"Beijing (Peking)" Beijing by jono84

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

The Big Mac - Supersized!!

99 red lanterns

Old Beijing

I went in late summer last year, soon after one of the hottest and driest summers of recent times.
Autumn is the best time to visit, if you looking for a reasonably cool, bearable climate.

Be advised, in terms of big cities this is the king kong. Although seemingly better planned with a glance at a city map, it inevitably is a sprawling mess of the old and the new. But this is what makes the city so interesting. ...Just make sure you have a good pair of walking shoes!!

What is disappointing about Beijing is the horrible truth that most of the charming and traditional old buildings in the busy centre of the city will be lost, in preparation for the forthcoming olympics. However, this seems to be simple chinese logic. Out with the old and in with the new.
......... Im just glad i got a chance to see some resemblance of the real Beijing.

Hopefully you'll find some of my tips useful.

City No Longer Forbidden

The Forbidden City is vast

It is definitely worth getting an audio tour for the Forbidden City, partly because it gives a good historical lesson on each building and its past uses, but mostly due to the large distances between gates and temples; thus distracting you from the vast emptiness on each side.

It is a shame, to be honest, that it is not kept in better shape, and the furniture was not returned to restore the City to its past beauty.

To view alot of the courtyards and rooms in the north-east corner of the City, you must wear some papery blue slippers. Just a pre-reminder: don't do what i did and forget to take them off for the remainder of the day!!!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Plenty of cheap acc, great food, mix of old and modern, friendly people
Cons:some rude taxi drivers (scraping the barrel), and wildly varying climate
In a nutshell:At first it seems surprisingly modern, but look closer and you'll find the true beijing

Last visit to Beijing: Aug 2003
Intro Updated Aug 18, 2004
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Reviews (8)

Lets play, Rikshaw Roulette Transportation (2)

I'm not going to criticise the *hugely* popular Rikshaw industry, by saying that their riders are unreliable or... more travel advice

Temple of Heaven Park Things to Do (3)

The Temple of Heaven Park surprised me the most, as a place i wanted to go back and visit straight away. It feels like a... more travel advice

If you like sunny courtyards and winding... Hotels (1)

This hotel provides all the usuals; a laundry service, single rooms if you prefer a more comfortable, quieter night... more travel advice

Why have one saddle when you can have three? - Beijing

To Bike Or Not To Bike? That is the... Transportation (2)

If ever there was a city made for the bicycle, Beijing is it. Chaotic traffic-filled roads, more-or-less completely... more travel advice

Local Customs (1)
Basic words for when you arrive!

Off The Beaten Path (1)
A different experience of the famous...

Travelogues (1)

Written Aug 17, 2004

8 photos

A Great Wall Adventure

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Comments (9)

alza Aug 7, 2010 at 11:13 AM Report Abuse

Very good! Now I want to see the Wall, and at Simatai! Loved all tips on the city too, thanks!
Dxblady Jun 6, 2007 at 11:39 AM Report Abuse

Hi, I am really intrsting going to China as I've heard fr alot of people that China is great and defenetely a place for shopping! I hv business selling clothing. My quest is, do u know any website that I can shop OL for clothing? Thanks alot in advance.
linwei66 Sep 1, 2004 at 7:38 AM Report Abuse

Hi there! Thanks for commenting on my page. I see we've had some similar adventures...and you're right, simatai is a great section of the wall!
ncfg Aug 18, 2004 at 12:11 PM Report Abuse

I loved your page, the tips are useful and the pics are fantastic. I loved the one of the Great Wall. Xiexie Nat
Confucius Aug 17, 2004 at 10:25 PM Report Abuse

What? "Sha ma" means "kill mom"... I think "shumma" sounds closer to the actual Mandarin instead and could save your mother's life. See my home page for ordering food at a restaurant.
aussiedoug Aug 17, 2004 at 7:47 AM Report Abuse

Really enjoyed your perspective on Beijing. That hotel tip is a beauty & one I think I might try on my next visit to Beijing. Xie xie!
GillianMcLaughlin Aug 15, 2004 at 12:48 PM Report Abuse

Wow another fantastic page. Your hotel recommendation here looks fantastic: will bear it in mind for a future visit. many thanks
sugarpuff Aug 12, 2004 at 8:47 PM Report Abuse

Jon i just love your beijing page!Have yet to explore the others.I find we have the same writing style and I just like everything about you!!!! Hee hee!
wwliu Aug 2, 2004 at 7:29 AM Report Abuse

^_^ well.......you are so cute.......I saw your tips what are funny.......pretty good.........hope you like Beijing and welcome to Beijing againg =)