Where to Stay

In Beijing we stayed at the Kunlun Hotel which is a modern high rise and close to the Capitol Airport. The Sheraton Great Wall is just around the corner from the Beijing Palace Hotel which is on the edge of Tainanmen Square. All have restaurants that serve both American and Chinese foods.

In Xi’An, the Xi’An Hotel is smaller but no less comfortable. Being inland from the larger cities you’ll find local life is more traditional Chinese with mule drawn carts and street vendors everywhere.

Try the Queli Chinese Courtyard Hotel in QuFu. A lovely small hotel with beautiful gardens all around and situated next door to Mr. Confucius Temple and Kong Mansion. Excellent cuisine and a theater group located right at the hotel. Prices here are within reason going for less than $75 American a night.

In Tai’An the Taishan Mountain Hotel located at the foothills of Mount Tai. Excellent cuisine and accommodations at reasonable prices. From here you walk up the mountain and it’s a paradise for photographers.

In Jinan we checked in at the Qilu Hotel to have a place to store our luggage but did not stay overnight. However, it is also reasonably priced and has very good restaurants on site.

In Shanghai I recommend the Rainbow Hotel since we stayed there for three days. Excellent restaurants and lounges plus gift shops, post office, and other essential services.