China Travel Forum

[Kevin]

I'm coming to Beijing in mid june and plan on going all the way out to Kashgar, along the way I would like to see Xian, Dunhuang, Turpan etc.

I don't speak any mandarin at all, so I am wondering whehter I should try to do this by myself or with a tour company? It looks like I can get a 2 week long tour most expenses paid for around 2000 US$, but I don't know anything about Chinese tour companies.

Does anybody have any recommendations as to how I should do this? i.e., trying to do it on your own vs. a tour company, and pre-arranging a tour vs. trying to find local guides when you get there? Thanks.

[Eric]

In each of the destinations along the Silk Road, (Xi'an, Dunhuang, Turpan, Kashgar, etc.) it is possible to arrange local English tours.
You may find some destinations do not really require a guide. The Great Wall at Jiayuguan is a good example of a place that is truly self explanatory.
The advantage of a comprehensive tour is that you don't need any hotel bookings and the transportation is all supposed to be taken care of. Yet in each Chinese city and town along your route hotel bookings are easy to make as reservations won't be required in June/July.
If arranging your own local tour in each town then at least you'll have more control over the itinerary .
Here's my suggestion: Go ahead and consider the comprehensive tour offered by a Chinese tour company for the Silk Road. If you believe all important stops are covered and the hotels are excellent quality then go ahead and take the Chinese tour. for more information please contactwith:
www.muztagh.com