Beijing and Shanghai
Feb 14th, 2006, 02:51 PM
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Beijing and Shanghai
Hello...we are traveling to Beijing in September. We have a total of 8 full days to spend in China, so we were thinking of splitting our time between Beijing and Shanghai, but we're not sure we have enough time to really appreciate both. How many days would you suggest to comfortably take in Beijing (including Great Wall)..? Would the full 8 days be a little too long in Beijing ? Thank you.. [email protected]
Feb 15th, 2006, 04:54 PM
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You can do it. I'd say 5 - 3. There's more to see in Beijing and if you can, you could devote a day to the Wall. See if you can get a guide to take you outside the city for a hike on the "Wild Wall" -- rough hiking in spots, but untouched (no vendors) and lovely. You'll have to go at least an hour outside of Beijing.
You can take the overnight train from Beijing to Shanghai. A different experience! You can get your own sleeper compartment.
Although you could easily spend the full 8 days in Beijing, it is fascinating to see the contrast between the two cities.
You can take the overnight train from Beijing to Shanghai. A different experience! You can get your own sleeper compartment.
Although you could easily spend the full 8 days in Beijing, it is fascinating to see the contrast between the two cities.
Feb 16th, 2006, 01:35 PM
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I agree with the 5-3 split too.
We found Shanghai a most interesting city, particularly if you're "templed out". It's not strong on ancient monuments, but you'll have seen plenty of those in and around Beijing. Shanghai, although a relatively new city, has its own rich 20th-century past - some prior reading will make your visit more meaningful.
We spent a few hours touring the former houses of Zhou Enlai and Dr Sun Yatsen and the small but interesting museum commemorating the first national congress of the Chinese Communist Party, all in the same general area. We spent another day just hoofing it around from the French Concession area through the antiques market to the Old Town and Yuyuan Gardens, then to the Bund and Nanjing Road; took a river cruise past the stark contrast of the Bund on one side and the stunning Pudong skyscapers on the other, and the obligatory ride to the top of the Oriental Pearl Tower. There are many great places to eat, not to mention shop (as our daughters discovered very quickly).
We found Shanghai a most interesting city, particularly if you're "templed out". It's not strong on ancient monuments, but you'll have seen plenty of those in and around Beijing. Shanghai, although a relatively new city, has its own rich 20th-century past - some prior reading will make your visit more meaningful.
We spent a few hours touring the former houses of Zhou Enlai and Dr Sun Yatsen and the small but interesting museum commemorating the first national congress of the Chinese Communist Party, all in the same general area. We spent another day just hoofing it around from the French Concession area through the antiques market to the Old Town and Yuyuan Gardens, then to the Bund and Nanjing Road; took a river cruise past the stark contrast of the Bund on one side and the stunning Pudong skyscapers on the other, and the obligatory ride to the top of the Oriental Pearl Tower. There are many great places to eat, not to mention shop (as our daughters discovered very quickly).
