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| Beijing, China |
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Finding the Best Vacation in Beijing
Beijing is the most populated location anywhere in the world. It is the most populous city in China, which is also the most populated country in the world. Beijing is a part of history, it being the seat of the Ming and Qing dynasty until a Republic was formed in the early 20th century. Beijing is known as a very flat city; in fact, there is only one hill throughout the city's boundaries. It also has concentric roads (not circular but rectangular in shape) that go around and connect the entire city. Are you thinking of vacationing in Beijing? Here are some recommendations of interest.
Hotels in the Area
If you are looking for hotels and resorts then you have the choice to shop according to budget. (Sometimes foreign guests are required to stay in higher-priced hotels) However, you can find affordable accommodations if you are diligent. Some budget pricing for hotel accommodations includes the Red Lantern House Hostel, with a middle courtyard and an authentic Chinese feel to it, the Qiao Yuan Fandian, which is cheap but still provides necessary amenities like Internet access, laundry and kitchen access. There are also several "youth hostels", including the Beijing City Central Youth Hostel, the Beijing Saga International Youth Hostel and the Beijing Far East Youth Hostel. If you desire to stay in a mid-range hotel, then try the Xinxing Hotel, limited to about 50 US dollars a night (equivalency) but with exceptional features like Internet access, a Chinese breakfast and a swimming pool. Other midrange properties include the Bamboo Garden Hotel, which has some historical value as it was was residence of Sheng Xuanhuai and Kang Sheng. If you want to sample the luxury of Beijing then visit higher-quality hotel resorts like the Kempinski Hotel, the Grand Hyatt Beijing and the Beijing Hotel. The privately owned hotels are more expensive than the state-owned facilities but most prices you will come across are comparable to western luxury pricing.
Dining and Drinking
How can you go about dining and drinking in Beijing? There are many five star restaurants in the city all within reasonable pricing-especially considering that the Chinese does not practice the act of tipping a waiter or waitress. If you are looking for something cultural but cheap, then try the dish Jianbing guozi. This dish is a pancake cooked with an egg on a griddle, along with fried dough crisp, scallions and a delicious sauce. Other specialties include Lamb kebabs and Beijing Roast Duck. Some of the more popular dining locations include Quanjude, a classic restaurant and one of the most honored of restaurants, along with the Dong Lai Shun, a hot restaurant with a heritage dating back to the 1800's. However, you don't have to eat classic Chinese food just because you're in Beijing. This city is also an international meeting place and has samples of foods from all across the country. You can order entrees from other Chinese cities such as Sichuan, Canton, Tibet, Yunnan and, Xinjiang.
When it comes to Beijing nightlife, you can choose your own entertainment, whether you want quiet and accommodating restaurant or a loud and lively experience, such as at the Red Rose Xingjiang Restaurant, which features lamb delicious dishes along with a bellydancing show and Uighur musicians. Last but not least, you can order something closer to home by heading over to a Beijing McDonalds, a Kentucky Fried Chicken or Pizza Hut location. There are also international food restaurants like Origus and Mirch Masala Indian Cuisine. Even if you insist upon non-Chinese food, try the Chinese beer (such as the Tsing Tao) one of the nation's most preferred drinks. China is not known for its wine (as giving gifts of wine or various other wine etiquette, is not practiced) so stick to the Chinese beer or hard liquor like Bai jiu for an extra good taste leftover in your mouth.
Attractions to Look For
What are some Beijing attractions, both historical and contemporary? In terms of history, look for the Forbidden City. This museum lets visitors feast their eyes upon the Imperial Chinese court as seen during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Forbidden City has been left untouched to preserve its realism and heritage. Recently, a Starbucks Coffee shop (that had been open inside) was closed down in honor of the restoration of this monument. You can rent an audio tour, which explains various temples and artifacts that you will see. Tiananmen Square is known as the "largest square in the world" and is another historical landmark, first built by Mao to as a response to the Forbidden City. The Temple of Heaven is an historical place that is also home to many ancient trees, earning a reputation for being the greenest area in all of Beijing. Other historical features include the Summer Palace Gardens and the Yonghegong Temple.
For fun, you might try the Beijing Zoo and Aquarium, as well as the Beijing Opera at the Laoshe Tea House. You can shoot Chinese automatic guns and other military weapons at the International Shooting Range or enjoy the full spa treatment-Chinese style-at the Big East Ocean Gymnastic Club. How do you get around in the world's most populated city? You can take the train, bus, taxi, car or even ride the great northern capital by bicycle like many of the locals and tourists do. Find out why everybody loves Beijing-now the official home of the Olympics in Summer 2008! |
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