Tours and holidays with added interest
Beijing
- Name in Chinese characters: 北京
- Name in Pinyin: Běijīng
- Status: Municipality
-
Location within China
The General Picture
Beijing needs little or no introduction. As the capital of China, Beijing, or Peking as it was known until recently, is a city that has enthralled travellers, armchair or otherwise, for centuries.
Beijing means 'Northern Capital' and the characters have remained consistent. We in the West only noticed a change because of a different method of transliteration. Nanjing is the corresponding 'Southern Capital'.
Beijing is most famous for its sites dating back to Imperial times. The Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace all rate as world class attractions, as does the Great Wall of China, sections of which are easily accessible from Beijing.
There are also many more modern sites such as the CCTV Tower and CCTV Building, the Bird's Nest and Watercube on the Beijing Olympic site and the revamped Qianmen Street.
With so many famous attractions in Beijing it is hard to find time to go to lesser ones. There are many that are worthwhile if you have a particular interest or just like to be different. Our Beijing Review itinerary includes a range of these.
Whatever else you decide to do in Beijing, don't forget to sample a wide range of the foods. There are many great restaurants and lots of delicious street foods that are far safer than guidebooks would have you believe.
First Impressions
Most visitors are amazed by the sheer scale of Beijing. A glance at a map does not prepare you for the actual size of the blocks and therefore it is easy to underestimate the distances involved in travelling between sites. Add to that the ever increasing traffic congestion and you will find that your plans for a quick visit leave you short-changed.
Most people make for the Tiananmen Square area first. You can easily get there by taxi or metro. (We suggest the latter as the sooner you become acquainted with this system the better. It is cheaper and often faster than travel above ground; just try to avoid peak times.)
Tiananmen Square offers a good example of the scale we talked about above. It also offers a good chance of the types of encounter that are so typical in China:
- Local tourists: Tiananmen Square, and especially Chairman Mao's Mausoleum, are huge targets for domestic tourists visiting Beijing. In holiday mood they are generally not shy in practicing their English, the children more than the adults, and asking for photos with foreigners. Such encounters can be great fun so long as you have the time and patience to put up with repeat performances.
- Student touts: You may well be approached by locals in their early twenties claiming to be a student with an exhibition on nearby. These are almost always touts working for a gallery or shop. That needn't stop you going along - but with your eyes open. These students usually speak very good English and are usually willing to answer questions so the diversion need not be wasted time.
- Enforcement officers: Hopefully you won't do anything naughty. You may still find yourself being asked questions or have your identification checked. It is best to co-operate respectfully. Such checks normally last no time at all.
Snacks and Local Fare
Whilst in Beijing make sure that you try some of the tasty street food. If you feel adventurous you can always head off to the night markets at the north end of Wanfujing Dajie for exotica (mostly sea-creatures and insects on-a-stick) but there is no need to put yourself to such extremes. The dumplings and pancakes available in small shops and off street stalls are definitely palatable and make for a good breakfast if one was not included at your hotel.
-
-
Please rate this place.
Would you want to visit?
Please rate our write-up.
Was this interesting?
-
Get Recommendations
- Now showing:
- Something A Bit Different
- Brave New China
This country is much more than its enormous past. There is a new China emerging and it is exciting. Join us and be amongst the first to look into the future.From £ 1,990 - Minority Rapport
Guizhou Province has always been remote. It is now becoming easier to travel there so be amongst the first to discover the rich cultural legacy of this isolation before it too moves into the modern world.From £ 1,895 - East Coast Explorer
Hop down the coast from Shanghai to Guangzhou stopping off at the many sites of interest en-routeFrom £ 2,250 - China In Bloom
This journey includes visits to many delightful gardens as well as other, more regular sites. We include some expert talks where appropriate.From £ 1,950
- Browse our complete range of tours
24/7 Sales Support:
UK +44 (0)844 567 0953
USA +1-877-526-3979
Top Sites in
Beijing
- Forbidden City: Home of Emperors throughout the Ming & Qing Dynasties
- Great Wall Of China: Symbolic barrier between the Chinese and the north
More
sites
Top Routes in
Beijing
- No relevant items. Please check the general list from the link below.
More
key routes
© Copyright China Journeys Limited
Registered in England and Wales No. 07014791
Registered Office: 2nd Floor, Newby House, 309 Chase Road, London, N14 6JS
24/7 Sales support telephone: +44 (0)844 567 0953
Your Financial Protection
The air holiday packages and flights shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 10236. Please see our booking conditions for more information.
ATOL Protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services on this website. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking.
Current Comments
2 comments so far (post your own)Hi Corey
There are many cheap hostels in Beijing. There's a good cluster near the East Gate of the Forbidden City. Your best bet though is to do a search online and find hostel-booking agencies as these can often offer the best rates, and let you get a secure booking before you arrive.
Posted by China Journeys on Thu 16 Feb, 2012
Where's a good, cheap place to stay in Beijing
Posted by Corey on Thu 16 Feb, 2012