Asia - Beijing or Shangahi? Which would you do?

If you had a choice between Shangahi and Beijing for 4 days, which would you pick? My family is going to Asia and Tokyo and Hong Kong are already booked. Beijing looks cool because of the great wall and forbiden city, etc. But, I just read that large sections of the Forbiden City have been closed off for a major renovation for the 2008 Olympics. What are the "big" things to do in Shanghai?

Thanks.

beijing, hands down.

Second Beijing definitely.

Very easy - Beijing.

The Forbidden City is HUGE - but very repetitive. If you've seen one part, you've seen the whole thing.

The Great Wall is a must-see in this world. It promises to not disappoint.

Shanghai is huge too - but has a strong European flavor. None of the cultural icons that are in Beijing.

Go to Beijing to see the 'real' China.

Yeah, i definietly see what you guys mean. Beijing looks so cool, but we got worried that maybe alot of attractions will be closed/renovated for the upcoming Olympics, and maybe Shanghai was a better choice.

I have decided that it is not, and we wil continue with our first choice of Beijing. Shanghai looks AMAZING, but it didnt feel like "china".

Thanks for your help, and any other comments are appreciated!

Both. :)

Having done both last summer, I can say they both have their finer points (and downfalls). Beijing is the political capital, whereas Shanghai is the cosmopolitan/economic capital. Sort of like Beijing : Washington D.C. :: Shanghai : New York. Both are very different cities, and have different people, foods, etc. There is a lot to see in both Shanghai and Beijing.

If you're crushed for time and only have 4 days, I guess I'd say Beijing. But neither Beijing or Shanghai are "real China". Make sure you leave the city, whichever you visit.

When you visit Hong Kong, jump north a few miles and visit Shenzhen. You'll already have your Chinese visa, so it shouldn't be a problem. Hong Kong is really unlike anywhere else, so it's hard to say it's like southern China. You'll be able to see a much more "authentic" part of China in Shenzhen than you will in Hong Kong, and also vastly different from either Shanghai or Beijing.

I'd try the MAGLEV train in Shanghai - 430km/h :)

When you visit Hong Kong, jump north a few miles and visit Shenzhen. You'll already have your Chinese visa, so it shouldn't be a problem.Assuming of course that it is a double or multiple entry visa. This doesn't work if it's only single entry and you want to go from Shenzhen to Beijing/Shanghai via Hong Kong.

Yeah, i definietly see what you guys mean. Beijing looks so cool, but we got worried that maybe alot of attractions will be closed/renovated for the upcoming Olympics, and maybe Shanghai was a better choice.

I have decided that it is not, and we wil continue with our first choice of Beijing. Shanghai looks AMAZING, but it didnt feel like "china".

Thanks for your help, and any other comments are appreciated!

Try to find a driver with car or van to take your around, will save lots of time and hassle. It would cost somewhere around RMB500-800 per day net net.

I have reliable driver with van but he only speaks Chinese, PM if you need help.

Absolutely Beijing. You have to go see the Great Wall.

The Forbidden City is ok. As stated earlier, it is huge, but it is like seeing the same thing over and over.

There are some interesting shopping opportunities in both Beijing and Shanghai. Plan on doing some shopping in China.

Has anyone here ever been to the Ming Tombs? I was thinking about trying that next time I am in the area.

A follow up question: I'm considering a PEK trip in late May/early June and am thinking of 7 nights but is that enough or too much to see the city and the sights?

A follow up question: I'm considering a PEK trip in late May/early June and am thinking of 7 nights but is that enough or too much to see the city and the sights?

i think so. i usually advise people against packing too much into their bj trips, but you can see quite a bit in a week without being exhausted. just be sure to block off some down time to explore on your own; there's much more to bj than temples and monuments

First, I think it's no contest -- Beijing over Shanghai.

As another poster noted, Shanghai has its good points, and is a fine city to visit.

Beijing is like New York -- there is a huge amount of things to see. I've made two trips, one for 11 nights, one for 5 nights, and there are still things I haven't gotten to. Beijing, like New York, is also one of those cities that's just fun to visit without doing any touristy things -- lots of great shopping, fantastic restaurants, different and interesting neighborhoods, lots of activity, etc.

I can't wait to return.