We are planning about 3-4 weeks in China in May, will definitely visit the three main towns but would like to visit one other area, perhaps not so touristy, any suggestions where and why this would be a good place to see. Is a cruise worth the money and time.

Yunnan province. Wonderful and authentic (generally).

China is huge ... there are many places which will probably have activities and "stuff" to your liking.

We really enjoyed Pingyao which makes an ideal stop between Beijing and Xian. Pingyao is a UNESCO site -- an old walled city with wonderful architecture, fun shopping, lots of museums, wonderful food. We loved the small town atmosphere and the old town was small enough to walk everywhere.

Yangshuo--cycling, hiking, bamboo rafting, cooking school. A bit touristy but the spectacular scenery is worth it.

Chengdu is a great city and there are alot of side trips to take.

Lijiang is my favourite spot in China.

BB:...the terraced rice fields. One of the better views is in the vicinity of Longshen/Longji about a three hour drive from Guilin. We hired car and driver and based in Guilin. Took Li River cruise which retraced our steps from 1984. The driver picked us up after a long day In Yangshuo...sure its "toursty", only because tourists visit. Must be worth it...after two visits 27 years apart, I believe it is.

The drive and views of the terraced paddies is outstanding...The Dragon's Backbone in particular.

In 1984, we were in Kunming (Yunan) and enjoyed the Stone Forest and the Burma Road terminus sighting...Kunming was not equipped for visitors back then and the lodgings and restaurants reflected that. No private cars then!


stu

BB: meant to add these pics of the region. Also, some 1984 scanned photos (general snaps of China)

http://picasaweb.google.com/stuartto...erAndVicinity#

http://picasaweb.google.com/stuartto...4AndJapan1946#

Tibet! if possible. We just came back from there last Dec with itourstibet. We went to Lhasa, Gyangtse, Shigatse. It is amazing.I really love it. One more recommendation is Jiuzhaigou, a fairyland as the scene in Avatar, I plan to go there this year.

Most of the sightseeing sites in China are touristy but doesn't mean you won't enjoy them. With 4 weeks time you can fit in Yangshuo and Yunan Province. Your 3 main places are not towns, they are mega cities, you need some time in smaller towns to round out your China experience.

Thanks for the help, when I refer to town, that is just how we describe the main city in a state in Australia, I realize how huge these "towns" are. We are looking at spending 5 days in Yangshou ( to basically chill out and enjoy some R and R and about 3 in Lijiang, may consider a cruise to have a rest in between so we are just about sorted.