I'd think you'd definitely want to see the Forbidden City.

i went to china a few years ago and wasn't very impressed with the gardens i saw there. if you want to see good gardens you might want to stop by japan on your way home.

Sorry, but this is the JAPANESE garden forum. I hope you aren't imagining that they are somehow similar, because they aren't. I visited China a few years ago and the gardening world there was primitive.

First time in this forum - Hey everyone!

I agree that the gardens you see today in China is definitely not what they used to be, largely due to the developmental struggles the country has faced. After all, we don't expect to see luxurious gardens in a 3rd world country! I have nonethelesss seen some wonderful Chinese gardens - Personally, I wouldn't label them as primitive, considering the country has beee gardening for 4000 years! ;)

That said, the scenery in guilin is breathtaking.

I also second katie - Japanese gardens are exquisite, and bountiful. Try for a stop in kyoto - you will surely be in for a treat. I may be mistaken, but I believe March is sakura season, so you might be able to catch some of the fantastic pink cherry blossoms.