Shanghai for a week in April should I also include Beijing ??

[DontGetMeStarted]

Hi
Off to Shanghai in April landing on Friday evening and departing the following Saturday evening .....have not booked anything yet and was just going to explore Shanghai and close surrounds for the week, now a few friends are saying we are crazy for not going to Beijing. So I need some expert advice as I cannot extend the trip or change departure point so do I do the weekend in Shanghai and then fly or train it to Beijing for a few days before coming back to Shanghai for the last day or so.
I am led to believe that it is easier to travel on the train from some of the posts that I have read and would you do an overnight or day trip. I was hoping to book the Sofitel Hyland in Shanghai but have done nothing yet and any recommendations for hotel in Beijing that is central and easy to get around, because if we did go it would be a flying visit. Thanks

 

[Hvr]

Shanghai and Beijing are two big cities. They are different but ultimately just big cities.

When I went to Shanghai three years ago I did a side trip to Xi'an to see the Terracotta warriors. It was suitably different from Shanghai that I felt I got another perspective on China as well as seeing a world famous site.

I flew between PVG and XIY, the first class fare wasn't much more expensive than the Y fare and the seats were slightly better. Think US standards.

 

[DontGetMeStarted]

Shanghai and Beijing are two big cities. They are different but ultimately just big cities.

When I went to Shanghai three years ago I did a side trip to Xi'an to see the Terracotta warriors. It was suitably different from Shanghai that I felt I got another perspective on China as well as seeing a world famous site.

I flew between PVG and XIY, the first class fare wasn't much more expensive than the Y fare and the seats were slightly better. Think US standards.

Ah OK thanks Hvr..did not think of Xian...I will have a look at air and train fares...