We've got two teenage sons with us who are probably more interested in shopping than culture and have to decide between Shanghai and Beijing for a 3-4 day trip later this month.

Would be grateful for any insights! Also on recommendations on hotels where we can share a single room. What part of town should we stay in, for example?

Thanks!

Hotels in Asia rarely accomodate a family of four and since your sons are teens, they will not count a "kids". I'd recommend looking into a serviced apartment instead. Lee Gardens is near the Peninsula, the Ascott is near China World and China world also has a 'residence" that may allow for a 4 night stay. Also check the foreign compounds, as they may have a vacant apartment they can lease for a few nights. I know mine does. You want to be in central or eastern Beijing (Dongcheng or Chaoyang districts). NW Beijing is not practical. Most places require taxi rides anyway, as the streets are long and wide and what seems like a close walk can be 25 minutes atleast.

Can't give advice on Shanghai, but in Beijing, if your boys want to shop, drop them off at the Pearl Market (Hong Qiao) while you and your husband head to Temple of Heaven across the street. If you go to Cherrylane Movies (Chinese films with English subtitles.. great experience) they can either come with you or you can drop them at "Bar street" for some nightlife.

But many sights will appeal to teens. The Great Wall especially. If you have 4 days, Make days 1 and 2 culture days and day three free choice, with the fourth a half and half.

Maybe they want to take a tour or do something geared for teens with ChineseCultureclub.org in Beijing.

Be sure to inlcude foot massages and hot pot (before the weather changes).

Identify their interests and then seek out those venues in Beijing. If they like skateboarding, head to the Honglingjing Park's ramp and let then join in the fun with local teens.

Sorry for intruding , but Bchen seems to be of great help here!
I'm taking my teenage son and a young cousin to Beijing in April and have booked at the Holiday Inn Central PLaza , (it's a suite) , so they told me that a 3rd person would be fine with us in the room.Have you heard of this hotel?Is it any good?
Sitara , they have a swimmingpool and buffet breakfast and a non smoking suite is about 100 euros a night and my son doesn't pay since he's less then 16.So if Bchen or anyone else says this hotel is good to very good , You might ask them if you can stay there!(We'll have an executive suite with 2 bathrooms , and the size of the suite being 70SQM, they might be able to put 2 rollaway beds inside!

Thanks, Sophie for the vote of Confidence. I live here in BJ and whenever I am researching for my own trip, I log onto China to see if I can "give back." One thing I forgot to tell Sitara, there is an outdoor rock climbing wall in RiTan Park. It is cheap and safe, and wandering the parks of Beijing is a great way to see and experience local present day culture. The fact that your kids can have a go on the wall gives them incentive to come.

As for the Holiday Inn Central Plaza, it's not actually very central. It is near the Temple of Heaven, but somewhat south of all the "major" action. Traffic can be a nightmare. It isn't a terrible location, but not ideal. Holiday Inn in Wangfujing is better located and allows for a pedestrian shopping street (albeit touristy) right out of your hotel. You seem happy with the room, facilties and rate, so it probably isn't worth changing.

I don't stay in hotels, and only go in them to pick up clients, so never see more than the lobby. Sorry I can't help much in this department.

Thanks for being so helpful, folks...

Hands down, Beijing is an infinitely more interesting city than Shanghai. Don't mean to bad-mouth about my hometown, but Beijing is a truly well rounded experience for travelers.

While I recommend visiting Beijing, I think a 3-4 day trip would be a much more taxing experience in Beijing than it would in Shanghai. The trip to the Great Wall (btw, I'd highly recommend seeing Si Ma Tai or Mu Tian Yu vs. Ba Da Ling) alone will consume a day. Shopping, I'd imagine will eat up another day or two. Forbidden City, although incredibly crowded, is a must-see. This again will take good part of a day. You may be able to squeeze in Tian Tan and even the Lama Temple, but you are working with a very tight schedule.

What about nightlife? That is a whole other aspect of Beijing that I think you should try to integrate into your itinerary.

A very rushed trip, but it will certainly leave you wanting more.

I always suggest that people go to Beijing first before any other major cities in China to get a framework of the history and culture. Almost like a foundation. Shanghai is modern, impressive and sticks out like a sore thumb compared with the rest of the country. You can wait on Shanghai.