u/cyacz1

I’ll be in Shanghai for a work commitment and will have 6 free days before returning home. It will be my first time in China.

I’m deciding between spending all 6 days based in Shanghai with day trips to places like Suzhou or Hangzhou, or adding 2 days in Nanjing.

From what I’ve read, Nanjing seems to offer more museums, history, cultural sites, temples, old streets, and urban atmosphere, while Suzhou/Hangzhou seem more focused on scenery, gardens, lakes, and water-town views.

I’m from a tropical country, so nature, lakes, and scenic places are not my main priority. I’m more interested in museums, history, local food, cultural sites, and places that feel historically or culturally different.

For people who know these cities: is Nanjing worth 2 days from Shanghai, or would it be better to stay in Shanghai and do smaller day trips to Suzhou/Hangzhou?

I’ll be in Guangzhou for the October Canton Fair and will have only 2 free days for sightseeing before heading to Shanghai for another work commitment.

I’ll be staying in Yuexiu, and it’s my first time in China. I’m interested in affordable tech/electronics shopping, clothes, souvenirs, good local food, city atmosphere, museums, temples, historic areas, and other cultural/tourist spots.

I’ve read that a lot of the tech shopping available in Shenzhen can also be found in Guangzhou if you know where to go.

1. With only 2 free days, would you recommend staying in Guangzhou and exploring the city properly, or spending one day on a day trip to Shenzhen?
2. Is there anything truly unique or unmissable in Shenzhen that Guangzhou doesn’t offer, or would the travel time make it not worth it?

Any advice from people who know both cities would be very helpful.

My husband and I, both in our mid-30s, will be in China this October for two trade fairs. We’d like to use the free days well, but without wasting too much time in transit. This will be our first trip to China, so I’d love advice from people who know the country well.

Fixed schedule:

Oct 14–18: Canton Fair in Guangzhou

Oct 21–23: Trade fair in Shanghai, though we’ll probably attend only 1–2 days

Oct 27: Morning flight home from Shanghai

Current plan:

During the Canton Fair, we’re planning to stay in Yuexiu, Guangzhou. We may do a day trip to Shenzhen before the fair starts, then explore Guangzhou in the evenings after the fair.

Our travel style:

• We enjoy museums, architecture, history, art, theatre, photography and authentic local food.
• We prefer vibrant cities with great museums, interesting neighborhoods and unique cultural experiences.
• We’re happy to visit scenic places, but only when they offer more than beautiful views. We’d rather spend a day exploring a fascinating city than spend a day hiking or visiting mountain viewpoints.
• We want to minimize unnecessary travel time.
• We’ll travel with carry-on luggage only and buy one suitcase before flying home. We may spend up to one day shopping for clothes and gifts, but we’re not interested in markets selling products we could easily buy online.

Given our fixed dates, how would you spend Oct 19–26?

Would you recommend:

• stopping somewhere between Guangzhou and Shanghai before Oct 21?
• staying mostly in Shanghai and doing day trips to places like Hangzhou, Suzhou or Nanjing?
• spending one or two nights in nearby cities instead?
• skipping farther places like Chengdu, Chongqing, Beijing or Xi’an for this trip?
• considering Changsha, or does it not fit our route and travel style?

I’m looking for the most efficient itinerary that still feels culturally rich and worthwhile.

First time in China for Canton Fair this October, staying 5 nights in Guangzhou.

I'm into local culture, museums, traditional Cantonese food and cafés, not nightlife. After the fair I want to walk out of the hotel into an interesting area, not commute again. Long commute to Pazhou is fine.

Shortlist: Tianhe, Yuexiu, or hotels around Beijing Road (good rates with breakfast).

1. Tianhe vs Yuexiu for this profile, which and why?
2. Beijing Road as a 5-night base, or better as a day trip?
3. Should I be looking at Liwan/Xiguan (Shamian, Yongqingfang) instead?

Thanks!