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We will be visiting Hong Kong in November. We will be taking a side trip to either Beijing/Shanghai (3/2days) or Beijing/Xian <BR>(3/2days). Need to make decision as to which tour to take. Any suggestions. What will the weather be like in November?

It's quite far away between Beijing and Shanghai, so 3 days may be too short for these 2 cities. I suggest to go to Shanghai only, or Beijing/Xian. <BR>

Hi Maurice, <BR> <BR>Flying times between the cities are not significantly different. It's 3+ hours to Beijing from Hong Kong and 2 hours to Shanghai. Xi'an is not a long flight from either Beijing or Shanghai. <BR> <BR>I'd do the Beijing/Xi'an trip if I were you. However, one cannot even began to take in the sights in Beijing in 3 days, so I would recommend just going to Beijing this time. There's a lot more to see and do there than in Shanghai and Xi'an.

For Shanghai, three days are definitely <BR>enough. You may want to consider visiting <BR>Suzhou and Hangzhou as well during the <BR>three days. <BR> <BR>For Xian, three days are about right. <BR> <BR>For Beijing, well, three days will make <BR>you have a good start. However, it could <BR>be cold in Beijing towards the end of <BR>November, very much like New York city <BR>in early/mid December. <BR> <BR>Xian I believe is a little bit warmer. <BR>Shanghai will be very nice.

Maurice, <BR> <BR>I agree with the previous posting about going to Beijing only. You need at least 2 days in Beijing and 2 days in Xi'an to see the major attractions. After Hong Kong and Beijing, I wouldn't go to Shanghai. It is just another modern city. If you are into history, Beijing is a must. Xi'an would be nice, however, you might not have enough time. <BR> <BR>Just wondering, can you stretch your side tour into 4 days? If so, you will be able to see Beijing and Xi'an, both. If your package tour doesn't allow you that flexibility, email us at [email protected]. We can arrange for you a custom private tour. Our prices are very reasonable. <BR> <BR>Cindy <BR>ChinaOnYourMind.com

I think Maurice meant 3 days for Beijing plus two for either Shanghai or Xian. I have not been to Xian, but I know a few things about it and know someone who went. I think it depends. Shanghai is very interesting for a short stay. This may be debatable, but other than the Bund area along the river, Shanghai doesn't really have any must see sites like you will find in Beijing and Xian. I did find it interesting, however, to see Beijing and then Shanghai because of the contrasts between a bustling, historic, official-like capital and a very bustling, more cosmopolitan, business center and seaport. A close one, but I would pick Xian because of the history, and seeing the terracota warriors will be something you will remember for the rest of your life.

I have visited Xian, Bejing and Shanghai. I really enjoyed all three. But, if I were you, I would pick Xian and Bejing. I could revisit the Great Wall and the Terra Cotta warriors again and again. I wouldn't pick Shanghai over the other two.

I was in Beijing/Xian/Shanghai last November. While they are all exciting I would recommend Beijing and Xian. To stand in Tianamen Square, Ming Tombs the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace and on the Great Wall are an unbelievable experience. The Hutong tours by bicyle/rickshaw in Beijing takes you to the neighborhoods not usually on the tourist agenda. We were guests into two homes on this tour. The terra cotta warriers in Xian are an unbelievable feat. When we were there, we were told they had just uncovered masses of smaller warriers in another trench area. Really amazing trip. We also went on the Yangze River Cruise. It is a shame most of these areas will be destroyed, flooded and never seen again. The weather was much like fall in the northern US. A light jacket and layering is about all you need. Don't expect to see the sun too often. Too much smog from burning coal. <BR>

I have also visited Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai and I agree with the other postings. If you have to skip one, skip Shanghai. Beijing and Xi'an are awesome! If you do decide to go to Shanghai, try to take a side trip to Suzhou. It is about an hour by train from Shanghai, and the beautiful gardens will make it worth your time. <BR>

Hi Maurice, We have just moved to Shanghai from the US. I have vistited Beijing, but not Xian. If your time is so limited, I would recommend you visit Beijing, and if time allows Xian. I love Shanghai, but, as the previous writers have said, it is just another large cosmopoitin city. The shopping is great, but HK is the best for that. Beijing will give you the sights and the history that China is famous for. Good luck and have a great trip, whatever you decide. <BR> <BR>Dena

We visited Beijing a few years ago in late November and last year Shanghai in late December. As to where to visit I agree with all above. As to weather, Shanghai was very similar to Southatlantic U.S. at that time of year with cool nights but a jacket or light coat sufficient. Beijing on previous trip was slightly cooler. The wind on the Great Wall was freezing--our guide asked if she could wait in the car (she didn't have warm enough clothes) and we put our down liners in our jackets and hoods over our heads. It was just as cold at the Ming Tombs. We enjoyed ourselves, but were glad we had the layers, hoods, gloves, etc. so we were comfortable.