Cold But Awe-Inspiring
The Great Wall, Summer Palace, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven. Plus parks like Bei Hai and the Olympic Bird's Nest. There's just so much to see -- and all of it is impressive. There are challenges, however. Once the weather changes, it's freezing. Taking the metro is easy, but it can only get you so far. And if like me you're relying on your ability to speak a little Mandarin, the Beijing accent (nar vs. nali) takes getting used to.
Insider Tip:Skip the Badaling section at the Great Wall and take a tour to any other section for a better experience. My hostel had a great no-shopping tour to the Mutianyu section. The tour cost 260Y and included a delicious lunch.

