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Need help with itinerary
Jun 15, 2005 00:51
  • ESME
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Next August I will be in China for 3 week holiday. In my initial itinerary I didn't planned to visit Suzhou and Hangzhou, but a lot of people has told me it's worth visiting, so my first itinerary is now the second option. I know Xian is one of the most important historical cities in China, but I believe I prefer Suzhou and Hangzhou. Please help me to decide! Here are 2 options, but I'm open to other ones:

Option 1:
5 nights in Beijing
1 night train to Shanghai (or Suzhou)
4 nights in Shanghai (1 day for visiting Shanghai, 1 day trip to Suzhou, 1 to Zhouzhuang and 1 to Hangzhou) One night in Shanghai could be changed for one night in Suzhou. What do you think?
5 nights in Guilin, Yangshuo and Longshen
1 night train to Hong Kong
3 nights in Hong Kong

Option 2:
4 nights in Beijing
1 night train to Xian
1 night in Xian
1 night train to Shanghai
3 nights in Shanghai (1 day for visiting Shanghai and 1 day trip to Hangzhou or Suzhou or Zhouzhuang)
5 nights in Guilin, Yangshuo and Longshen
1 night train to Hong Kong
3 nights in Hong Kong

About the hotels, I know where to stay in Beijing (Yuandong Fandian) and Shanghai (Pujiang hotel), but I have no idea for the other destinations. Any suggestion? Do you think I need to book the hotels from Spain or we can book once In China?

Thanks!

Esme
Jun 15, 2005 01:15
#1  
  • ELCABRON
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5 nights for Guilin is too much. Longsheng is just a daytrip, the city of Guilin is not that interesting but Yangshuo is much better. Cut a day there and spend it in Xian, there is much more to see than just the Terra Cotta Army.
In Xian try the Hostel at the Southgate of the old city wall - cant get closer to the wall with your bed (for details take a look at my accomodation tips).
(But here are some more Xian specialists like Mermaid, Hitomonianconcord, Cathrine and many, many maore;-)

In Yangshuo there are soooo many places to stay, dont worry. Fawlty Towers would be just one idea.

Normally you dont need to book in advance. But for the Astor House/Pujiang I would recommend to book in advance because
1.you get the best rooms there if you book in advance and
2.it could be booked out when you arrive there in August

All in all, I think you chose a nice relaxed trip. There are always many more and interesting places to see, but it is a good start for China!
Jun 15, 2005 10:07
#2  
  • CONNY129
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I perfer second option ,and I suggest you spend one day more in Xi'an .
Have a pleasant time :)
Jun 15, 2005 14:46
#3  
  • ESME
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Thanks for your suggestions.

The idea is being in Xian 2 full days because we would arrive early in the morning and take the train to Shanghai or Suzhou late in the evening the next day.

What about Suzhou, Hangzhou or Zhouzhuang? What would you recommend me? Do you think it's worth spending 1 night in Suzhou or Hangzhou or just a day trip from Shanghai is enough?
Jun 15, 2005 15:32
#4  
  • DEE0228
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I'll not recommend Zhouzhuaung since it has become too commercialized these years .
If you are interested in water town, Wuzhen and Xitang are also very good options:)
Jun 16, 2005 17:39
#5  
  • CATHERINE
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I prefer the option 2.

Why do you want to stay in Guilin for 5 night? That's a littler longer. I would like to suggest one or two nights in Guilin, one night in Yangshuo. For Longsheng, be adviced that the road condition and hostel will be rather bad, so prepare for that.
Jun 16, 2005 18:41
#6  
  • ESME
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ok, got it. I'll choose the option 2, but changing one night in Shanghai for one night in Suzhou. What do you think about this? Is it possible to visit Hangzhou in 1 day trip from Shanghai?

5 nights in Guilin means Guilin area:
1 night in Guilin
2 nights in Yangshuo
2 night in Longshen
Do you think it's too much?

Jun 22, 2005 04:25
#7  
  • ESME
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Please, help me to decide what to do. I would really appreciate your suggestions about Shanghai and Guilin. Thanks in advance and thanks to all that have already sent their comments.
Jun 22, 2005 06:23
#8  
  • CHINADAVE
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Esme:
I would do option #2 . Do not go to Hangzhou or Zhouzhuang. From Shanghai go to Jin Xi and Luzhi and end up in Suzhou for the day. Go to Guilin and take the boat down to Yangshuo but don't go to
Longshen. (you will be disappointed) Consider LiJiang in Yunnan province up in the mountains. It is really nice there especially in the summer when it isn't so hot. Guilin will be hot but Yangshuo is a small village where you can go biking. Probably only 3 days there however.
Good luck, ChinaDave
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