A Beijing tour can be an interesting and unique experience because it is a city steeped in culture simultaneously embracing the contemporary western values. Beijing will be hosting the Olympic Games in 2008 and is undergoing major changes heading towards modernization. As the capital city of the world’s most populous nation, Beijing is the center of national politics, economy, culture and tourism..
Beijing’s Culture
It is hard to clearly define Beijing culture because it is a mixture of traditional and contemporary values. Beijing’s history as a city dates back to 350 BC and it has undergone many changes as rulers have come and gone. The city has been the capital of the country for four dynasties and has been called Ji, Zhuojun, Youzhou Nanjing, Yanjing, Zhongdu, Dadu and Beiping.
Beijing’s People
The people in Beijing are quite friendly but have the unnerving habit of staring at foreigners. Although many people shake hands, it is still customary to join your hands and bow when greeting one another. It is important that you do not lose your temper in public or cause anyone to experience public shame; even contradicting someone in front of others should be avoided. If you must complain, do so calmly and privately. Punctuality is very important in China, so make sure you arrive for a meeting with plenty of time to spare. You may want to learn to eat with chopsticks prior to your Beijing tour as it is the most common eating utensil used in China. Forks are rarely used and are only given in more modern restaurants. Also remember that tipping in China was strictly forbidden and until recently and is typically frowned upon.
Beijing China Weather
Beijing weather has four distinct seasons. Spring which lasts from February to April is dry and windy, summer is hot and rainy. Autumn which lasts from August to October is the best season to visit Beijing as the temperature is mild, the sky is blue and the air is crisp and clean. This is also the peak tourist season in Beijing and tends to be very crowded. Winters are very cold due to the Siberian winds that come from the north. Most travelers avoid traveling to Beijing during the winter.
Beijing Shopping
There are numerous shopping districts in Beijing with something for everyone. Located near Tiananmen Square, Dachilan is the best place to buy silk during your Beijing tour. Also found here are many clothing stores, restaurants and department stores. Jianguomenwai is another popular Beijing shopping spot featuring the Youyi Shangdian (the Friendship Store) that sells everything from souvenirs to everyday items. Also in Jianguomenwai are more famous clothing stores like Gap and Prada. Liulichang has some of Beijing's oldest antique shops where you can find many unique artifacts. Remember to bargain and make your purchases carefully because you can be cheated. Sanlitun has a smaller clothing market and is less crowded than the other shopping areas.
Here tourists can find good China silk and clothing, as well as enjoy a quick drink at one of the many local bars. The most popular shopping area in Beijing is Wangfujing with the city’s first super mall, the Xindong Plaza. The markets Panjiayuan and Hongqiao are two of the most popular markets in the city. Panjiayuan is a weekend market, and the Hongqiao is a 3-storey market that sells nearly everything. You can buy anything from antiques to fake designer products from here.
What to Wear in Beijing?
You can wear whatever you feel comfortable in during your Beijing tour since Beijing is not as conservative as it once was. If you come to Beijing in spring, a thin sweater or coat will be needed. In summer, the climate gets quite hot so you will want to opt for casual clothes. In the winter, you will likely need a heavy sweater and a long coat. It is important that you remember to dress appropriately when visiting temples and sacred sites during your Beijing tour.
Travel Around Beijing
When traveling in Beijing, always carry a map (which is available at bus and railway stations and at the airports) and be sure that you know exactly where you want to go because most people do not speak or understand English very well. Traveling by taxi is the easiest way to get around Beijing. They are available in front of hotels, train stations and the airport. Always make sure the taxi driver turns the meter on when you get inside; unmetered taxis are illegal.
Buses are everywhere in Beijing, unfortunately for some travelers, they are very crowded and the signs and stops are only in Chinese. The subway is another great way to get around Beijing. The Circle Line, East-West Line, and Fuba Line connect all major streets in Beijing. The trains run every 10 minutes, and have a fixed fee of ¥3.
Health Services in Beijing
It is recommended that you use only mineral water in Beijing. For comprehensive medical care you can go to the Beijing United Family Hospital at Jiangtai Lu, two blocks southeast of the Holiday Inn Lido. It is open 24 hours, staffed with foreign-trained doctors who speak English well, a pharmacy, in and out patient care and an ambulance service.
Other reputable hospitals include the International Medical Center (inside the Lufthansa Center) and the International SOS Clinic and Alarm Center (in Building ‘C’ of the BITIC Leasing Center). You will want to bring any medication that you normally take because the drugs sold in many markets are counterfeit. Genuine drugs can be brought from the lobby of any international, five-star hotel or from branches of Watson's. For more specialized drugs you can try the pharmacy in the Beijing United Family Hospital.
Beijing Nightlife
Beijing’s nightlife and entertainment scene are rapidly evolving. There are many nightclubs, discos, karaoke bars and pubs all over the city. Most clubs are open all night and charge an entrance fee of about ¥100-200. The most popular bar is Sanlitun, in the northeast section of the city. It is pretty lively and frequented by foreigners. Situated in Tuanjiehu Park, Sanlitun is the popular Old Poachers Inn.
Other bars can be found on Xinjiang Kou. Durty Nellie’s a great bar with live music. Sgt. Pepper’s, the Goose and Duck Pub, The Pig and Thistle, the Holiday Inn Lido and the Jichang Lu are also popular bars. Beijing’s most chic club is JJ’s, Xinjiekou Bei Dajie. Kiss Super Club, 35 Xue Yun Lu, is another popular place frequented by young foreigners.
Beijing Business
Beijing is a bustling city with a population of about 12 million people. It is a major force in China’s tourism industry, accounting for a quarter of the country's tourism income. Many Chinese are still involved in agriculture and farming but are regularly setting up small shops and stalls in the city. Many people work in the hotel industry because it pays very well. Locals are also opening bars, pubs and restaurants on a small scale to cater to the many tourists in Beijing.
