Travel China and Beyond

Beijing Subway - an Update

The Yikatong, or One Card Pass
Upon arrival in Beijing, in October of 2008, I decided to purchase a subway pass, called Yikatong, or one card pass, in Mandarin, to make my subway journeys more convenient.

A Yikatong costs 40 yuan upfront–20 yuan of which is stored subway ticket credit (the equivalent of of 10 one way trips) and 20 yuan of which is a deposit.  (I had read that you were supposed to be able to get the 20 yuan deposit back if you turned the card back in, but the lady I bought mine from did not think this was the case.)  At any rate, once you have purchased a yikatong, you can add credit to it in 10 yuan (or 5 trip) increments.  It is definitely a time savings to use a yikatong, rather than purchasing a one way ticket each time.  However, one complaint about the yikatong is that it doesn’t have a map of the subway system on it, as the regular one-use subway tickets do.  In fact, as far as I could tell, there are no paper subway maps available at the subway stations at all–just the large maps painted on the walls.

If you are going to be using the Beijing subway system, I would recommend printing out one of the maps available on the internet–I found some quite good ones available at the following links

Metro Map of Beijing (English (PinYin) and Chinese)

Another Beijing Subway Map (English Only)

On my most recent trip to Beijing, in October of 2008, I was very excited to find that the much-anticipated Airport Express Train was finally operational.  The idea of being able to avoid a long taxi ride into Beijing, especially at high traffic times of the day, was very appealing, so I decided to give it a try.

I needed to get from the airport to southwest Beijing, so I knew that just taking the Airport Express would not get me to my destination–I would also need to get onto the regular subway line and transfer from line 2 to line 5.  Alternatively, I could have taken the Airport Express to its final stop and taken a taxi to my hotel, but that seemed like cheating.  So, after arriving at the new and glorious Terminal 3 in Beijing, my sister and I made our way to the Airport Express Train and purchased our tickets.

The fare of 25 yuan is much higher than the fare of any other subway journey in Beijing (a flat 2 yuan), but it was a new train and did go a considerable distance.  Anyway, after buying our tickets, my sister and I waited about ten minutes for the train (I believe the maximum time between trains is fifteen minutes) and then boarded it.  Although it was quite pleasant and clean, the Airport Express Train had remarkably little space for luggage.  There was one tiny luggage rack at the end of our car, and a small amount of overhead space running along the length of the car on either side, but that appeared to be it.   My sister’s one large bag and one small bag and my two large bags

(I justified my excessive amount of luggage by the fact that I was in Beijing to purchase inventory for my online store–www.chinafinds.com–and needed space to take stuff home in) nearly blocked the walkway at the end of our car.

I was able to fit one of my bags on the aforementioned end-of-the-car luggage rack, but that was it–the others spilled out into the aisle.  Other than the luggage issue, the Airport Express Train was great. It seemed to travel very fast and the view from the train was interesting.  Very soon, we were at the final terminus for the Airport Express–Dongzhimen Station.  (It stops at the airport’s new Terminal 3, old Terminal 2, and the subway stops Sanyuanqiao and Dongzhimen.)  At Dongzhimen, once we had purchased subway tickets (the 25 yuan tickets we had previously purchased were only good for the Airport Express Train), we began making our way to the Dongzhimen trains.

Getting through the turnstiles was truly tricky given all our luggage, but that was nothing compared with all the stairs we had to navigate.  Some of the subway stations have escalators, but many do not, or not in all areas.  Fortunately, this gave us an unparalleled opportunity to witness the kindness of strangers in China.  On each and every stairway that we encountered, Chinese people helped us with our bags.  Sometimes they asked if we needed help, but most of the time, they just smiled and took a hold of a bag.  Given our advanced level of exhaustion, we were exceedingly grateful.  At any rate, we did eventually make it to our hotel, but it took about two hours–far longer than a taxi ride would have taken.

If you are unencumbered by luggage or are staying in a hotel that is very close to one of the Airport Express stops (Sanyuanqiao or Dongzhimen), then the Airport Express is a fine method of transportation.  Otherwise, I would recommend a taxi.

Warning–Be Careful Changing Money at the Beijing Airport

On my recent trip to Beijing in October 2008, I needed to change a small amount of money at the airport in order to pay for transportation into town to my hotel. This was my first time changing money at the airport, so I didn’t want to change a large amount of money as I was wary of the exchange rates. As it turns out, I was right to be wary as not only was the exchange rate considerably lower than that offered at my hotel and at the local banks (6.65 versus 6.75) but I was charged a flat 50 yuan fee to change money–a fact I only realized considerably after the fact as I was befuddled from my long airplane journey. As I had only changed $20 USD, I should have received 133 yuan even at the poor exchange rate of 6.65. However, I only got 83 yuan back–an effective exchange rate of 4.15 RMD to 1 USD. Once I realized what had happened, I was far past the currency exchange booth and it was too late to go back. On my return journey to the airport, I saw a similar currency exchange booth. This one had a reasonably prominent sign stating that a 60 yuan fee (even more than the 50 yuan I had paid) was charged for all currency transactions. Perhaps the place where I had so disastrously changed money had also had a sign, but I was too sleep-deprived to see it. At any rate, be cautious when changing money at the airport. ATMs may be a much better way to go.

Word of Caution for Travel and Security Checks at Chinese Airports

Recently I found that some of the Chinese airport security personnel have changed their view on what is allowed and what is not in your carry-on luggage.  In the US you are aware that 3oz bottles of liquids are OK through security as long as you can place all the containers in the required Ziplock bag.  Not so in China. At a recent flight from Xian to Shanghai I was asked to leave behind my hand sanitizer liquid (a 2 oz bottle).  In the previous days and weeks I have flown through many airports (I had not been to Xian for at least 1 year) in China and my hand sanitizer gel has never been a problem.  I use it frequently as a way to quickly wash hands before meals etc. and when you are in a rush for the next business meeting, it does come handy….

Well, the security folks at the Xian airport decided that it is flammable and dangerous liquid as it was alcohol based   –> I wonder why they allow all these cans of beer on the planes then   and confiscated it.  I tried to have a conversation and ask WHY, but in the usual manner I was told “Shi Guiding”  — “it is the rule”  — nevermind, there was no rule that I was aware of (or any of the other airports like Shenzhen, Shanghai, Nanjing, that I fly through relatively frequently)…. Oh, well, live and learn.

So, for those of you who plan to travel next, you may want to keep your liquids in your checkin luggage (even if they are of the required size).

Happy travels!

More on JiuFen and JinGuaShi Towns - a Day Trip From Taipei City

It took me a while to get back to writing about the trip to JiuFen and JinGuaShi areas. Work has been very busy and this has had an impact on how much time I can spend on the blog. But today, Saturday, I finally got to it… So here I go:

I mentioned about going to JiuFen. Yes, this is a worthwhile day trip from Taipei. There are many options on how to get there:

* Of course your own or friend’s vehicle is a good one. Although be careful — parking in the area is quite challenging. A lot of people take the weekend drive into the mountains. There are some parking lots in the town and 4-5 hour stop will cost you around NT250-300

* Bus service from Taipei;

* Take the train — to Rueifang Station — here is a link to TRA: http://www.railway.gov.tw/index/index.aspx

What do you do in JiuFen? Well there are many options:
* Hiking — there are tons of trails some of which pretty steep (see the photos of the hills surrounding the town in this and the previous posting; You can see also Tea Pot mountain — interesting hill in the shape of a tea pot as the name would suggest;

* Visit the small museums:
- The Gold Ecological Park — in the town of JinGuaShi (next door to JiuFen), where you can see
a museum of all-wood Japanese architecture: The Four Joined Japanese Style Residence;
the museum of Gold;
The Crown Prince Chalet - associated with a strange story — the Chalet was built in 1922 during the Japanese occupation in expectation of a visit by the Japan Crown Prince (later he became emperor Hirohito) — oddly enough he did not visit, but the chalet was built nevertheless….Oh, well. Nice place to visit anyway
Visit one of the Benshan gold mining tunnels;

* Shopping: there is a pretty big shopping (ornaments, food, clothing, etc.) — here is a link to some of the shops
http://www.9sale.org/en/store_list.php

Another idea to consider is a weekend stay in the area. There are many single family bed and breakfast like hotels. I took a picture of one of them on this photo you can see the building on top of the hill on the left hand-side. This bed and breakfast place is owned by a lively 85 year old Taiwan lady who was very eager to give us all sort of pointers about the locale….

Here are some more images from the shopping street in JiuFen:

And then some more of JiuFen:

Enjoy your trip!

More on Air Travel in China - Also an observation about what services and products support need to be

About a year ago I posted on some of my experiences with how Chinese airlines manage delays and overall information to passengers…Well, it seems that a boiling over point has been reached for travelers in China. Recent article posted by Reuters provides a view of the activism performed by those travelers — taking matter in their own hands, they decided to stay on-board the canceled flight…

I have been in some of those situations — not staying on the plane - but having a whole bunch of passengers surrounding the airline representatives and not letting them leave until they resolve the situation with the delayed or canceled flight.

For those of you who believe that in China, consumers are not demanding, think twice…. This is one of the most challenging markets, or rather China has become extremely challenging place for companies who fail to meet expectations of the Chinese consumer. This latest report is just one example of the extremes you may experience as a product or service provider in China.

Sure, there are airline delays and flight cancellations in many places around the world, but few are the cases where passengers have done the act of staying on-board the aircraft and demanding action by the airline, while at the same time being served by the flight attendants….Quite something.

All in all, this can be viewed also as a red flag to companies who are planning market entry into the Chinese market…

When you thought you have seen it all in Shoe Fashion, the next surprise comes

Rushing through Hong Kong airport recently, I could not miss the opportunity to snap a few images of brand new fashions in shoes… Take a look at these images:

Pretty fancy, yeah!?

More troubles in Air Travel - First Cancelled Flights, then Missing Baggage Handlers

Well, if you are looking for worry and trouble free flights these days, think twice.  On a recent flight from China (Shenzhen - Shanghai - Chicago) to Austin, Texas, I got to experience the challenges of air travel disconnects and issues.  As you are most likely aware American Airlines had to cancel a whole bunch of flights in the US as they were serviced by the fleet’s grounded MD-80 aircraft.

As a result of those flight cancellations on my recent flight to the US, I looked into requesting a switch to a United flight from Chicago O’Hare to Austin airport.  My initial reaction was “Score — I was able to get on the flight”, and be able to avoid staying the night in a hotel in Chicago.  That was the 30 seconds of elation.  Then the reality of the current flight conditions settled in.  The United flight was initially delayed by 2 hours.  Then, by the time we actually boarded the plane (after having to wait for a flight crew to arrive from another city) it was already 3, or 3+ hours delay.    Well, you may say, “Whats the big deal — only 3 hours delay…”  —- But that was not all.  Once we boarded the plane the additional wait started.  Come to find out (based on the plane captain’s update to us the passengers) — the baggage handlers had decided to go home.  So after midnight the Chicago O’Hare airport was being served by a tiny crew of baggage handlers — statements were made to the effect of “Only 2 baggage handlers are servicing all the gates in this part of the airport.  No, we do not know when they will get to our plane….”

The net effect was that we had to sit for a whole lot of time on the tarmac in the plane while someone had to load our bags in the plane.  We (the passengers) could have done that.  I am sure most of us wanted to get it done so we can get back home…..

Well, long story short, eventually the baggage handlers showed up, and eventually we were airborne.  But the sour taste in my mouth remains — what a crazy setup — You have a whole bunch of aircraft / flights canceled, you have a whole lot of  tired and frustrated passengers, and NO ONE from the airport management makes an effort to ensure that at least the ground crews are operational….. Go figure….!

That was a very frustrating experience.   So where was that bill of passenger rights

I wonder….

Happy Travels!

More Legroom in Economy Plus Middle Section on United 747s

Recently, I traveled with my nine year old daughter to Beijing to visit friends and buy jewelry for my website, Chinafinds. As my daughter had elite status on United, we were able to sit in the Economy Plus section. This is particularly important on the San Francisco - Beijing flight, because United uses rather tired old 747s for that route and as I’m sure you know, they lack the amenities of the newer 777s such as seatback video and are generally not as spiffy. Anyway, the 747 had a 3 – 5 – 3 configuration (meaning three seats next to the window on either side of the plane flanking five seats in the middle section). We were in the middle five, and I noted to my surprise that the seats in the middle five had considerably more legroom (by about two inches) than the seats in the outer three on either side of the aisle. The difference was apparent to the naked eye and I confirmed it by taking an actual measurement. I was surprised, as this detail was not indicated on Seatguru, one of my favorite travel tools. I habitually check Seatguru whenever I fly to make sure of getting the best seat possible. However, this small detail was not noted there. Anyway, my daughter and I were pleased to be in the section with superior legroom and enjoyed our 12 hour flight to Beijing to the extent to which it was possible.

Watch Out for a New Scam — this one organized by “clever” taxi driver

Well, when you thought you have finally mastered the various forms in which you might be taken to the cleaners by a clever taxi driver, here is a new one I had not thought is possible — China Daily reported on a weird way to steal — by having an accomplice (to the cab driver) hidden in the trunk of the cab.

According to the report, the cab driver took the unsuspecting passenger on board and only a few minutes after taking off from the airport, informed the passenger that he got an urgent call and needs to head back…. The “helpful” driver found another cab and transfered the passenger’s luggage….It all seemed good until that passenger found out (later on while at home) that her laptop computer was gone — per the report, the police investigation determined that the rogue cab driver had an accomplice hidden in the trunk of the car.  While the vehicle was on its way, that person searched through the luggage and removed valuables…

So on your next taxi ride, pay attention and watch carefully what the driver is doing.