Travel Itinary For China Trip

[rocky123]

I live in Pattaya but fancy a change. I would like to see the great wall of China so Beijing is on the cards. I have been advised to go to Xi-an ans also visit Shanghai. Anyone been there and can give advise please. I have had a quote with Thai air 14,000 Bht to Beijing. Cheers..

[siam2007]

if you visit Beijing, Shanghai and Xi'An, you have already 3 of the main tourist spots of North-Eastern China on your list. if going to Shanghai (which is not a particularly beautiful or interesting city) then don't miss HANGZHOU, about 200 km from Shanghai (can be reached by speedtrain in little more than one hour), which many think is the most beautiful big city of China, mostly due to its large scenic lake in the downtown area.

To avoid too many domestic flights, you should try to get an "open-jaw-ticket", means, flying to Beijing, but returning to Bangkok from Shanghai or Xi'An. (all those destinations being served by THAI AIR).

you should be aware, that out of the bigger hotels and touristic areas, English is virtually non-existent. As a first-time-traveller to China, you would be better off to book a guided tour. it's quite a challenge to travel independently (though during my first independently organized China-trip I somehow managed to get through everywhere, but that undoubtfully was my biggest challenge as an independent traveller in Asia so far).

if you want to book hotels or flights by yourself, try www.ctrip.com or www.elong.com , the two biggest online-agents and 100% reliable.

[rocky123]

Cheers buddy, leaving out Shanghai now and staying in hostels as you meet more travelers and have more fun.