We will be going to Shanghai for a week (probably in October). I can extend the trip a few days and either spend it in Beijing or Hong Kong. For those who have been there or live there what are the pros and cons? We are leaning towards Beijing. Thanks.
Really depends on what you want to do. If you want to do pure sightseeing, the Forbidden City and Great Wall are more than enough to go to Beijing IMO. With that said, Hong Kong is an unbelievable city and is great if you want to do more relaxing, shopping, eating, etc...
It depends on what you want to do. I enjoyed both but Hong Kong would definitely be my choice. There are a lot more touristy and historical things to see in Beijing. But I think Hong Kong is a more fun city with lot of stuff to do and tons of shopping.
Beijing handsdown and I currently live in Hong Kong. If you are going to stay around 3 days in Beijing, I guess a trip to the Great Wall and another to the Forbidden City would have occupied most of your time already. I would also recommend Tian Tan (Temple of Heaven) and Thirteen Tombs of Ming Dynasty. Tiananmen Square is close to the Forbidden City hence it worth spending some time there as well. Enjoy your trip in China. [Edit: A link I just found from web: http://yeschinatour.com/china-guides/china-attractions/tian_anmen-square-beijing/]
Beijing can't be beat for history and sights but Hong Kong is a great city and more international than Beijing, you will probably have a lot easier time getting around Hong Kong than Beijing. Have a good trip. I will be in Hong Kong and Shanghai myself in September.
I live in Shanghai. If you are going to spend a week in Shanghai then go to Beijing next. Hong Kong is not that much different from Shanghai, but Beijing is.
Never been to Hong Kong but had a great time in Beijing at all of those historical sites mentioned. You can definitely spend all day going through those places.
Never been, but I'd go with Beijing for the historical value and scenery. Don't forget to bring a really good camera. Take freemaniam's advice. You can even visit Yao Ming's 13 tombs! Tight sauce? I think so, yes.
