Thorn Tree travel forum

Some advice on China travel in October

Hello experienced travelers,

A little background on my trip:

My friend and I will be flying to Hong Kong early sept where we will spend a few days. We then are heading to Yangshuo for a week or so. From here we have about 3 weeks before we would like to end up in Yunnan for 3-4 weeks to see Shangri-la area and then exit into Laos. China is our first country on a long trip that could last a year. We are laid-back easy going guys in mid 20s and are trying to keep our trip as flexible as possible so as to incorporate ideas from people along the way. We are also trying not to rush through places, a great American tendency, and would rather pick a couple of places to really immerse ourselves in and enjoy. We are also traveling as cheaply as possible for the most part. Neither of us speak any Chinese and have never been to China.

Questions and concerns:

1. From leaving Yangshuo approx mid-late sept to getting to Yunnan mid oct I would like some opinions on where to go. I would certainly like to spend perhaps 1 week in Beijing and see Great Wall etc. Do people recommend spending time in Shanghai, Xian, somewhere else? As I am seeing Yangshuo and Yunnan for scenery and hiking I was thinking to mix it up a bit and see more historical/ cultural spots in the eastern areas of China.

2. The old China-national holiday week falls slap bang in the middle of the trip. I grasp the fact that I am supposed to avoid this at all costs but I think Im screwed. Are there any suggestions for what to do for this week? Stay put in one spot, but where? Is it worth trying to get out of China completely and deal with extra expense of double-entry visa and expensive plane tix? What the heck do we do??

I greatly appreciate any opinions and thank you in advance for your help.

-Sloke