Huangpu River splits the city in two, with Puxi being the older city center. Pudong is home to the new , modern buildings.

Itinerary assumptions:

• You will fly in and out of Shanghai
• Staying in a hostel or budget hotel is preferred
• Taking the public transportation and using trains to travel outside the city is preferred over tours.

Day 1

Start your day with getting to know the modern city of Shanghai. Make your way to Nanjing Road, a pedestrian street where you can walk among locals and tourists. Shop or do a bit of people watching.

Then you can take a cruise on Huang River to see both banks of the river. One bank features western-style buildings, while the other features skyscrapers. The views are magnificent no matter when you take the cruise – day or night. Catch the cruise from the Shiliupu Ferry Terminal.

End the way at the Oriental TV Tower, which offers incredible views of the city and its ever-changing skyline. Alternatively, check out the Shanghai World Financial Center, the second tallest building in the world, with its three observatories ( 90th floor, 94th floor and 100th floor). The highest has a glass floor. Maybe have a meal with a view .

>>read more about What to eat in China

Day 2

Take the time to explore the surroundings of the city and get a feel of what it used to be like before the economical boom. The water villages of Suzhou and Zhouzhuang are excellent for a day trip. Suzhou is preserved as a model of Ming Dynasty garden. Then, travel by water to Zhouzhuang to see this amazing village, trapped in time. The locals still go about their daily lives as they did hundreds of years ago.

High speed trains take you in about 25 min to Suzhou, while regular trains take about 1h (and cost 15 RMB / US$2.40).

>>read about Getting from Shanghai to Suzhou

Day 3

It’s time to check out Shanghai’s main sights: People’s Square , Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, the Bund and the Shanghai silk factory. You can also do a self-guided tour of French Concession.

>>read more about the Things to do in Shanghai

Photo credits : Nanjing Road , Suzhou , the Bund

China is a large country and you’ll need to budget for some domestic flights to get around faster. And before you make any plans, make sure to have the travel documents in order: you need a passport and a visa. If you want to enjoy good weather, plan your trip in April or September. Also, please note that you’ll actually lose a day while flying to/from China (which means the itinerary is 12 days , including flights).

Itinerary assumptions:

• You’ll be flying into Beijing and out of Shanghai
• You will be staying in budget hotels with easy access to the public transportation
• Use the public transportation system to get around the cities

Day 1, 2 Beijing and the Forbidden City

There are various possibilities to get a walking tour of Beijing onto your smartphone and use it without data support while you are traveling. And it’s always a good idea to get to know the city like this. Alternatively, you can book a walking tour .

Later in the day, visit Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square and the most well-known landmark in Beijing. You can also visit the Museum of Chinese History and the Museum of the Chinese Revolution, but leave the Forbidden City for the next day.

In the same Dongcheng District, you can find one of the remains of the medieval city, the Drum and Bell Towers.

On day two, start by visiting the Forbidden City, the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is now home to the Palace Museum. There is a lot to see here, so plan for spending at least half a day checking out the buildings.

The Temple of Heaven in Chongwen District , along with some remains of the medieval city – Ming Dynasty City Wall Site Park and Qianmen – are also worth your time.

The Great Wall of China is another important landmark which can be visited from Beijing. The Badaling section is the closest to the capital and, of course, the most touristy.

>>read more about Getting from Beijing to the Great Wall of China

Day 3, 4 Xi’an and the Terracotta Army

The flight from Beijing to Xi’an takes about 2 h and you can find fares around €83/US$103 one way (in mid-September 2012).

On day 3, visit the City Wall of Xi’an , which is the world’s largest city wall. It’s been restored and you can walk or bike on it. A complete loop (13.7 km takes 4-5 hours). There are also some interesting pagodas and temples to visit in the city, so are set for this day.

On day 4, catch bus 306 which takes you to the Army of Terracotta Warriors and Horses. A museum has been built on site but be aware that the place is very touristy.

Another interesting trip outside the city is the Banpo Village Ruins, which can be easily accessed via bus 42 from the train station. The ruins of a 6,000 years old village includes the remains of the living quarters, the burial grounds , as well as ancient tools.

>>read more about Getting from Beijing to Xi’an

Day 5 -8 Yangtze River cruise

It’s not a cheap affair , as 4-day cruises start at US$359 per person, but many travelers won’t leave China without such as experience. You can take the cruise from Chongqing to Yichang. Shop around because there are many companies offering river cruises. The scenery along the way is spectacular.

So, first catch a flight from Xi’an to Chongqing. The travel time is about 1h and the single fare starts at €58 / US$72 in mid-Sept 2012.

Day 9, 10 Shanghai

Catch a flight from Yichang to Shanghai . It takes about 1 h 45 min and the single fare starts at €39 / US$48 one way in mid-Sept 2012.

The Bund is the famous street of old colonial-era buildings and Shanghai’s Old Town is located close to it. Located along Huangpu River, the Bund is where most of the travelers choose to spend their time. You can take a ferry ride on the river and enjoy the sights (the cruise would be the more expensive choice).

The Shanghai Museum is pretty impressive and definitely worth your time. There are volunteers who offer free tours, so you get a chance to learn a lot more than if you were to visit the museum on your own.

There are also some interesting temples you can check out, such as Jade Buddha Temple, Jing’an Temple and Longhua Temple.

>>book a cheap hostel in Shanghai

Note:

If you don’t want to spend 4 days on a river cruise, then you can always stay 4 days in Beijing and 4 days in Xi’an. Both cities offer plenty of things to do and you won’t be getting bored. Or, instead of flying from city to city, you can catch a train or bus (hence spending more time traveling) and spend 3 days in both Beijing and Xi’an.

Read more about:
>>What to Eat in China
>>Things to do in Beijing
>>Things to do in Shanghai
>>Book a cheap hostel in Beijing

Photo credits: Beijing , Terracotta Army , Yangtze River , The Bund

Chinese divide the food into 4 major groups: rice, noodle, soup and…the rest (vegetables, meats and all dishes which don’t include rice, noodle or soup).

Bejing Duck

It is the most popular Chinese food you can find in restaurants all over the world. The ducks come from farms and the best wood for roasting is red date tree wood. Oh and don’t be surprised to see an entire duck being served at the table – it’s enough for 4 persons. However, the chefs carve the duck at the table. On a pancake put the meat after you dip it in the sauce, add some cucumber and leek and then the dark sauce. Wrap it up and enjoy.

Fried rice

Traditionally the dish was made with the leftovers from last night’s dinner. The fried rice includes meat, eggs and vegetables.

Sweet & Sour Pork

It’s closest to what you are used to eating if you order American-Chinese takeaway. The dish is both sour and sweet and can be served with rice.

Dumplings

They come in many sizes and the filling can be anything from lamb to veggies. They come with a small bowl in which to create your own sauce. Try vinegar and hot sauce. Dip the dumpling in the sauce, eat , dip again, and so on. Together with pancakes and other small dishes served individually, they make up the Dim Sum.

The dumplings can also be served fried. These look a bit different though as they are folded. And they always seem to stick to the pan they are cooked in.

Kung Pao Chicken

The dish comes from Sichuan province and contains chicken , vegetables, peanuts and hot chili peppers. All the ingredients are stir-fried.

Spring Rolls

Vegetables or meats are wrapped into a rice noodle “sheet”. These rolls can be served fresh or deep fried. They also come with various sauces to dip them in.

Mushu Pork

The stir-fried pork is wrapped into pancakes. Scallions and sweet Hoisin sauce come as garnish.

Beef Fried Noodles

The fried noodles are easily found as street food. Traditionally the dish is made with pork but you can find fried noodles made with beef or chicken, too.

Dry Fried String Beans

It’s pretty explanatory but watch out for the peppers. They are hot. The dish goes well with rice.

Ma Po Tofu

It is a popular Chinese dish. The pepper powder gives the dish a spicy hint. The tofu is cooked with ground beef and green onions.

Wontons

These look like the Italian tortellini. They are boiled and served in a soup but can also be deep fried. The filling can be pork or shrimp.

Photo credits: Bejing Duck , Fried rice , Sweet & Sour Pork , Dumplings , Kung Pao Chicken , Spring Rolls , Beef Fried Noodles , Ma Po Tofu , Wontons

Constructed primarily of stone, brick, metal, and dirt, the Great Wall of China was built during the Ming Dynasty era to protect China from enemy invasions.  From the Fourteenth Century to the Sixteenth Century, the Great Wall was key in protecting the country from military attacks from Mongolian raids.  Today, this historical wall is 5,500 miles long, with additional fort-like defenses added to it that consists of natural barricades from the rugged terrain.  Due to its history, construction, and beauty, the Great Wall of China is one of the most-visited historical sites in the world.

Finding the best hotels to stay in while visiting this historical wall can be a challenge due to the heavy competition amongst hotels, lodges, and inns.  There are five hotels that stand out from the others and offer beautiful and luxurious accommodations, along with posh amenities, near the Great Wall of China.  Visiting the Wall and staying in any of these hotels is sure to provide tourists and travelers with a refreshing and relaxing atmosphere after a long day of touring the wall and taking in the wild and breathtaking scenery surrounding this area.

Holiday specials and tour packages can be obtained when a person or family books a trip to visit the Great Wall.  Asking about one of the five renowned hotels listed below when making reservations for a tour package to this area will help people to find the best lodging possible for their trip.

The Commune by the Great Wall Kempinski

This hotel is located on the northern section of Beijing and offers modern amenities such as tennis courts, a business center, a bar, restaurant, non-smoking rooms, and laundry services.  In addition to these amenities, the hotel is located conveniently near a golf course and also has a sauna available for guests.

The Commune by the Great Wall Beijing

This hotel is also close to the Great Wall and it provides top-notch scenery, patio dining, fine wine selections, and gourmet food.  Breakfast room service, cool air conditioning, and a spa and health center appeal to tourists.

The First Great Wall Hotel

This hotel can also be included for holiday specials packages.  It offers three hundred and eighty rooms, beautiful interior design, a breakfast buffet, a swimming pool, and affordable accommodations.

Yanqi Holiday Hotel

A family-friendly hotel, the Yanqi Holiday Hotel is a five-star luxury hotel located in a beautiful resort.  Rooms are large and spacious with inviting furniture.  Experienced hotel workers provide superb service and work diligently to ensure customer satisfaction.

Commune by the Great Wall

Nestled in the grand Badaling Mountains, this hotel offers exceptional views, large windows for guests to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, and four restaurants to select from.  A fitness center and spa are included in the amenities and full service is provided in each of these areas of the hotel.  Bamboo patios, velvet drapes, large, comfortable beds, and exceptional dining services make this a very desirable hotel amongst people who tour the Great Wall of China.

Photo by Matt512

Weather

The north is cold. Pack winter clothes, including the warm coat , sweaters and gloves. Central China is also cold and you can add the wind , as well. So make sure your jacket protects you. Southern China is milder but the weather can change suddenly. So pack for pretty much any weather. Layering is a good option.

Sample temperatures:

Beijing avg high 10C / avg low 0C
Shanghai avg high 19C / avg low 9C
Guangzhou avg high 25C / avg low 16C
Xi’an avg high 12C / avg low 3C

>>read more about Weather in China

Flights and Accommodation

If you fly in November, the flight to China is not that expensive but you should still book slightly in advance. Don’t worry about finding accommodation either. Still, booking in advance will usually bring some discounts.

What to do

Although not a warm city now, Beijing can offer a nice experience with all the crowds gone. Explore the Forbidden City at your own pace and plan for a day trip to the Great Wall.

>>read more about the Things to do in Beijing

Or you can plan to visit Shanghai, with its museums and parks. Don’t forget about the traditional food and you can even start your holidays shopping here.

>>read more about the Things to do in Shanghai

If you missed planning a trip to China in October and still want to see the fall foliage, there are some destinations which are worth your time. Fragrant Hill in Beijing still offers lovely colors at the beginning of the month and so does Miyaluo.

Photo credit

Weather

The weather is still pleasant but October means Autumn. So expect cold nights and cooler days. By the end of the month, the fall foliage is at its best providing amazing photo opportunities. Now is also ideal to visit the Great Wall as the views provided by the mountains are spectacular.

The north starts to get cooler by the day and cold at night. A t-shirt and a light jacket should be enough by day. At night, add more layers. In central China you can get away with a t-shirt by day but you need a jacket in the morning and evening. Layering is a good option if the weather gets colder. In the South it’s really warm so t-shirts and shorts are the norm. Long sleeve shirts are good for the evening.

Sample temperatures:

Beijing avg high 19C / avg low 8C
Shanghai avg high 23C / avg low 15C
Guangzhou avg high 29C / avg low 21C
Xi’an avg high 20C / avg low 10C

>>read more about Weather in China

Flights and Accommodation

If you want to visit China in October, avoid the first week. It’s a national holiday and everyone is traveling so the trains, buses and planes are crowded and expensive. So, plan your visit around mid-October. Book your flight to China in advance and don’t forget about the accommodation, either.

What to do

If you are after the fall foliage, plan your visit after mid-October. Some of the places to consider are: Beijing with its stunning Fragrant Hill , the Yellow Mountains (Tachuan) , Miyaluo, the Jiuzhaigou Valley and Qixia Mountain in Nanjing.

And while you are in Beijing, you can also plan to visit the Forbidden City and don’t forget about the Great Wall, either.

>>read more about the Things to do in Beijing

Another highlight of the month is the Great Wall. Thanks to the above mentioned fall foliage, the views from the wall are magnificent. Still, it’s autumn so it can be cold and windy on top of the wall. Make sure to pack appropriate clothing.

Tibet is also a good option now. It’s not too cold yet (access is quite impossible between November and March).

Photo credit

Weather

April means spring and that brings warm weather and flowering trees. Spring also means it’s quite possible to rain. But don’t let that stop you from visiting the beautiful country.

In North China the temperatures are still on the colder side. Wear warm clothes and choose layering. Central and Southern China see quite a lot of rain during this time of the year, but the weather is quite warm. In Central China, a light coat is enough but don’t forget the umbrella. In the South you can get away with t-shirts during the day but pack a coat for the evenings.

Sample temperatures:

Beijing avg high 20C / avg low 8C
Shanghai avg high 19C / avg low 11C
Guangzhou avg high 26C / avg low 20C
Xi’an avg high 21C / avg low 10C

>>read more about Weather in China

Flights and accommodation

Now it’s time to gear up for the upcoming summer season, so the airfare and hotel room prices start to go up by the end of the month. Still, planning your vacation ahead of time means you can find an affordable flight to China . As for the places to stay, if the hotel proves to be a bit too expensive, look up hostels (especially in major cities).

What to do

April is a month which photographers love. So if you are looking for scenic beauty, head to Wuyuan (Jiangxi Province) or Luoping (Yunnan Province). You will be rewarded with magnificent scenery.

Sister’s Meal Festival is celebrated in Guizhou and this means you can see a lot of interesting activities, including horse racing.

The fans of Formula 1 should head to Shanghai (mid April) to see the event live. Or you can explore the city and enjoy some of its culinary delights.

>>read more about the Things to do in Shanghai

April is a lovely month to visit Beijing. It’s finally warm enough to indulge in spending time in nature and checking out the sites. You can plan to visit the Forbidden City and don’t forget about the Great Wall, either.

>>read more about the Things to do in Beijing

Photo credit

Before 2008, getting from the mainland China to Taiwan was an adventure as there were no direct flights and travelers had to connect via Hong Kong. After 2008, things have improved and getting between mainland China and Taiwan is now easy.

Quick summary

It might be cheaper to travel by ferry between Xiamen and Kinmen and considering by land options for getting to/from the respective ports. Otherwise, you can fly directly from many cities on the mainland, but make sure to do the research in advance. Often it’s cheaper to fly via Hong Kong.

Flights from China to Taiwan

Taiwan is served by 5 airports, out of which only two operate flights to mainland China.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is the main international airport serving Taiwan. It is hub for China Airlines, EVA Air and TransAsia Airways, offering flights to important cities in Asia, Europe and North America.

Air China operates flights to Beijing-Capital, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Shanghai-Pudong and Wenzhou; China Airlines flies to important mainland cities, such as Beijing-Capital, Chengdu, Guangzhou; China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, TransAsia Airways and other companies also operate flights to mainland China.

Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) serves Kaohsiung City, Taiwan and is not hub for any airline. However, it operates flights to mainland China. China Airlines fly to Beijing- Capital and Shenzhen, EVA Air and Uni Air serve Guangzhou.

In mid June 2012 , expect to pay from US$258 one way for a flight between Beijing and Taiwan Taoyuan on Hainan Airlines. The flight time is 3h. A return flight starts at US$451; but if you choose a connecting flight , you can save some (from US$431 on Hong Kong Airlines).

>>read more about Flights to China

Ferries from China to Taiwan

There is another way to get between China and Taiwan. There are direct boats from Xiamen – which is a coastal city – to Kinmen in Taiwan.

There are hourly ferries between the two cities, departing between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. each day. The fare is 180 RMB / US$29 one way.

Of course, you also need to consider the time and options to get to Xiamen and from Kinmen to Taipei or other destinations on the island.

Photo credit

Along the length there are a number of places to visit the Great Wall. The closest to Beijing are also touristy and the most crowded. So if you want some peace and quiet, choose a section that’s further from the capital.

Getting from Beijing to Badaling

Badaling section of the Great Wall can be easily visited as part of a day trip from the capital of Beijing. The good part is that on the weekdays, this section is not very crowded but you’d certainly want to avoid the weekends.

By bus

To get there, from Tiananmen Square take either bus 5 to the last stop or line 2 metro to Jishuitan station. Now walk to the bus station and take bus 919 to Badaling. The buses to Badaling leave in the morning so the last one is around noon; on the way back, the last one is around 4 p.m. so by 3:30 p.m. you should be in the station. The travel time is about an hour and the buses are quite crowded.

The bus from the center costs 1 RMB, while the metro ticket is 2 RMB. The bus fare for the bus 919 is 12 RMB.

>>read more about Bus travel in China

By train

There is also a train from Beijing North Station but make sure to call ahead and ask for the times of departure (they often change the hours). Trains run daily between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. , leaving every 40 min from Beijing. The fare is 6 RMB / US$1 one way.

Once you arrive, follow the rest of the passengers. The entrance to the wall is about 800 m from the station and it’s hard to miss. Entrance fee for visiting the wall is 45 RMB / US$7.50.

>>read more about Train travel in China

Getting from Beijing to Mutianyu

By bus

Mutianyu is further from Badaling but is less crowded. However, the big problem is that the only direct bus (bus 867) only runs during the tourist season (March 15 to November 13). The bus departs from Dongzhimen outer bus station, which can be reached from the Dongzhimen subway (take exit H). The ticket is 16 RMB one way and the travel time is about 2 ½ h. The entrance fee to visit the Wall is 45 RMB.

Notes:

• At the time this article was written the Simatai section of the wall has been closed for repairs.
• Jinshanling Section is also within easy reach of Beijing but there aren’t any public transportation options; the only way to visit this section is to ask the hotel to get a taxi for your trip.

Photo credit

While Tianjin has its own airport, the majority of travelers come by way of one of the Beijing’s airports (mostly Capital Airport).

>>book a flight to Beijing

Quick summary

The simplest and fastest way to get from Beijing to Tianjin is by fast train (C-category). The trains take about ½ h and they leave every 15-20 min from Beijing.

Trains from Beijing to Tianjin

The main station, Tianjin Railway Station, has been built in 1888, renovated in 1988 and again in 2008 for the Olympic Games. Three more stations have been built since.

Most trains linking Beijing to Tianjin are high speed C-category trains, which take 30 min to cover the distance. They depart from Beijing South and arrive at the main Tianjin station. Trains depart every 15-20 min from Beijing. The single fare is US$9 for 2nd class and US$10 for first class. Tickets can be bought from the station on the day of departure.

Other types of trains , K, G and D, also connect the two cities , departing from Beijing South or Beijing West.

>>read more about Train Travel in China

Buses from Beijing to Tianjin

It is possible to take a bus between the two cities. Also, you can catch a bus directly from Gate 5 of Terminal 3 at Beijing Capital Airport (the bus also passes by Gate 11 of Terminal 2, where you can also board it). There are buses departing daily between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. every 30 min. The single fare is US$10. Taking the bus from the city is slightly cheaper, though (about US$5).

>>read more about Bus Travel in China

Driving from Beijing to Tianjin

You can rent a car (preferably with a driver) in Beijing and drive the 140 km to Tianjin in about 2 h (depending on the traffic).

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