"Beijing!" Beijing by shivan

Beijing Travel Guide: 7,414 reviews and 14,799 photos

The Chinese Wall, no words needed - Beijing

I finally reached Beijing as the last stop in my China journey.

I stayed there in a beautiful hotel not far from Tien An Men Square.

Weather is a bit cold and windy. We brought a lot of clothes this time because we passed from the hot and humid Hong Kong to the dry and cold northeast China here in Beijing.

This town is enormous. There 16 millions inhabitants here.

In Xi'An we saw a town still to be restructured to face the new needings of a modern society, immediately out the Ancient town we found ourselves in the suburbs. I didn't see the classical residential areas one can normally find in the big towns.

People was walking in the streets poorly dressed and the atmosphere was of general indigence.

The person who accompanied us from Italy said "I've been in Beijing 6 years ago, expect to see the same sceneries here". We were prepared, this time...

Well, what we found is a modern, hypertechnological, hyperactive town.

Highways, large bridges, new cars, skyscrapers, people well-dressed!

That man was stupefied...
I asked "This is not what you said. Does this mean that chinese made all this in six years?". He answered, mumbling "Yes, probably...".

Let me say now that I'm happy that such a large country, and such a large amount of people, is coming out of middle ages, improving their quality of life, this must be clear. I'm happy for them.

The first consideration we all made is that in 10-15 years maximum Chiana economy will dominate the world. No doubt. No other country has such an immense potential.

Just imagine that their internal production increases about 10% yearly, while recession and stagnation resist everywhere else in the world.
What may happen when finally the world will find the money to buy the cheap, but still quality, chinese products?

The guide told us that many people from USA and Europe are coming here to lead, or better to help, the development, but I want to be precise here.

Skyscrapers in Beijing do NOT belong to american companies, they belong to CHINESE companies that have USA or European employees. No colonization here, just smart development.

China is a country which potential is even more immense than its extension...

Pros and Cons

Pros:Large, beautiful, diverse, powerful...
Cons:roasted duck's feet for dinner...
In a nutshell:Give them at most 10 years...

Last visit to Beijing: Feb 2003
Intro Updated Sep 4, 2003
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Reviews (54)

The second gate Things to Do (47)

This is the second gate. Current entrance to the Forbidden City. While posing for this picture my mind was enjoying the... more travel advice

Steps Things to Do (47)

This is what I was talking about in a previous tip. I't not clearly visible, but behing the steel bars you may see a red... more travel advice

Fertility Things to Do (47)

This garden in the summer palace is dominated by a strange tree in the middle. Chinese gardeners make it built in a... more travel advice

Just stumbled down the wall... Things to Do (47)

Just stumbled down the wall, relaxing with a fast pic. The faces clearly depict how tired we were after the climb. The... more travel advice

Restaurants (1)
A unique experience

Nightlife (6)
See All Tien An men Square at night

Comments (29)

nepalgoods Oct 1, 2006 at 2:55 AM Report Abuse

Great page with beautiful pics and good informations!!
31Aug May 27, 2005 at 5:56 AM Report Abuse

Thank you for the tip. I'm checking out the website. Really nice picture and a great trip. Btw, just want to let you know of the possible typing mistake in the url.
XueLangZi Oct 12, 2004 at 6:52 AM Report Abuse

Nice page.....look China from a foreigner's eyes. It's interesting. have you read Beijing's page made by wwliu? I think you two describe this old city from vert different angle
globetrott Sep 23, 2004 at 2:22 PM Report Abuse

What a wonderful page and excellent pics ! China is a place I hope to visit one day !
wcph Sep 16, 2004 at 4:42 PM Report Abuse

Wow, very comprehensive information. You must have spent a lot of time putting this together, thanks for that!
RinaNeo Sep 16, 2004 at 2:13 AM Report Abuse

Very impressive tips on Beijing, I am sure its gonna help in my next trip : )
seamandrew Sep 14, 2004 at 5:51 AM Report Abuse

Very informative page Shivan! I would love to have a go at those stairs on the great wall. My wife, from the Austrian Alps, will surely leave me far behind as your friend did you!
mlt_t Aug 11, 2004 at 9:16 AM Report Abuse

I'm speechless... it's awesome! esp. the great wall of China... i have to be back to look around and thanks...u r the 1st who comment on that page :-)
MarcelAmusement Apr 15, 2004 at 4:19 AM Report Abuse

Very amazing bicycle act. Thanks for sharing. Good idea to get them more! :)
TravelSanta Apr 14, 2004 at 5:59 AM Report Abuse

Beautiful photos of thre great wall!