Beijing-Shanghai and Shanghai-HK Internal Flights??

Hi Guys,

Any advice on how to lower the cost of my internal Chinese flights?

I%26#39;m flying into Beijing and out of Hong Kong so I need 2 internal flights - Beijing to Shanghai and then Shanghai to Hong Kong.

I%26#39;ve been quoted 拢340 per person for these flights - is that about right? It seems expensive to me but then I%26#39;ve never taken internal flights in China before.

Would I be better off actually booking the flights in Beijing when I arrive there or cheaper to book before I go?

I%26#39;d assume there are lots of internal flights daily between these three cities?

Any help/advice gratefull received.

Many thanks, Mo

Beijing-Shanghai and Shanghai-HK Internal Flights??

Check some websites like www.ctrip.com or http://cn.travelzen.com/en/index.php

you get the best prices within a week of your flight. These are e-tickets so you just need access to a computer at that time. For an idea of prices just go on a site and check prices in 5 days and compare it to what you are quoted (much cheaper than what you were quoted).

To save money, fly to Shenzhen and take the ferry (airport-to-airport) to Hong Kong.

Beijing-Shanghai and Shanghai-HK Internal Flights??

Shanghai -- Hong Kong is deemed international, not domestic.

When are you flying? Yes, those are expensive.

Are you also open to the option of taking overnight train (soft sleeper) for Beijing -- Shanghai? Those would save you travel time.

Hi JpDeM,

Many thanks for the reply. Hope I can tap your knowledge a bit further:

1. I%26#39;ll def check out the sites you recommended so thanks for those;

2. Is there generally lots of availability on both the Beijing/Shanghai and Shanghai/HK flights? I%26#39;ve not gone anywhere without definite bookings before so that%26#39;s why I ask

Appreciate your help

Mo

Hi Ellyse,

Thank you for the post.

We are flying around 8th April (Beijing-Shanghai) and around 12th April (Shanghai-Beijing).

I would definitely consider taking the overnight sleeper for Beijing - Shanghai:

How much does the journey generally cost?

Are berths for two generally available?

Is it better to book before we travel or once we arrive in Beijing?

Really appreciate your help,

Regards, Mo

There are about 50 flights per day each way between Shanghai and Beijing. Lots of availability and good prices at the last minute. If you go to these web sites check the availability tomorrow and you%26#39;ll see.

Here%26#39;s a lowdown on the train choices for this route. Listed from the best quality train to the lousiest quality -- in terms of comfort.

1) Overnight D train (10 hours, 2 daily): 2nd-class and 1st-class sleepers, not sure about the price but heard to be around 800 RMB (currently discounted to 730 and 655 RMB, apparently)

2) Daytime D train (9.5+ hours, 1 daily): 2nd-class seat 452 RMB, 1st-class seat 542 RMB

3) Overnight Z train (11.5 hours, 3 daily): soft seat 283 RMB, soft sleeper 478/499 RMB for upper/lower bunk

4) Overnight T train (13.5 hours, 2 daily): hard seat 179 RMB, hard sleeper 306/317/327 RMB for upper/middle/lower bunk, soft sleeper 478/499 RMB for upper/lower bunk

5) Lousy slow train (23+ hours, 1 daily): hard seat 88 RMB, hard sleeper 176/183/190 RMB, soft sleeper 290/304 RMB

I wouldn%26#39;t suggest going by hard seat, it%26#39;s really too traumatic and not worth the savings. The D train is too expensive and a waste of money for most of us. The hard sleepers for the T trains are almost impossible to get so don%26#39;t count on them. My best options would be soft seat or soft sleeper on the Z trains.

Information and photos on my VirtualTourist Shanghai Transport travel page: members.virtualtourist.com/m/1d57/5be/9/

The deluxe soft sleepers are only on the T trains. It might be worthwhile just buying up all 4 sleepers of a room in normal soft sleeper, on the Z trains. I%26#39;d prefer to book in advance.

JPdeM,

Those sites are fantastic! I did as you suggested and put in dates for a few days from now. End result, I%26#39;ve managed to get approx flight costs down from 拢350 per person(as quoted by Trailfinders in the UK) to approx 拢170-200 as per those sites.

REALLY appreciate the advice.

M

Thank you Ellyse!

Really appreciate the trouble you%26#39;ve gone to. I may well take the luxury sleeper option just for the experience of it.

Many thanks, Mo

My pleasure.

You saved enough money to buy me a drink while in Beijing! Ha! Ha! Kidding.....

JPdeM,

I think I could afford to buy you a pint after this but to get TWO drinks, I%26#39;d appreciate your opinions on the following (with apologies for the barrage of questions):

1. In terms of Itinerary, I%26#39;m thinking of 4 nights Beijing and then 4 nights Shanghai - does this sound about right, given how much there is to do/see in both cities? I have a sneaky suspicion that I may be better off doing 5 nights Beijing and 3 nights Shanghai and would appreciate your opinion.

2. Also, in Beijing, how expensive are private guides to take us to the Forbidden City, Temples, Hutongs etc? Is there actually much benefit to getting a guide?

3. I%26#39;m assuming a day for The Great Wall - is there a particular section you%26#39;d recommend with great views but less tourists? Again, is a Guide worth it?

4. We%26#39;re staying in the Sofitel Wanda in Beijing (as the other half gets a good discount with Sofitels) - do you have any personal experience with this hotel?

Many thanks, Mo