Thanks for all the replies and the advice. We will be elborating which mode of transport is the best way to get our belongings to China.
Just a note and some numbers, except KL/AF/CZ all other EU/Chinese airlines to and from China have a weight concept for baggage, not a piece concept. Therefore, every additional kg exceeding the baggage allowance is approx. 30 Euro (!). However, all your arguments against using a sea shipping made me elaborate actually booking a KL/AF business seat (which is arguably one of the best products around
) - and comes with 3 pieces + 1 for ST Elites à 23 kg.
A large
tracable and insured air freight box (DHL) is around 250 Euro.
You can easily find out what is taxed, what you can bring without having to pay customs, and what is prohibited (this includes food and more than 100 CDs btw) by asking your Chinese embassy (they have a leaflet) or looking up the information at
www.iamovers.org
Thank you again for all input.