Need advice from China experts for first timers
 

We are frequent travelers to Europe but recently got a brochure from Viking River Cruises. It caught our interest but we know little if anything about China.

We assumed that the highpoints for a 9-10 day trip would be Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. I would appreciate your thoughts on that assumption and on Viking or other companies. they have one trip that goes to Beijing for 3 days, flies to Xian for barely 24 hours the fly to Chongging for three days, then on to Shanghai for two days.

I am new to the forum and shared our experience with another party and wasn't able to get back to you. We took our Tibet-China tour with Odysseys Unlimited. Our Chinese guide told us that Viking was very good, but he thought Odyssey gives the right amount of time in each city without rushing you or giving too much time.We were very pleased with this tour. This was our second trip with them and we have nothing but good things to say about them. Their tours are minimum of 12 and maximum of 24. Ours was 17.

The timing in each city seems about right. Yes, Xi'an merits a day at most. But hopefully your timing allows for an evening there to enjoy the muslim district at night. As for ChongQing, the time spent from airport to docks, where presumably you'll be boarding a ship, is all you need to spend in the city. I am assuming those three days are sailing days, not CQ city days. I can't imagine that they's have you there at all, other than to board a ship for the Yangzte Cruise.

I don't take tours, so can't vouch for the company but the timing in each city looks good, though an extra day in BJ never hurt!

Xi'an is an interesting place, with a lot more to see than just the terracota warriors. It's the capital of China during two of the most significant dynasties - the West Han and West Tang.

But the buildings there certainly aren't as massive or impressive as those in Beijing. And unless one knows Chinese history well, one may not appreciate the significance of a lot of sites in Xi'an. So, I can understand why a packaged tour spends so little time there.

Just want to say that one will not be bored in Xi'an if you stay for 2-3 days.

I would try to take a first trip to China that is a bit longer -- especially since you are not used to the length of the flight over so jet lag will be a factor. I honestly don't think a 9-10 day trip is really worth it especially when two of the days involve flights. Look for a 17 day trip -- you'll be much happier.

Bchen, I'm really impressed by your knowledge in China travel. If you're interested in putting this knowledge into potentially fulfilling use, can you give me your contact info by emailing [email protected]? Thanks!

Hi

My wife and I went to China in March 2003 and we visited Beijing, Xi'an and Hong Kong. I have posted a trip report with some pictures on my homepage http://gardkarlsen.com. Maybe you can find some useful information there :-)

Regards
Gard
Stavanger, Norway