Viking Imperial Jewels of China

[txtravelgal]

We are planning a trip in October and wonder which is better-----starting at Shanghai or Beijing? Jet lag is a problem for me. Where is the shopping better?

[travelsfun]

I felt that Beijing was more strenuous sightseeing than Shanghai and if jet lag is a problem, starting in Shanghai would probably be best for you. Many people fly in a day early to avoid the jet lag. There is a lot of information on the Viking China board on CruiseCritic under "other cruise lines". 80 pages of letters can keep you busy for quite a while!

Dorothy

[WIT]

We are planning a trip in October and wonder which is better-----starting at Shanghai or Beijing? Jet lag is a problem for me. Where is the shopping better?

txtravelgal - Check the flight times. I think the Beijing transit is shorter. You will be tired at the end of this tour and might want to consider a two stop return flight to break up the ordeal. This is especially true if you do the Guilin-Hong Kong add-on which meant for us a 13 1/2 hour return flight to Chicago.

 

If your tour includes a river cruise, then upstream from Shanghai takes a day longer than the same route downstream, so decide if you want more or less time on the river.

 

If you are a shopper, the best discounts are in Beijing. Be prepared to bargain. Offer 20% and go up if you really want it. 40% max.

WIT

[MSEm]

We traveled the Shanghia to Beijing with a Pre-tour in Hong Kong/Guilian.

We really enjoyed the "rest" in Hong Kong after the long flight from Atlanta with a plane change in San Fran. Several that joined us in Shanghai booked their own air with an extra day in Shanghai.

Our biggest mistake was carrying too many warmer clothes. Beijing (Nov 18-21) the weather was 50 F highs and sunshine.

Beijing is definitely the place to shop. Go to the Silk Market (and several others) Many could have spent a full day in the Silk Market building. You will be limited to 1 suitcase to change on the Inter China flights. Also the China airlines may limit you to a smaller carry on case. By ending in Beijing most people bought a suitcase to put their purchses in for the return trip home.

 

Emily