China Travel Forum

[Symingtona]

Hi,
My family and I are planning a short China trip of 11 days (not including travel days to/from New York City) this December/January. We are considering skipping Beijing and heading straight for Shanghai and the region. My preference is to enjoy the food and feel of the city calmly (if that's possible in Shanghai) and then look for other scenic/historic destinations south and central. We are willing to miss some of the big attractions to gain a feeling for the country.
I am just beginning my learning curve starting to plan a winter trip, but my over-riding question is: are there any of the more common tourist destinations that are particularly uninteresting in the winter? Also, are there any areas around Shanghai that might be more interesting to visit in the end of December?
As is obvious, we are just in the beginning stage, I appreciate any thoughts on off-peak adventures.

[Zimmerman]

I would suggest (generally) adding Huangshan, Nanjing as well as a water village. If you do that, I think you have enough for a leisurely 11 days.

[Yalding suzan]

It's still fairly warm in the south - Guangxi (Guilin, Yangshuo etc.) Guangdong and probably Fujian too. Around Lijiang in Yunnan is very popular in winter - it's hot during the day but very cold at night. Plenty of snow there at the end of the Himalayas, and very pretty.

[Symingtona]

Thank you all for your answers.
I am finding that the guide books are sort of useless, a lot of the pictures and descriptions seem to run together, I need to find out some cultural and scenic distinctions to make some decisions. Then decide how much we want to travel.
Plus I have always been fascinated by the use of wood in China's (pre-modern) design and architecture, so I am on the lookout for original, or well maintained structures - so much home work for the former euro-phile!
Thanks again, I'm sure I'll be posting more questions later.

[Yalding suzan]

U R WELCOME