If you were going to China??

Hi.

I'm planning to go down next year but I'm going with a structure "tour" - basically its a 3 week course at a uni followed by a 1 week tour of Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. We don't have much of a choice. I recommend going with a tour - they take you to the essentials.

pragmatic, If by chance you have some "free" time in any of the cities on your itinerary, I'd be more than happy to recommend places "not to miss." One advantage of traveling in the major cities of China is the "cheap" cost of taxis. I've done some museums and other sites on my own by taxi. Just make sure you bring your hotel's business card with you to show the taxi driver for your return trip.

Hi cicerone imposter - thank you for that handy tip! I am planning something for May/June and would welcome some suggestions I could do in any free time allowed. But the hotel business card IS a must - I never thought of that!

If you enjoy museums, don't miss the Capital museum and the National Art Gallery in Beijing. In Xian, don't miss walking the Muslim section, and walk beyond the "other" side where there's a bell tower. It's the modern section. Also, ask about the water fountain show in Xian; go early, because thousands of people will be there. You'll probably go to the Wild Goose Pagoda while there as part of your tour, but try to go to the Xian Garden Hotel cultural show if they don't offer it on your tour. In Shanghia, don't miss the Yu Yuan Garden, visit their history museum, and go to the top of the tv tower.

Well, babs, your question is a bit more challenging, but here's the list from the top of my "head."

1. Beijing; the forbidden city, temple of heaven, tianamen square, great wall (2 places), summer palace, ming tombs, subway system, olympic city, hutong (including bell tower), park behind the forbidden city, and my other recommendations above.
2. Xian; terracotta soldiers, bampo museum, and my other recommendations above.
3. Yangtse river cruise by Victoria cruises.
4. Chengdu; panda preserve and old town.
5. Shanghai; bund (walk) and my other recommendations above.
6. Hong Kong; art museum, victoria peak, stanley market, peninsula hotel (high tea), and the many wonderful restaurants. Star ferry is free for seniors, and discount prices for metro-trains.

Look for massage parlors in the major cities; they usually cost a few dollars for one hour. We spoiled ourselves almost every day. Taxis are really cheap; about $1.35 for most destinations.

wow ci, I never thought of keeping hotel cards on your person.

That's a good tip for anywhere you visit.

When were metro trains introduced?

I'm not sure, but the line I took from the Hutong to line 1 for Tianamen Square was very new; only about a month old. That's what a woman from TN told me at the station where I purchased my ticket.

Thanks.