kwcm

Hi

Am thinking of a week long trip with my wife and two daughters (4yrs and 2 yrs old). It will be in the first week of the new year. Was thinking of Shanghai, but was wondering wheher it will be too cold such that many things won't be open and walking around becomes unpleasant.

What are people's thoughts about Shanghai in the first week of January? What about other Asian destinations like Tokyo or Taipei? (We've ruled out Singapore and Hong Kong as we've been there many times).

Tks

KC

Kathie

Personally, I'd rather go somewhere warmer. If not Hong Kong or Singapore, what about Bangkok?

lxchiang

Jan. is usually the coldest month of the year in Shanghai. But they don't usually get any snow to speak of. Public and tourist places are expected to be open. Walking on the street is not expected to be pleasant. Hotels should have a lot of rooms available, therefore rates are the lowest of the year. You will not be running into too many tourists. Indoor of some retail stores and others may be kept quite cold, because of high cost of electrical heating.

For statistics of temperatures of world cities , go to <weatherbase.com>

Recommend you consider another southern Asian city like Taipei mentioned by you or Bangkok suggested by Kathie

jgmc

As an American living in Taipei (my husband works here), I admit I'm partial to the city, but January could be quite cool. If you're looking for warmth, you could head to Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City. We have visited Tokyo in February and found the temps cool but manageable. If you're interested in Japan, you might try Kyoto, which I imagine is beautiful in any season (we were there in the fall).

That said, Taipei never gets so cold (I'm from NY) that you can't get around. A nice sweater and a fleece are usually all I need. And you can head south to Kenting in southern Taiwan if you're looking for some warmer temps.

PeterN_H

I wouldn't subject children of that age to Shanghai's air pollution. Leave visiting China until they are older.