Originally Posted by
luv2ctheworld
The dates I needed were basically full fare; ctrip did have other dates, but they just didn't fit.
Doing anything in China without speaking Mandarin can be a challenge, depending on where you are...
I was living in Shanghai, going to Beijing for a weekend hop. Important safety tip: FM is leaving Star Alliance for SkyTeam Oct 18(?). That being said, I did like FM over CA and I recommend them over CA if posisble. All *A partners in China are 70% mileage earning for discount economy, Y earns 100, business/first is 150. I knew this was coming, but its a good heads up.
Sounds like ctrip is your best bet unless your really going to try and get that fare lower (and may still be very difficult). Most travel websites seemed to fall over like travelocity just fell over when I tried to go SHA/PVG to PEK; never had that problem with inter-Europe.