BEIJING – THE FORBIDDEN CITY
The capital of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing is a surprising city. It was the seat of the Ming and Qing dynasty of Emperors until the formation of the Republic in 1911. Hence it showcases centuries of an ancient culture along with all the trappings of a socialist republic. There are modern road and rail networks interspersed with ancient palaces and medieval cities.
What to see:
The Forbidden City is the best preserved symbol of the ancient Qing dynasty. Wooden buildings, beautifully preserved artefacts and a sense of history are what greet you as you wander through this large complex. Tiananman Square is the world’s largest open square and is surrounded by many grand buildings. The Temple of Heaven is a very beautiful temple with extensive gardens and lovely walkways.
When to go:
September to early November is the best time to go to Beijing. There are fewer visitors and the weather is clear and crisp. Winters are icy cold and the summers can be scorching hot.
What to watch out for:
Language is problem here. Engage an English speaking guide before you reach here, otherwise you will not even be able to hire a cab without getting lost.
I did this trip a while back (May 09) and haven’t managed to get the review up until now, but really don’t want to let it slide because it was a great adventure and a remarkable way to encounter Beijing.
Traveling knee-high through the back streets and hutongs and out on the grand avenues was a really original experience of life on the city’s streets, coming face to face with wide-eyed kids on the back of bikes, dodging wary labourers from backyard building sites, gliding past roadside disputes, passing scrumptious market food stalls at licking distance, seeking out the stillness of Beijing’s secret quiet spots, and on and on. If you could be injected into the city’s arteries and shot down through them, this is what you might experience…!
Beijing is one of the few cities in the world which is very hard to capture at once. To fully enjoy, understand, feel and touch the city of Beijing, you can choose some Beijing Tours. So, that its easier for the first time goers for the place.
Big city. Beijing was a little bit crowed and noisy in the rush hours, but was very nice in the early morning. I like the ancient buildings and cute hutongs. Walking along the street, watching the city people is somehow enjoyable. Actually, I covered 4 major Chinese cities by this Tours4fun China tour. Beijing is my best love.
Beijing is a great place to visit, so much to see and do. Recommend a visit to the Great Wall, but go to Jinshanling and Simatai away from the crowds with spectacular views. Stay in one of the Hutongs in a courtyard style hotel. Visited the usual sites such as Tiananman Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace (Slightly out of town but worth making the effort, organise a taxi is probably the best way) and Wangfujing and Dazhalan shopping districts. Use the underground trains to get to most places as the buses can be slow and crowded. Or you can get a Taxi. However, make sure you have a map with everything written in Chinese writing otherwise they may (and often did with us) refuse to take you. Ask the price before going anywhere as well, sometimes they quote ridiculous prices, so ask around before settling on a more reasonable price (you will have to expect the usual ‘mark up for tourist’ prices) Recommend Houhai lake in the evenings, decent bars and restaurants. Prices vary from expensive to pretty cheap so shop around!!. Hire a boat even at night for a trip over the lake.
Beijing, the capital of China offers so much; The Forbidden City-home to many emperors and known as old China, which meets Tian’amen Square, known as new China. Also the Summer Palace; (another home to emperors), The heavenly Palace, The magnificent Great Wall of China and the shopaholics paradise; The Silk Market. It also offers bar street but unfortunately as I only had brief stop at Beijing, I was unable to check this out. The food is not typical Chinese like us Brits know but don’t worry, there are the usual suspects: Pizza Hut, MacDonalds, Kentuky Fried Chicken & Starbucks to name a few!
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