Lots of tourist attractions, good souvenirs, great experience .
Disadvantages:
A big culture shock, food not very nice .
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
If you want culture shock, visit Beijing. The first thing you notice is the number of bicycles. Our guide told us that the main crime in Beijing is bicycle theft! They are everywhere, on roads, parked up, everwhere you look there are masses of them. That's along with the regular traffic you'd expect to see in any major city. Then you notice the electric hookups for the bus system. Most of the busses in Beijing are electric powered, which looks quite strange. The thing which shocked me most though was the unfriendliness of the people. Apart from the guides and shopkeepers, everyone was curt and abrupt and nobody ever smiled! Beijing is an excellent base to visit tourist places such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace and Ming Tombs.
On a positive note, however, the standard of the hotel was excellent. I stayed in the 4 star Capital Hotel, and it was the nicest hotel I've ever stayed in, with standards equal to or better than Western hotels. I believe that all hotels in Beijing are of an equally high standard. Also, it is excellent for shopping. Jade and silks are the best buys and you can pick these up very cheaply if you shop in the right places.
There is no nightlife. You can go out for a meal if you are brave enough to risk the traffic or there is organised entertainment such as acrobats.
More details
Sightseeing
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