China Travel Forum

[Philip]

I have a week off for Labour Week and plan to be travelling from April 28 to May 7th. I was thinking of heading over towards Shanghai and using that city as a base and from there doing day trips to Suzhou, Hangzhou and even perhaps Nanjing. I want to know if I'm rushing things by only doing day trips or if I should bite the bullet and travel and stay overnight at a forementionned cities. When I hear that it is 'crazy' busy with tourists that week, is it comparable to Spring Festival, because I really didn't have problems travelling during that time really.

Also, has anyone taken the boat from Hangzhou to Suzhou? Is it worth it?

Is there anywhere else that I did not mention above that I 'must' go to?

Your recommendations for places to see and sleep (guesthouse style, nothing fancy) for above places would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks much.

[Bert]

May 1-May 7 is one of the two travelling holidays in China, I'm afraid it will be really "crazy". Anyhow, if you don't have other time to go, then just take out your plan.

But I don't think Shanghai as a base is a good idea. I suggest Suzhou or Hangzhou to live in. Especially find somewhere near West lake to live in. Nanjing is also a great city! Personally I love Nanjing most.

As for me, 3 days for Hangzhou, 2 days for Suzhou, 3 Days for Nanjing and 2 days for small towns is best.

I haven't travelling by boat there, something a bit slow. but should be interesting and worth trying.