Live Talk Transcript: China and Hong Kong

My main advice is to stay away from Nathan Road and the surrounding area of Kowloon. This is where most tourists stay, and unfortunately, where most get fleeced. A huge proportion of complaints -- and the bad image of Hong Kong shops -- comes from this area, where a large numbers of scam artists and cheats operate. For cameras, I'd recommend the shops on Stanley Road in Central. The prices won't be quite as cheap, but you tend to get what you pay for. For computers and similar gear, stick to the big computer malls, like Star House in Kowloon or Windsor House in Causeway Bay. The clothing markets around Causeway Bay are fantastic for clothing, purses and shoes. Granville Road in Kowloon also has good outlets for clothing, makeup and jewelry. Tailors are everywhere, but again, stick to established shops recommended by friends who have used them.

For souvenirs and trinkets, I'm a huge fans of the outdoor markets, in Wan Chai and Mongkok, and the colorful Temple Street night market.

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Saratoga Springs, NY: My husband and I traveled to Hong Kong last September and we loved it. However, we were worried that to travel to inland China would be hard since we don't speak Mandarin or Cantonese. Is it much different in mainland China as concerns speaking to the locals?

Ron Gluckman: English has increased considerably in China, where everybody seems to be studying it. But aside from the major cities, you will not find much English spoken outside of the top hotels and tourist areas and even in cities like Shanghai, you really cannot expect to have conversations with people in English. It will happen, but more the rare exception.

Still, don't be put off. A simple phrase book and what is written in the guidebooks will go a long way. But I think most still find China quite adventurous off the beaten path, and language is one of the main reasons.

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Huntsville, AL: Ron, Loved your article on Budget Travel to outlying islands near Hong Kong. What about budget adventure travel to areas in Southern mainland China? Can you make some recommendations for 2-3 weeks of travel off the beaten path? About how much should I budget for daily costs? I don't speak Chinese. Is a phrase book necessary? If so, which? Thanks.

Ron Gluckman: Glad you enjoyed the story. China has lots of marvelous places that are little visited, off the path and delightful bargains. In fact, I'll be writing about one of my favorites, Lijiang, in an upcoming issue of Budget Travel.

Lijiang in Yunan Province, is a fairytale town of ancient wooden and tile houses set in mazes of walkways around a series of rivers, framed by gorgeous mountains. You walk everywhere on tiny paths or old cobbled paths, with bridges of all kinds, from huge arched ones to mere planks, connecting all the cafes, tea houses and charming shops.

A decade ago, Lijiang was a backpacker-only destination, difficult to get to and only the basics for food and lodging. Now, it's gone the path of every other discovered destination. The group tours can put one off, but I think it still retains a magnificent charm as an authentic mountain village of a diverse group of colorful tribes.

Yangshou (near Guilin) in southern China falls into the same category. A decade ago, it was like some fantasy creation, all these sheer, conical rock formations stretching out across an immense valley, rising along the riverbed and the rice fields. With the tropical vegetation and regular swirling mists, Yangshuo was a mesmerizing place to park and stay for weeks at a time. Cafes and cheap guesthouses sprung up, and soon the town was chock-a-block with Mickey Mao cafes and pizza parlors. It still is, and still is a fabulous place to visit, but definitely not off track anymore.