Holiday Inn Temple Of Heaven, Beijing

Advantages: wonderful architecture and culture
Disadvantages: just a long way away

...Yes, China really does welcome you. I have just returned from a long holiday in China and Beijing was my starting point. What a clean city and what nice people. Hotels were much better than expected and the food was a little different than we are used to but it was always hot with plenty of fresh vegetables. No tummy problems here provided you do not drink tapwater. Beijing. Fabulous. Do not miss the Temple of Heaven, Tian a men square, The Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City and much more. Buy your mementoes on the way out not the way in. They will be much cheaper. If you cannot buy something for half price you have not haggled enough.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Lots of tourist attractions, good souvenirs, great experience.
Disadvantages: A big culture shock, food not very nice.

...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... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: To Have Been There
Disadvantages: No Wild Birds

..., queuing to have a meal. The afternoon of day five we were to fly from Beijing to Shanghai on an internal flight for the next stage of our holiday but on the way to the airport that morning there was one more stop en route to The Temple of Heaven where emperors held their religious ceremonies. But again we were 'Minged' out as we felt culturally drained and all agreed that we were looking forward to our overnight stay in Shanghai and then boarding our river boat, The Victoria Rose, at Yuhan for a relaxing eight night cruise up the River Yangtze. Oh how we were to recall those words 'relaxing' in the days to come! Visiting China is a totally 'foreign' experience and by day two I had forgotten what England was like. Beijing is a vibrant, warm and friendly city and I envy anybody who is planning to go there for the Olympics. They will have... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful