China

manjermj

We have enough FF miles for a trip and we are thinking China next May (2014) for 2 weeks. Anyone ever been and have suggestions of things to do and how easy/difficult the visa process was?

Here's our draft itinerary:

Fly into Beijing - 4 days

overnight train to Xi'an - 2 days

Chengdu - 3 days

Shanghai - 3 days

...including day trip to Suzhou

Hong Kong - 4 days

...including Disneyland (been to 3 others, so this is a must) and maybe a day in Macau as well.

Flight from Hong Kong to home

AllyIdo

Easy peasy. Use VisaRite, they take make it so easy.

In Beijing, make sure to explore the hutongs. Mr. Shi's Dumpling House is a must... they make them right there, they were delicious and so much fun to watch the ladies. Also Li Qun for roast duck... hole in the wall but best in the city.

I cannot stress enough the importance of bringing TP... and do lots of squats in preparation!

manjermj

Thanks @allyscud!! One more question...did you go on a tour or yourself? We've traveled quite a bit both together and individually and this is the first country that intimidates us. Lol

AllyIdo

No problem! I went over on business, hosted by my client, but did some tours arrange at my hotel. I was with a small group. I saw the Summer Palace, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven etc. that way.

The food was just fantastic. Peking duck, so many varieties of mushrooms, the fried whole baby shrimp, yum. I would avoid the stinky tofu

I was definitely intimidated, especially since I was traveling alone. But my hosts took care of me and I'm glad I went. I think if you're up for it, it will be an adventure for you two!

I would go back... would love to see Shanghai!

futuremrsdaniel824

I suggest a tour guide to take you to see the Great Wall, etc.  When I was there we used one and he took us to a part of the wall that not overrun by tourists so it was very easy to take all the time and pictures we wanted.  That was my favorite part.  And yes, the lovely squat toilets...I avoided them at all costs lol.