"I have to agree with your assessment.  I have been to Shanghai four times and enjoy it far more than my one trip to Beijing.  I went to Beijing in December and found it cold and gloomy.  The pollution is incredibly bad.  My husband is going in Feb, his first trip there and I shamefully told him that he would be better off staying in his hotel the half-day off he will have as it is cold and miserable.  I have never said that about any place in the world, but it is what I feel.  I would consider giving it another change, maybe during a spring month, but there are so many other places in the world - or just in Asia - that I would rather go to, it is likely going to be awhile before I get back there!" - Andi Fisher