trip in march 07 easter with 8 year old to major cities

We have bought the air for the spring break to china with our 8 year old son March - april 11 07. Have not booked land package and would love to hear from others regarding tour packages or guides or trying to go by taxi yourself to the major cities like beijing, xian, yangtze, shanghai and hong kong.

Any special advice for kid friendly stops or tips? Also any possibilities of starting a penpal from a child in a local school?

I have heard mixed reviews on Chengdu since we live close to San Diego -- any thoughts.

Thanks,

la3

trip in march 07 easter with 8 year old to major cities

All 8 year olds have differing interests and staying power. If it is a first time visit you should see the ';Unesco'; listed attractions.

If you have travelled to Asia before you would be able to manage city destinations by taxi, map and a Lonely Planet guidebook, help with the concierge at your hotel.

Shanghai - You could go on the Maglev train, go to Pudong via the amazing Tourist Tunnel ride (your son will laugh the whole way), go up the Oriental Pearl Tower, Madame Tussauds - also one in HK). A side trip to an ancient water town would be good too. Plus there are museums t around.

For Beijing - cruising on a paddle boat on one of the Lakes or the lake at the Summer Palce, the Great Wall, a rickshaw ride around the hutongs.

Xian - bike or rickshaw on the city wall, the Terra warriors of course, Tang Paradise (3D animated water film show) and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (water fountain show).

Hk - well there are so may attractions for children.

trip in march 07 easter with 8 year old to major cities

thank you for the tips -- what does unesco sights mean?

la3

World Heritage - United Nations Educational Scientific and cultural Org - For China Heritage at your destinations look up

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list

I thought it would be a good place for kid playing in the snow ground.There is a skiing ground close to Chengdu city,names Xiling Snow Mt,many people go there with their chilren for playing snow games.

I would prefer to DIY, no need for a tour package as these are very well-touristed places. Bring a guidebook (Rough Guide, Lonely Planet, Let%26#39;s Go, Frommer%26#39;s) and a phrasebook (Rough Guide%26#39;s Mandarin is recommended) to ease out language problems. Oh, and bring lots of patience!

How many days in all do you have? I would very much recommend skipping the 3 Gorges cruise, it%26#39;s a royal waste of time and money. Chengdu would be a good choice to add.

Are you flying into Beijing and out of Hong Kong? What are your (including your kid%26#39;s) sightseeing preferences and interests like? What%26#39;s your budget like? Feel free to email me at ellyse99@yahoo.com if you%26#39;d like my opinions and recommendations on itinerary and etc, please remember to put ';TripAdvisor la3'; in the subject line so that I don%26#39;t junk your email by mistake. I%26#39;m presently in my last year of study in Shanghai and have also travelled extensively in mainland China.

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