I am moving to China for at least 2 years. During that time I plan to travel and explore ASIA. Given the diverse climate, cultures, and sights as well as expansive area, I am looking for the "must see" versus the "if you have time", as well as weekend getaways.

I respect that this query is more encompassing than most topics but any and all input is appreciated. Also, I enjoy the full gamut including hiking, the "double decker bus tours", museums, zoos, food, shopping etc......

Also, if anyone has lived in China recently do/don't bring suggestions are appreciated.

Hi there!
Guangzhou is a beautiful city, and also one of the biggest cities in China. It is very convenient to go the must see cities in China by trains or flights from Guangzhou. Like, you can take a fast train to Hong Kong, and spend a weekend there, shopping and experience one of the metropolis in the world. Or you can take a flight to Guilin (beautiful hills and water), spend a leisure time on the Yangshuo countryside. You can DIT most of the short trips in China and travel by subway, or public transports. Enjoy your time.

Thank you for your response. I have heard the same about Guangzhou. But I did not realize it was a convenient city for transportation links. Good to know. I have not familiar with the acronym DIT. Is this the local transport?
Thanks again.

Nancy means DIY. Do it yourself. Guangzhou's airport (CAN) is the home base of China Southern, the country's largest airline. You can fly to most major cities non-stop.

Currently, there is high-speed train north to Wuhan, with connections to elsewhere. Or south to Shenzhen. Numerous other trains to literally anywhere in the country. They even have a direct train to Lhasa, taking about 48 hours.

Hello, sorry about the typing mistake. It should be "DIY" - Do it yourself. Thank you for correcting it, Rikkwan.

For me, some of the must-see places in SE Asia are

Bangkok lovely wats, lovely people, great food, great shopping

Angkor Temples, Cambodia one of the wonders of the world

Penang, Malaysia perhaps the best hawker food anywhere, fascinating history and confluence of cultures

Malaysian Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak) for wildlife, especially orangutans

Burma

All of these are easily arranged on your own.

Thank you everyone for your responses and suggestions. I am looking forward to this adventure and may post some of my experiences/trips once there and settled.