BootsnAll Travel Community

Hi all,

I planned a 9 day trip to Shanghai, only to find out that the person I was supposed to visit was unable to renew his business visa (I, on the other hand, already have my visa in hand!). So, I am now considering other options. I think a couple days in Shanghai are necessary, but I would really like to get out of the city and see some of China's natural beauty. Perhaps the mountains, or Xian. Or maybe a short trek. I really don't know much about the geography or sites of China, so I thought someone on here might be able to offer some good advise on where I should go to make the best use of my time. Thanks in advance,

Michael

I just spent last weekend in Shanghai alone. I think you can pretty much see most of Shanghai in a couple days. I would recommend checking out the Bund and Nanjing Lu pedestrian area in the evening. Just make sure you get to the Bund before 10pm, since that's when they turn off the lights on the Oriental Pearl tower.

I'm not big into shopping, but there is a ton of shopping on Nanjing Lu and Huaihai Lu. I would also check out Old City and Yu Yuan garden.

You can also take the tourist tunnel from the Bund to the Oriental Pearl Tower which feels like a theme park ride with all the lights in the tunnel.

I am staying outside Shanghai all week working, but if I was able to, I would definitely head to Suzhou or ZhouZhuang, the ancient water cities. Just remember to pass on Kunshan(that's where I am right now, halfway between Suzhou and Shanghai), it's not very exciting.

Steve

if you haven't been to china before, you can't leave without seeing the great wall!! fly to beijing for a few days, check out the sights (tiennenmen square, forbidden city, the gardens..and the great wall site at simitai-it's a nine mile hike but so much better than the other uber-touristy sites (i apologize for my spelling).

if beijing is too far, check out xian and the terra cotta soldiers. i regret not seeing them.

good luck and have fun!

Normally I would agree with beijing but with the Olympics perhaps it is better avoided. I would go to Hangzhou or Suzhou as both arent that far away and are served by rail from Shanghai (the trains are comfortable and fast)