Beijing, China
From Wikiasiantravel
Dubbed as being the "northern capital", Beijing had well embraced its role being the political, economical and spiritual center for China. Here, a tourist will be struck by the the sudden outburst of a progressing city that continues to nurture its past with the continuous practice of cultural tradition. Among the building complexes and flyovers are the temples and gardens that once were shelter for people of hierarchy .
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Sights to See
- Great Wall of China
- Forbidden City
- Summer Palace or Yiheyuan
- Temple of Heaven
- Be Hai Park
- Lama Temple or Yonghegong
- Purple Bamboo Garden or the Zizhuyuan Park
- Beijing Amusement Park
Shopping Spree
In whatever part of the world you are shopping, you are most likely to find one product which is made in China. Now you are right where these products have been coming from so shop till you drop. Haggle your way to the best price in the markets. Make it low and raise till you agree.
- Wangfujing Street- A street full of a combination of all sorts. You will find malls with the fashionable branded products and stalls with some cheap souvenirs, cheap like 10RMB. It is a long street located to the east of Tianamen Square. Some places to see are New China Store for Children (don't bring kids here for sightseeing though, shame if you don't buy them something), Tong Shen He Shoes Shop(For Quality Chinese made shoes), San You Department Store(For quality textiles), Sun Dong An Plaza (Not much good buys but good eateries and Starbucks).
- Silk Market many silken RTW clothes that you can buy at low cost if you can haggle well. Bargaining is important as most branded products are imitations only. There are also bags, shoes, scarves and handicrafts that are on sale. Location is about 1 km east of Friendship Store, along the East-West metro line, near to Yong An Li metro station, on Jianguomenwai Dajie. If you want to have tailore made clothes, you can also try visiting Rui Fu Xiang Silk Shop in 5 Da Zha Lan Alley, Qian Men. They are open 9 a.m.-8:30pm daily. You cn contact them at tel # +86 0 10 6304 1702 or +86 0 10 6303 2880.
- Hongquiao Market also known as Pearl Market because of the abundance of fresh water pearls. You will find almost everything you would want here but careful not to spend too much on faked branded products. Location is just across the East Gate to the Temple of Heaven in Tian Tan East Road. Open daily 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Accommodations
- Five and Four stars
Grand Hyatt Beijing - Can be pretty expensive at minimum of about US$211 on off peak and discounted price but it is as to be expected of five star hotels. It is a walking distance to Tianamen Square and and has an underground world for shopping and eating. The pool is also worth a visit.
The Peninsula Beijing- If you can't get a booking in the first, then this is the second choice. They are in the same neigborhood and in the same price range, close to Tianamen Square and Forbidden City.
LC The St. Regis Beijing Many other five star hotels should come in line before this in terms of popularity, but in terms of feedback, this overtakes the others. Strategically located, near the Silk Road, but not so near to other sights. Minimum of US$199 per night.
- Two and Three Stars
Holiday Inn Temple of Heaven a three star hotel but just almost as famous as the five stars. The location may be a bit out of the way of the bustling citylife but it actually is midway to Tianamen Square and Temple of Heaven. The cheapest room on off peak can be as low as US$60.
Dong Si Fu Yan Guesthouse - Is still in the same district as the Forbidden City but in a much quieter neighborhood. It's about 3 kms from the usual tourist sites so it would be a long walk if one would not ride a taxi. But it is walking distance to Donghuamen Food Street
Feiying International Youth Hostel Beijing - Ideal for groups on tour as it has room for three and dormitories
Forest and Land Hotel - Also at the heart of Beijing, 30 minutes ride from the airport and near the Forbidden City. Special discounts are offered for some dates for as low as US$32. You can check it at www.Asiaroom.com and make your reservations.
Lishi Hotel - located in Hutong where one may experience the "old Beijing". It is also in the heart of the city so the Forbidden City is with in walking range.
Song He Hotel - a walking distance to the Fobidden City and Tianamen Square, and next to Wangfujing shopping area. Known as experienced in hosting westerners.
Wangfujing Guest house - Right on the street of the shopping district. It is relatively new and opened only last April 2007
- Backpackers and hostels
Beijing Downtown Backpackers - Here is where you should be if you want a Chinese experience, amidst the Chinese neighborhood. A minimum price of US$11 for a clean lodging, internet access, and breakfast. They also offer to fetch from Capital International Airport only charging you the toll fee.
Dining Places
- Donghuamen Night Market
In Central Beijing, cheap food would be easy to find. From exotic to bizarre, you will find varied food on sticks in the nightmarkets and street vendors of Beijing. Some to name are scorpions, bugs, quail chicks, baby sparrows. For those who couldn't stand the sight of it, there are dumplings and noodles sold too. Can cost a person less than $20 for a fulfilling meal.
- Quan Ju De
Famous for its speciality, the roasted Peking Duck. Has branches in Qianmen (temporarily closed for renovation until October 2007), Wangfujing St. and Hepingmen Gate. It will cost a person 120-150 RMB
- Fangshan (Imperial) in Beihai Park and Ting Li Guan in the Summer Palace
Meal here may be a little expensive than the usual but its worth for the price of a royal meal and experiencing an atmosphere of China with costumed waiters to serve you.
It will cost about 200-300 RMB.
Check out some of the local dishes of China
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