Very loose plans ... - Thorn Tree travel forum

Very loose plans Shanghai-HK-Tibet-Beijing

Replies: 4 - Last Post: 01-Dec-2007 01:27 Last Post By: ellyse

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Posted
24-Nov-2007 17:52
by: danrushton

Posts: 19
Registered: 30/10/07

Very loose plans Shanghai-HK-Tibet-Beijing

Hi there I am slowly putting together my plan for China and would welcome any help. So far we were thinking of about 2 months starting in Shanghai (April 2008) and finishing in Beijing. Any advice would be great as we are newbies. We are trying to do as much as possible by train and land.
Here we go
1. Shanghai - Tongli - Suzhou
2. Yangzi basin - Tunxi (aka Huang Shan Shi) - Shexian - Yixian - Xidi- Hongcun-Nanping
3. Hangzhou
4. Overnight train from Hangzhou to Shenzhen- Hong Kong
5. Hong Kong and Macau
6. Back to Shenzhen and overnight bus to Yangshao
7. Yangshao and around - Li river cruise
8. Train Guilin to Chongquing and bus or train to Chengdu
9. Chengdu and around - Songpan ( horse riding?) - Huanglonxi - Juizhaigon
10. Chengdu to Lhasa train (best to get tickets in Chengdu?)
11. Lhasa and around
12. Train Lhasa to Xian
13. Xian and around.
14. Pingyao and Shuanglin Shi
14. Datong - Wutai Shan/Tai huai village - Yingxian
15 Beijing

Really any help would be great as to places we should give a miss and places we have forgotten and how long to spend there. There will be two of us travelling together (my wife and I ((one canadian + one UK citizen)) so we will be sharing all accomodation etc.
Cheers

Posted
24-Nov-2007 22:16
by: ellyse

Posts: 8,932
Registered: 27/04/02

1

Yangshuo, not Yangshao. Skip the Li River cruise. 2nd most overrated cruise in mainland China.
If you're already going to Tongli, skip Suzhou.
I wouldn't call no.2 the "Yangzi basin" -- just the "Huangshan area".
It would be easier going by direct train from Shanghai to Hong Kong rather than going from Hangzhou. That said, if you're flying into Shanghai Pudong airport, go directly to Hangzhou. Continue to the Huangshan area. Then overnight train Tunxi -- Suzhou, bus to Tongli. Then bus Tongli -- Shanghai. Now is the time to sightsee in Shanghai, before going by train to Hong Kong.
If you're going to Lhasa, you should train directly Guilin -- Chengdu and arrange for it there.
After Lhasa, take the train out to Chongqing, and fly to Jiuzhaigou. Explore the area (Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, Songpan) then fly to Xi'an.
Cheers!

Posted
25-Nov-2007 02:27
by: danrushton

Posts: 19
Registered: 30/10/07

2

Sorry, if I had a few typos there, thanks for the advice. How long would you suggust to allow for all of this?, I know that it's a very vague question but we are more concerned with time than budget at the moment. Thanks again

Posted
25-Nov-2007 02:56
by: ellyse

Posts: 8,932
Registered: 27/04/02

3

Shanghai: 2-4 days.
Tongli: 1 day including overnight.
Suzhou: Skippable, but if you really want, 1 day.
Huangshan area: 3-5 days.
Hangzhou: 2 days.
Hong Kong & Macau: 4 days.
Yangshuo: 3-5 days.
Chongqing: 1-2 days.
Chengdu: 2-3 days.
Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong: 2.5-3 days.
Songpan: Around 4-5 days for a horse trek? I haven't been, so not sure.
Train to/from Lhasa: Figure on 2 days each way.
Xi'an: 2-4 days.
Pingyao: 1 day including overnight.
Datong: 1-1.5 days.
Wutaishan: 1.5-3 days.
Beijing: 4-7 days.
Cheers!

Posted
25-Nov-2007 02:56
by: ellyse

Posts: 8,932
Registered: 27/04/02

4

Also note that the number of days would also be dependent on your own sightseeing interests/preferences as well as pace. Don't forget to factor in more time than you think you need, for travel time.
Cheers!

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