China with kids 7 and 9
 

Hi we have 19 days in China flying into Beijing and out of Shanghai. Need a slower pace for kids and on a budget. Have heard that Guilin is lovely but debating the 23-hour train ride from Beijing! Perhaps better to focus on coast, eg Beijing, Tianjin, Yantai and Qingdao? All suggestions welcome!

Most definitely visit Guilin. But not really Guilin, more Yangshuo. The kids will absolutely love it there. Don't bother with the train. Thed domestic flights are very cheap. Look up elong for example. Sometimes its recommended to book only a few days before the departure date for very cheap fares.

Yangtze river cruise? The kids (and adults) will be bored!

Thanks all for your suggestions! We're trying to avoid flights so we're thinking Beijing, Pingyao, Qingdao and Shanghai.

How about Xi'an - on most first time itineraries and an overnight train trip which would be fun for the kids. Also consider Hangzhou and Suzhou if you're going to Shanghai.