life they might have had in China. It could be an interesting excursion.]]>
There’s a saying goes like this “East or west, Guilin landscape is the best!” It is no doubt that most foreign tourists come to Guilin because of its beautiful scenery. Yet there’s a small group of people who come to Guilin to teach or study at schools besides enjoying the impressive scenery.

As a graduate from a university in Guilin, I have had chances to meet foreigners from a number of different countries. I’ve even asked one of my foreign teachers “Why did you come here and teach in a small city like Guilin?” This professor said the reason he came to Guilin is the gorgeous landscape of Yangshuo. Several years earlier he had visited the city for a just few days and left. However, after he came to Yangshuo, he loved the life there. He told me his thoughts, “Every day is a beautiful day and I can slow down for a while and learn some Chinese besides working”, he said to me. Then he came and settled down to teach at my university. Now, he’s been teaching at my school for several years. And, I think he did a really great job at teaching English. At the time I was in college, the students love to visit with him! And, during the years of his teaching his Chinese is improved a lot! I think it is a smart way to approach his work and establish his way of life: touring, working and learning can be all done together in a wonderful place.

I once met two girls from a university in Texas, when I was at Guilin University. They had come to Guilin to complete some research. As it turned out, my classmate and I showed them around our school to see our classrooms, recreation area and dorms. We also invited them to have lunch with us at the dining hall. We ended up having a really had a good time sharing what we learned in our English classes. They discussed many things with us, including about the origin of Christmas and Jesus Christ. That was really fun. My classmate and I really enjoyed the brief visit immensely because we were exchanging our ideas and opinion about things.

I think this might also be the choice for some adoptive families. It might even have a special appeal to those adopted teenagers who really want to get an insight of their birth country. They can extend their stay at city like Guilin, experiencing the real life in China and practice learning Mandarin in addition to touring. Here in China, one can visit the colleges or universities pretty easily and meeting and making new friends with university students is not difficult because most university students in China speak English. And they are always friendly to foreign people and would like to talk, if somebody comes to them.

My thoughts are that visiting various universities can be fun for adopted teens. They can see the real school life of students at their age, in their home country and even contemplate what life they might have had in China. It could be an interesting excursion.]]> http://lotustours.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=50 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 03:28:58 -0500 http://lotustours.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=50 I was having my hair cut at the salon and my dad phoned. When I finished the call, the hairdresser suddenly began talking to me in the Hakka language instead of standard Mandarin and I was very surprised to know he is Hakka too. It feels so good to talk to someone in my native language, though in Guangzhou, where I now live, we are both far from home.

The word, “Hakka”, perhaps is unfamiliar to most people. You might be wondering, what is that??
While Han people are the majority group in China, there are also 56 ethnic groups in China. One of these ethnic groups is the subgroup called Hakka. The character “Hakka” indicates the visitor or guest people of the natives, or living as the guest people. Our ancestors migrated and settled down to form their own communities, which are now mainly distributed in southern China in provinces such as Guangdong, Jiangxi, Guangxi, Fujian, Hunan and Sichuan. I am of the Hakka group coming from He Yuan, Guangdong Province.

As a member of one of the unique ethnic groups, there are some distinguishing characteristics of our Hakka culture. A key one is that our language is distinct; our language is named Hakka as well. People come from different places but have the same roots. Though Hakka people speak different dialects we can typically understand each other.

The housing specifically reflects the culture. In the old days, our forefathers live in the Weilongwu (non-fortress-like mud bricks building) and Sijiaolou. And, even some in my generation have lived in such house when we were very young. Nowadays, most people are living in a modern house but some of the older people like staying in a traditional house because it’s warm in winter and cool in summer. Besides, the Ancestral Halls, built in ancient times are still well preserved to worship the ancestors.

  joyce002.jpg (Size: 25.45 KB / Downloads: 4)
Cuisine for Hakka people is distinct. The raw materials of Hakka food rely on seasonal, fresh food similar to other cuisines. However, it relies heavily on steaming, stewing, braising and roasting. Among the favorite varieties are Salt Baked Chicken, Stuffed Tofu and Braised pork with preserved vegetables.

These traditional foods are what my family always have as a feast during Chinese New Year. As I write these words, my mind goes to back to my childhood. The happiest memory is that every New Year, my dad would prepare a big yummy salt baked drumstick for us. To me, salt baked chicken is the memory of simple happiness. Is it attractive to you?

  joyce001.jpg (Size: 33.54 KB / Downloads: 4) ]]> I was having my hair cut at the salon and my dad phoned. When I finished the call, the hairdresser suddenly began talking to me in the Hakka language instead of standard Mandarin and I was very surprised to know he is Hakka too. It feels so good to talk to someone in my native language, though in Guangzhou, where I now live, we are both far from home.

The word, “Hakka”, perhaps is unfamiliar to most people. You might be wondering, what is that??
While Han people are the majority group in China, there are also 56 ethnic groups in China. One of these ethnic groups is the subgroup called Hakka. The character “Hakka” indicates the visitor or guest people of the natives, or living as the guest people. Our ancestors migrated and settled down to form their own communities, which are now mainly distributed in southern China in provinces such as Guangdong, Jiangxi, Guangxi, Fujian, Hunan and Sichuan. I am of the Hakka group coming from He Yuan, Guangdong Province.

As a member of one of the unique ethnic groups, there are some distinguishing characteristics of our Hakka culture. A key one is that our language is distinct; our language is named Hakka as well. People come from different places but have the same roots. Though Hakka people speak different dialects we can typically understand each other.

The housing specifically reflects the culture. In the old days, our forefathers live in the Weilongwu (non-fortress-like mud bricks building) and Sijiaolou. And, even some in my generation have lived in such house when we were very young. Nowadays, most people are living in a modern house but some of the older people like staying in a traditional house because it’s warm in winter and cool in summer. Besides, the Ancestral Halls, built in ancient times are still well preserved to worship the ancestors.

  joyce002.jpg (Size: 25.45 KB / Downloads: 4)
Cuisine for Hakka people is distinct. The raw materials of Hakka food rely on seasonal, fresh food similar to other cuisines. However, it relies heavily on steaming, stewing, braising and roasting. Among the favorite varieties are Salt Baked Chicken, Stuffed Tofu and Braised pork with preserved vegetables.

These traditional foods are what my family always have as a feast during Chinese New Year. As I write these words, my mind goes to back to my childhood. The happiest memory is that every New Year, my dad would prepare a big yummy salt baked drumstick for us. To me, salt baked chicken is the memory of simple happiness. Is it attractive to you?

  joyce001.jpg (Size: 33.54 KB / Downloads: 4) ]]> http://lotustours.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=49 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 23:43:04 -0500 http://lotustours.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=49
Many families automatically choose summertime because the schedule is open and flexible for kids. However a growing trend is for families to look more closely and consider alternate times. There are some good reasons for considering a spring, fall or winter break for travel:

*Airfare is often more reasonable in early springtime, such as March. Air travel often sees a rate increase during early April. Winter travel from US to China can sometimes be the best prices for the entire year.
* Summer weather in most of China is pretty hot -- typically 80-100 degrees F through much of China. More temperate weather can be a huge plus when traveling.
* Popular tourist sites will be less crowded in spring, winter or fall, than summertime.


Of course, if making a trip in summer time is the best time for your family, there are some steps to consider as you plan.

* Chinese families taking their own travel vacations usually do so in late July and early August when their children are released from school. Earlier in the summer is best. If possible, late May, June or early July are advantageous for that reason.

* When making summer travel plans, it's a good idea to consider booking at hotels where there are swimming pools available. Swimming is not so popular in China as it is in the US, so you will need to consider that in booking hotels. Many 4 star hotels have pools now, but not necessarily all.


So, make the most of the season you select -- each season offers its own plusses.

Best to you as you plan,]]>
Many families automatically choose summertime because the schedule is open and flexible for kids. However a growing trend is for families to look more closely and consider alternate times. There are some good reasons for considering a spring, fall or winter break for travel:

*Airfare is often more reasonable in early springtime, such as March. Air travel often sees a rate increase during early April. Winter travel from US to China can sometimes be the best prices for the entire year.
* Summer weather in most of China is pretty hot -- typically 80-100 degrees F through much of China. More temperate weather can be a huge plus when traveling.
* Popular tourist sites will be less crowded in spring, winter or fall, than summertime.


Of course, if making a trip in summer time is the best time for your family, there are some steps to consider as you plan.

* Chinese families taking their own travel vacations usually do so in late July and early August when their children are released from school. Earlier in the summer is best. If possible, late May, June or early July are advantageous for that reason.

* When making summer travel plans, it's a good idea to consider booking at hotels where there are swimming pools available. Swimming is not so popular in China as it is in the US, so you will need to consider that in booking hotels. Many 4 star hotels have pools now, but not necessarily all.


So, make the most of the season you select -- each season offers its own plusses.

Best to you as you plan,]]> http://lotustours.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=48 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 23:39:03 -0500 http://lotustours.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=48
Many families automatically choose summertime because the schedule is open and flexible for kids. However a growing trend is for families to look more closely and consider alternate times. There are some good reasons for considering a spring, fall or winter break for travel:

*Airfare is often more reasonable in early springtime, such as March. Air travel often sees a rate increase during early April. Winter travel from US to China can sometimes be the best prices for the entire year.
* Summer weather in most of China is pretty hot -- typically 80-100 degrees F through much of China. More temperate weather can be a huge plus when traveling.
* Popular tourist sites will be less crowded in spring, winter or fall, than summertime.


Of course, if making a trip in summer time is the best time for your family, there are some steps to consider as you plan.

* Chinese families taking their own travel vacations usually do so in late July and early August when their children are released from school. Earlier in the summer is best. If possible, late May, June or early July are advantageous for that reason.

* When making summer travel plans, it's a good idea to consider booking at hotels where there are swimming pools available. Swimming is not so popular in China as it is in the US, so you will need to consider that in booking hotels. Many 4 star hotels have pools now, but not necessarily all.


So, make the most of the season you select -- each season offers its own plusses.

Best to you as you plan,

Iris Culp
Heritage Programs Tour Director
iris@lotustours.net]]>
Many families automatically choose summertime because the schedule is open and flexible for kids. However a growing trend is for families to look more closely and consider alternate times. There are some good reasons for considering a spring, fall or winter break for travel:

*Airfare is often more reasonable in early springtime, such as March. Air travel often sees a rate increase during early April. Winter travel from US to China can sometimes be the best prices for the entire year.
* Summer weather in most of China is pretty hot -- typically 80-100 degrees F through much of China. More temperate weather can be a huge plus when traveling.
* Popular tourist sites will be less crowded in spring, winter or fall, than summertime.


Of course, if making a trip in summer time is the best time for your family, there are some steps to consider as you plan.

* Chinese families taking their own travel vacations usually do so in late July and early August when their children are released from school. Earlier in the summer is best. If possible, late May, June or early July are advantageous for that reason.

* When making summer travel plans, it's a good idea to consider booking at hotels where there are swimming pools available. Swimming is not so popular in China as it is in the US, so you will need to consider that in booking hotels. Many 4 star hotels have pools now, but not necessarily all.


So, make the most of the season you select -- each season offers its own plusses.

Best to you as you plan,

Iris Culp
Heritage Programs Tour Director
iris@lotustours.net]]> http://lotustours.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=47 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 23:30:34 -0500 http://lotustours.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=47
Beijing has several
* Great Wall
* Forbidden city
* Temple of Heaven
* Summer Palace

Other locations include:
*Terra Cotta Warriors & Horses Museum (Xian, Shaanxi)
*Classical Gardens (Shuzhou, Jiangsu)
*Old Town (LiJiang, Yunnan)
*Ancient Walled City (Pingyao, Shanxi)


Iris Culp
Heritage Programs Director
Lotus Travel]]>
Beijing has several
* Great Wall
* Forbidden city
* Temple of Heaven
* Summer Palace

Other locations include:
*Terra Cotta Warriors & Horses Museum (Xian, Shaanxi)
*Classical Gardens (Shuzhou, Jiangsu)
*Old Town (LiJiang, Yunnan)
*Ancient Walled City (Pingyao, Shanxi)


Iris Culp
Heritage Programs Director
Lotus Travel]]> http://lotustours.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=46 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 23:19:19 -0500 http://lotustours.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=46 While going to the beach isn't the mantra of most families taking a heritage trip, China does offer some beach options and opportunities. Three key ones are:

* Qingdao
* Hainan
* Beihai

The Lotus China staff recently visited the Hainan area during a recent team meeting. Maybe on of them can post some photos of the area?!


Iris Culp
Heritage Programs Director]]> While going to the beach isn't the mantra of most families taking a heritage trip, China does offer some beach options and opportunities. Three key ones are:

* Qingdao
* Hainan
* Beihai

The Lotus China staff recently visited the Hainan area during a recent team meeting. Maybe on of them can post some photos of the area?!


Iris Culp
Heritage Programs Director]]> http://lotustours.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=45 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:51:01 -0500 http://lotustours.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=45
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Anyone who feels that a posted message is objectionable is encouraged to notify an administrator or moderator of this forum immediately. The staff and the owner of this forum reserve the right to remove objectionable content, within a reasonable time frame, if they determine that removal is necessary. This is a manual process, however, please realize that they may not be able to remove or edit particular messages immediately. This policy applies to member profile information as well.

You remain solely responsible for the content of your posted messages. Furthermore, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless the owners of this forum, any related websites to this forum, its staff, and its subsidiaries. The owners of this forum also reserve the right to reveal your identity (or any other related information collected on this service) in the event of a formal complaint or legal action arising from any situation caused by your use of this forum.]]> http://lotustours.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=44 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 22:50:40 -0500 http://lotustours.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=44
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