"Ni hao, Beijing" Beijing by socrates_07

Beijing Travel Guide: 7,369 reviews and 14,732 photos

Beijing - Northern Capital

In January 2003 I visited my favorite country for the third time. This time I wanted to visit not only my friend Wendy. I decided to go to China in Jan/Feb for Chinese New Year, the main holidays in China.
I am happy that I visited most of the sights in Beijing already because where ever I wanted to go... it was crowded. I had such an experiance when I was there in May 2002, also one of the main holidays in China. But this time it was even more crowded. Well, its the time when many Chinese from oversea visit their families...

I also want to thank Wendy for all her help. Normaly if you go to China without a travel group AND don't know Chinese language you will face some problems sooner or later. Especially in the countryside it's difficult to find people who speak English. Even to order a meal will be a problem… if you don't have a local person by your side.

In my Travelogues I will tell you some general information of Beijing, the history, something about Hutong (you should read it, it was very funny. At least for Wendy)

But now follow me to the places you should visit.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Wonderful city with great history
Cons:During the main holidays crowded.. whereever you go
In a nutshell:Baozi, You tiao and Soya milk... thats a Beijing breakfast!

Last visit to Beijing: Feb 2003
Intro Updated Jan 7, 2005
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Comments (124)

nixca316 Jan 19, 2007 at 6:25 AM Report Abuse

You were had! At least you had a very memorable experience and you were able to share it with all of us. =)
kenHuocj Dec 29, 2006 at 6:59 AM Report Abuse

great photos and tips ;-)))
nepalgoods Nov 18, 2006 at 11:54 PM Report Abuse

Interesting page with many excellent tips!
Florida999 Oct 12, 2006 at 12:52 PM Report Abuse

Lots of great information. I want to visit China some day, when I figure out how to do it without having to join a tour... I think I will skip the scorpions on a stick.. and stick to your dumplings. Great photos, I like your other China pages also:)
la_beba Jan 24, 2006 at 8:41 AM Report Abuse

Glad you went for the roasted duck! hahaha Nice story! (you dont look *that confused* on the picture) :o)
blaird Oct 27, 2005 at 7:52 AM Report Abuse

great fish eye soup story!
Motzl Jan 27, 2005 at 12:25 PM Report Abuse

Great page! One of the best at I read at VT! Thank you, Oliver!!
artform Jul 10, 2004 at 10:03 AM Report Abuse

I enjoyed Japenese kabuki. I can't wait to see the chinese opera. love the pics.
aussiedoug Jul 9, 2004 at 7:47 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for these excellent tips as I hope to be visiting here in late July or early August. Cheers from downunder!
filipdebont Apr 1, 2004 at 8:18 AM Report Abuse

Wonderful page, great tips, realy looking forward to my Beijing visit, next July