Visiting Beijing/ Shanghai late Oct

Question

Hi All,

Visiting Beijing - Shanghai end Oct and contemplating whether to include Suzhou and whether the itinerary is workable. We are a group of 4 and looking at a mix of historical, scenery and shopping. Do booking for all the entrance tickets quite difficult for foreigners? as we are contemplating whether to opt for private tour.

Day 1 - Reach Beijing in early morning. Rest a while in hotel - Shi Chia Hai/ yi he yuan - Beijing Royal Dinner

Day 2- Tianan Square - MaozheDong Memorial Hall - Gu Gong Museum

Day 3 - Great wall ( Badaling ) - Beijing National Stadium - Nan Lou Ancient Road

Day 4 - Tian Tan - Train to Hangzhou - Xiao He Zhi Street

Day 5 - Ling yin Temple - West Lake - Lei Fong Pagoda

Day 6 - Hangzhou To Wuzhen

Day 7 - Wuzhen To Suzhou ( Lion Grove Garden - Humble Administrator's Garden- Ping Jiang St)

Day 8 - Han shan Temple - Shan Tang Street - Back to Shanghai ( The Bund )

Day 9 - Yu yuan, Cheng Huang Temple, Tian Zi Fang

Day 10- Jing An Shi - Xin Tian Di

Answer

Your proposed itinerary for Beijing, Hangzhou, Wuzhen, Suzhou, and Shanghai in late October is ambitious but feasible for a group of four, mixing history, scenic spots, and shopping. Late October is generally a good time to visit China with mild weather and lower rainfall, though Beijing can be cooler, especially in the mornings and evenings.

1. Itinerary Overview:

Beijing (Days 1–3): Your schedule covers key historical sites: Shichahai, Yiheyuan (Summer Palace), Tiananmen Square, Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, Forbidden City (Gu Gong), Great Wall (Badaling), and National Stadium. Nanluoguxiang is a nice evening stroll area. Ensure early booking for the Forbidden City, as tickets often sell out online.
Hangzhou (Days 4–5): Train travel from Beijing to Hangzhou is efficient via high-speed rail (~5–6 hours). Visiting West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Leifeng Pagoda, and Xiaohe Zhi Street is very doable.
Wuzhen & Suzhou (Days 6–7): Wuzhen is about 1.5–2 hours from Hangzhou. Suzhou’s highlights include Humble Administrator's Garden, Lion Grove Garden, and Pingjiang Street. Han Shan Temple and Shantang Street are excellent for morning/afternoon visits. Return to Shanghai in the evening of Day 8.
Shanghai (Days 8–10): Yu Yuan Garden, Chenghuang Temple, Tian Zi Fang, Jing'an Temple, Xin Tian Di, and The Bund are all easily accessible. This allows a mix of cultural and shopping experiences.

2. Ticket Booking and Access for Foreigners:

Popular attractions like the Forbidden City, Lingyin Temple, West Lake cruise, and gardens in Suzhou often require advance tickets. Online platforms like Trip.com, Klook, or official websites usually allow foreigners to book directly.
Some attractions may have English-language guides or audio guides available, but guided tours may save time if your group prefers explanations.
For the Great Wall (Badaling), arriving early helps avoid crowds. Entry tickets can usually be purchased on-site but booking in advance is safer, especially for larger groups.
Wuzhen and Suzhou gardens typically have on-site ticket counters, but advance purchase is recommended during weekends or peak travel seasons.

3. Private Tour Consideration:

A private tour with a driver and guide can simplify travel logistics, especially for day trips and intercity transfers (Beijing to Hangzhou, Hangzhou to Wuzhen, Wuzhen to Suzhou, Suzhou to Shanghai).
Advantages include avoiding language barriers, quicker navigation, and pre-arranged entrance tickets.
If your group prefers independent travel, high-speed trains are reliable and frequent, but you should plan train times carefully to match your sightseeing schedule.

4. Travel Tips:

Pack layers for Beijing and Hangzhou in October, as mornings/evenings are cooler than daytime.
High-speed rail tickets can be booked up to 30 days in advance online; booking early secures your preferred times.
Allow buffer time for travel between cities (train stations often require 30–45 minutes before departure for security checks).
Consider using mobile payment apps or cash for small purchases in markets and smaller streets.

Overall, the itinerary is workable for your group, balancing historical sightseeing with scenic and shopping activities. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, but private tours could offer more convenience and save time.

Visiting Beijing/ Shanghai late Oct

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