First visit to China - Reccomendations sought!

Thinking of visiting China for the first time sometime this year. Our options are either June or September/October. Which time is best to visit?

We will have about 18 days in all, currently looking at definitely visiting Beijing, Xi%26#39;an %26amp; Hong Kong.

And either Shanghai/Suzhou or Guilin, possibly both?

Your opinions would be most welcome.

Also at the end of the holiday we%26#39;d like to find somewhere to relax , for a few extra days, after the exertions of touring. Looking for somewhere with good sunny weather, to laze around the pool. Somewhere with some nightlife. Nothing too outrageous but some nice bars and restaurants with a chance to chat and meet new people.

We%26#39;ve been looking at possibly Sanya, or maybe just extending our stay in Hong Kong? Alternatively maybe a stopover somewhere on route back to the UK?

Does anyone have any advice to offer us on this?

Thanks in advance

First visit to China - Reccomendations sought!

Just an answer about weather conditions - If you go in September/October the weather is very good. All you will need is mainly T-shirts for the day. It is very comfortable for walking around at this time of the year. Basically it would be the better time to travel.

First visit to China - Reccomendations sought!

Thank you for that info.

Am I right in thinking there is less rain in September/October than in June?

We were in China for three weeks over Sept-Oct period. WE experienced one day of wet weather.

hi,your plan seems great !

and it%26#39;s also great to visit xi%26#39;an,the fantastic city !

please let me know if you have questions for xi%26#39;an

regards

Jeff

NH 2004 : NO nightlife at the beachplaces in Sanya/Hainan. You should find another place, probably Malaysia or Thailand.

Guiling is just great, but please dont skip Shanghai.

The airport-train-express is worth the trip..

Thanks for your replies.

As the Sanya option doesn%26#39;t sound too great, rather than flying on elsewhere, we are now thinking that we may just extend our stay in Hong Kong at the end for some extra nights.

This will give us a more leisurely time to see Hong Kong, and if we choose a hotel with a nice pool, it will give us the chance to relax if we wish.

What are people%26#39;s opinions on that? A good choice or not?

Hi,

See message above

';NH 2004 : NO nightlife at the beachplaces in Sanya/Hainan. You should find another place, probably Malaysia or Thailand.';

Sanya is not a good option for a first travel in China. It%26#39;s a nice place with small kids or if you speak chinese.

I would pick September, get out of mainland China before the 1st week of October, please! June is a bit too hot and muggy.

Beijing (5 days) -- Xi%26#39;an (2 days) -- Shanghai (3.5 days including Hangzhou) -- Yangshuo (4 days, via Guilin) -- Hong Kong (3.5 days including Macau if you wish) would be my recommendation. Extend your stay in Hong Kong if you want some relaxation, or go to Thailand or Indonesia.

Hi ellyse

Thanks for your advice. Your suggestions seem to match our itinerary quite well, which is reassuring!

Can I ask why you recommend to be out of mainland china by October!?

I think your itinerary sounds good, but if you want to relax by the pool, I%26#39;d spend that time in Guilin or Yangshou. You%26#39;ll meet some Westerners and a few Chinese who want to practice English, and there are certainly a choice of bars and restaurants in the area. As for the itinerary, I%26#39;d do 4 days in Beijing, 2 in Xian, 3 in Shanghai/Suzhou, 2 in Hong Kong and 4 days in Guilin/Yangshou. I%26#39;d actually add in another stop, such as Dunhuang from Xian, with the other 3 days.

eye blush