Travel During New Year

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jchrisrock

Newbie

Joined: Sep 20, 2004
Posts: 8

Status: Offline

Posted: Nov 09, 2004 - 07:52 PM
Post subject: Travel During New Year

Over and over and over, you hear it. "Travel during New Year is hell." "Don't travel during New Year!" "Blah blah New Year blah blah don't blah."

I'm the first to appreciate good advice. But when all you have for time off are the national holidays like Oct 1, May 1 and New Year's, you can't help but feel screwed. (And not in the good way.)

We're looking for good trips for the early part of the New Year break. We'd love to take a train somewhere but are aware it's busy during this season. But is it possible? Any tips? Any suggestions? We'd also considered flying to Kunming, then bumping around in Xishuangbana and thereabouts. Or maybe up to Chengdu. On the other end of things, we thought a trip to Xi'an could be good for a little history. Beijing is out, and we've already been to Guilin (Yangshuo, over National Day, and it was good and not hellish at all...well, not mostly).

Any thoughts, aside from don't, are appreciated.

Thanks!

MJTravel

Squeeker

Joined: Nov 16, 2004
Posts: 11

Status: Offline

Posted: Nov 16, 2004 - 12:50 PM

One thought could be flying up to the north to the city of Harbin to check out the snow and ice festival, while you at it, you can also do some skiing at the resort closeby. You might also run into quite a few russian traders in this border town. Also new year festivals in the northern part of China is a lot different from the south. It's a lot bigger, and festive.

Another idea could be going down to the southern end of the country to Sanya, Hainan province. Best beaches in China, weather will be nice, and you can find some OK diving spots as well. Sheraton Sanya will be the place to stay. IF you want some relaxing time that is.

Kunming will definitely be a good choice. My wife and I went there a couple of years ago at the end of December. Spent about 8 days and went to Kunming, banna, li Jiang, and da li. Li Jiang is definitely my favorite, the snow capped mountains and old streets in the city. But I heard it's getting quite commercialized and touristiy lately. But it still should be nice, and the weather will be best for that time of the year compare to anywhere in China. This place has lots of ethnic minority populations, so the customs and culture will be quite unique from that of Shanghai. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

I do recommend flying since taking the train anytime of the year in China can be an exhausting and chaotic experience.

rsaracho

Seeker

Joined: June 11, 2004
Posts: 50

Status: Offline

Posted: Nov 16, 2004 - 01:27 PM

We heard the same thing over and over::

Don't travel on National Holiday!! It's a nightmare, we went to Gulin, Yanshuo and the Rice Terraces near Hengshan, and it was great! Nothing like we expected!! Quiet, and relaxing!!!
Definitely go somewhere. If you haven't been to Xian, I strongly reccomend it. There's a lot to see IN AND AROUND the city!! Lot of history in the area.... I haven't been to Chengdu, but we are planning on going this weekend for 5 days, I'll let you know how it is when we return!