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Obtain a China entry visa before flying. If entering via a mainland city but subsequently visiting Hong Kong or Macau, you will need a multiple entry visa.

Money Visiting China, Hong Kong, and Macau means encountering three currencies: China's yuan or RMB, Hong Kong's dollar, and Macau's pataca. Many stores in Hong Kong and Macau accept yuan notes, but Hong Kong dollars and patacas are not accepted in mainland China. Check values before traveling, as the U.S. dollar is weakening almost daily. Hotels and banks change U.S. dollars and ATMs are ubiquitous in major cities – spend all you exchange, the Chinese yuan is non-convertible outside China.

Flights
Nonstop flights to Shanghai depart daily from San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Chicago. Nonstop flights to Hong Kong depart daily from San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York. Nonstop flights to Beijing depart daily from San Francisco, Houston, Los Angeles, New York and Chicago.

GETTING AROUND CHINA
From Hong Kong to Macau: Day trips are certainly possible, but an over-night stay (see Where to Stay) is recommended. A 1-hour jetfoil provides access from Hong Kong (011-852-2859-3333; www.turbojet.com.hk).

From Shanghai to Hangzhou: Trains run hourly to and from Shanghai South Railway Station. Journey time is 2 hours. Round-trip fare: $10-$12.

From Shanghai to Suzhou: One-hour train rides run to and from Shanghai Railway Station.

Getting to Xi'an: Non-stop flights from all major Chinese cities fly into Xi'an daily.

Getting to the Great Wall: Hotels in Beijing arrange transportation by private car to and from the Great Wall. Cost: $80-$110.

Getting to Yunnan Province: Nonstop, 2.5-hour flights from Beijing and Shanghai fly into Kunming daily.

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