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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.
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: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
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If ever there was a city made for the bicycle, Beijing is it. Chaotic traffic-filled roads, more-or-less completely... more travel advice
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Comments (9)
Very good! Now I want to see the Wall, and at Simatai! Loved all tips on the city too, thanks!
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.
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!
I loved your page, the tips are useful and the pics are fantastic. I loved the one of the Great Wall. Xiexie Nat
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.
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!
Wow another fantastic page. Your hotel recommendation here looks fantastic: will bear it in mind for a future visit. many thanks
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!
^_^ well.......you are so cute.......I saw your tips what are funny.......pretty good.........hope you like Beijing and welcome to Beijing againg =)
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