China Travel Forum

[Ginny]

Hello. I will be travelling to Mongolia and will have one to two days in Beijing, possibly three, but I doubt it. I figure that while I am there I should make the most out of it. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what MUST be seen, or what should NOT be missed. Or, what everyone raves about, but in all actuality is a complete waiste of time. Any suggestions as to sites, nightlife, events, etc. to see/do would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for the help.

[Walter]

A visit to the Wall (Mutianyu) should take 3-4 hours maximum. You can hire a taxi at the shopping arcade end of the Lido hotel for 300rmb MAXIMUM. If you are not intent on stopping and reading every plaque along the way, it is possible to have a good overview of the Forbidden City fairly quickly (2-3 hours). The time needed for the Summer Palace, well, that will depend on how much you fall in love with it. An overview visit focused on the north end can be enjoyed in 2-3 hours maximum. One thing I would highly recommend is to climb Coal Hill (Jinshan, I think) which is across the street from the north exit of the Forbidden City. Takes 10 minutes to climb up and you will have a view of the Forbidden City, and Beijing, which can't be beat.

I like Sarunobbi'S suggestion to consider the Temple of Heaven. It was one of my favourite places in Beijing actually. I used to go there on sunday afternoons sometimes with a bag full of food and a book and relax listening to older people playing various instruments in the 'gardens'. It doesn't take too long to see the Temple, again, an hour or two if you avoid the plaques.

As for the Hutongs, this is the core and heart of Beijing. Not to be missed. The problem is to decide where to explore. There are many near Tiananmen Square so that makes sense to fit your schedule. Dazhalan shopping street(s) are also close to Tiananmen, and worth a visit. There are some really good dumpling restaurants around there.

About the bars. A night out in Beijing is definitely not what most first time visitors expect. I'll sum it up by saying that if you indulge in Beijing's nightlife you won't be able to drag your backside out of bed to experience much else other than a nasty hangover the next day. Leave that fun until your second and longer visit to the Serene Capital.

I'll stop now, I think I've gone on long enough and I'm beginning to feel a little sad because I don't live there anymore :=(
Have a wonderful visit.

[Guest]

definitely 2 days or 3 if you can spare it. go to temple of Heaven, Tiannamen Square and Forbidden city, silk market, Great wall day trip from Beijing. go walking round hutongs. check out bars in sanlitun. don't bother with Summer Palace, Fragrance hills, Beitai park