Anyone recommend a day or overnight trip from Beijing

My friend and I will be there for 9 days in March. While we have a good idea of what to see in Beijing I would like to maybe take a day or possibly overnight trip to see some other parts of China. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Anyone recommend a day or overnight trip from Beijing

With 9 days, you have quite a bit of time - here are suggestions:

1. Chengde - about 4 hours train/bus ride away from Beijing. It was the ';summer retreat'; for the emperors of the Qing dynasty. Think the Summer Palace but 10 times the size and you get the idea. Also has some very interesting temples (including a miniture version of the Jokhang temple in Tibet). The city is also relatively ';non-touristy';. I%26#39;d probably just spend 2/3 days here.

2. Shanghai/Hangzhou/Suzhou region - it%26#39;s a short flight or an over-night train ride away from Beijing to Shanghai. Once in Shanghai (and I wouldn%26#39;t stay there for more than a day given you time retraint), take a train to Hangzhou or Suzhou (multiple connections, between 1 to 3 hours). That region is vastly different from Beijing, it%26#39;s the region with the famous West Lake, the stone bridges, the exquisite Chinese gardens. For centuries, Beijing was considered the political center while this region was considered the cultural centre of China. So definitly worth a look. VERY touristy though (although for good reason).

If you go with this option, you%26#39;d probably have to cut Beijing a bit short, down to 5 days should be reasonable.

Anyone recommend a day or overnight trip from Beijing

Hi Sandimae10,

1. Pingyao

2. Chengde

3. Tianjin

4. Shanhaiguan (Beidaihe %26amp; Qinhuangdao)

Each is interesting in its own way. Depends on what you are looking for.

Enjoy this great country.

actually,9 days in Beijing is long,Beijing 4days,and overnight trip to Xi`dan shopping area of Shisha lake for Wine bar,Xian 2 days,shanghai 3days.