March 15, 2005
Travel idea - Shanghai
I've heard a lot of negative travel stories about China, mostly the negative comments focus on noise and dirt. It was nice to read a positive article about Shanghai, with some practical advice about getting "real crab meat buns". I don't like crab but I mention it because it's supposed to be a traditional Chinese food.
I also found a very humorous account of a tour to China with some wonderful pictures. There are some negative experiences too, one American (of Chinese descent) writes about Shaghai's dirty little secret: "I was frequent prey to pickpockets and well-dressed shysters. I was shoved to the ground for a postage stamp, harassed and tailed endlessly by shopkeepers. I became a naïve target for indiscriminate expressions of anger." Interestingly the author summarizes by saying she can not be critical.
Posted by James Trotta at March 15, 2005 7:32 PM
I've been to Shanghai and could never recommend it for a pleasure vacation. Dirty, noisy, crowded. Shopping for counterfeit goods that are about what you could get at Walmart at home (minus the fake designer label.) Little to see.
Beijing is slightly better, but only because they are trying to pretty it up for the Olympics in 2008. If you want the flavor of China without the filth, go to Hong Kong.
Posted by: W. Myers at March 16, 2005 10:48 AMI also made a recent trip to China and I have only one word to describe it... "Polluted" ....and with their population boom of the middle class estimated to double over the next five years, I don't see it improving. Another thing, Chinese people are rude. They see nothing wrong with farting in public, spitting near you or on you, cutting in line right in front of you...just basically mannerless. My advice, save your money and go to Thailand or Japan.
Posted by: Dennis at March 16, 2005 10:42 PMI've never traveled to any Asian country's but have a dear friend who just returned a few days ago from Hong Kong, Singapore and the Philippines and she could not say enough wonderful stuff about both Hong Kong and Singapore. The Philippines have a tremendous amount of poverty but the resort where they were was beautiful.
Posted by: Rhonda at March 17, 2005 5:49 AMI loved my trip to Asia, Thailand was wonderful, the people kind and helpful. I also enjoyed China (Hong Kong) for the few days that I was there.
My comment to those who visit Asia and feel negative about their trip; keep in mind that all cultures are different, and try to embrace the differences rather than to criticise them. I have lived in or visited at least 12 different countries and had joyful experiences in all of them. Viva la difference!
In response to the last comment. Hong Kong is like visiting London. It is NOT mainland China. So it's not about disrespecting other cultures. It's about the reality of the environment. Don't think for a second if you've been to Singapore or Hong Kong you know what China or the Chinese are like.
I will say I don't think the Chinese are rude but spitting and bumping into people are commonplace. I gave up trying to apologize to people when bumping into them because no one cares! It's a reality of living with a few billion other people!
Posted by: W. Myers at March 18, 2005 7:00 AMAfter years of reading about "Ugly Americans" I am dumbfounded to realize that compared to some parts of the world we are actually polite! While I have never managed to escape the demands of family and career to fulfill my travel dreams, I have long been an avid reader of travel logs and materials. While Japan, New Zealand, and Australia are on my "must see" list, I have to admit that I have a problem with people admonishing us to be tolerant of a culture that has so little respect for itself and its people that it would pollute its environment so severely. Not to mention the numerous human rights violations that China is guilty of.
To learn more about the cultures and peoples around the world I attend meetings and events held by the various ethnic groups in my area, as well as events and talks held by the International Club at my local university. Locally we have not only the hispanic cultures of Central and South America, but have large groups from India, Indonesia, Japan, China, Korea, Russia, and the ever growing EEU (most of Europe). While I cannot go halfway around the world to visit these cultures I can go across town to their communities and churches/temples/mosques.