Lux on the Cheap in China and Hong Kong

To kick this blog off I’m starting this first month with China to commemorate the upcoming Chinese New Year on February 19^th.  We will get into the celebration of Chinese New Year in a later post, however for this particular post, I would like to give you a glimpse of China through my eyes.

Let’s start with the process of visiting China from the United States.  If you live in a part of the country where there is a Chinese Embassy, then it is pretty simple.  I must say that obtaining a Visa from the Chinese Embassy in Los Angeles was quick and painless.  It was a much shorter process compared to the 10 hour grueling process one has to undergo to get an Indian Visa.  That is also a separate story for another time.  However, I will say that I expected the type of treatment we received from the Indian Embassy more likely from the Embassy of a Communist country such as China, but it was the complete opposite. 

In short, for a Chinese Visa for a US passport holder, simply have all your paper work completed with your passport and drop it off to the embassy.  You can return in about an hour and pick up your passport and Visa.  It was as simple as that, and we even applied for a business visa. 

We first flew into Hong Kong and then took domestic flights from there to Shanghai and then on to Beijing.  There are plenty of domestic flights that offer very good rates on air fare and flying around China is no problem.  The flights were also cheap enough for us to fly business class.  A reliable airlines that offers quite a comfortable flying experience is Dragon and we used it for all our domestic flights in China.  I was very particular about what airlines we used because Chinese airlines’ can have their share of problems. 

Hong Kong and New Year’s Eve

I have to mention that a US passport holder does not need a Visa to visit Hong Kong alone.  Hong Kong is a metropolitan island twice as congested as New York City.  It is fast paced and fun.  Stop and get a massage and definitely don’t miss out in shopping at one of the world’s bargain capitals.  Watch out for the fakes, unless you want one.  Those places constantly get raided and we were even shopping at one spot when everybody suddenly started packing up half their merchandise and we couldn’t figure out what was the problem until we saw the police officers walking by.  Most of that occurs on the Kowloon side.  Hong Kong is famous for custom tailoring.  Some of the finest custom suites using designer fabrics can be tailor made for you within 48 hours at half the price of a Hugo Boss for men or a Chanel for women.  My husband has become a regular at one particular shop, which is prospering enough to make monthly trips to the states in order to suit up US Senators along with the likes of business men such as my husband.  We wined and dined at some of Hong Kong’s finest and stayed at the Conrad, which is one of the most opulent Hilton hotels out there.  For high end hangouts and shops there is also PMQ at Central. 

Since our first trip to Hong Kong and China, we have visited Hong Kong several times because of its metropolitan charm.  We even spent a New Year’s Eve out there.  Hong Kong has parties at all the major hotels just like any other big city.  You can stop over for a great meal and music to ring in the New Year.  New Year’s Eve is celebrated in a grand manner in Hong Kong and you can get reservations at the top of one of those tall hotels, like the Intercontinental Hotel to get spectacular views of both the harbor and fireworks. 

When you step into the atrium of the Intercontinental Hotel, it will be an unforgettable experience.  The stunning view of the Harbor across the tall floor to ceiling windows that surround it, accompanied by the gracious service and soothing atmosphere is quite a memorable experience.   Every New Year's Eve, hundreds of thousands of spectators gather at Victoria Harbor to celebrate with a spectacular fireworks display.  It is quite a glamorous spectacle.  However, in my mind the best part is when you step out of your glamorous hotel and join the local revelers all over the streets.  You can really soak in the joy of the locals.

Shanghai

Is a thriving metropolis that serves as the most influential economic, financial, international trade, cultural, science and technology center in East China. There is a perfect blend of modern and traditional culture in Shanghai.  New skyscrapers and old Shikumen together draw the skyline of the city.  The Bund International Architectural Exhibition is one that should not be missed.  The view by day and night is also very different and quite captivating. 

While in Shanghai we enjoyed walking along the Riverside Promenade, which has god views of the river, and historic buildings.  There are many gardens and shops to stop at along with the scenic views.  For some tranquility, head over to the Garden of Contentment.  It’s a beautiful garden in the traditional style with paths, bridges, intricate walls, and stones that all make for a truly beautiful environment. It is quite a jewel to savor among all the hustle and bustle.  In this same area you will find traditional shop keepers who can create a stamp with your name in Chinese within 5 minutes.  We got one made with our last name, which would be nice to stamp the back of our business cards while in China.  It makes for a nice little traditional touch to business. 

 

 

 

 

 

Shanghai Fact:

Passport holders of 51 countries and regions including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Brazil, Russia and Singapore are granted a visa-free stay of up to 72 hours when taking an international transfer via Shanghai Pudong Airport or Hongqiao Airport.

Beijing

In the capital of China and still hold many of the ancient relics of it’ emperors.  On our first day in Beijing we headed to Tiananmen Square and we were lucky enough to catch a procession of guards, although it seemed that they were clearing the area and tourists were not allowed to get too close.  The massive space has lots of security and is almost a militarized zone.  The iconic square is opposite the Forbidden City and that was our next stop.

The Forbidden City was the imperial palace for twenty-four emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties.  It was forbidden to enter without special permission of the emperor, hence its name “The Forbidden City”.  It is divided into two parts. The southern section, or the Outer Court was where the emperor exercised his supreme power over the nation. The northern section, or the Inner Court was where he lived with his royal family. It is quite a vast walk from one section to the other, so be prepared.  Having been the imperial palace for some five centuries, it houses numerous rare treasures.  The grand and deluxe halls, with their surprisingly magnificent treasures such as golden dragon throne is quite consuming.  Allow yourself a good part of the day for this visit.

The next day was our visit to the Great Wall, the longest manmade structure in the world.  This is an absolutely essential stop or hike.  We didn’t take a tour, we just drove out there and started walking.  It was winter, so all though sunny, you could definitely feel the winds and the chill.  However, winter is probably the best time to visit.  It less crowded and pleasant.  What you need to know is that the Great Wall is divided into different sections.  Badaling is the most famous of the wall sections and the most beautiful of the ones near Beijing.  Due to its popularity it can also be over crowded during peak season.  You will find peddlers on the wall as well as all types of entertainers.  You can even take a camel ride, if you can tolerate the stench.

Overall, our entire experience with visiting China from start to end was pleasant.  Since the US dollar held up so well against Chinese currency, we were able to take quite a luxury trip.  For example, we hired a car and driver from our hotel in Beijing to take us to the various sites and we got a 7 series BMW with a white glove driver who made sure chilled water was always available as well as ensuring all our comforts.  This was all at the cost of a US $40 rental car.  You can definitely live it up in China and you don’t have to go off the beaten path if you don’t want to.