Beijing, Xian, Shanghai

[DontGetMeStarted]

Hoping someone can assist, currently looking at visting China in September and flying into either Beijing or Shanghai and then visiting Xian. We had looked at package tours which included flights ( and internal flight) but have decided to do ourselves, hoping to save some $$ can someone assist with the best airline for flight costs and internal flight to Xian or train to Xian. The biggest problem I am finding at the moment is finding costs flying into one city and departing the other. Also if anyone has any recommendations on decent accommodation (not high end) in Beijing and Shaghai that would be great.
Thanks

 

[Masonic Phantom]

As regards to accommodation, check out.....
Reviews of vacations, hotels, resorts, vacation and travel packages - TripAdvisor and information on Flights, perhaps

Regards Gary.

 

[fortymilliondaggers]

I think the airlines are much alike. For flights, Ctrip is the best site. The fares in China tend to get lower closer to departure.

 

[albatross710]

We did these three cities on holiday in September 2007. It was great fun on a school trip and part of that was the overnight train journey from Beijing to Xi'an.

We stayed two nights in Xi'an. In hindsight, I think Xi'an is worth just a day visit. It would be possible to fly in in the morning, do the Warriors, then fly out that night. We found Xi'an expensive and the hotels were poor value. Much more fun in Beijing and Shanghai.

Our hotel in Beijing was nice, 3 star, near the Forbidden Palace. I do not recommend the hotel as it was too far from public transport. It was good walking distance to the city but I think you can do better. As we had a tour bus, the availability of local transport wasn't an issue.

In Shanghai, we stayed at Zhao An Hotel. (Zhao An Hotel (Shanghai, China) - Hotel Reviews - TripAdvisor) It is built on top of the subway station, close to transport! Breakfast was Western. Subway ride to NanJing, World Tower etc.

If you are there in early October it is Peoples Day, a public holiday. Only use the subway if you are very very brave on that day. I was, and had a ball.

Enjoy your trip, we did.

 

[Shano]

I have used eLong for booking flights in China.

I have also used the Air China website to book Chinese domestic flights and pay on-line using an AU credit card.