nikosk

Hi there!
I finally got my flights to Qingdao!!
(I never knew this place but was a great flight deal with LH)
Now, I am wondering what to arrange for a month-long loop, travelling with public transport to visit (except the obvious 2 big cities Beijing and Shanghai), also spots with interest in culture and nature, traditional villages etc.
I have to stick to low budget solutions, meaning, to be doable to get around on public transport, reasonable accomodation etc.
Nice fancy tours and flights seem not possible for me... unfortunately...
But, still hoping to see nice things!
Any suggestions around this area, east and south, about spots, itinerary ideas, costs, would be a really great help!!
Kunming is also in my list, but seems a little far away, consuming more time and money to 'cover' that area , too. Maybe worth it to rush to it now, or let it for a future trip?
(Also, I've been to HK-Macao in the past, so not going that way now).
Many many thanks to all!
I wish great trips!!
Nikolas

kja

You might find some ideas about interesting places in northern China in my very long trip report - just click on my name and then on the report. Hope it helps!

nikosk

thanks kja, I'll definatelly check them!

Shanghainese

This is info from my sis in China who has been to and recommends -- By train you can reach several nice towns not far from Qingdao in the province of Shandong: Confucius' birthplace in Qufu; Weihai and the mystical Penglai Island; and the cloud-shrouded Mt. Tai. Near Beijing and Shanghai, there is enough to appeal to you to fill a month!

nikosk

Thanks Shanghainese for your ideas!
I 'll check also Weihai and Penglai - hadn't spotted them among the usual recommendations over the internet yet!
I hope to have time to reach souther than Shanghai, too.
all these 'water towns' seem very interesting!

Shanghainese

The watertowns are each about less than an hour's train or bus from Shanghai, you don't need to go to all of them, "seen one seen all". I prefer Tongli, be sure to take the small boat ride on the canals, feels a bit like a mini oriental Venice.

nikosk

many thanks!
If you could comment, is it a good idea to stay a couple of nights more in Suzhou as a base to visit a few water towns?
or even sleeping in a water town seems interesting.
I'm aiming to avoid for a couple of days the mess of getting in and out of a big city like Shanghai
all the best!
Nikos

Shanghainese

It is very easy to get in/out of Shanghai, the metro, bus and train systems are excellent in addition to inexpensive lodgings.

I suggest you get up early and do Suzhou in the morning and Tongli in the afternoon. If you yearn to see more watertowns, there are smaller ones in the suburbs of Shanghai you can do 1/2 day trips such as Zhujiajiao, or larger ones you can get to from Hangzhou.

If you don't mind the airfare, a week each in Shangdong, Beijing, Shanghai and Yunan is something to think about,, check out some of the 4-week trip reports here.

nikosk

many thanks!
this info was very practical, I'll definately use it!