Golfing in Beijing and Shanghai
 

Friends going to China are keen on playing golf in the two cities when they are visiting (they'd rather skip a day of sightseeing), any recommendations on nice courses that are open to the public, distance to Tienanmen Square and People's Square, fees, etc, would be appreciated. They are planning to play at Merryland in Guilin. Thanks.

Are there public courses in Shanghai? All I know of are clubs. You could always call one of the clubs and ask for a recommendation or ask if the hotel could arrange a round somewhere.

Beijing has several golf courses, but I don't golf so can't offer any opinions. Here are some listings from my guidebook - all are open to the public:

Beijing Int'l Golf Club charges RMB 1400 for Sat-Sun, RMB 800 for men Mon-Fri, RMB 400 for women. It's located near the Ming Tombs and my guide book says it has great views. 86-10-6076-2288

Beijing Links
18 holes, North 4th Ring Road (closer to the city center)
RMB 720 per round. 8463 8888

Chaoyang Kosaido Golf Club
9 holes. RMB 230 M-F, 290 Sat-Sun. Much closer to city center. 6501 8584

Beijing Yaoshang Golf Club
18 holes. RMB 550 M-F, RMB 800 Sat-Sun. In SW Beijing. 8032 1678

Thanks/Merci! I knew you two would come through. Good to have the prices, petitepois, which guidebook do you use, please?

This info is from the Insider's Guide to Beijing, a book I could not live without. It's written by expats and locals who LIVE in Beijing and covers everything from the city's best restaurants to bicycle shops. It also has addresses for everything in both English AND Chinese - ideal for hopping in a cab and showing the to your driver. It's available on Amazon.com.

Thanks again, petitpois.