We (myself, wife, two kids, 9 and 10 respectively) are moving to Shanghai the week after Christmas for four years. At the end of January, the schools have a one week break. We wanted to take a vacation together somewhere in China. We considered just playing tourist in Shanghai, but we wanted to do something with the kids special. Probably need to stay in China because of possible 30 day chinese visa issue.

We would love any suggestions. We saw Sanya, but I guess since this is so close to Chinese New yYar, that the hotel rates are cost prohibitive.

Thanks in advance.

Actually, just about any travel in China over chinese new year is a prohibitive. It will be crowded and not very convenient, especially with kids. If you really want to travel, maybe consider Thailand or Bali - it might cost you about the same. Personally, I just sit tight and use vacation days later.

Michael is generally right. Although Beijing is really nice during chinese new year as 60% of the city goes back to their hometowns and the city is relatively uncrowded and peaceful. Plenty of touristy things to do in Beijing, T1annamun, Forbidden city, Great Wall etc.