akfuri13

I am planning a trip to Beijing in November 2007 - first time to China. Will be there for 6 days with trips to all of the usual highlights (great wall, peking opera, Forbidden City, Tian'anmen Square)
I keep hearing people talk about Xian and Guilin. Are these cities that I should not miss while in Beijing? How does one get there and how long do you need in each location?
Any information would be appreciated, thank you.
AKFURI13

chimani

It's a very long way to either of the cities you mention. Have you looked at a map? With only six days?

Of course you could fly - but there wouldn't be a lot of point in going to Guilin as what makes people go there is another journey away. You could go to Xian - big tourist destination (the terracotta warriors and all that). Could be done in a day if you are into the fly in/fly out sort of thing.

Much better to spend your time in Beijing. You haven't mentioned what for me (on two trips) was THE highlight. The Temple of Heaven.

And the Summer Palace.

Or you could rent a bike and wander around. Or even walk.


Honest - you going to Beijing so put your effort into that.

akfuri13

Temple of Heaven has just been added to my list, thanks.
Do you know anything about what the weather will be like in the first few weeks of November?
AKFURI13

gard

Hi

I went to Beijing and Xi'an a couple of years back. Here is my trip report with pictures and links: http://gardkarlsen.com/china_beijing.htm . Maybe you can find some useful information there to start with

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

Shanghainese

The evenings in the 1st few weeks of November gets cool, bring a sweater and/or jacket.

kaneda

With only six days I'd say spend it all in Beijing. There is plenty to see there and you sometimes find places just by wandering around. Buy a good guide book and a street map and use the subway there.

goodstormli

Hi,
A rickshaw would be added to your list.Highly recommended.please email me :[email protected] for more information.

jadeleo

Guilin Yangshuo where has the reputation of having the most beautiful landscape under heaven. It is a dream place for many tourists who want to see the real natural landscape and touch the countryside life.

Hilltops pop up from nowhere like trees in the forest and they are shaped like buns, camels, fishes, saw-teeth, horses, etc. It is a city you must visit or you will miss those beautiful landscape there. Rivers flow around like green silk ribbons while the hills reveal themselves as jade hair-pins. Guilin embraces great landscapes like green hills, clear waters, pretty rocks and fantastic caves.

You should by air to Guilin, if you want to see the real china country you should stay here at least 3 nights. I am local of this area.