Planning a China travel guide for our upcoming trip was different this time. Our group decided to pre-book all accommodation rather than finding places on the go. While this China travel guide approach limits flexibility, it saves precious vacation time. Being based in Perth, Western Australia, we chose to fly to Macau as our entry and exit point. This budget-friendly option will also let us enjoy Macau’s unique Portuguese architecture.
Budget-Friendly Flight Options in Our China Travel Guide
We selected a budget airline for our international flights, which offered significant savings. Here’s what we paid:
| Route | Date | Total Price |
| Perth to Macau | Saturday, December 22, 2007 | $1,668 AUD |
| Macau to Perth | Sunday, January 13, 2008 | $1,076 AUD |
China Travel Guide: Our Hotel Itinerary
Below is our complete itinerary with pre-booked hotels. While I usually prefer budget accommodation, our travel companions opted for 3-4 star hotels for this China travel guide journey.
Hong Kong
Dorsett Olympic Hotel
December 23-26, 2007
$274 AUD per night
This centrally located hotel offers easy access to Hong Kong’s major attractions and shopping districts.
Harbin
Friendship Palace Hotel
December 26-29, 2007
$189 AUD per night
Perfect timing to visit Harbin’s famous Ice Festival, where massive ice sculptures transform the city into a winter wonderland.
Beijing
Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing
December 29, 2007 – January 3, 2008
$438 AUD per night
Located in the heart of Beijing, this hotel provides easy access to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and other historic sites essential to any China travel guide.
Shanghai
City Hotel Shanghai
January 3-7, 2008
$291 AUD per night
This modern hotel sits in Shanghai’s bustling center, making it easy to explore the Bund and other attractions.
Hangzhou
Hua Chen International
January 7-9, 2008
$168 AUD per night
Known for its scenic West Lake, Hangzhou offers a peaceful contrast to China’s busy cities.
Xi’an
Garden Hotel
January 9-11, 2008
$84 AUD per night
Our most budget-friendly accommodation, conveniently located for visiting the famous Terracotta Warriors.
Return to Hong Kong
Prudential Hotel
January 11-12, 2008
$141 AUD per night
A different hotel for our return visit to Hong Kong, offering good value in a prime location.
Macau
Hotel Royal Macau
January 12-13, 2008
$980 HKD per night (excluding taxes)
Our final stop before heading home, allowing us to experience Macau’s unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese cultures.
This China travel guide itinerary covers major highlights across China, from the icy north to historic capitals and scenic water towns. By booking in advance, we’ve secured good rates at comfortable hotels.
For more information on traveling in China, check out resources from Lonely Planet’s China guide or the official China Tourism website.
Travel Tip: Winter in northern China can be extremely cold, especially in Harbin where temperatures can drop to -30°C (-22°F). Pack appropriate clothing!