I am going to Beijing for 4 days and then to Hong Kong. We are scheduled to see the Great Wall, Forbidden City, & Houtongs. I've done some research but want to know what you would consider "Must-see". I also know about the water, uncooked fruit and vegetables, etc., but how safe is it to drink coffee and tea? I love my morning coffee! Has anyone ever had trouble with their contact lenses? Should I wash my hands with bottled water before handling my contacts? Also, I want to pack light, but will have some formal events as well as outdoor touring in both Beijing and Hong Kong. The clothing I have covered, but what about coats? I don't want to have to pack 4 coats. Any information is greatly appreciated! <BR>Thanks! <BR>Amber

Amber: I've been travelling in China as well as Hong Kong. Don't worry to much about food. Nothing to worry about. You might stay in quite a "western" style hotel and will find what you need. Of course, in Asia we say: peel it, cook it or forget in. No problem with hot beverages at all. You might feel unwell after a meal like you to at home as well some time. But nothing to worry about. Great Wall is impessive indeed. I was there in winter with snow on it. But crowded like everywhere. Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, Beijing Zoo, all that is wonderful. But it is a different world. I do not know where you live, I am Swiss and used to all sorts of comfort. I did not miss much. But only one word I have to mention it), when you go to public places restaurants and so on, the ladies (or gentlemen's room) is NOT what we are used to. Have Kleenex tissues with you. Hong Kong is no problem for Western people. You will find whatever you are looking for. It's just different in Asia, that's all. ok? Come back if you need further information. Have a great trip! <BR>PS: For wheater info you can check on yahoo weather. I don't konwo when you are going. Take a wool jackets and a light raincoat with you.

A lot of your questions really depend on what time of the year you will go. <BR> <BR>Contacts are most often a problem in Beijing and Hong Kong both due to smog. You need not worry about cleaning them/putting them on if you wash your hands in warm/hot water under a tap. <BR> <BR>Here's my list of favorite places in order of preference: <BR> <BR>1. Great Wall at Simatai, Mutianyu, then Badaling <BR>2. Summer Palace <BR>3. Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) <BR>4. Fragrant Hills Park <BR>5. Lama Temple (Yong He Gong) <BR>6. Beihai Park <BR>7. White Cloud Temple <BR>8. Forbidden City <BR>9. Ming Tombs <BR> <BR>Shopping and eating places are another set of favorite places. <BR> <BR>If you've seen pandas, don't waste your time on the zoo. Also, there are sometimes tours of the Great Hall of the People. If you can go in, it is well worth the entrance fee.

To answer questions brought up by these replies, I am going the first week of April and I live in Western New York, USA. I will be staying at the Capital Hotel in Beijing but don't want to waste a lot of time at the hotel when there is so much for me to see. Thank-you, Ursula, for the public toilets info. I know there are differences but haven't found any actual descriptions. Any of this sort of information is greatly appreciated as I want to get the most out of my trip by being as prepared and informed as possible before I go. Michael, if you wouldn't mind, I'd love to hear the eating and shopping recommendations also. Thanks!!! Amber

I've been to Beijing a number of times and I, too, just LOVE my morning coffee! No problem -- the hotels and restaurants used boiling water to make their coffee and tea and they also provide a thermos of boiling water in your hotel room which is quite safe to drink. <BR> <BR>I wear contact lenses as well, and have had no problem with cleaning them in the local water. I also use tap water to brush my teeth -- I just wouldn't drink the water from the tap. <BR> <BR>Your biggest problem will be finding a clean public restroom. I carry a packet of tissues and handiwipes or a bottle of anti-bacteria hand gel with me at all times. Apart from your hotel room, you can't count on the fact that there will be either toilet paper or soap in the public restrooms.

I will be in Beijing April 11-14 and am wondering about clothing. I assume casual pants are OK for women at the tourist sites, but what about dining out and, especially, attending a performance of the Peking Opera? Do I need to take a really nice dress and heels? I have read that one should wear old clothes and shoes in Beijing because the streets are so dirty. Is this true? <BR> <BR>Looking forward to good advice!

Hi, Thanks for all the great info. my husband and I are going to China in late Sept. My problem is that I have emphysema and am concerned about air pollution, strenuous exercise such as steep climbs, long stairs, etc. Any helpful info. will be greatly appreciated.

The pollution is pretty bad in most major cities. In addition, the Chinese seem to feel that anything worth seeing should be put on top of the highest hill around so that you can appreciate the effort that it takes to get up there! (Yes, I'm exaggerating -- but the fact is that you will probably be faced with quite a few steps and stairs.)

Public restrooms are far from clean and luxurious. Most of the places just have you pee in a whole in the ground...not even toilets at the Beijing International Airport. Just plan on not drinking too much when you're out and about and you'll be fine. <BR> <BR>As for must sees...I'd definitely opt for the Summer Palace and taking in an acrobat show. <BR> <BR>As for wearing old shoes and clothes...Beijing is not as dirty as everyone indicates and is actually quite westernized. <BR> <BR>Enjoy!

Add to your list of must-see's an early (6:30 - 7 am) walk to a park to see the people doing tai chi, ballroom dancing, etc. (and you can even participate if you want). I also second the nomination for an acrobatic show. <BR><BR>In terms of packing, the bigger problem than coats is HK vs. BJ. It depends on your personal preferences about being under/overdressed, but HK is MUCH, MUCH more cosmopolitan than BJ. The standard of living is of course much higher in HK, and the people are known for being stylish/fashion conscious. In the downtown areas of HK, people will be dressed just as they would in a nice area of a large US city. <BR><BR>For your formal events, well, you'll need formal wear and a nice coat (even nicer in HK than in BJ, although in my opinion it's pretty hard to be overdressed if it's understated). <BR><BR>For touristing around town, BJ will be much more casual than HK. It totally depends on your personal style - certainly, you can wear the same clothes/style in the 2 cities, but I personally always will always pack for the "dressier" locale. <BR><BR>On the days you do the Great Wall &amp; HuTong tour, you'll want to be more casual &amp; comfortable, but other than that, you'll be fine whether you go casual or nice trousers &amp; shirt.