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China - Beijing and the North

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    Beijing, China

China - Beijing and the North in pictures - Beijing

  • Beijing

    On arrival in Beijing, some travellers can be intimidated by the sheer size of the city, the vast expanses of concrete buildings and eight-lane motorways, and the seeming anonymity of finding yourself in such a place. With its history as the political centre during the Ming and Qing dynasties, Beijing has more cultural and historical sites of importance - such as the Forbidden City and the Old Summer Palace - than other large cities such as Shanghai and Guangzhou. Despite being the capital, Beijing still manages to maintain a sense of order and calm, with locals finding time for a chess game with friends in a café, or a pot of tea in the rapidly re-emerging tea houses. Before embarking on your trip to Beijing, it is worth reading up on the etiquette as it is very different to that of the west. For example, whilst in the western world we use our finger to point at someone or something, this would be considered extremely rude in China. If you need to point something out, try to use the whole of your hand or your palm if you can. Also bear in mind that China is still technically under 'Communist Rule' and therefore any political conversations are not a great idea as criticising the government is taken very seriously and can even be punishable by imprisonment. Punctuality is very important so make sure you are always early or at least on time - especially if you are someone's guest. Do not worry too much as in most cases the Chinese will recognize the fact that you are a foreigner and will make exceptions. However, the more you try to respect their culture, the more you will be accepted and the more enjoyable your trip will be!
    Discover Beijing
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In brief +

Weekly budget
unconfirmed
Flight budget
unconfirmed
Flight duration
 
Time difference
+6h / +7h
Visa
Yes
Vaccinations
No
Currency
Yuan Renminbi
Language(s)
Chinese

China - Beijing and the North :

map China - Beijing and the North

Destination overview

A mystical country in the western imagination eversince the explorations of Marco Polo, China is a vast country of traditions so different to our own, that it is essential for the traveller to take his/her time over exploring this fascinating mix of technology and communist dictatorship. Beijing, also known as Peking, is an astonishing capital that seems never to stop developing and at frantic speed. As well as the main places to visit in the city, the mysterious Forbidden City, where the kings of China lived prior to the last dynasty, the Qing dynasty, being overthrown. The famous Tiananmen Square is a must, you have to go on an expedition over the Great Wall, which is close to Beijing. Nearby, a visit to the 7,000 terracotta soldiers and horses of Xi'an will provide a finishing touch to an unforgettable trip.

pros

  •  Discovering the Chinese world is an absolute priority.
  •  The trip has become relatively affordable and easy to plan, in complete safety.
  •  Almost all the provinces are open to the independent traveller.
  •  The Chinese are very likeable with a good sense of humour, particularly in the countryside.

cons

  •  Apart from on the tours taken by tourists, you have to get used to the local standards of hygiene and cleanliness.
  •  The sanitary facilities and toilets are a real problem.
  •  The language is an obstacle that is often difficult to surmount.

China Travel guide

China Holidays in China, All you need to know!

Our Editorial team's advice

Beware of the 'Grand Tours' of China offered in the brochures. Saturation from temple visits, transport fatigue and frustration at not being able to stroll around longer here or there are often causes of disappointment. China is a continent and needs time to visit it properly. It is better to limit your ambitions to one single region. Find a tour operator specialising in organised visits to the area and follow their advice.
A first discovery of China passes imperatively through Beijing and its surroundings. To finish your stay, choose to go visit the town of Chengdu, 5 hours by train to the north-east of Beijing. The trip is an experience in itself, and the old summer residence of the emperors of the 18th century is marvellous, with its palace, its temples of Tibetan influence, its park and serene lake, and its magnificent mountainous environment.
There is nothing worse for someone Chinese than to lose face. Shouting and gesticulating makes people laugh more than anything else, and does not help a situation.
In China, never expect to drink a coffee worthy of the name, as it is a practically unknown beverage. Take freeze-dried coffee in your baggage; there is hot water everywhere.

What should you put in your suitcase?
As long as you avoid taking clothes that are too provocative, the Chinese are not very formal in this respect. You would do better to think practical and light; T-shirts and anoraks can be bought there at low cost. In winter, a thick sweater, warm undergarments, trousers and a thick parka are essential. Cotton clothes are the most comfortable in rainy season, as the heat is intense, and do not forget to take something waterproof and shoes that do not have a problem with water! Regarding medication, the change in food habits can cause stomach problems (and heartburn), so take some pills along, particularly if you are also going to travel through the country. A precaution: photocopies of your passport and identity photos will be very useful to you should you lose any of your documents.

China - Beijing and the North : Reasons to go

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