Beijing in 2008

[joe7f]

Hi guys and gals,

I spent the early part (~3months) of 2006 traveling in Western Europe and Budapest. I got to go to Torino for the Olympics. Really cool! I love backpacking and the independence. Well now, I have a job. Maybe I will/won't in 08 so I am planning a couple of trip contingencies.

I would like to hit Beijing for the Olympics because I think this one will be one to remember (kind of like Barcelona in 92). So assuming I have 14 days to take off, where should I go?

I was thinking of doing something like (not sure if they have night trains in China as in Europe but that was what I was hoping for, for days 5-6 9-10 and 13-14

Day 1 - 5 Beijing
Day 6-9 Xian
Day 10-13 Shanghai
Day 14-18 Hong Kong and Fly back to the US.

Now if I am not working, then I may have time to squeeze in Tokyo (which I would love to see)

My experience has been that very few places are worth spending more than 5 days in (but I wanted to budget myself more time in Beijing because I would probably go to events on one or two days, plus a day to get acclimated). I felt like I saw a lot of Rome in 3 days (including a day trip to Pompei), pretty much saw Munich in two 3 days stays, etc. Not sure how the travel is between Chinese cities so advice there is appreciated.

I am planning on taking Chinese and Japanese language courses at the local college to help prepare me. That will definitely be a challenge but I was told by a few Scandinavians that I have a spraakhoret (language ear) :D .

Also anyone else going to the olympics? Any and all recommendations are appreciated

--Joey