I second the above recommendation. Xiong Brothers. They sell moderate 2k rmb to very expensive bikes 10k+ rmb. Service is excellent, but at if you don't live nearby, then it's not of much use.
Most bike shops in Kunming that sell a majority of higher quality bikes in general provide a high level of service. This would include brands such as Giant, Merida, Specialized, Eurobike, Kronos, and UCC. Conversing in English though is the exception rather than rule. I suggest you just find one of these type of shops that you live near. Unless, you have a specific preference, budget, or recommendation, all the above brands have on offer a selection of moderate to expensive bikes which would all have good quality components for a general enthusiast.
I wouldn't worry about it moving around. Shangri-La has grown, but a 20 min walk still gets you about everywhere. Just have the Chinese name for PSB handy or any of the hostels in the old town can point you the way.
About 6 weeks ago, I met a Spanish cyclist in Shangri-La who was waiting on his visa extension there. Seems like it's possible, but I didn't ask how much or how long or what documents you need.
I believe something was lost in the translation as you say...when I pay month to month, it means if I no longer require internet next month, I just cancel and don't pay anymore. No penalties, as I never signed a one year contract.
The one year deal with China Telecom requires full prepayment of 10 months amount (+2 free months = 1 year). So that would mean there is no monthly payment as you have prepaid for a year.
Prepaying for a year will get you two free months, and some monthly mobile phone credit. Most Chinese prepay as they can make use of those two benefits.
There are definitely thugs posing as tour operators in China. Luckily, it's the exception. In Vietnam they just pull out knives, then the tourists pay up.
Given how China works, a Hekou West could be 35km to the north west instead. Just so people don't get confused reading, there is NO Hekou West station that I know of. Just made it up as an example of how that new extension line could drop you off in middle of nowhere, like Mengzi North (which is real).
For Sapa transportation, if you can find anything for 50k to 80k dong per person after the border, take it. Otherwise you have to figure out how to get to Lao Cai bus station. Also, rides are a daytime thing, not that you'd want to head up that road at night anyways.
Never gotten sick once at Sals. Their food is TexMex, so yeah, not authentic Mexican food, but pretty authentic as TexMex goes. Burrito wrap has improved a lot. Like the draft beer option now.
If you haven't had dairy products in a while, and do eat here, best forgo the sour cream. Nothing wrong with it, in fact it's the best sour cream in Kunming, but if you've eaten Chinese for month or months with no dairy intake, your system will react to sour cream or probably any liquid dairy product not so well. Maybe that's what happened with nailer and tallamerican.
It's now 5 working days for regular processing. So I submitted my application a bit before 5pm on a Friday and was told to pick it up next week Friday after 5pm.
Cost is now 400rmb for a single 30 day entry. Or that was what I was charged anyways. There are no posted prices and its cash only with no receipt except for your passport pickup. That's like $65 USD.
You can pay another 150rmb for 2 day or 100rmb for 3 day processing. For 400rmb, they should process it in three days like they used to before, but now you'd pay 500rmb. The office is still like deserted most of the time, so why does it take longer now and cost extra. If you opted for 2 day, thats like $90 usd. All other neighboring countries charge like $25usd.
The rest of and cope review is still good for hours and location.
Recipe: Dai-style pineapple rice
Posted byOh, so good!
The inaugural Kunming International Business Conference
Posted by@Alien: Local students with a passive interest in business attended, so that's a very open Welcome mat.
Tourist jaunt in Lijiang turns ugly
Posted byThere are definitely thugs posing as tour operators in China. Luckily, it's the exception. In Vietnam they just pull out knives, then the tourists pay up.
Zen and the Chinese art of motorcycle driving
Posted byBMWs top my ahole list. Unsurprisingly, in both USA and China.
Kunming to Vietnam border by rail soon to be reality
Posted byGiven how China works, a Hekou West could be 35km to the north west instead. Just so people don't get confused reading, there is NO Hekou West station that I know of. Just made it up as an example of how that new extension line could drop you off in middle of nowhere, like Mengzi North (which is real).
For Sapa transportation, if you can find anything for 50k to 80k dong per person after the border, take it. Otherwise you have to figure out how to get to Lao Cai bus station. Also, rides are a daytime thing, not that you'd want to head up that road at night anyways.