12 day split between Beijing and Shanghai
 

I am travelling with my boyfriend in China this summer. We are flying into Beiijing and 12 days later we are flying from Shanghai to Taipei. Later on we are going to Lijiang and Chengdu for 9 days.

I was just wondering how people would recommend we split our time between Beijing and Shanghai? Is there anywhere worth travelling to between these cities as well?

I thought Beijing deserved a bare minimum of 6 full days. I haven't been to Shanghai yet. Of the many places worth seeing between the two, Xi'an is definitely worth considering. It easily deserves at least 2 days, although some people give it only a day.

Before going, give some thought to the air pollution in Beijing and decide whether to bring masks with you.

Get yourself at least one, if not two or more, good guidebooks to help you plan your trip.

Good luck!

I am much more of a Beijing fan than a Shanghai one, so I would give more time to Beijing. Around Shanghai you could consider Hangzhou and Suzhou. I also visited the sacred island of Putuoshan, which was very interesting and off the non-Chinese tourist trail, but that might take too much time.

Don't you think we should advise them to bring portable oxygen bottles and fitted masks, thursdaysd, because of the terrible air pollution ever present, everywhere in china?

I've been to both Beijing and Shanghai, and as advised Beijing deserves more time than Shanghai. I'd spend 6 days in Beijing, 3 days in Shanghai (the Shanghai Museum is wonderful) and a day outside Shanghai seeing a watertown.

@jobin - if you had bothered to read kja's post, you would see that she has already advised masks. Do you have anything useful to add to the discussion?

The Beijing-Xi'An-Shanghai triangle is a classic for first timers. Usually about 5 days in Beijing, 2 in Xi'An and 2 in Shanghai plus some time in towns around Shanghai if you have enough time.

If you are returning to China after Taipei, make sure you have a multi-entry visa for China.

I would suggest 4 days in Beijing, 4 days in Shanghai, and 2 days in Xi'an and Hangzhou respectively. Beijing: capital and regal China. Shanghai: cosmopolitan and fusion of Chinese and Western culture. Xi'an: grand ancient civilization. Hangzhou: perfect example of bourgeoisie and literary lifestyle when the country was the world's richest.