GEsssa

Hi:
We are planning a trip to China in April for about 12 days and planning to see
Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Xi'an and Yunan. Is that ample time? What would be the best intinerary and how shall we divide our time?
GEsssa

Kathie

In 12 days, you are planning to see 5 places? And there will be travel time between. You either need to lengthen your trip or cut destinations. Many people would say it takes a week to see the major sights in Beijing alone.

thursdaysd

No, that is not ample time. That is insufficient time. That is maybe enough time for Beijing, Shanghai and Xi'an. I trust that you aware that Yunnan (spelling) is a province, not a city. I also trust that you aware of the dangerous levels of pollution in Beijing (see http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...-with-kids.cfm for info on pollution).

kja

I agree with Kathie and thursdaysd. You might want to go to a bookstore or library so you can consult some guidebooks about China before making further plans. Good luck!

GradyMcdaniel

I think you can stay beijing for on or two days, shanghai is most likely with beijing, nanjing also dont need to visit, xian is a good place and if you go to yunnan, you can stay kunming for 2 or 3 days then go to dali and lijiang

chinatravelgal

Hi,

I agree with the above comments, 12 days is not enough to cover all the cities/sites you listed. However based on the must sees and logistics (the location of each place you listed), I would say at most you can do as below:
Beijing: 3-4 days
Xi'an 2 days
Nanjing 1-2 days
Shanghai 2 days
Of course, you also need to consider flight/travel time in between, that will add up about 12 days.

You will have to drop Yunnan Area, if you only have 12 days, however if this is your first time to China, it's a good first trip to cover most of the must sees. However China is such a big country, you will definitely go back to see more on your next trip.

Hope this helps! If you have any additional questions, you can contact me directly at: [email protected]

Have a great trip!