dlai

We are considering a short trip to Beijing with kids in late November-would we be too cold to appreciate the sights?

D

dlai

PS: Forgot to add: I have already checked weather averages which state lows of 30something and highs of 40something. Still hard to know if we would be OK or not; my husband says not (and he has been many times but we have not yet.)

Violet_1125

it is not too cold at end of November here.the temprature is around 2.

Cicerone

Having read your other posts, I see that you live in Tokyo, which is going to be only about 10 F warmer, so I don’t see the big difference. I don’t want to get in the middle of a martial argument, but why does your husband think it would be too cold? Questions to consider : do you <i>like</i> cold weather? Some people don’t like to be out touring in cold weather, maybe you are one of them. Do you have proper clothing for the cold weather? Boots, gloves, hats and a warm winter coat make all the difference. How old are your kids and could they take cold weather?

Beijing can get some blustery winds which would make it feel chillier, but I believe they are typically in the spring months, and not in November. You could even have a warm set of days when you are there, that will be a matter of luck, though.

I think Beijing in great in winter, less crowded, and I like the bare trees against things like the red walls of the Forbidden City. But most sights are going to be outdoors, you do have to be dressed for it and have the right expectations. You could, although it is quite unlikely, have snow, which would be quite pretty too.

I have not been to Saipan, but have been to Guam which IMO does not impress, it’s run down really and full of package Japanese tourists (great diving in the area but I am guessing this would not be the purpose of your trip); you may find the same in Saipan, you might want to do some more research to get opinion. Have you considered Hawaii? It’s an easy flight from Tokyo. Certainly warm.

Simon_phang

I had been in Beijing for 4 years. It is not cold in late November in my opinion. The temperature was about 6 - 12 degree celcius in late November 2007.

dlai

Thanks for the input and advice...We are now leaning toward Beijing, as it's a place we've wanted to visit for awhile. Last year we went to Hong Kong a couple times since it's our former home too, and we love November there.

We do love beaches but we will be going to Hawaii later when we have more time, so we can probably handle being cold for a few days! My husband knows that I was really cold last year in Tokyo, where as you say, it was 10 degrees (average) warmer in late November, and that's why he didn't think I'd like sightseeing in icy weather. He was also worried about smog but it sounds like that could go either way?

What do you think about the Grand Hyatt as a hotel??

dlai

I just wanted to thank the contributors on Fodors and to let everyone know that we decided to go to Hong Kong for Thanksgiving, and save Beijing for Spring or early Summer. One of the deciding factors was that I was able to get free tickets to HK (using miles) and free hotel (using points). We've never managed to get do that for a trip!

I'm disappointed that we won't be seeing Beijing yet, but we love Hong Kong and still have friends there, so there is a plus side to this option-and it's only a 5 night trip.

Cicerone: I have wanted to thank you personally for all the interesting, educated, and insightful advice you give on this site. You were helpful when we lived in Hong Kong too! We have appreciated it so much.

Thanks to all!