Trish2008

I recently booked a private tour through www.chinahighlights.com and it was fabulous. I had purchased my own accommodation and flights for Shanghai, Beijing and Xian for myself and my family (4 people), but had wanted private tours in each of the cities rather than joining a large group tour with limited flexibility. I relied on Leon at China Highlights to recommend sights and day trips in each of the three cities and he did a wonderful job. Leon was able to suggest the recommended timing for each of the sights and the best combination of sights for each day.

Each morning (we were able to choose the time) we were met at the hotel by a guide and driver (locals from each city) and were escorted to each of the sights. The cars were new minivans, with plenty of legroom (my husband is 6ft,3inches) so was very happy with the choice of vehicle! The guides all spoke excellent English and were well-versed on the history, architecture and other features (e.g. religious significance) of each of the sights.

Shanghai – our trip started in Shanghai where we spent the first day exploring the city. Yuyuan Garden is very beautiful and definitely should not be missed. We also saw the Jade Buddha temple, had lunch at the Bund, visited Nanjing Road and finished with an afternoon at the Shanghai museum. On the second day we took a day trip to the beautiful Hangzhou. It's a long drive (3 hours), but the lake is picturesque (although be warned the area is somewhat touristy).

Xian – we spent the first day visiting the Terracotta Warriors museum, an experience of a lifetime. There is lots to see, so after a short stop at the hot springs we focussed on the warriors for the whole day. On the second day we spent the morning visiting the city wall, drum tower and bell tower and Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Xian is much more 'industrial' than

Beijing and Shanghai, but the old areas of the city are still, to a certain extent, 'untouched', so it is worth a visit.
Beijing – we finished our trip in Beijing, which was badly timed with the start of Golden week, but that in itself was an experience (the whole of Tian'anmen Square was covered with people, not an inch of pavement could be seen!). We began with the forbidden city, Tian'anmen Square and the Temple of Heaven, which was enough for one day. We were also taken to a pearl store, which was interesting, but the flexibility of a private tour meant we didn't feel as if we were forced to stay and purchase something. On the second day we travelled to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. It's another long drive (3 hours), but it's worth the wait to get to this less crowded section of wall, which is ultimately reached by cable car. This was without a doubt my favourite part of the trip. Our last day was spent walking around the Summer Palace, Lama temple and Beijing zoo. The juvenile pandas, the cutest animal EVER, was a great way to finish the trip.

dogster

Spam Spam Spam Go away.

China Highlights is very creative...

O.K. - heh - it's 10.20 p.m. Let's see how long it takes the editors to remove it.

Trish2008

I am not sure who you are, but this is not spam. I did actually take a china highlight tour and I loved it.

I was hesitant about booking a tour on the internet and as such am more than happy to share my experiences with others if I means that it helps to reduce the stress of organising things from abroad.

dogster

Well, I do apologise Trish. Welcome to the Board. Thanks for coming in for the first time and sharing.

It's just that, every day for the last few days an exactly similar report has come in from yet another satisfied customer of .. what was that company again..? They've been deleted so I can't show you.

Gee, I must have jumped to the wrong conclusion...

That company sure must be doing something right... I might use them in the future.

flycatcher06

hi there, i have couple of questions
Did you feel your visit to the Jade Buddah was worth it because we are going to give up going to the Shanghai Museum to visit?

Also the hot springs - were they closer to Xian or to the Warriors and can you compare them to anything? Is
this where the caves are?

Thanks!!!

2 week and counting till we leave!!!

Shanghainese

flycatcher -- Don't give up one for the other as they are not far from each other in Shanghai, the Jade Buddha Temple isn't big and you can walk thru it in less than an hour. The Museum has several sections with lots to see, could take a few hours or an entire day.

What caves are you referring to in Xian?

flycatcher06

I am nt even sure they are in Xian - I think they are somewhat outside of the city? Just trying to pack in as much as we can!!!

Shanghainese

flycatcher -- there are no caves in the city of Xian, are you referring to cave dwellings?

flycatcher06

yes i do believe it is the cave dwellings in the countryside outside Xian - sorry - I have packed so much into my head it is all running together - is this far and is this something to see?

Thanks for your patience!