Personal Suggestions about Beijing Travel 

Being a foreigner who has visited Beijing many times, I would say Beijing is really a must for a China tour, although I had some bad experience during my stay in Beijing. Hereunder, I’d like to put forward some suggestions for those who are planning to tour Beijing especially for those who are planning to travel by themselves.

Food: Beijing Roasted duck does worth a try, though you may regret for having it. There is a dime a dozen of restaurants selling roasted duck in Beijing, but only a few of them could offer you authentic roasted duck such as Quanjude and Bianyifang.

Accommodation: You'd better not stay at the hotel the taxi drivers suggested, or you will possibly pay for more, since you may have to pay additional fees for the taxi derivers' middleman's fee. The best way is to book the hotel in advance. Meanwhile, you'd better choose a regular hotel in order to be safe, which can refer to the comments on the website of a reliable agency.

Transport: It is not safe to take a taxi at the railway station or airport, since the taxi drivers there are a rather motley group, you are possibly be cheated. You should take the subway or the airport shuttle bus to the city and then take a taxi to your hotel.

Must-see Attractions: Great Wall (Badaling, Simatai, Jinshanling & Mutianyu), Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven. If you can get up early, I advise you the dawn flag raising ceremony at the Tiananmen Square which is really magnificent.

Shopping: Some shopping areas of Beijing are also good for sightseeing such as the Xiushui Street Wangfujing, Xidan, and Panjiayuan. You'd better not buy souvenirs at the scenic spots. I advise you buy them at any of the shopping areas above. Meanwhile, be aware that bargaining is a rule at many markets and back-street small stores in Beijing. The initial price offered by the seller is usually at least 40% over (or even 50% over for foreigners) the general price acceptable that the seller could sell it.

Entertainment: Beijing Opera is inevitable if you want to learn Beijing culture more. Although you may not understand it, you may feel it with heart. If you don't like the noise in the theater, you may go to Sanlitun Bar Street to have a cup of coffee or alcohol. At daytime, you may also go to the libraries or the universities to learn about Beijing and China if you are tired of the scenic spots.

Wow! Pictures of My Beijing Trip:

Badaling

Forbidden City in Beijing

summer palace

Wangfujing Dajie