CHINA
China Destinations
2. Beijing
Beijing is definitely most traveler’s number one choice destination in China. I have been to Beijing a few times myself. As the capital city, Beijing certainly is the political, cultural and economic centre of China. The 2008 Beijing Olympic game have made it more attractive to tourists. Not only stadiums like Bird’s nest, water cube were build for the game, billions of dollars were invested in city’s infrastructure.
If you want to go to Beijing, there is no better time.
History
Beijing has been at the center of China’s cultural and political life for more than seven centuries. The archeological record was found, which shows human settlement in the Beijing area as early as the 11th century BC. By the 8th century AD, the Yan Kingdom established its capital of Yanjing in the area, giving way after the Warring States Period to the Qin Dynasty, which united China in 221 BC.
Bejing gained its prominence in the 13th century AD when it was established as capital of the Yuan Dynasty. Marco Polo was impressed by Beijing, and his tales inspired generations of foreign explorers to seek better trade routes to the East.
History definitely left Beijing with numerous treasures: the Forbidden City, grey brick hutong neighborhoods, Tian’anmen Square, the ancient imperial gardens, Summer Place. You got to stay there for months to be able to see all these attractions.
Nowadays, Bejing is the mix of modern glass concrete sky rise and traditional red
walls and Huntongs.
Attractions and where
Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, the Great Wall, Ming Tomb, Hutong, Lama Temple, Beihai Park, Beijing Capital Museum, Yashow Market and more
Great Wall of China at Badaling: Tourist Bus no. 919, departing from Desheng Men (near Jishuitan Metro Station) heads directly to Badaling. Many arrange transportation from their hotels or via agents. A private driver will give you more flexibility than signing up with a group, but you pay for it.
Bird’s Nest - Beijing National Stadium: Situated in Beijing’s new Olympic Green, the Bird’s Nest canbe accessed via subway Line 10. Get off at Beitucheng Station.
Beijing World Park :Located in Dabaotai, Huaxiang Town, Fengtai District of Beijing, 17 km from Tiananmen Square.
Fragrant Hills Park: 40 Maimai Jie, Haidian District.
Temple of Heaven: Tiantan Lu, Chongwen District. Located several kilometers away from the Forbidden City.
The Forbidden City: 4 Jingshan Qian Jie, Dongcheng District
The Summer Palace: 19 Xinjian Gongmen Lu, Haidian District
Recommended Hotels
There are various hotels in Bejing suit for different budgets. Most hotel chains have built their hotels in Beijing. Price range is from 200yuan to 3000yuan.
The below are the recommended hotels.
Beijing Hilton Hotel
Huandao Boya Hotel
Moonriver Courtyard Hotel
RGHCM Garden Resorts
JW Marriott Hotel Beijing
Beijing Guangming Hotel
Grand Hotel Beijing
Village View Resort
Food & Restaurants
A lot of travelers said, you are wasting your trip if you don’t try the local food. Bejing certainly has the most variety of food and restaurants. These are some traditional or modern Chinese restaurants for you to try
Yu Xiang Yuan
This hotpot chain offers a few twists on the old Chinese favorite. Diners have their own individual hotpots, rather than sharing one, and the emphasis is on beef.
Lu Bo Lang
Give this one a try if you’re interested in the sweeter side of Chinese cuisine, in this case, Shanghainese. The chain claims itself fit for a queen, thanks to Queen Elizabeth’s reputed sampling.
Jin Shan Cheng
This popular Beijing chain has rapidly gained a large following. With at least 24 locations around town, Jin Shan Cheng serves up well-prepared spicy down-home Sichuan fare.
Han Na Shan
Korean barbeque has become a hugely popular dining experience in China, and an experience it most certainly is.
Hangzhou Xin Kai Yuan Da Jiudian
For a taste of a lighter, less spicy Chinese food try this restaurant specializing in Hangzhou cuisine, where spices and sauces play second fiddle to the natural flavors.
Beijing Gong Zheng Wei Restaurant
Although this restaurant is a little bit hard to find (have someone write the address down for you in Chinese), it is well worth the adventure.
Baoyu Wangzi
Baoyu Wangzi, opened by reputable Chef Yang Guanyi and his two favorite apprentices, arguably serves the best Cantonese food in all of Beijing.
Bai Zhou Xiang
Bai Zhou Xiang is a chain restaurant famous for its congee (zhou), a pudding or porridge-like concoction based on rice or other grains—think of it as Chinese comfort food.
There are way too many to list here. You just have to go to those local restaurants to find out yourself.
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