China with kids

[Colster]

Hi All,
Am going to HK in June with SWMBO the mini Colsters and are going to go to mainland for five nights. The boys are 10 and 8 and whilst I have been to Shanghai and Beijing, I have never done either as a tourist. So the question is, which city does the community recommend for the kids? I know PEK has access to the Wall, Forbidden City, Tianamen square, and Shanhgai is just full on crazy. Which would you recommend, and why?

 

[Freq Flier 2013]

I like Beijing. It seems cleaner and easier to navigate, Also lots to see. The streets are also wider.

 

[Bolthead]

Hi All,
Am going to HK in June with SWMBO the mini Colsters and are going to go to mainland for five nights. The boys are 10 and 8 and whilst I have been to Shanghai and Beijing, I have never done either as a tourist. So the question is, which city does the community recommend for the kids? I know PEK has access to the Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen square, and Shanghai is just full on crazy. Which would you recommend, and why?

For tourists I prefer Beijing as you have stated there are more things to look at. In Beijing don't forget the Summer Palace, and my favourite the Temple of Heaven. For shopping there is the Silk markets and Russian markets. You have a good number of people as the majority of the taxis only take 4 pax however don't forget the trains as this is much cheaper and quicker at times. I think the boys will get a buzz from the number of people that use the trains so be prepared for the big squeeze. My son currently lives in Shanghai and we have flogged that to death. Having said all this if you only have 5 days then perhaps Shanghai is a better option for this time. There are still places to visit as well as some surrounding areas and 5 days is just perfect. For Beijing I think you need more than 5 days so perhaps leave that for another time. I guess it depends on your future travels plans if any to China.....

Thank goodness our son is moving to Kunming soon so we will have another destination to explore.

Have fun....

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Hi All,
Am going to HK in June with SWMBO the mini Colsters and are going to go to mainland for five nights. The boys are 10 and 8 and whilst I have been to Shanghai and Beijing, I have never done either as a tourist. So the question is, which city does the community recommend for the kids? I know PEK has access to the Wall, Forbidden City, Tianamen square, and Shanhgai is just full on crazy. Which would you recommend, and why?

I'd say Beijing.

Shanghai is busy, but it's not necessarily a tourist sightseeing place - a day or so of stuff to see at most - and perhaps not all that interesting for children. Beijing has the tourist places - like the ones you list.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

As others posted Colster PEK by a mile. As you listed Wall, Tiananmen, Forbidden City, Summer Palace etc and ease of getting around. There was another thread some time back where basically same question asked but I cannot find it - a good mod or nice fellow AFFer with greater search skills than mine might be able to find it for you.

 

[seanpodge]

Beijing for me too. It has so many sites of cultural and historical interest that you could stay there for weeks visiting them all. Shanghai is a huge city that, while having a few interesting places (e.g. The Bund, Pearl Tower), by and large doesn't really have much to set it apart from other major cities, I feel.

 

[dajop]

Beijing definitely. Can always do more, but five days in enough to explore a few sights, rove the streets and get a good feel for the place. One day for Great Wall one for Summer Palace and some shopping, one day for Forbidden City and Temple of Heave, one day just for the markets and exploring (maybe Olympic stadium area?), and one day to stay inside because the smog is unbearable that day

 

[Colster]

Thanks all. PEK it is then!

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Thanks all. PEK it is then!

Accom? If interested I can get you set with a very comp rate at Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel