I will be in China for 2 weeks in December. Going to a conference in Wuhan and flying in and out via Shanghai. Any suggestions as to what I can do and see in the area? Also what is the train trip like between the two cities? Any suggestions for cheap accommodation in Shanghai?

Thanks
Judy (Johannesburg)

I stayed in Captain Hostel when I traveled to Shanghai last year. It's within walking distance to Nanjing Road and People's Square. I love their rooftop bar named Noah's, where you can have a fantastic view of Huangpu River . They offer several types of accommodation for different budgets. I chose Sailor Bunk. Only 70 RMB per night. Well, sounds like a silly advertisement

Here is the link: http://www.captainhostel.com.cn/en/brief01.php

one of my friends just came back from Shennongjia, seated in the north-west of hubei province. he said it was the most compelling virgin forests he's ever seen.



BREATH-TACKING? yeah, so captivating, looking forward to traveling there myself

en, u'll stay in wuhan, u can first take a bus to yichang, then to muyu county shennongjia.

ha, my friend's come to ask me to a party. he added rumor said "wild men" appeared in shennongjia from time to time, don't forget some personal safety tips personal safety tips before you go.

Shanghai is great. Definitely go to Jing'an Temple and Shanghai museum near People's Square.

Try finding 7 Days Inn or Home Inn. Both are clean and fairly safe as well as cheap (under 300 yuan). Only problem is that they're usually not near anything touristy or subway stations.

quote:

December. Going to a conference in Wuhan and flying in and out via Shanghai. Any suggestions as to what I can do and see in the area? Also what is the train trip like between the two cities

Wuhan you say? If you're in Wuhan, you have to try the local food, especially the Hot Dry Noodles (re gan mian 热干面). Different noodles places have their own variations on the dish, best to try as many as you can =D. Wuhan is famous for snacks and snaking alleys, maybe the most famous being the Hu Bu Xiang snack alley which is fairly close to the Wu Chang train depot, breakfast is the most popular time to go.

From there, I'd recommend a walk West to the Yellow Crane Tower. Admission is a bit steep by Chinese standards (which they'd open that Student Discount to foreigners) but it's a fantastic ancient military tower built on Snake Hill; gives you a nice view of the First Bridge to the north, the TV tower past that, and the very developed sprawl in every other direction ^_^.

After that, it's a short walk to the site of the Wuchang uprising that sparked the revolution of 1911 which toppled the last dynasty. Not too glamorous or glitzy, but if you're into history, it's just amazing to visit the place where it all started.

Then, a slight backtrack toward Snack Hill but continue farther north and take a walk across the First Bridge. Pause in the the middle and admire the power of the Yangtze river.

If you've still got energy, I'd recommend a cab ride to the Guiyuan Buddhist Temple. Admire the collection of statues (don't miss the big one in the back) and find some good veggie Buddhist food outside when you're done.

All of these are easily done in one well planned day.

Any more info I can give, please feel free to ask. After so long there, I feel it's a second home ^__^.

Best,