3 cities, 9 days?

Question

Hi everyone.

I'm starting to organize a trip to China in the first half of May.

At the moment my ideas are quite vague.

I’m thinking to spend 3 days in Hong Kong (which I've already seen and loved), 3 in Shanghai, and 3 in Beijing.

Does this make sense?

I'm mostly interested in history/monuments/museums, which I know Shanghai lacks.

Is it then better to stay 2 days in Shanghai and 4 in Beijing, or can I leave 3 and 3?

Also, weather-wise, this should be a good time, right?

Thanks to anyone who will reply.

Answer

Your proposed 9-day itinerary visiting Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing in early May is feasible, but a few adjustments might help optimize your experience, especially given your interest in history, monuments, and museums.

1. Time allocation:

Hong Kong (3 days): Since you have already seen Hong Kong and love it, three days is sufficient for sightseeing, shopping, and enjoying the city’s culinary scene.
Shanghai (2–3 days): Shanghai is more about modern city life, shopping, and a few cultural sites like Yu Garden, the Bund, Shanghai Museum, and the French Concession. Two full days are enough to see the highlights; three days are only necessary if you want a relaxed pace or optional day trips to nearby Suzhou or Hangzhou.
Beijing (3–4 days): For history, monuments, and museums, Beijing deserves more time. You can cover the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Tiananmen Square, and a Great Wall section in three full days, but four days would allow a more leisurely pace and time for art galleries or hutong exploration.

2. Suggested itineraries:

Option A – Balanced 3/3/3: Hong Kong 3, Shanghai 3, Beijing 3. Works if you prefer equal time in each city but Beijing may feel slightly rushed given your interest in historical sites.
Option B – History-focused: Hong Kong 3, Shanghai 2, Beijing 4. Recommended if your main focus is monuments and museums. You’ll have more time for the Great Wall and deeper cultural experiences in Beijing.

3. Weather considerations:

Early May is generally a good time to visit. Beijing: mild to warm, mostly dry; Shanghai: warm, occasional showers; Hong Kong: warm, humid, occasional rain.
Bring light layers and an umbrella, especially in Shanghai and Hong Kong where sudden showers are possible.

In summary, your plan is feasible, but if history and culture are your main interest, slightly more time in Beijing and one less day in Shanghai would enhance your experience. Early May is a pleasant time for all three cities, though Hong Kong can be humid.

3 cities, 9 days?

More China Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions