I am looking to possibly go to China for 5 weeks and had a few questions.

1. Beijing or Shanghai? I have a friend from Shanghai who said that it's miles better than Beijing but I also know someone who taught in Beijing and loves it. Splitting time is not an option and my traveling will be somewhat minimal. But I do have the choice of either. Time of year would be in July and August. The language question in #2 is a factor.

2. Can anyone recommend a language school in either that offers an immersion course? There are tons (and tons) on the Internet but it's hard to get a feel for them.

3. Can anyone recommend long term housing or a site that offers long term housing in either. Again, lots of options on the Internet but hard to get the real scoop.

I realize that the question is very broad at this point, but any help would be most appreciated.

Simply put, Shaghai is a better place to live and work, but Beijing is better to visit/study. Beijing is especially fun in the summer.

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2. Can anyone recommend a language school in either that offers an immersion course? There are tons (and tons) on the Internet but it's hard to get a feel for them.

The only respected ones in SH are Fudan and Jiaotong; there I'd go with the latter due to the slightly better location. In PEK, Yuyuanxueyuan (or BeiYu) seems to be the hands down favorite for the traveling crowd although both Princeton and IUB are considered a notch better.

Personally, I'd recommend the private tutor route, but that's mainly because the places I frequent aren't really near any schools and I prefer self-study.

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3. Can anyone recommend long term housing or a site that offers long term housing in either. Again, lots of options on the Internet but hard to get the real scoop.

Just follow thatsbeijing and thatsshanghai online starting in March or so and something good should pop up eventually. I do advise against the university dorms though; you might think it will help your social life, but IME the 1200 sq. ft. apt. across the street for the same price is a no brainer.

Beijing for historical sites and the great wall, Shanghai for pizazz, new architecture. Is weather an issue? Shanghai is supposed to be a bear in summer. We thought Shanghai was a two day city but Beijing and environs could keep you busy much longer. Be sure to visit a hutong (old neighborhood) before Beijing tears them all down for the Olympics. Shanghai is much less likely to change. You could take it in another time.

I agree with Karen. I did not know about them tearing down the old areas for the olympics. It is truly an interesting trip. I have been there before and might be going back soon to join my husband on business. I cannot wait to see what I missed a few years ago. Too bad you cannot make a side trip with five weeks. I evern went to a kindergarten class out near one of the farms. Very interesting to see part of the everyday life, not just "touristy" things.

Enjoy!

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