"Was gibt's in Beijing?" a Beijing Travel Page by Penelope4

The Great Wall was number 1 in my Must See list. I got disappointed with my planned visit to Badaling (well, we never got there. The Tour Guide brought us to a pass which is not really known to tourists; besides, I did not climb far because the steps were soooo steep and narrow; I felt sorry for the old tourists who probably saved a long time to go visit the Great Wall. Even the young tourists complained. What was that Tour Guide thinking, honestly. Well she alloted more time for the factory visits. So if your Tour Guide asks you "Where do you want to go. To the crowded part or to the most beautiful part?". You know what to answer. Of course to the place we paid for!).

Totally decided I was not to let anything spoil my visit to Beijing, I immediately contacted those recommended by VT members. One was not available and the other one was very expensive for me. The former recommended Janet to me who turned out to be an excellent Tour Guide and a lovely companion to be with! I enjoyed walking up and down the Mutianyu Great Wall and I would like to do it again in ten years time or so (not to check if the Wall is as strong as ever but to check if my knees are wobbling already or not).

Everybody judges mass production of fabrics, electronics and other things from China. I have great respect for this country for enabling poor people like me to afford things we need. Of course sometimes we want to treat ourselves some luxury items but most of the time I save my money for other purposes.

There are many shopping malls in Beijing. I visited many of them, of course :D

On my very first day, I went to the famous market. Most of the customers are tourists. Local tourists. It was fun to see and buy many souvenirs at good prices. Sellers are very entertaining too. How is that? Well, go and see for yourself haha!

You will see many things you won't imagine being sold in one corner of this lively street. See the picture and you will immediately recognize it. These things I am referring to - before they were alive - and now they are sold dead...The other stores sell some interesting stuffs too. I tried eating something I have never eaten before and it tasted rather strange. But my tongue was very pleased. Ha!

One of the surprises I had to face is the number of beautiful gardens and pretty and clean lakes in Beijing. I won't wonder if Chinese families maintain their tradition of close familiy ties. They have opportunities to go out on weekends - whether at the lakes, gardens or just eating out or going shopping. Ah, I so love to live for a while in Beijing!