Beijing Pocket Guide

Images Of Beijing

China's economical, political and commercial centre is a big, brash, busy city. It is different to many other Asian cities in that tourism doesn't overrun its heart and soul. It is far less commercialised than its counterparts and it seems at even at the city's best-known landmarks the number of locals outweighs the tourists. It is also a city steeped in history and has been the Chinese capital since 1421.


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In The Guide

  • Cheap Eats Discover what night market sells cooked frog legs and other such niceties.
  • Don't Miss After visiting Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City find out what else should you not miss.
  • Neighbourhood Watch A breakdown of some of the Chinese capital's most intriguing districts.
  • A Day in Beijing... Our perfect day in Beijing with the help of a bicycle so you fit in with the locals.

Beijing City Reviews

  • 40%

    nwin79

    Not sure about Beijing

    Beijing is polluted and has a lot of rude people. The city is a big rat race and it's fair enough as there are 20 million people living there. There's not really that much to see apart from Tianamen Square, the Forbidden City and also the Summer Palace. Everything else is part of communist propaganda which really irks me. Also the english that is spoken there is attrocious. If you visit any of the museums there, there are hardly any english placards worth reading.

    Insider Tip:Beijing is only good for a very short stay, 3-4 days at the most.

  • 80%

    MarvinSy

    Beijing

    I love this city. full of history, good food, lots of places to visit. only complain is too crowded in the subway,

    Insider Tip:dont use the subway on rush hours, food is amazing and cheap eat street food and local dishes.

  • 80%

    allisonlevine1503

    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.

  • 100%

    sumiimus4423

    I ❤ Beijing!

    Ni Hao and Xiexie is the only Mandarin I know. It didn't matter, overall everyone I came across were nice and helpful. I found Beijing to be very traveler friendly. I already miss the place. I stayed at the Happy Dragon Courtyard and I would stay there again if I'm lucky enough to go to Beijing again. The place was centrally located, close walk to the subway and many historic sites. I was able to see history in person, The Forbidden City, The Great Wall & stayed on a hutong, how lucky am I!

    Insider Tip:Use Yoyoor.com to rent a cell phone while in China!! 10.00 to deliver the phone to your hostel/hotel and 10.00 to pick it up plus you click on the reception desk button and explain what you need from the clerk, taxi driver, merchant etc and the nice people will communicate for you to the native in Mandarin! Genius! Also, be sure to take the Market tour and cooking class with Chunyi and her siblings! You won't regret it!! hutongcuisine.com/

  • 80%

    TraceybytheSea

    Beijing - good intro to China

    Beijing is very easy to get about thanks to the subway where you'll find everything in English. The sights are very crowded, but it's easy to lose the crowds by wandering along the hutongs (narrow alleys) which are everywhere. That's where you can really see everyday life. Food is good too. Be adventurous!

    Insider Tip:Don't buy anything until you've been here a few days and have a feel for what things cost. For everyday items, the small shops away from the big shopping areas are probably best.

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