Travel in China Part II: Classic China

After exploring the Shanghai area, ECLPs may want to spend a weekend in some of China’s classic tourist areas. Here is a quick look at some of China’s top destinations:

Beijing

Description: A must see for China. As a Beijing resident for almost two years, I can say that this city is my favorite in all of China. The city has many cultural attractions including the famous Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Summer Palace, and the Great Wall.  Be sure to save time to visit the beautiful walking streets around Houhai’s lakes and check out the ancient architecture of the neighborhood’s hutong residences.

Although Beijing shopping may not rival Shanghai or Hong Kong, the city does have many areas to buy souvenirs, electronics, etc. If you are in the mood for bargaining, head to the Silk Market to haggle over everything from fake brand-name merchandise to your favorite souvenir tea set. If you are looking for more upscale shopping, check out the flagship stores for a variety of western brands on Wangfujing Street. 

After polishing off Peking duck at the original Quanjude Restaurant (established in 1864) head over to Sanlitun to experience the best of Beijing’s nightlife. This area offers a range of options for everyone from the late night partier to the refined wine connoisseur.

Getting There: Overnight train (fun experience with personal sleeping berths and/or private rooms) or a short flight (two hours)

Getting to the Great Wall can be challenging without the assistance of a tour group/guide if you do not speak the language. Trains do run out of the Beijing North Rail Station. Line S2 will get you there in an hour and a half. Groups should also consider having their hotel rent a mini-bus and tour guide for them to use for day. This is a convenient and relatively inexpensive option that will take out some of the hassle of getting to the Wall.

Accommodations: Full range of accommodations from hostels to 5-star hotels

Time Needed: Two-to-three days minimum, but you could easily spend a week here

Weather: Fairly Cold (20-45 degrees Fahrenheit)

Xi’An

Description: Xi’An is a classic ancient Chinese city that was the capital of China for thousands of years. The city’s walls still remain and you can walk along at least a portion of them. The other huge attraction here is the Terracotta Warriors site (thousands of clay statues of warriors that were buried to protect the emperor). Xi’An can be combined with any trip to the West.

Getting There: Three-hour flight from Shanghai

Accommodations: Full range of accommodations. This is a major city.

Time Needed: Two days to see the city and Terracotta Warriors

Weather: Moderate (30-55 degrees Fahrenheit)

Hong Kong

Description: Hong Kong is a very modern city with great shopping, entertainment, and food. Hong Kong is the most modern of Chinese cities (it was owned by the British until 1997) and most people speak at least passable English. Hong Kong is beautiful along the waterfront and the views from atop Victoria Peak or one of the skyscrapers are pretty amazing. The city is however quite expensive, unlike other Chinese cities. The $5-10/night hostels and hotels found in rural China are not available here. Expect NYC-type pricing.

Getting There: Two-to-three hour flight from Shanghai

Accommodations: Mid- to High-range accommodations

Time Needed: Two-to-three days to see, buy, and eat everything Hong Kong has to offer

Weather: Warm (65-80 degrees Fahrenheit)

Tibet (Lhasa)

Description: Tibet is one of the last places in China where you can see people still living in the ancient ways, although this is changing. The area is completely different than other areas of China with a totally different culture. Tibet is the home of Dali Lama followers and Chinese Buddhism. The natural scenery is amazing (in the Himalayas) and the architecture is pretty fantastic. The off-season, while cold, is great for avoiding the overwhelming number of tourists in the summer.

Getting There: Flight to Xi’An (2-3 hrs) and a 27-hour train ride through the Himalayas (the train is one of the most scenic and technologically advanced in the world)…or a five-hour flight from Shanghai.

Accommodations: Probably need to go through a tour group…access to Tibet is restricted and additional Visas are needed.

Time Needed: Two days minimum, plus travel time. Many people spend weeks there.

Weather: Cold (0-40 degrees Fahrenheit), high altitude…changing weather and possible altitude sickness.

Posted by Jeff

Comments

[Alison]

Thanks! This is great.

[Jeff LeDuc]

Thanks for the comment Alison. Hope it was helpful!