Beijing is an amazing city of over 20m people. It's a place where worlds collide. A place of apparent chaos yet with an underlying order that makes everything work.
I recently spent a few days there so I thought I would share some of my experience. And that really is what Beijing is: an experience.
English is not widely spoken so at first it will feel very strange. On the first day there I explored, map in hand. Now - I have discovered that I have a bit of an issue when it comes to using maps in the Northern Hemisphere. North doesn't feel like North to me. A lifetime of living in New Zealand clearly makes me feel upside-down. Having worked that out, using a map in Beijing became useful and effective.
You will walk a lot. It's a massive city and takes a lot to get around. Do make sure you learn to use the subway. It's really inexpensive and is a very efficient way to extend your range.
Department stores and malls open at 10am and stay open until 9:30pm-10:00pm.
If you want to find cheap goods (and the famous fakes) go to Silk Street. It's 7-8 floors of leather goods, clothes, toys and more. It has a great foodhall where you can sit amongst the locals and eat authentic food. One thing that was interesting is that people will come up to you and try to talk to you. Chinese love practicing English.
China World is where you find all the well-known luxury brands. A huge underground mall with many shops, food stores and even an ice-skating rink.
I found that there isn't really a drinking culture in Beijing. There is little understanding or appreciation of wine and quality beer. Wine is either 'white' or 'red'. Some stores are trying hard to learn about variety but still default to the 'oh, you're looking at white wines - try this...' approach.
If you want a more Western-influenced bar/club/restaurant experience, head West from Tuanjiehu subway station to Sanlitun Bei Lu. There is a fantastic mall here, and it's home to many bars. Some that even supply beer and pizza.
In the Nali Patio Tower we found many restaurants and clubs, including one called The Black Moth. It's an amazing cocktail bar that is very exclusive and somewhat hidden.
One thing I was surprised by is how Beijing has embraced Halloween. I queried our guide about this and her comment was "Find joy in everything" - so even if something has no cultural significance to a Chinese person, or is commercialised, just embrace it and enjoy it.
Sightseeing in Beijing is great. It's the home to Tian'an Men Square, The Forbidden City, The Summer Palace, various parks, and also the access to sections of The Great Wall and the Ming Tombs.
I love visiting The Forbidden City. It never ceases to amaze me. The sheer scale of the complex and the journey you take when you walk through is quite memorable.
We visited the Juyongguan section of The Great Wall. It's less populated that Badaling. Be prepared for a bit of a climb. 300m of elevation in a very short distance, on uneven steps that range from 10cm to 40cm in height. Exhausting but exciting!
If your tour/timings allow you'll get to visit Jade carving factory and a Pearl harvesting factory. Both these places showcase the cultural importance of these resources. The workmanship is also something else. Very interesting and a good opportunity to purchase a reminder of your trip.
Visiting the Ming Tombs is also interesting. The Dadaling tomb is open to the public. It's set in some beautiful grounds and is worth a visit.
Walking through the Olympic Park is quite dramatic also. Seeing what the Chinese achieved to be able to host the Games in 2008. The architecture is great to see up close.
The Summer Palace is a must-see. This park is steeped in history and is just beautiful. It is very well cared for. A haven for tourists and locals alike.
I particularly enjoyed people watching and seeing the locals go about their lives. Learning how to cross roads like a local. Learning to use the subway like a local. Observing the markets, the street stalls, the workers keeping their city clean.
Beijing is a melting pot and is so interesting to be immersed in. A definite favorite destination of mine.
^sd