Friday 13 is always a good day to book an airfare. Shortly after I’ll be in Shanghai, then Beijing.
Straitdope, I humbly prostrate myself and inquire, what should one see and do in those cities?
ummm, how much time in Shanghai and what are you interested in? Have you been to China before? There isn’t that much to actually “see” in shanghai, but it’s a great city to wander or bicycle around in. For historic stuff, Beijing is definately the place.
The river cities near Shanghai are pretty cool - but pretty touristy. To go to a non-tourist site is pretty involved. Zhujiajiao is the nearest river city to Shanghai, and where I take people (it’s closest and easiest to get to, pretty cool experience. Ones futher away have different and IMHO “better” food but I’m guessing you won’t tell the difference. Here’s a link: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/shanghai/zhujiajiao.htm and here are some pix http://www.travelchinaguide.com/picture/shanghai/zhujiajiao/
Yuyuan Gardens/Chenghuamiao is kinda cool. Especially if you figure out how to find and eat the “xiaolongbao” steamed dumplings. There is a shop which is really famous and really really really good. The environment might be toooooo “authentic” for you, but the food is incredible and really cheap.
here’s a blog that lays out some just about everywhere: http://www.shanghaiguide.com/forum/archive/o_t/t_2286/1st_time_in_shanghai_for_a_week....need_advice....html
If you want pirate/imitation stuff, then it’s Xiangyang Road Market. The real kwality stuff is nearby, and kwality improves as you go up the floors of the apartments some tout takes you to. It’s safe.
I am not a fan of beijing, but you need to go see the great wall. My favorite place is the Lama Temple or Yonghe Monastary. The monks hold tantric prayer chants a couple times per day, and those are really cool (if you’re into that kind of stuff).
China Guy, you are priceless! I’m planning on 5 days in each. Wandering and bicycling in sounds great.
I’ve barely been to mainland China before. History, culture and people interest me. Also any local specialities or wildlife and nature. Taking day trips from Shanghai to surrounding interesting areas might be one thing I’ll do.
Is there anything I should avoid or watch out for in Shanghai?
Is there anything I should avoid or watch out for in Beijing, why aren’t you a fan of it?
My friends are interested in shopping.
The Forbidden City. It’s probably not going to be terribly interesting unless you’re a history buff, but I’d go just for bragging rights. If you don’t have high cholesterol, you should try one of the hot pot places. You’ll usually get two bowls of sauce - one is soy, with bits of chilli and garlic mixed in it, and the other should be a peanut sauce. I usually do two parts of the soy sauce to one part peanut and then mix a raw egg into the bowl.
And try not to go to the Great Wall on a public holiday. You’ll likely find it swarming with people and, unless you’re from Hong Kong, a generally Bad Experience.
Ta, Stark Raven. I’m connected with Hong Kong and with Sydney and my cholesterol is low.
Chilli, garlic and peanut oil! hellody Shanghai!
In Beijing try the “dirt market” its a cool second-hand market. Also go to Liu Li Chang street for antiques, musical instruments, and calligraphy supplies.
Get a foot massage. They sit you down in an orante chair, soak you feet in very hot water, massge them, put lotion on them, and will trim your nails using an odd looking knife. You’ll find them all over the city, but I went to one a few blocks from the China World Hotel. I think it was about $7.00 US.
There is also a very strange crepe-like thing they make on the street. It’s hard to describe, but is a local beijing delicacy.
When you go to the Great Wall, avoid Badling. It’s the most common destination for tourist outfits, but it is no better than going to Disneyland. Tour outfits often combine this with a trip to the Ming Tombs, which is a waste of time. The coolest place to see the Wall near Beijing is Simaitai, but it probably takes about 3 hours each way, what with traffic and all. At least, three hours is my recollection, but it’s a long time and you will be writing off one day to see the Wall alone, but I loved it. Here are some pictures.
The Forbidden City is a must. Its pretty cool. There are some cool night markets were you can taste BBQ scorpion and other savory items, but for the life of me, I can’t remember the name of the street I’m thinking of.
Wan Fu Jing
Also, be wary of “student art shows” near the Forbidden City. Its just a scam to sell you scrolls.