Ruqin China Travel Community - Recent Posts

RE: Great Wall in December and Toboggan

Ruqin China Travel — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 02:51:58 +0000

Dear Emma,

Thank you very much for your enquiry—your December trip to Beijing with your children sounds like a wonderful plan!

Regarding your first question, yes, this arrangement is בהחלט possible and quite practical. If your flight arrives in Beijing around 6:00 am, scheduling a pickup at approximately 8:00 am works well. You would have enough time to transfer directly from either Beijing Capital Airport or Daxing Airport to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.

A typical plan would allow for around 2 hours to explore the Great Wall at Mutianyu at a comfortable pace. You can leave your luggage securely in the vehicle during your visit. Afterward, you may enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near the base of the Wall, and then continue on to your hotel in downtown Beijing. This makes for a smooth and efficient first day without needing to return to the city before your excursion.

As for your second question about the toboggan ride in December, it is indeed quite cold during that time of year. Temperatures in Beijing typically range from around -5°C to 5°C, and it tends to feel colder at the Great Wall due to higher elevation and stronger winds in the mountainous area.

The toboggan ride at Mutianyu is usually open during winter (generally from mid-November to mid-March), so it should be operating in December under normal conditions. However, you should be prepared for the cold. Warm clothing is essential—thick winter jackets, gloves, hats, scarves, and non-slip footwear are strongly recommended. On days with snow or ice, extra caution is needed as surfaces can become slippery.

Please note that Ruqintravel.com is not a tour operator, so we do not arrange customized tours directly. However, we are always happy to provide helpful travel information to assist you in planning your trip.

I hope this helps with your planning, and I’m sure you and your family will have a memorable experience visiting the Great Wall in winter!

Kind Regards
Daniel Li
Ruqintravel.com

Great Wall in December and Toboggan

Ruqin China Travel — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 02:40:42 +0000

Hi There,

I am planning to head to the Great Wall this December with my 3 teenage children. If we land in Beijing at 6 am, can we arrange pick up around 8 am to go straight to the Great Wall? Can we leave our luggage in the van, walk around a bit, head for lunch at a local restaurant then be transported to our hotel in downtown Beijing?

Is it too cold to take the Toboggan down in December? Emma

RE: Wheelchairs on the boats at the Summer Palace?

Ruqin China Travel — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 02:14:06 +0000

Hi Bob,

Yes, wheelchairs are supported. The Summer Palace has introduced accessible boats designed specifically for visitors with mobility needs.

These boats are stable and spacious, and they are equipped with barrier-free ramps, making it much easier for wheelchair users to get on and off.

They are also electrically operated, which adds an extra layer of safety and comfort — especially suitable for seniors like your mother-in-law.

If you have any other questions as you finalize your plans — whether about accessibility, logistics, or daily arrangements — feel free to reach out anytime.

By the way, check out Summer Palace Wheelchair Accessible Guide: Paths & Toilets for more information.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful and smooth trip to Beijing!

Warm regards,
Daniel Li
Ruqin China Travel

Wheelchairs on the boats at the Summer Palace?

Ruqin China Travel — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 02:04:30 +0000

Daniel,

We are staying at the Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing. Family = Me, Wife,

88 yr old Mother in-law

Can wheelchairs go on the boats at the Summer Palace?

Best Regards,

Bob

RE: Can I Get a Temporary Driving Permit at Hangzhou Airport?

Ruqin China Travel — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 12:35:25 +0000

Hi Oliver, yes — you can apply right at Hangzhou Xiaoshan or either Shanghai airport. Both offer “on-arrival” temporary driving permits. It’s usually quite smooth, often 30–60 minutes if your documents are ready. Bring your passport, foreign driving licence, a Chinese translation, photos, and possibly do a quick on-site medical check (Hangzhou may waive it). The permit is valid for short-term stays. I’d strongly suggest doing it at the airport — much easier than going into the city.

For step-by-step details, please see:
https://ruqintravel.com/china-road-trips/temporary-driving-permit-at-china-airports/

Can I Get a Temporary Driving Permit at Hangzhou Airport?

Ruqin China Travel — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 12:22:22 +0000

Hi there, I’m flying from Hong Kong for Hangzhou. I’m planning to rent an electric SUV and drive around Zhenjiang. Can I sort out a temporary Chinese driving permit at Hangzhou airport, or is it only available in Beijing and Shanghai? If not at the airport, is it easy to arrange in the city within a couple of hours? Thanks, Olive

RE: Shanghai Beijing Zhangjiajie Itinerary Advice

Ruqin China Travel — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 02:54:11 +0000

Dear Sreesh,

Thank you for sharing your detailed itinerary—it looks exciting and very well thought out. Shanghai, Beijing, and Zhangjiajie make a wonderful first-time China route.

To answer your questions directly:

Yes—you can definitely plan this trip on your own.

All three destinations are popular with international travelers. With some preparation, independent travel is very doable.

Here are a few practical tips many travelers use:

Hotels: Book easily via Book.com
High-speed trains & flights: Use Trip.com (very foreigner-friendly)
Attraction tickets: You can book some in advance on Trip.com, Viator, or official sites—but many attractions also sell tickets on-site
Day tours (optional): If you prefer hassle-free experiences, you can book local day trips via Viator in each city

Instead of handing everything to one tour operator, I usually recommend managing your trip city by city. This gives you more flexibility. You can combine self-guided sightseeing with a few organized tours where helpful.

Now, about the language barrier—yes and no.

Shanghai, Beijing, and Zhangjiajie all have bilingual signs at metro stations, airports, major attractions, and train stations. Booking platforms like Trip.com and Viator operate in English. If you prepare your routes, hotel addresses, and attraction names in advance, you’ll manage quite well.

Of course, not everyone speaks English fluently—but with translation apps, maps, and basic planning, most travelers move around without major problems.

So overall: if you’re comfortable with independent travel and online bookings, your itinerary is absolutely achievable on your own.

Wishing you a wonderful journey through China!

Best wishes,
Ruqin
Ruqin China Travel

Shanghai Beijing Zhangjiajie Itinerary Advice

Ruqin China Travel — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 02:18:23 +0000

Itinerary Advice

Hi Ruqin China Travel,

Below is our FINAL ITINERARY (8N / 9D)

I would like to know whether we can plan this ourself? whether there will be language barrier.

Fri – May Advice22 | Arrive Shanghai (Late Night)

* Arrival + transfer
* Rest only
* Overnight: Shanghai

D1 – Sat, May 23 | Shanghai City (B/L/D)
* Jade Buddha Temple
* Yuyuan Garden
* The Bund
* Nanjing Road
* Huangpu River Cruise
* Overnight: Shanghai

D2 – Sun, May 24 | Shanghai Disneyland (B/L/D)
* Full-day Shanghai Disneyland
* Evening at leisure
* Overnight: Shanghai
Perfect placement early in the trip

D3 – Mon, May 25 | Shanghai → Beijing (HSR) (B/L/D)
* Morning transfer to railway station
* High-Speed Rail: Shanghai → Beijing
◦ Duration: 4.5–6 hours
◦ Speed: 300–350 km/h
* Arrival and hotel check-in
* Overnight: Beijing
Your main HSR experience

D4 – Tue, May 26 | Beijing (B/L/D)
* Great Wall – Juyong Pass
* Evening: Temple of Heaven (if time permits)
* Overnight: Beijing

D5 – Wed, May 27 | Beijing → Zhangjiajie (ONLY Domestic Flight) (B/L/D)
* Forbidden City (early entry)
* Tiananmen Square (optional)
* Evening Flight: Beijing → Zhangjiajie
* Hotel check-in
* Overnight: Zhangjiajie

D6 – Thu, May 28 | Zhangjiajie National Park (B/L/D)
* Tianzi Mountain
* Yuanjiajie (Avatar Mountains)
* Bailong Elevator
* Overnight: Zhangjiajie

D7 – Fri, May 29 | Zhangjiajie (B/L/D)
* Tianmen Mountain
* Glass Skywalk (optional)
* Evening Flight: Zhangjiajie → Shanghai (20:30)
* Overnight: Shanghai

D8 – Sat, May 30 | Shanghai (B)
* Doha team: International departure from Shanghai at 13:30
* Dubai team: Optional day trip / city leisure in Shanghai
* Overnight: Shanghai

D9 – Sun, May 31 | Shanghai Departure (B)
* Dubai team: International departure from Shanghai

I would like to know whether we can plan this ourself? whether there will be language barrier.
Thanks! SREESH

RE: Shanghai for 5 nights Advice and Tips

Ruqin China Travel — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 03:17:02 +0000

Dear Mr. Saudim

Thank you very much for contacting Ruqin China Travel, and welcome to Shanghai in advance. It’s wonderful to hear that this will be your first visit to the city.

Staying 5 nights in Shanghai is a great choice and gives you enough time to explore the city, enjoy shopping, and experience local entertainment.

Where to Stay
For first-time visitors, I recommend choosing a hotel in Huangpu District, especially near The Bund or Nanjing Road. This area is very convenient for sightseeing, shopping, dining, and public transportation.

Getting Around – Shanghai Metro
Shanghai’s metro system is modern and easy to use. I suggest reading my guide: How to Take the Shanghai Subway , which explains routes, tickets, and useful tips.

Shanghai City Tours
I’ve gone through Viator’s top-rated experiences and picked the ones that really suit Shanghai.
Check out Best Shanghai Tours | Top City, Food, Walking & Side Trips for information.

What to See in 5 Days
You may find these two guides helpful when planning your days:

Shopping in Shanghai
For shopping ideas and what to buy, please check:What to Buy in Shanghai

Entertainment
One show I highly recommend is the Shanghai Acrobatic Show. It’s very popular with international visitors.You can see details here:ERA 2: Intersection of Time at Shanghai Circus World.

Beijing – Shanghai – Guangzhou Travel
The best way to travel between these cities is by high-speed train. It’s fast, comfortable, and very convenient.You may find this guide useful:How to Buy Train Tickets in China Online as a Foreigner .

I hope this information helps you plan a smooth and enjoyable trip. Wishing you a wonderful time exploring Shanghai and the rest of China.

Kind regards,
Daniel
Ruqin China Travel

Shanghai for 5 nights Advice and Tips

Ruqin China Travel — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 03:06:05 +0000

My plan to arrive shanghai in the 8th/ Apr2026 coming from Beijing.
I will stay in shanghai for 5 nights. Then I will be traveling to Guangzhou in the 13th /Apr.
It is the first time visiting Shanghai, I need to see as much as possible of shanghai, Shopping, entertainment.
Where I should stay ?
City tours ?
Metro stations guide ?
Fast train trips from Beijing to Shanghai and then to Guangzhou.
waiting for your kind reply. Saudim