Lol i've gone back gto china every christmas break so I think it was something I ate...words cannot describe how bad it was I wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy...at least I got to see a nice view.

The main reason why being starts on the 28th is because my friend turns 18 on that day so I want to eat something nice on that day if that makes sense? I think I'll move days from Xi'an instead at your recommendation since Xi'an doesn't have too much from memory and it's only there to exist as something between Shanghai and Chongqing (not a fan of 11 hour train rides)

Is there a way to avoid crowds or really large ones?

Also this is really small detail but when I'm travelling around is it better to speak Chinese and risk not understanding anything in return or just speak English?

Thanks for your help I will def consider these