Originally Posted by
moondog
I can understand not wanting to over do things on the fist day, and would probably delay the Great Wall trip myself for this reason if I wasn't pressed for time (which, you don't seem to be). But, I'm surprised that you have fears about sleeping in CA F (I find the seats to be very comfortable, and certainly on par with CX, if not better... subjective, I know). Furthermore, the sun rises VERY early in Beijing (except in the winter, of course), so you don't have to worry about fumbling around in the dark upon arrival.
Friend had CA F last year and she said not impressed by the hard product and the food was mediocre. Though the FAs were friendly and trying but the language skill made it hard for them to do a good job. I hope we have better luck as even if they dont understand my Mandarin I could at least write.
Plus if CA has any similar issues as CZ... see the F cabin being encroached by both crews and passengers all night long, and smelly toilet...
http://boardingarea.com/onemileatati...les-guangzhou/
That would be an unpleasant long flight.
Sun still rises early in Sept? I think by that time the day time is much shortened.
Originally Posted by
moondog
What amenities did you have in mind for the Summer Palace or Mutianyu? If you're talking about public restrooms or snack bars, there really isn't much of a difference, but Mutianyu has more interesting dining options in the immediate area (this is kind of a moot point because on the way back between the Summer Palace and the city, there are lots of good places to eat). Regarding the Summer Palace being on "flat land", it's a lot less strenuous than the Great Wall, but has many hills and tons of stairs.
Summer Palace may have more places one can sit down and take a break as versus on the top of Great Wall.