China planning suggestions

[Floradon]

Planning a trip to China this November - 3 weeks in total with DH.
We’re flying in to and home from Beijing.
I’ve booked a few random places (Beijing, Chengdu and Xi’an) to use as the basis for the tourist visa which we’ve applied for but are looking for ideas - so anyone been and can suggest anywhere? Realise China is massive so we’re not trying to see everything in one go! We’ll probably go back if we enjoy it as we’re both keen travellers so we don’t feel massively pressurised to try and squeeze loads in. We’d rather visit maybe 4 or 5 places over the three weeks. Would love any ideas :)

Taxis are crazy cheap. We did one trip which took at least 45 mins and cost £12. Trips in Beijing or Shanghai were around £2 for a 15 min journey. To give you an idea of cost, the in app tip option ranged from 10p to £1!

Beijing is very top up heavy with government investment so its a bit like Moscow or London in how it outdoes the provinces.The best educated students and workers gravitate there,so you ll notice competent English speakers who've never been outside of China.Its huge-but once you explore the centre you ll see it s in its own league.I d say just start in Dongcheng area and work your way around Tiananmen square (and the roads running from it) to get a initial feel for it.I do China extremely cheap but for long duration.I ve spend 11 years there in total-studying,travelling and working.I use the Zhusu local lodging outside the 1st tier cities which can be about 5-10 USD and the national chains like Jinjiang inns for about 25-30 USD.And don t forget to lost in the old hutongs.

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I lived in and around Beijing for many years, and I've travelled all over the country. I'd say based on your hotel budget, get the first class train seats on the HSR. Doesn't really matter for shorter journeys but the space and more comfortable seats make a big difference on longer trips and it's just generally easier when you have luggage.

Beijing and Xi'an can be really cold in November, especially early and late in the day, so if you're there for three weeks I'd definitely do the Beijing days at the beginning. But temps can vary a lot at that time of year so hopefully you'll be blessed.

Get an e-sim installed before you arrive, and also set up Alipay and WeChat, with at least one of the payment systems working, before you go, too. Google Maps doesn't really work, even with access, so use other map systems (you can do it in WeChat). I think the Beijing subway now allows the use of international bank cards to tap at the gates, but I've not tried it so can't be sure. There's also an app but awkward for a non-resident to set up. You can get taxis, but I'd say getting the subway, especially Line 2 and connecting lines, around the central Beijing historical areas will probably be quicker at many times of the day.

The Chinese use Dianping for restaurant reviews, so you can translate to find popular local options.

@Floradon sorry to be so late in replying. We stayed at Shichahai Shadow Art Performance Hotel in Beijing and the parks near there Qiangdao and Jingshan we really lovely. Shiangxiu was also awesome.