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Beijing or Shanghai for 2 months?

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I am contemplating doing an internship in China over September and October and need help deciding which city to live in.
12 years ago, May 18th 2011 No: 1 Msg: #136543  
I thought I would get some advice from those who have been. I am looking at doing an unpaid marketing internship in China, however accommodation is included. I am aware Shanghai is a bit more expensive but it also looks more exciting.

However, Beijing seems to be more 'chinese' with sights such as the great wall etc. And shanghai has an amazing skyline and neon lights!

I really cant decide which of the two. What matters mostly is that it has a good public transport system, nice parks/shopping streets/things to do, not so humid (probably not a problem in sept/oct) and easy(ish) to get around.

I am planning to visit Japan afterward so can always make a quick visit to the other city too. Anyone have a preference or opinion on either?

Thanks! Reply to this

12 years ago, May 18th 2011 No: 2 Msg: #136546  
i posted this to china forum but its not coming up there.. can it be moved to the china forum? thanks! Reply to this

12 years ago, May 18th 2011 No: 3 Msg: #136560  
crazyblondechick
Ceri
N Posts: 5
I thought I would get some advice from those who have been. I am looking at doing an unpaid marketing internship in China, however accommodation is included. I am aware Shanghai is a bit more expensive but it also looks more exciting.

However, Beijing seems to be more 'chinese' with sights such as the great wall etc. And shanghai has an amazing skyline and neon lights!

I really cant decide which of the two. What matters mostly is that it has a good public transport system, nice parks/shopping streets/things to do, not so humid (probably not a problem in sept/oct) and easy(ish) to get around.

I am planning to visit Japan afterward so can always make a quick visit to the other city too. Anyone have a preference or opinion on either?

Thanks! Reply to this

12 years ago, May 18th 2011 No: 4 Msg: #136600  
Having been to both, I prefer Beijing - far more historical sites - Forbidden City and The Great Wall to name just two. It also have more parks. Having been to both Shanghai and Beijing in September, Shanghai wins the humidity prize, but Beijing can still be very muggy.

There are some excellent overnight trains between Shanghai and Beijing so you can easily visit the other city on a weekend if you so wish. Ensure you take the D category trains, they are equal to those found in Europe.

PS: I've added this to the China Forum within the Asia Forum, so it should appear there soon. Reply to this

12 years ago, May 19th 2011 No: 5 Msg: #136658  
B Posts: 277
I haven't lived in either city, but visited both. Beijing is full of historical sites of course but there are lots of interesting places easy to reach from Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, water towns, Pubo island so your weekends could be filled with excursions. I believe in such things as shopping, eating and parks they will be quite similar as well as communications. September can bring heavy rains and typhoons so from this aspect Beijing may be better, though it will still be hot in September. The new high speed rail link is planned to open in June, bringing down travel time between the two cities. Reply to this

12 years ago, May 19th 2011 No: 6 Msg: #136661  
thanks for your help everyone, not sure what happened at the beginning of the thread with the extra posts!
i think at the moment Beijing is winning purely as it seems a more traditionally chinese city where i can embrace myself in another culture.
Shanghai being more westernised will probably suit me as a weekend visit etc.
Look forward to hearing any other opinions though,

thanks! Reply to this

12 years ago, May 21st 2011 No: 7 Msg: #136758  
Shanghai is about the rush and the party.

Beijing is about the nightmare traffic jams to go around, but at the same time way more things to see around if you stay 2 months.

Both will have goo weather at the time.

If your free time is about visiting places, it's Beijing, if it is about party and having a nap because you didn't made it home before 5am, it's Shanghai. But you can still party in Beijing too! Reply to this

9 years ago, August 2nd 2014 No: 8 Msg: #183891  
In response to: Msg #136661
I agree with other posts and with your opinion: if you want to be emerge in Chinese culture, you should choose Beijing.
I didn't like Shanghai so much as there is very little old places with rich culture there.
The only reason why I would not live in Beijing is because of the high pollution.
Have fun. Anyway, China is a great place! Reply to this

9 years ago, November 17th 2014 No: 9 Msg: #186851  
Beijing is for sure the more interesting place if you want to see real China. Shanghai is great for European architecture, meeting a lot of foreigners, speaking English with everyone, French food and so on.
If that's what you want, it is your place, but then why do you come to China at all? Reply to this

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