Welcome Guest ( Log In | Register )

40 Pages  1 2 3 > » Bottom

Outline · [ Standard ] · Linear+

Travel Beijing and Tianjin, Updated info on pg 1

views
     
TSmy1ststep
post Oct 19 2008, 04:18 PM, updated 12y ago

New Member
*
Junior Member
47 posts

Joined: Oct 2008
Good day to all,

I'm planning a beijing tour wiht my family, all together 7 persons. I have heard a lot bad experience from my fren who go china with tour group. They will always bring you go shopping or buy local souvenior so that they can get commission from that.

The worst thing is they will only stop by the tourism place for around 1 hour for you to take photo which i found that it is really lack of time to enjoy in such good location.

So, i have decided to hire a private tour guide from Beijing. Is there anyone here got such experience? Really appreciate if you can provide the useful information here.

Thanks.

Guides - added by moderator:
QUOTE(nomac1 @ Jan 18 2011, 03:03 PM)
EVERYTHING ABOUT BEIJING!
http://tinyurl.com/BeijingGuide1

user posted image

9th Revision

Introduction



  • Capital of the People's Republic of China


  • Massive in terms of size: equivalent of 15 Hong Kong's or 26 Metro Manila's


  • 4 Seasons (Extreme Winters/Summers; Short Spring/Fall)


  • Public Transportation is cheap, extensive and easy to use. Taxi Flagdown: 10RMB.


  • Air quality can sometimes be very bad; blue skies was, until recently, a privilege.


  • Traffic jams can be a headache if you travel during rush hours.


  • Safety is not a major concern, the city is very very safe.


  • Standard of living is not that low: Average meal 15-20RMB/person; Peking Duck is around 70RMB-100RMB each.


  • Maximum of 4 passengers per taxi.


  • People here walk a lot, 1 Kilometer is considered near. Locals are bad in giving directions.


Planning Your Trip

Travel Dates to AVOID

Chinese New Year (+/- 4 days of actual day)
October 1 to 7
May 1 to 3

Where to Start Your Planning / Research

http://www.meiguoxing.com/index.html
http://www.kinabaloo.com/
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/beijing.htm

How Many Days to Spend in Beijing?

To cover the must-sees, at least 3 whole days. If you will do shopping (which I suggest), add 1 day. There's too much to see/do so 5-6 days is also OK.

When To Go (Weather-wise)

Best time to go: September-October (but avoid September 30 to October 10)
OK time to go: April-May (not that cold also but high winds and chances of sandstorms)
Very Hot: June to August
Very Cold: November to February

Hotels

There's really no perfect location in Beijing but staying in the city center (Forbidden City / Xidan / Wangfujing Area) will probably be more convenient.

Stick to a hotel which is walking distance to a subway station.

Hotel Choices: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g294212-...ing-Hotels.html

Where to Book Hotels:
http://www.asiatravel.com/china/beijing.html
http://www.expedia.com/default.asp
http://www.HostelWorld.com

Recommendations: Grand Mercure Xidan, Novotel Xinqiao, Red Lantern House, Peking International Youth Hostel, Days Inn Forbidden City,

Private Guides / Cars for Hire

You can find a lot of information here, just use the search function:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g294212-Beijing.html

Where to Book Tours Online

http://www.travelchinaguide.com/package/beijing.htm
http://www.asiatravel.com/china/tours/chinatour.html
http://www.chinahighlights.com/beijing/tours.htm
http://www.chinaodysseytours.com/beijing-t...-itinerary.html

Currency Exchange

The rates in the airport are not good so don't exchange a lot. You can change currencies in any bank, just bring your passport and US Dollars.

As far as I know, banks are open during weekends. Worst case scenario, you can withdraw in ATM machines as long as your ATM card is for international use also.

Online Travel Guides for Beijing:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Beijing
http://www.beijingtraveltips.com/
http://www.kinabaloo.com/beijing.html
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/beijing/

At The Airport

1. Exchange some of your USD to RMB/CNY.
2. Go to your hotel via taxi, airport express or airport bus (not very tourist friendly)

There are FAKE taxis which you should avoid, they don't look like taxis and do not have meters. Vans should also be avoided.

SIGHTSEEING

Use this as your guide for entrance fees and transportation instructions:
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/beijing/
http://www.meiguoxing.com/Attractions.html

C - City Center
N - North of Center
S - South of Center
E - East of Center
W - West of Center

Must See Places:

1. Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square ©
2. The Great Wall of China (Mutianyu/Badaling)
3. Olympic Park (N)
4. Summer Palace (NW)
5. Temple of Heaven (S)
6. Wangfujing Shopping Street ©
7. Qianmen Street and National Center of Performing Arts ("The Egg") ©

DIY Guide to Mutianyu

http://www.pinoyexchange.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=3218
http://www.pinoyexchange.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=3243
http://www.pinoyexchange.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=3250

Optional:

1. Hutongs - small alleys that show the old and real Beijing.
2. Houhai Lake and Nanluoguxiang Hutong (Off W)
3. Beijing Zoo Panda Section (W)
4. Drum and Bell Towers and adjacent Beihai Park (Off NW)
5. 798 Art Zone (NE)
6. Jingshan Park (overlooking Forbidden City) ©
7. Lama Temple (Off N)
8. Ming Tombs
9. The Village and The Place - modern chic shopping centers (E)
10. Sanlitun - bar and clubbing district (E)
11. Fragrant Hills
12. Botanical Gardens

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

   1. Great Wall - Simatai section
   2. Forbidden City
   3. Temple of Heaven
   4. Summer Palace

Save for the Great Wall, all the spots can be reached by subway.

There 2 accessible parts of the Great Wall, Badaling and Mutianyu. Badaling is a bit closer to downtown Beijing but it is always packed with tourists. Mutianyu is not as crowded and there's a toboggan ride from the top of the wall. These 2 can be reached by public bus or by arranging a day tour from hotels or travel agencies.

Things to Do:

1. Legend of Kung Fu
2. Acrobatics Show
3. Beijing Opera (not that easy to find but it's quite an experience)
4. Beijing Foot Massage
5. Rickshaw ride in Houhai / Hutongs (100RMB/cart)

Daytrips from Beijing:

1. Nanshan Ski Resort - Winter Only (2 hours drive)
http://www.nanshanski.com/index-en.asp
Probably closed beginning February; better to contact their website.

2. Tianjin City - 30mins bullet train from Beijing South Railway Station
http://www.pinoyexchange.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=3322

3. Datong - Hanging Temple and Yungang Grottoes (5 hours by car or train)
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/datong.htm

4. LongQing Gorge/Valley - The Guilin of the North (2 hours drive)
http://www.beijingtrip.com/attractions/longqing-gorge.htm
http://www.kinabaloo.com/lq.html

Nanshan Ski Resort

Tianjin Photos

Datong Photos

Longqing Photos

Connections to Shanghai:

10 hour fast train (overnight)
12 hour slow train (overnight)
2 hour domestic airplane ride

Train Guide: http://www.chinatravelguide.com/ctgwiki/Sp...&Submit1=submit

Train Tickets can only be bought 10 days in advanced in designated train/plane ticketing stations around the country. I don't know how internet booking sites work with regards to trains but I don't think you can book them in advanced. Ticketing kiosks around the city will most probably not speak any english.

Nearby Cities:

Inner Mongolia (Desert & Grasslands; at least 2 nights)
Xian (Terracotta Army; at least 2 nights)
Harbin (Winter Festival; at least 2 nights)

Where to Book Domestic Flights

http://english.ctrip.com/
http://www.elong.net/

BEIJING SUBWAY MAP

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/2898/beijingsubway.png

Subway stations are very far apart, most of the time you cannot walk from one station to the other.

Interchanges are similar to Manila which means it requires long walks, specially the one in Xizhimen.

Price per ride per person is 2RMB no matter the distance.

Subway system is easy to use, just plan your routes carefully.

ITINERARY GUIDE

Sample Itinerary:
http://www.pandatour.com/itineraries_b1-4.html
http://www.chinaodysseytours.com/beijing-t...-itinerary.html
http://www.chinahighlights.com/beijing/tours.htm

Time Allotment

Great Wall: At least 5-6 hours including travel time
Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square: At least 3 hours
Temple of Heaven: At least 1 hour
Summer Palace: At least 2 hours
Olympic Park: At least 1 hour
Wangfujing: At least 2 hours (no shopping at all)
Qianmen: At least 1 hour
Hutongs: At least 1 hour
Houhai: At least 2 hours

Places that are near each other:
1. Forbidden City / Tiananmen Square / Wangfujing / Qianmen / NCPA (Xidan is also relatively near)
2. Houhai / Beihai / Bell Tower / Drum Tower / Nanluoguxiang Hutong
3. Beijing Zoo / Beijing Zoo Markets
4. The Village / The Place / Ritan Russian District

DIY TRIP REPORTS - VERY VERY HELPFUL IN PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Read Pages 54 and 59-60 of http://tinyurl.com/BeijingGuide1.
Read Pages 100 and 104 of http://tinyurl.com/BeijingGuide1.
Read Pages 131-146 of http://tinyurl.com/BeijingGuide1.
Read Pages 166-167 of http://tinyurl.com/BeijingGuide1.
Read Pages 170-171 of http://tinyurl.com/BeijingGuide1.
Read Pages 176-180 of http://tinyurl.com/BeijingGuide1.

SHOPPING

Shopping Guide: http://www.meiguoxing.com/Shopping.html

Souvenirs: Easiest to find in tourist spots, bargain really hard though. If you have time, Tian Yi Market has some of the best and affordable souvenirs; it's like 168 with better products. 600m from Fuchengmen Station.

Branded Clothes: Joy City in Xidan, Qianmen Street or Solana Mall in Liangmaqiao Station

Market-type Clothing: Markets adjacent Beijing Zoo Station specially the underground market (Julong Foreign Trade Market). Very cheap place to buy overruns. Men's Tshirts start at 25RMB. Opens at 6am and closes at 4pm.

Beijing Zoo Market Guide: http://www.meiguoxing.com/Shopping/Beijing...ing_Market.html

Xidan is a shopping district with markets also but from experience, the Beijing Zoo area is the best place for budget shoppers.

High-end brands like MNG and Zara are more expensive here. Uniqlo and H&M are slightly more expensive than Hong Kong. There are other Spanish brands like Bershka and Pull & Bear.

All the other markets like Silk, Pearl and Yashow Markets are just for tourists and for those who want to experience bargaining or being ripped off.

Electronics: Top City in Zhongguancun. Only recommended for people who know what they want to buy. Laptops and Digital Cameras are much cheaper here than in Manila but you have to bargain. Special price might be given to tourists.

FOOD

Beijing Chinese food is not the same as the Chinese food in Philippines which is based mostly on Cantonese / Hong Kong cuisine. Northern Chinese is significantly different, generally salty, spicy and oily.

2010 Beijing Best Restaurants:
http://www.cityweekend.com.cn/beijing/arti...st-restaurants/

Must-tries:

1. Peking Duck

Quanjude Peking Duck Restaurant (Long History):

Hepingmen Branch (Biggest and most seats)
http://www.quanjude.com.cn/restaurantinfo....=17&optionid=19

Qianmen Branch (Always Packed)
http://www.quanjude.com.cn/restaurantinfo....=18&optionid=19

Wangfujing Branch
http://www.quanjude.com.cn/restaurantinfo....=19&optionid=19

Da Dong (Quanjude's Rival; less oily ducks):

http://www.cityweekend.com.cn/beijing/list...has/nanxincang/
http://www.cityweekend.com.cn/beijing/list...ong-roast-duck/

Fat Duck (Recently voted as Best Duck in Beijing):

http://www.thebeijinger.com/directory/Fat-Duck

Guo Lin (Wudaokou Station Line 13 Branch)
Address: Haidian District, #15 Wangzhuang Road (in front of Xijiao Hotel)
After getting off the station, walk along Chengfu Road towards U-Center Mall then turn left at Wangzhuang Road
user posted image

Guo Lin (Xinjiekou Branch for those staying at Red Lantern)
Address: Xicheng District, #44 Xinjiekou South Road
user posted image

2. Beijing Dumplings

Not that easy to find but if you stumble into one, try it.

3. Beijing Hotpot

Recommendations: Dong Lai Shun and Ding Ding Xiang. Xiabu Xiabu for the budget concious.

The Mongolian Hotpot is significantly different from the ordinary hotpot found in Manila.

Dong Lai Shun Wudaokou Branch - Inside U-Center Mall Top Floor (They also serve Peking Duck)

4. Street Food like Barbecued/Grilled Lamb BBQ Stick

5. Russian Food - A lot of choices in Sanlitun and Ritan Park Area

SCAMS TO WATCH OUT FOR:

1. Fake taxis. Taxis have a plate number that starts with user posted image. Always check if your taxi turned on the meter.

2. "Art students" trying to bring you to an art gallery.

3. "Free" tea tasting in teahouses.

Over-friendly and locals who speak fluent english are usually no good.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER

Climate:

user posted image
user posted image

Weather Forecasts:

http://www.weather.com.cn/html/weather/101010200.shtml
http://weather.msn.com/local.aspx?wealocat...=Beijing%2c+CHN
http://www.weather.com.cn/en/weather/101010100.shtml
http://www.myforecast.com/bin/detailed_for...835&metric=true

December to February = Extremely Cold (Temperatures reach -18 celcius)
November and March = Very Cold
October and April = Cold
Mid September and Mid May = Moderate to Warm
June to August = Very Hot (Temperatures reach 45 degrees celcius)
*
Subway maps:

user posted image

Latest VISA fee
rclxub.gif
QUOTE(RegentCid @ Nov 7 2013, 01:15 PM)
Now:
Single entries - 4 working days complete Visa are RM 85
Single entries - 3 working days complete Visa are Rm 230
Single Entries - 2 working days complete Visa are Rm 310
Single Entries - 1 working days complete Visa are Rm 350

Double entries - 4 working days complete Visa are RM 105
Double entries - 3 working days complete Visa are Rm 250
Double entries - 2 working days complete Visa are Rm 330
Double entries - 1 working days complete Visa are Rm 370

Multiplier Entries 6 month - 4 working days complete Visa are RM 135
Multiplier Entries 6 month - 3 working days complete Visa are RM 280
Multiplier Entries 6 month - 2 working days complete Visa are RM 360
Multiplier Entries 6 month - 1 working days complete Visa are RM 400

Multiplier Entries 12 month - 4 working days complete Visa are RM 175
Multiplier Entries 12 month - 3 working days complete Visa are RM 320
Multiplier Entries 12 month - 2 working days complete Visa are RM 400
Multiplier Entries 12 month - 1 working days complete Visa are RM 440
Please tag into 1st Page
*
This post has been edited by stimix: Nov 7 2013, 02:15 PM
vanzheng
post Oct 19 2008, 04:31 PM

Getting Started
**
Junior Member
163 posts

Joined: Dec 2007
From: Surabaya



QUOTE(my1ststep @ Oct 19 2008, 04:18 PM)
Good day to all,

I'm planning a beijing tour wiht my family, all together 7 persons. I have heard a lot bad experience from my fren who go china with tour group. They will always bring you go shopping or buy local souvenior so that they can get commission from that.

The worst thing is they will only stop by the tourism place for around 1 hour for you to take photo which i found that it is really lack of time to enjoy in such good location.

So, i have decided to hire a private tour guide from Beijing. Is there anyone here got such experience? Really appreciate if you can provide the useful information here.

Thanks.
*
which part of china you want to go ?
TSmy1ststep
post Oct 19 2008, 06:04 PM

New Member
*
Junior Member
47 posts

Joined: Oct 2008
Beijing, China
panda-man
post Oct 22 2008, 09:53 AM

PSN: hutazi
*******
Senior Member
2,687 posts

Joined: Sep 2008
From: KL | Beijing



Hello people.

im gonna be going to beijing next month for about 2 months. i was wondering if there were special things i should go to or places to see that is special. ill probably take some tourist experience tour or soemthing.

but i was hoping there are things you all know which is cool to go see or eat or what not that wont be visited by tours. anyone?
Hop
post Oct 22 2008, 09:59 AM

Getting Started
**
Junior Member
68 posts

Joined: Sep 2005
From: Subang


go beijing of cause eat peking duck
panda-man
post Oct 22 2008, 11:04 AM

PSN: hutazi
*******
Senior Member
2,687 posts

Joined: Sep 2008
From: KL | Beijing



beijing kaoya. hmmm i really hope to get some good beijing duck yo.
rarestormz
post Nov 18 2008, 07:47 AM

New Member
*
Junior Member
8 posts

Joined: Jul 2008


I'm going to Beijing early december, and is wondering how cold will the weather be over there. like whether i'll need long johns all the time or just a nice long winter coat for outdoors will do and just normal clothes when indoors... anyone care to share?
stimix
post Nov 18 2008, 09:08 AM

Dunno
Group Icon
Moderator
3,542 posts

Joined: Jan 2003
From: Puchong, Selangor



Just check here:http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/54511.html

At this point : -1 C
Cas
post Nov 18 2008, 01:26 PM

Getting Started
**
Junior Member
262 posts

Joined: Jul 2006


I wen to Shanghai in November and i remember it being REALLY cold. My sis had to wear long johns coz it was that cold. I'd recommend you bring a thick sweater.
DaIdiot
post Nov 18 2008, 01:32 PM

Regular
******
Senior Member
1,028 posts

Joined: Sep 2004
From: KL



Im going 1st week of december as well, and crossing my fingers for snow tongue.gif

generally the average should be about -5 to 5 degrees
raisin30
post Nov 18 2008, 04:10 PM

New Member
*
Newbie
0 posts

Joined: Nov 2008
wah.. Beijing with snow rclxms.gif
noah87
post Nov 18 2008, 05:38 PM

New Member
*
Newbie
2 posts

Joined: Nov 2008
my friend from china advice me to bring earmuffs too..says in certain places damn crazy cold
HolyCross
post Nov 18 2008, 07:31 PM

Casual
***
Junior Member
355 posts

Joined: Oct 2007


i am going to shanghai mid december,how is the weather there?


yea you have to wear longjohn,the temperature there quite ok as first when you reach,then slowly you will feel cold,then extreme cold.

go to universal traveller and tell the saleman that you will be going to beijing,and he will show you all the stuff you need smile.gif
raist86
post Nov 18 2008, 09:22 PM

Regular
******
Senior Member
1,577 posts

Joined: May 2005
From: USJ


be prepared for really cold weather. Not as cold though compared to january and feb.

Do try out their steamboats (huo wo) and xua yang rou (mutton). It's a great cold buster. smile.gif
gn01117135
post Nov 19 2008, 11:13 AM

Casual
***
Junior Member
442 posts

Joined: Jan 2003
been there last year, around mid november...

beijing is cooler than shanghai during the same month..
it coould ready few degree at nite...
i would say if no wind blow over, u no nid wear long john oso can tahan.. but if got wind blow, u wear long john oso no used..

if u go tian jin as well, i will say better wear it, bcoz tian jin is much more cooler than beijing...
carrie_2007
post Nov 19 2008, 02:41 PM

New Member
*
Junior Member
21 posts

Joined: Nov 2007


Hi,

Beijing is very cold during Winter time. Last 2 year i went there on Nov. It start cold already.... tempeture is zero celcius at night. Even i wear long john also beh tahan ar..

morning i go to walk around. i saw roof alot of ice (not snow). And i almost falling down once coz floor all is ice (maybe previous have water on the floor)

if u go tian jin or Cheng de, the weather there is colder than Beijing too.

u need to do preparation on that.. it really cold.... T_T

This post has been edited by carrie_2007: Nov 19 2008, 02:43 PM
rarestormz
post Nov 20 2008, 10:16 AM

New Member
*
Junior Member
8 posts

Joined: Jul 2008


ok.... have rough idea wat to bring then hmm.gif
long johns checked, winter coat checked, scarf checked, gloves checked, ear muffs go there and get... tongue.gif
i am really going to tian jin and cheng de, was contemplating whether to bring long johns or not before this, now with all your feedbacks, it seems like they're a must then sweat.gif

thanks ya all for the useful info!
MirageGSR
post Nov 23 2008, 04:14 PM

Getting Started
**
Junior Member
154 posts

Joined: Jul 2008
Went there 3 yrs ago mid of Nov biggrin.gif stil can wear singlet to enjoy the coolness you cant experience here. Not sure bout December though. Miss the mongolian buffet! sooooooooo meaty!
darthbaboon
post Dec 30 2008, 04:12 PM

Dark Lord of the Sith
*******
Senior Member
2,063 posts

Joined: May 2005
From: Tatooine


Anyone been to Beijing during the Chinese New Year celebrations in January or February?? The historical charts show the temperatures at around 4 degrees to -7 degrees.

Cold is one thing... but I'm wondering if anyone experienced road closures, or not being able to visit specific attractions (via tour) due to the weather?
7up
post Jan 15 2009, 08:12 PM

Getting Started
**
Junior Member
124 posts

Joined: Sep 2007
in beijing now. n i beh tahan the cold temparature esp outdoor when wind blow. indoor got heater ok. was hoping for some snow but the sky is clear without clouds and the sun is bright though freezing cold.

40 Pages  1 2 3 > » Top
 

Change to:
| Lo-Fi Version
0.0251sec    0.25    6 queries    GZIP Disabled
Time is now: 28th March 2024 - 10:46 PM