China for beginners.

December 7, 2010 1:41 PM

What touristy things can be done in Shanghai and Beijing in January?

My company CEO and VP are taking an extended trip to Shanghai in January, with a two-day detour to Bejing for fun.

I've been tasked with researching a list of tourist attractions they can visit when they aren't working. They're both male, and about 25 or 30 years apart in age, but both healthy and fans of sports, dining and the arts. Aside from the biggies like shopping in Shanghai and visiting the Forbidden City and Great Wall in Beijing, what would you recommend, oh hive mind?

They'll have a local friend with them part of the time, but neither speaks Mandarin, so I also may need to hire them a guide or translator.

Any recommendations for sights or tourism agencies is most welcome! Most of my own travel experiences tends toward the "on-a-shoestring" variety, so I almost don't even know where to begin when cost isn't much of a concern.

posted by OompaLoompa to travel & transportation around Shanghai, China (6 answers total)

One of my favorite things not too far from Shanghai was Suzhou, it's a pretty town about two hours away with really nice gardens and a pagoda. Of course, January will be very cold over there, so they may not want to do something outdoorsy. I also really enjoyed walking around the French Concession area of Shanghai because it was cool to see old European architecture in a city now known for being so modern. Speaking of modern, definitely make it to the top of a couple high rises - the views are amazing. Actually the view from the bathroom in the Hyatt hotel, I believe, is awesome! Also, I really liked the urban planning museum because it had this great model of the city of Shanghai and what they want it to look like in the future.

I didn't like Beijing that much, but that was probably because the entire city was under construction when I was there b/c of the upcoming olympics! Oh, but if they do go to the great wall, make sure they go to one of the places further out where you can come down on a toboggan, that was fun.
posted by echo0720 at 4:45 PM on December 7, 2010

I've travelled to both places a fair amount, both for work and personal trips, and have had great experiences with Dragon Delight Tours. Specifically I've worked with Vicky to arrange everything and I've used the ebiz email address as listed on the contact page.

As for specific recommendations: Peking duck in Beijing and a biking tour in Shanghai. OH..and an acrobat show. It is a workplace compensation lawyer's nightmare.
posted by pencroft at 5:02 PM on December 7, 2010

They should go to the Summer Palace, which is just outside of Beijing.

Also, go eat dinner at Quanjude, and get the Peking Duck.
posted by Flood at 5:16 PM on December 7, 2010

Thanks all, great suggestions. I think the tobogganing will really appeal to at least one of them, and the dining and views to both.

And I will definitely talk with the folks at Dragon Delight, pencroft, many thanks!
posted by OompaLoompa at 10:13 PM on December 7, 2010

If they like the arts they could spend half a day at the 798 Art District while in Beijing - many galleries, a few shops and cafes and lots of trendiness.
posted by Abiezer at 6:04 AM on December 8, 2010

it will be very cold by then. one of the nicest place i enjoyed when i was in shanghai last round was going to the bar at sir elly's restaurant at peninsula shanghai for a drink. it has one of the nicest rooftop terrace with a magnificant view of the bund.
posted by janet bin at 3:09 AM on December 12, 2010