Going the other way

Although I've never been there - WHEN I finally get to China the Terra Cotta Army is a MUST!

Xi'an is close to a thousand miles from Shanghai. I know nothing about golf. Spend a couple of days along the old Bund and maybe a quarter mile north and west of the Huangpu. If you run out of things to do (fat chance) run out to Hangzhou for a day. If you can turn those few days into a month, do that as well. Eat everything in sight. Don't sleep, go to the night markets.

When we were in Shanghai we took a day trip to Suzhou. It's a lovely city of canals and beautiful gardens. it also has a floating farmers market, you buy off the boats - that was interesting. Not sure if that's something that would interest you, but I enjoyed it. Oh, and do what Ed says except get a little sleep - the food was wonderful!

Jim-china was not on our list either (except for hong kong which we did pre-turnover). Now we are set for 2 weeks visiting english friends who are working there. Besides 2 days in shanghai we are spending 1 night in Suzhou and 2 nights in hangzhou before heading out for a few more days and then finishing in Beijing. From everything I've read there will be plenty to do in 5 days, especially of you include some of the water towns. Sorry I don't know anything about golf-but I hope you and I both have a fabulous time in shanghai!

Oh, and don't miss the Shanghai Museum, it was fantastic. Not sure what your interests are but I love the gardens and the Yu garden in Shanghai is excellent. I also liked the Jade Buddha Temple. As you can probably tell, I liked Shanghai a lot.

"Xi'an is close to a thousand miles from Shanghai." For me - if I've already made it the 7400 miles from Dallas to Shanghai - another 1000 miles is nothing! There are tour companies that can arrange a day (long) trip or overnight trip from Shanghai to Xi'an - is it cheap - no - definitely cheaper than another trip to China - but will I ever get back to China - don't know.

"Xi'an is close to a thousand miles from Shanghai." For me - if I've already made it the 7400 miles from Dallas to Shanghai - another 1000 miles is nothing! There are tour companies that can arrange a day (long) trip or overnight trip from Shanghai to Xi'an - is it cheap - no - definitely cheaper than another trip to China - but will I ever get back to China - don't know.

Wow, what great information and I thank you all. This was a totally unexpected trip and I've been playing catch-up ever since I booked my ticket. I've been looking up some of the places you talked about on the Internet. Such a mystery after going to Europe knowing virtually everything Rick Steves knows, as well as the travelers here. Is seeing the wall a big enough deal to make the trip, or is it trying to cram too much into a short stay? Any thoughts on shopping. I'm no currency expert, but it seems that unlike the Euro and Pound we have an advantage, a 1:6.2 ratio. Anyone done any serious shopping there, jewelry, electonic, watches, etc.? Thank you.

Like the terra cotta warriors in Xi'an the great wall is a world class site and on most travelers' bucket list. However, it's quite a ways from Shanghai. Most tourists do the great wall as a day trip from Bejing so first you'd have to get there. I believe it's a 4-5 hour train ride from Shanghai to Bejing or a 2-2 1/2 hr flight (figure 4-5 hours with getting to airport, checking in for flight, etc). If you were to take 2 days and spend the night in Bejing it's doable but you'd lose your sightseeing time in and around Shanghai. For my money I'd say leave it for another time or add more time to your trip if possible.

I agree with Nancy, don't try to see all the China highlights in just a few days. Our trip was two weeks and I wish we'd had more than a couple of days in Shanghai. I'd stay there, maybe take some of the side trips others have suggested nearby, and just get into the immense energy of that great city and fascinating culture. The Bund is very interesting, Pudong across the river is a complete contrast. The art museum is big and comprehensive. When we were there they had a visiting exhibit from the Prado so we got to see Goya and Velasquez along with the Chinese art, like an unscheduled side trip to Madrid. You never know. You're striking out re golf on this board, I can't help you there either, but maybe some golf forum can. If a few days in Shanghai makes you want to see more of China, plan another trip with more time for Beijing, the Great Wall, Xian, the Yangtze, Hong Kong, etc. etc. You'll probably find a guided tour much easier than trying to get around the country on your own. It isn't hard for most people to travel independently in Europe, but in China you're better off with a guide imho, if only because of the language. Have a good trip.

It doesn't sound to me like you'll have enough time to take a long side trip for a few days. If you did, you could start considering some of the top places mainlanders go for holiday, such as Honk Kong, Taipei, or Seoul. You can fly to those places non-stop in something less than 2 hours, and you can do it cheaper than flying to Xi'an. I'm with many others...dig deeper into Shanghai and maybe do a short daytrip or two from there.