Someone in a response to one of my inquiries said to skip the Chinese Opera and Peking duck (in Beijing) which is one of the tours offered us, but rather try to see an acrobatic performance of some kind. Has anyone been to one of these in Beijing and, if so, where and how?

Any major hotels in Beijing can book the tickets for you. I did it through Song He Hotel, where I was staying. You will enjoy the acrobatic show better than the Chinese Opera and Peking duck. And if you like shopping, go to the "pearl market". They sell everything here. It's really cool. There is also a night market not too far (about 10-minute walk) St. Joseph Cathedral. Make sure you really "bargain". Enjoy your trip.

Thanks for your reply J. You mention the night market. I gather it is safe to wander at night in Beijing since you suggest doing this. Considering the temp. at night right now, is the night market well attended? Is the Pearl Market easy to find?

Hi Rita, I was in Beijing in May of this year. It took me about 10 minutes on foot from Song He Hotel (located behind St. Joseph Cathedral) to the night market. I was alone and felt perfectly safe. Not sure if they'll even have it at this time of the year. As for the "pearl market", it is an indoor shopping center, about 5 or 6 stories. It's kind of out of the way so I took a cab there. I had the people at the hotel write down "pearl market" in Chinese and handed it to the cab driver. There is a KFC not too far away. I enjoyed the "pearl market" so much I even went back the next day. "Pearl market" is not the official name of this shopping center though. They sell nothing but pearls on the top 2 floors. I really don't know its official name but I saw lots of tourists shopping here. You really have to bargain here. Are you going to Shanghai also?

Again, thanks for reply. We are w/tour and only going to Beijing and Xian. First time trip and decided to do it touristy. Wished now we had done the Yangtze River trip but can do that at a later date. Will let you know how we do at "market."