China - beijing

Advantages: Lots to see and do, the great wall, Forbidden City
Disadvantages: Pollution, not the best weather in March, people spitting everywhere

...Nikki, and I took to China (Beijing, Xi’an and Hong Kong) in the period from March 15th to March 29th 2003. We first spent 7 days in Beijing and we got to see the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace and so on. From Beijing we took an overnight train to Xi’an and our main goal there was to see the Terra-Cotta Warriors but we also got to see a few other things. And from Xi’an we flew to the city of Shenzhen and from ...
...we thought about going to China and as luck would have it we ended up in Florida instead :-). Well, this time around we were more determined and we wanted to go to China before the preparations for the Olympics in 2008 ”ruin” the city of Beijing. We also wanted to see the Terra-Cotta Warriors in Xi’an and we have also always wanted to see Hong Kong and that is how we came up with our travel plan. The tickets for the trip were bought through Kinareiser ... Read review

Advantages: Great people, fabulous food
Disadvantages: Pollution levels high, extremes of temperature

...the Lonely Planet Guide to China - I think there is even one that concentrates on Beijing - this provides invaluable information on places to viist, how to get around the city and has a language guide for emergencies. Getting there A number of airlines fly to Beijing. I recommend Air China, which is cheap, clean and direct. BA is frankly over-priced and Virgin Atlantic flies only to Shanghai. Shop around, prices can vary enormously from travel agent ...
...people come back from China complaining about the food.The trouble is that most people visit Beijing as part of a tour and therefore have to rely on their guides for food. Certain restaurants are targetted for tourists and unfortunately tend to provide banquet-style food as a mark of respect. Banquet-style food usually includes unusual dishes that don't really suit the western palate, such as chicken's feet and pig's trotters. Everyday Chinese food ... Read review

Advantages: interesting, famous and exciting
Disadvantages: lots of poverty, toilets, dirty.

...whole time in Beijing and China I never had to use a whole in the ground thank goodness!!! As is the culture there, people don't seem inhibated when it comes to going to the loo and often leave the doors open. Take your own supply of tissues in your bag and wet wipes. We went in April-the temperature was warm-ish about 16C and humid. In the winter it snows. Enjoy your visit! ... Read review

Advantages: Lots to see
Disadvantages: pollution, noise on the streets, busy

...Every meal you eat in China will be delicous. We only ate chinese food, and you can taste so much variety. If you get the chance try sweet potatoes, both kinds! My favorite sweet potatoe was a normal potato cooked and dipped in caramal - delicious, and very sweet. You will always get rice with your meal in chinese reatuarants as this is what the westerners know. Anybody can enjoy China, i went with my college, and was really nervous, but by the ... Read review

Advantages: Great sights
Disadvantages: Beggars

China is a place you will either love or hate, I spent ten days there centered in Beijing last year. There are plenty of place to visit, if you like looking at temples. I don't mean this to sound bad it's just that I got bored after the first dozen. They are all very beautiful, and set in lucious tropical gardens. This country has plenty of history, which goes back for thousands of years. the one thing you must do if you go to CHina, is walk along ...
...seven wonders of the world, but beware it gets very steep in parts. Try out the local markets, they sell beautiful silk kimono's, I bought one which cost me approximately £5! they also have a lot of Chinese style pottery. Not really a souvenir I know, but you can also pick up Nike trainers for around £5 a pair as they are made out there. Do not be tempted to go just for the food, most of it is nothing like what you get from your local takeaway ... Read review

Advantages: a refreshing change
Disadvantages: none that I have found

...Is there anybody out there who actually enjoys airports? Personally I find them an anathema. It may be your scene if you like milling around amongst strange smelling people, looking at dust and rubbish, the aroma of fast food, shops that fail to excite or ones that you can afford. As for duty free's do you not find it hard to locate a bargain? What has this to do with Beijing airport? well not a lot perhaps but China has just replaced its old airport for a brand new variety. Big, airy, and oh so clean. China has a thing about cleanliness in public places and this airport is no exception. Almost worth a visit on its own.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: clean
Disadvantages: airport fee, too many check points

...One of the most important thing about using Beijing airport is that you need some loose change. The aiport tax is around 10 pounds. If you don't have it then you're a bit stuck also it is checked twice. There are so many hurdles you have to go across and on every check point the queues are fairly long. It is a good idea to arrive early for your flight because there are also a few forms to fill in. Once you have on past all the check points you will find that the atmosphere is quite present and very clean and spacious.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: very convinent
Disadvantages: a little expensive

...beijing city is an old and famous city in the world . and now many good hotel locate there . yong an hotel is one of the hotel i had a stay before . capacious building ,clean floor and excellent facility make it one of the wonderful hotel in beijing ,even in china. living in the hotel the workers gave me a satified servce .if you have so many luggages,you can can call the hotel to arrange the car to pick you,but it is a must that you should book a room when you leave for beijing.if you would like to a translator,not worry,you can ask the workers in the hotel to help you find one, it is free. i think all of these will make you feel at home. so that i recomend this hotel to you from the bottom of my heart. may you a good trip... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful