Beijing Travel Forum

Hi there,
4 of us will be in Beijing from 20th September to 27th September 2008. All of us have not been to this historic city and need your help to plan a memorable trip. I've the following questions:
a) How's the weather during this period of travel?
b) What's the better way to travel to Xi'an - by plane or train?
c) How many days to be in Xi'an / Beijing for a comprehensive visit?
d) Please recommend budget hotels in both cities.
e) Please recommend a reliable tour guide/agency in both cities.
Thank you
Tien from Singapore

a) Look on http://weather.msn.com/region.aspx?wealocations=China and http://www.wunderground.com/global/CI.html for weather information for various locations in China, including Beijing and Xi'an. They'll give you a more comprehensive answer than just personal opinions.
b) IMHO definitely overnight sleeper train.
c) Depends on each person's sightseeing interests, preferences and pace. I usually recommend 4-6 days for Beijing and 1.5-3 days for Xi'an.
d) What's your expected price range for "budget"? How many of you are there? Are you looking for dorm bed(s) or private room(s)?
e) Why on earth do you need one? DIY is so possible.

a) late September is generally an excellent time to visit Beijing. Warm days and cool nights, but not hot or cold. Xi'an is less predicable but should be OK.

b) take the sleeper train if you won't have occasion to otherwise take a train. It will also save you one night's lodging expense.

c) Beijing is a huge, sprawling city. The points of interest are spread out so you need ample time there. Xi'an is an awesome city and yuo won't be sorry for spending as much time there as possible. Hahah, so you have a conflict.

Suggestion - in Beijing, budget one full day for the Great Wall, another full day for the Summer Palace/Gu Gong/Mao Masoleum/Temple of Heaven/Tiananmen Square (you can select some of these, if you miss one or two, no biggie), and perhaps one more day in BJ if you really want. I'd spend the rest of the time in Xi'an because (i) you can get a much better flavor of the 'real China', (ii) it has excellent food and you can eat just as well and more cheaply than in Beijing, (iii) if you ever go back to China again, chances are it will be a flight to Beijing again, but Xi'an might be a 'once in a lifetime' place, and (iv) Xi'an is also spread out - not like Beijing - but to get to the Terracotta Warriors and other points of interest, you will need some time, (v) you can do all your shopping in Xi'an rather than Beijing.

(d) Try the "Home Inn" (ru jia bin guan) chain. They are cheap, clean and efficient.

(e) A tour guide is not necessary, but you might want to ask other VTers about a private car and driver rental. I don't have any contacts.