I plan to visit China in September for two weeks. Would like to visit Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, and Guilin. I need to know if this itinerary is possible and how should I schedule these cities? Do I have to fly to each city or are they in proximity where train or buses may be feasible.

We did a similar trip, flying between cities. For details see:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34682619

No, you don't have to fly, look into trains. See seat61.com for info on trains in China and links to sites for timetables. Lots of people do this itinerary, there have been several recent posts on these places.

It is possible to use the train between the cities you mentioned, but they are far apart and will require very long train rides. You don't have to fly, but it is a lot faster.

If you check a map, I think the order should be very clear. Beijing and Xian are in the north, Shanghai is south of Beijing and on the east coast, and Guilin is in the south. It also depends on the city you plan on flying into and out of.

Check out my web page for more information on our trip to china in April. Maybe it can help you.

http://www.travel.stv77.com/china/china.htm

"they are far apart and will require very long train rides" - depends on what you mean by "very long".

Beijing to Xi'an is an overnight, but on the new Z train you leave Beijing after dinner at 20:28 and arrive in time for breakfast at 07:58.

Xi'an-Shanghai is a bit longer - 18:44-11:12. Looks like Shanghai to Guilin is close to 24 hours - I've done longer train trips, but I agree it could make sense to fly that leg.

Soft sleeper on Chinese trains is quite comfortable, and riding the train is an experience in itself. Enjoy the journey as well as the destination!

you can use air+train.

Beijing-Xian by train
Xian-shanghai by air
shanghai-guilin by air

Two sites for transportation arragement: elong.com for air and http://www.adventurechinatrip.com/chinatrain.asp for china train timetable.

Good luck

Do you remember an approximate price for the trip to Xian?






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