What to do in Beijing?

With an Author Name like that, I'd suggest that the first thing you do is to stop being so cocky.

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LieutenantObvious wrote:

With an Author Name like that, I'd suggest that the first thing you do is to stop being so cocky.

I'm not taking any advice from a Lieutenant.

You'll have a great time. I'd suggest the summer palace, forbidden city and Tianeman, and definitely take a trip out to the wall at Baolin, it's more impressive than you can imagine. There is a nice area around the lake by the Forbidden City with lots of bars And restaurants. People are fantastic, very friendly although hardly anyone can speak English. Still felt safe as houses everywhere I went. Food is great, and I'd suggest trying a hotpot somewhere. The only thing to be wary of is the traffic which is INSANE. Don't even think about trying to cross a road, but if you are feeling brave take a taxi trip, it's quite 'exciting '!

I was there in the winter, and would recommend getting a good hotel with a treadmill. Be sure to bring the best facemask you can find, but even still avoid walking around outside. They say that every day you are there is like smoking several packs of cigarettes, so I would stay as little time as possible.

If you get lucky with the pollution, then the Forbidden City, Great Wall, etc., are all worth seeing. But Beijing is the dirtiest city I've ever seen. (Delhi is apparently catching up, but I found Beijing was worse.)

Visit Tiananmen square and handout pro democracy fliers....

Chicken McNuggets. Every day.

First, find a 5 star hotel ON or near the subway line (runs from the airport) AND is within blocks of the Forbidden City/Tianamen Square. Hotels are inexpensive in Beijing and the 5 star hotels actually have workout rooms with decent equipment. Chinese people do NOT exercise....so don't expect to find a workout room unless you go to a nice hotel. Download the subway map online and pick a hotel that you can get to by taking the subway from the airport. Cabs are cheap but traffic is horrible. You'll take a bus/tour to the Great Wall and one trip on their freeway system is enough for any visit to Beijing.

Three days there will be more than plenty

1 - run around Forbidden City, Tiananmen Sq, and go into the park next to the complex. The mornings in the parks there are very interesting. Everyone is out 'exercising' in a variety of different ways. It's a cultural experience. Get up early and run that area. Yes, it's horribly polluted. Did you not expect Beijing to be polluted? You just need to get over the air issues.

That same day, go do the walking tour at Forbidden City.

At night, make reservations for a Peking Duck dinner

2 - Take a tour out to the Great Wall. There is a combination Ming Tomb/Great Wall tour that is popular. Takes a full day but well worth it.

3 - Take a Houtongs tour of the old areas of Beijing. Fly out.

Stay away from street transport...use the subway. It's really easy to figure out and inexpensive. Don't expect anyone to help you find your way. The 5 star hotels will have English speaking staff to help you before you leave the hotel or if you want to make dinner reservations. TAKE THE HOTEL card with you wherever you go in the event you get lost....you can hand a cab driver the hotel card to get back to your hotel. Do not expect the cab drivers to know where they are going. They will not. Don't expect them to know street names, etc. They will most likely call the hotel and ask for directions if you're lost.

Some of the Olympic venues are still available to see but without events at them, they're not all that impressive. The Bird Cage is near the Hutongs so you can hit both of those on the same day......

I've been to Beijing several times. Make sure you eat the local cuisine but stay away from the water...they will have water bottles in your hotel.

Also, cash is a good idea for everything you do. I wouldn't be handing out a credit card for anything. It's China. The only thing they know is cash...and taking yours. Theft is not a problem but they lie about everything. It is a strong part of their culture.

OP, what are you doing about tickets? I'm going as well, and I'm wondering whether I can just wait until I get there or whether I should try and order online in advance.