I did see that. And the riverside in Tianjin which was also on my "maybe" list. Will probably head to one or other or both over next few weeks.

The riverside in TJ is certainly a good value, but not in the centre really...good choice if you're ok with cabs....the NJ HI is really good i think and the HZ one is decent enough if you're keen on visiting the west lake. I've stayed at that Cp in Changsha too and while itd a nice property i strongly advise against ever visiting Changsha for your lungs' sake

I'm sitting here staring at my PC balance; 4,863 points. I'm considering adding one of their CCs to my war chest.

don't even bother - stay a weekend at the HIX Zhabei in SH - it's 208rmb a night....sign up for all the promos and you should net 20,000 for a weekend stay. I always ask myself if i should just not pay rent and move there for a month so I can make RA

next PB i'm extremely optomistic that there will be one of the random IC's in China in random places like Wuxi, Foshan, or Huizhou where I can just use my points and spoil myself for a week

there's always like 10 chinese properties on there though - last list didn't have as many good destinations, but was bigger....

I'm interested in learning more about your math. Before I left the US last year, I was hooked on gaming hotel programs, but since I tend avoid western chains in China (if I do a chain at all, it's Shangri-la because I'm usually guaranteed a nice hamburger... but, a crappy rewards program), I've fallen out of the loop.

That having been said, my fervor maxing out good deals hasn't died. deal'

In short, I'd like to pick your brain, but please hold the fine points close to your belt for the sake of the deal's survival.

there are many different ways of doing it, but if you read the master point thread you should be able to set up at least 5k a night which is about what i get now....my first ever IC stay in montreal a few,years back i remember netted me something like 25k after i typed in the codes

How big is that warchest?

Well, during my most recent 2 year stint in the US, I picked up ~30 credit cards, each with an amazing sign up bonus, got hooked on BMI (British Midland Airlines), and exploited ThankYou Points to the max.

During the past 8 months since I've been back, I haven't played much ball (though I did make an attempt at a second Chase BA 100k; approved, but got a letter in the mail stating no miles) and I've been burning miles at a pretty alarming rate (e.g. whenever a colleague is confronted with a $1000+ trip to HKG or SIN, I volunteer my miles in a heartbeat).

As soon as I pin down my next US trip, I will research the credit card scene and apply for at least three. Basically, it is much easier to tackle the minimum spend requirements stateside than it is here; I wouldn't consider bothering friends/relatives with dollar coins (they are heavy!) for anything short of 50k (non-DL) miles.

While I realize that this post is WAY off topic, I feel it's a good opportunity to advise you fellow expats that the game is still in full force... much better than mileage runs, and you can save a ton of money on intra-Asia airplane tickets (at least ex-PEK).

I knew you played the game, but didn't realize you are such the player! Then again players ride in F and I ride in Y...

30 bank cards is good.
5 banks x 7 each = 35

Lotta junk mail