Help, traveling China in Oct!

It is said that October is the best time for touring China. The trees turn yellow and weather is fine. What options of the routes if I want to see some picturesque cities. 15 days would be fine. Cruise should be exluded. If members don't mind sharing tour itinerary you taken or heard about, I would appreciate a lot. I need your suggestions urgently.

If you plan to travel between October 1-7 it would be wise to go with a travel agency because this time is a national holiday, and many Chinese nationals travel during this time. Thus most of the hotels and train/bus/plane tickets may be sold out. But Travel agencies can reserve tickets and accommodations further in advance than a normal person, thus it is wise to travel with them. But if you want to travel alone October after the 7th is a great time. The weather should be cooler in most of china, but not too cold.

As far as travel routes go... this website has some good resources about routes. If you check out this link http://www.chinahighlights.com/tour/custom.htm you will find the top 20 routes and destinations for the costumers of China Highlights. You can click on the route of your choice and get an idea of the itinerary and sites for each route. I have personally found this site very helpful. Also you can consult the brand NEW 'May 2005' release of the Lonely Planet guide for China which contains several different routes.

I forgot to tell you the most important thing about traveling in China in October!!! and that is... COME TO GUILIN! The Chinese have a saying "Guilin Shan Shui Jia Tian Xia" (Guilin is the most beautiful place/has the most beautiful view of any place under heaven). This saying is so true! Come to Guilin! You will not regret it! Every inch of this place is full of beauty!

signed sincerely,

'the very bias' Guilinese White guy