China in winter, what itinerary?

Hello,

me and my husband would like to visit China from november 24th till December 10th! We will stay in Shanghai the first 7 days, than go to Zhenjiang by train (we'll visit a supplier of my husbands company) and then to Nanjing for 2 days. We will spend the last 6 days in Beijing! Do you have any advice for us, concerning  hotels in Shanghai an Beijing? Is it difficult to get tickets for the train from Shanghai to Zhenjiang and from Zhenjiang to Nanjing for people who don't speak chinese?
Please excuse those questions, but we've never been to china before, that's why we have no idea! And the tourist guide is not very helpful in many ways!

Thank you very much, Maike

Hi, Maike,
We are very happy to know you are planning a China tour. Hope we could do some help, help you out.
During that time, hotels could be booked easily. Please do not worry about that. I have some some advice but I hope to know your budget on your accommodation, and then I could give proper advice. You could choose three, four or five star hotel located in different area in those cities. It is not easy to get your own train tickets because your period is during China New Year and many people will book tickets at that time. Language might not be a problem but getting a ticket is a problem. Please excuse my rudeness to recommend a professional travel advisor to you and you will get what you want from her. She is Candy Wei and email address is candy@chinahighlights.com. Please mention that you are recommended by Morgen Mo and she will be very happy to help  you out. Please also see Candy's profession by visiting http://www.chinahighlights.com/feedback/ and put Candy in the left search field. By the way, please CC your email to me at morgen@chinahighlights.com.

 GO TO HARBEIN IN WINTER TO SEE THE ICE FESTIVAL WITH LIGHTS AND SKI MOUNTAIN NEAR BY

Thank you very much for your advices! But isn't chinese new year in january? And the ice festival in Harbin is in january and february!? Or did I get something wrong?
Concerning the hotels we would like to stay in double rooms in a 4 star hotel, that ist well located for touristic activities. Our budget is about 900 CNY per night and room (not person ;-) I would be very thankful for your proper advice, Morgen. I'm so axious to visit china, the people and the culture.

Hi, Maike,
I am sorry to reply your question till today.
New Year Day is 26th Jan. The ice festival starts from about 20th Dec till middle of Feb. 
I'd like to recommend KunLun Hotel www.hljkunlun.com or Holiday Inn Harbin-City Centre(no website). Those two four star hotels well located and very near to the normal sights. It is about rmb900 per night.
Do you need any help with your tour?
Regards

Hello, I'll like to go to Shanghai for 7 days around Xmas to New Year period, and would be available for 4 - 5 days outside of Shanghai. What are the side trips to go from Shanghai? I would like somewhere picturesque. Please recommend.

Hi, Jamie,
Picturesque, Yellow Mt. must be one best choice and it takes 3 days, another two days try to Suzhou or Hangzhou. You will have a nice New Year tour.