HK, Beijing, or Shanghai?
 

If you had one week to spend in these three cities, which one would you choose? This visit will be tagged on to a trip India next year. I've spent a fair bit of time in HK. My son, my travel companion, has not seen Asia at all and has China on his mind.

I'd go to Beijing because I love history. The Forbidden City, Tiannanmen Square, the Summer Palace, the Great Wall (get out away from the city, not the Badaling section), etc. The night market at Wanfujing is fun, though scorpion on a stick is just gross looking.

Beijing seemed a lot more drenched in history to me, while Shanghai seemed much more modern. I liked both, but I loved Beijing.

Shanghai is fab, but as you know so is HK

I've ben to all three, more than once, and very much prefer Beijing - more interesting sights - but that was before the pollution got so bad. How about Taipei instead?

Another vote for Beijing.

I've been to all 3, and my order of preference would be Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

I remember your India TR from several years ago. I really enjoyed reading about your adventure. What part of India are you traveling to on this trip?

shelleyk, I'm not sure. My husband can no longer travel that far, so I'll go either alone (can go anytime) or with my adult son (can only go in the summer as he's a teacher).

If I go alone, I'm considering Mumbai, the caves at Ellora and Ajanta, Hampi, Sanchi. If I go in the summer with my son, we'd have to go north - Shimla or Himachal-Pradesh - to avoid the heat and monsoons.

I'll also put in a plug here for Ramesh Meena and his company, India by Car and Driver. I know he'll put together a great trip for me/us.

rhkkmk, I remember your report on the warrior burial chamber.

Sadly, air quality is a serious consideration in Asia these days, both in India and China.

Taipei??? Hmmm. I'll check into it.

The caves and Sanchi, definitely worthwhile (and also see the prehistoric paintings near Sanchi), but I didn't think Hampi was worth the effort of getting there. Of course, you will probably have an easier time getting there. For Taiwan, see my East Asia TR.