12 days Shanghai-Beijing-Shanghai
Hi all, is it advisable to include Beijing in my 12 days trip to Shanghai? Which means I will have to spend money in traveling by train (to & fro) as my flight leaving from Shanghai.
Including Beijing in your 12-day Shanghai trip is definitely feasible, but it depends on your priorities, pace, and budget. The high-speed train between Shanghai and Beijing is fast, convenient, and comfortable, taking around 4.5–6 hours one way, but it does add travel costs and eats into your sightseeing time.
Here are some considerations:
- Travel Time and Convenience: The high-speed train is generally more convenient than flying because it takes you city center to city center. A round trip would cost roughly 1,000–1,500 CNY per person depending on the class (second class, first class, or business class).
- Sightseeing Opportunity: Beijing has many iconic attractions like the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Tiananmen Square. Spending 3–4 full days in Beijing allows you to see the highlights without rushing.
- Pace of Trip: If you spend 5–6 days in Shanghai, you still have time for day trips to nearby places like Suzhou or Hangzhou. Including Beijing will give your trip more variety but requires careful planning to avoid travel fatigue.
- Cost Consideration: Round-trip high-speed train tickets plus possible overnight accommodations in Beijing add to the budget, but it’s still more economical than a flight and usually more reliable than domestic flights that can face delays.
Suggestions:
- Plan 4–5 days in Shanghai (including day trips), 3–4 days in Beijing, and leave 1–2 buffer days for travel and flexibility.
- Book train tickets in advance, especially during peak travel periods, to secure preferred departure times and classes.
- If budget or pace is a concern, consider a single city trip with day trips around Shanghai, but if you want the full China experience, Beijing is highly recommended.
In summary, Beijing is worth including in your 12-day Shanghai trip, as long as you plan your itinerary carefully to balance travel time, sightseeing, and rest days. The high-speed train makes the journey comfortable and efficient.
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