The Peninsula Palace Beijing, Beijing

Advantages: Near lots of tourist sites
Disadvantages: Very Busy

...Beijing is a very different to the all the other cities in the rest of the world. It has changed alot since the end or the Miao reign and has been influenced by western culture a lot. There are still alot of bycles around but not as many as there used to be. No longer are there the comunal toilets where you all share, there are now sperated tolets although some of the Chineese do not shut the toilet doors becuase they like the htought of comunal toilets. Beijing is a very hot place in the summer so keep to the shade. The driving is also very manic, you have do dodge the cars.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average not 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: clean city
Disadvantages: too many people and cars

...Wonderful city lots to see. The Forbidden city is tremendous. The Summer Palace peaceful but tiring (too may steps) The Wall is a not too be missed sight. The traffic is scary especially when the cyclists compete with the cars and buses. you have too just shut your eyes. The Opera is an acquired taste I think. Food very enjoyable. There are lots and lots of people who are very pleasant and kind and just want to please. Sellers are a bit of a nusiance but compared to the ones in Egypt these are polite people, and it there way of making a living. How many people in our country do things they don't want to to earn a living so they're no different At the moment Beijing is like a giant building site lots going on in preparation for Olympic Games in 2008. Lots of new apartments. If it all gets too much go for an early morning tai chi... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful