Hi - was hoping that someone could give me some advice on traveling in China during National Day (scheduled for Oct 1-8, 2009). We would likely be arriving in Shanghai on Oct 3 and there until Oct 7, when we would head to Guilin. Am curious to know how busy the sites/transport/etc would be at those times.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!!

This is really a week best avoided, although your timing of arriving in the middle, and then travelling counter to the majority flow, doesn't look so bad.

Shanghai tends to get an inbound wash of sightseeing countryside people, and the streets and many fee-free sights are busy. But the outbound flow of city residents is greater, and often work unit vehicles are banned from the city streets for the week, making it actually a lot easier than usual to get around town.

All sights will be open. Banks will be shut for the week, so you'll be relying on ATMs or exchange counters in department stores (now fairly rare) for money.

Guilin is a resort destination, so the city dwellers should be flowing back at the time you're heading out, although many at the white-collar end who have discretionary holiday, add some days on to the official holiday.

Expect prices to be up for accommodation and many other things when you reach Guilin. (And, as I always say, why not consider a rural destination that's less of a tourist maelstrom?)

Peter N-H

Thanks for the detailed reply. Seems like it would be ok with our schedule for the holiday. Our day of arrival (Oct 3) we wouldn't really be doing much but getting adjusted to the time difference. Good to know on the banks and the sites.

Really appreciate the help!

Thanks again Peter. One other thing - We may end up beginning in Beijing for Oct 3-7 and then head to Xi'an - depends on the flights. We are trying to use miles to get there, and the period over National Day really works best for our schedules. I'm assuming that Beijing is similar to what you say on Shanghai on the crowds, sites being open, etc.

Will there be any problem hiring a guide during this time? I expect not, but would love some input.

Beijing is much the same.

With any luck you'll find all the guides are hired out and you won't be able to get one at all. You neither want nor need one in any of the destinations mentioned. They overcharge, they lead you to places where they get kick-backs, they expect entirely inappropriate tips (there is no tipping in China except that foisted on hapless foreigners), and due both to their education and training they can provide you with little in the way of accurate history or other information. Indeed, if properly licensed then they've been trained to give you the official propaganda view. You can easily, more flexibly, and much more cheaply, get around all of these places by yourself, and will be better informed by background materials you bring with you.

Peter N-H