That's interesting that you'd say that because personally i've always thought that if i ever go to China it would definitely not be to Shanghai or Beijing, at least not for my first trip.
Main reason being that Shanghai is too westernized (which is why i won't be going to HK either) and Beijing is too touristy. If i'm going to China i want to see the real China, not the parts where all the western tourists flock to. Even if i have to struggle with the language barrier.
I find that in any country it's the non-touristy parts that tend to be the most beautiful and fulfilling to visit. Also from what i've seen Beijing and Shanghai are quite expensive compared to the "smaller" cities.
In that case go for Chongqing. It's not westernised at all but it's a massive city, and it has great transport links to nearby rural areas and historical sites. You can go on a high speed train and be somewhere else in a matter of hours. It's also very cheap.
These recommendations are based of my own experience rather than any general hearsay.
If you had to recommend one city for a one week trip to someone who only speaks English, which would you currently recommend?
Shanghai or Beijing. If you are feeling adventurous Chongqing (they are not westernised unlike Beijing and Shanghai).
That's interesting that you'd say that because personally i've always thought that if i ever go to China it would definitely not be to Shanghai or Beijing, at least not for my first trip.
Main reason being that Shanghai is too westernized (which is why i won't be going to HK either) and Beijing is too touristy. If i'm going to China i want to see the real China, not the parts where all the western tourists flock to. Even if i have to struggle with the language barrier.
I find that in any country it's the non-touristy parts that tend to be the most beautiful and fulfilling to visit. Also from what i've seen Beijing and Shanghai are quite expensive compared to the "smaller" cities.
In that case go for Chongqing. It's not westernised at all but it's a massive city, and it has great transport links to nearby rural areas and historical sites. You can go on a high speed train and be somewhere else in a matter of hours. It's also very cheap.
These recommendations are based of my own experience rather than any general hearsay.
Thank you for the recommendations. I don't know if I'll ever be able to actually afford to travel there but it's good to have an idea of where to go.
Well I hope you get the opportunity. Everyone deserves to travel.