Help with China Trip in July please
 

My daughter is in a study abroad program in China for 2 mos. We would like to travel to China July 9-20 to meet her and travel with her. She will be in Beijing the entire 2 mos. We have been to China 3 years ago and hit a lot of the popular touristy spot already in Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, and Hangzhou.

How does this sound as a possible itinerary?


July 9, arrive July 10 to Beijing.




Recover from jet lag, do local things around Beijing. Maybe cruise in Longqing Gorge? How far is that from Beijing? Is it a good choice?




We want to hit Silk Market (is it still there?) and Pearl Market




What do you think of Peninsula Hotel in Beijing? We liked it the last time, but it's 3 years older. i noticed some of the posts comment on it's age.




Then 7/14 or 7/15 fly to Hangzhou and stay overnight at Shangri-La Hotel




Sightsee Hangzhou that day or next day




7/16 go to Shanghai maybe spend 1/2 day at World Expo




Spend 7/17 and 7/18 at World Expo (we're really into that kind of stuff)




7/19 day trip to Nanjing . How far is it to Nanjing by car/train? Is that too industrious to do in a day, back and forth? How long would you suggest to spend in Nanjing? We are interested in that memorial based on the Rape of Nanjing book. Hotel in Nanjing recommendations if we decide to stay overnight?




Hotel suggestions for Shanghai, close to the Expo?




Then 7/20 we fly home and my daughter flies back to Beijing.




One issue is the crowds for the World Expo. For this scenerio, we are visiting the World Expo on a weekend Fri-Sun. Probably the worst time for crowds. I wanted to be in Shanghai at the end so we just fly home.




Do you think it would be better to do Shanghai first on the 7/14 or 7/15 and then go to Hangzhou and then have to travel back to Shanghai to fly home? Just more travelling, but then we would avoid the weekend.




Thanks!

How fun you'll get to visit your daughter!

I am certainly no China expert, but I just returned and posted a trip report. (click on my name if you'd like to read) I highly recommend the St. Regis, where we stayed.

The Silk Market and Pearl Market are still there and going strong!
:)

dina4,

I'm printing out your TR as we speak. Thanks!!

Dina,

dina4,

Just read your TR. Very helpful. thanks!! Was St. Regis in the middle of the city? Offer transportation to airport? silk was closeby, how far was Pearl Market?

Thanks!

probably july is not the "worst" time to visit expo since
the whole expo period would be crowded, i found an article about travelling expo at night, hope this may help.
http://www.prlog.org/10670092-world-...-at-night.html

Just got back from Beijing. We took taxi from airport. I had the name written in Chinese characters (Grand Hyatt and the address too), but the cabbie was clueless. But the policeman/facilitator at the cab line was able to help us out - all of this took 2-3 mins. only. It was easy. we paid RMB 120-130 each way.

Pearl Market is right opposite Temple of Heaven. Took the subway there and back - station is Tiantan. I think we took exit A2 out and turned right for the Temple. You cannot miss the huge signs on the big building opposite for the Pearl Market!

Took a taxi to Pearl Market. Took about 10 mins. each way from hotel. Hope this helps.

Thanks you matata! We might just have to go at night. That would be better heat-wise for sure.

Thanks for the info minsin!