Hi all,

Unfortunately my next trip I will be on my own in Beinjin from the 15-20th. I will have appointments (not taking all day but most of it) and I need some reccommendations to keep me from going crazy on my own in the evenings. I am staying near the pearl market and can entertain myself a while there shopping but the hassle on my own makes me leave earlier than if I had a pal.

Where is nice to go out shopping or wandering in the evenings alone?

Also can you reccommendsome places to east more western style where I will not be uncomfortable alone. I.E. not a sport bar as i do not want hassle from guys. I have a few Chinese places i will eat at by after Japan (I am there for the week before) i want some moreish food like Italian etc. and not Pizza Hut ANy reccommodatipons for a spa I was going to see if there is a dragon fly in Beijing or a similar recommendation would be great.

Thanks in advance! I just want to plan so i do not get stir crazy on my own!

There are DragonFly spas in Beijing:


http://www.dragonfly.net.cn/pages/press.htm



http://www.dragonfly.net.cn/pages/hours.htm

Thanks! There are two newr my hotel so I may book an afternnon for myself when I arrive and hit a tailor before.

I think you are worrying needlessly. I spent a week alone in Beijing. Any slight hassles (and there were very few) had more to do with being a non-Chinese-speaking foreigner and not because I was a single female.

For wandering around at night, one area that I thought was nice was the "back lake" district north of the FC.

But I have no idea about western restaurants..

I have been to shanghai before but I like to have a drink in the evening but to be honest no matter where I go if you stay too long in the hotel bar as a woman alone you get the usual hassle it just happens. Most times I can take casual conversation bu5 I am married and not interested in guys in hotel bars. Love to chat to people but on my own I am more wary.

If I want hassle I drop into the Pearl Market and if jet lagged usually run out as i can't hack it. Those gals are grab my sleeve too much when I am too tired to interact/haggle and try to walk away while smiling.

I just do not want to sit in eatching TV. I will check the events guides closed to Oct and any business networking events thay may be on then as i would be interested to meet some expats living there.

What is the back lake area like? Is it just scenic?

It is a very scenic, very peaceful (for China) area just north of the FC. It seems to be a nightlife center, as when I went there (to eat in the Hakka restaurant, Lao Cai) I noticed that there were many bars and restaurants and lots of people out strolling. The area is strung with lights and looks very pretty at night. I am really no expert, having been only once to Beijing, but I am sure others will tell you more...

Also, you can always walk around the Oriental Plaza mall and look at the shops and then eat at a place like South Beauty or Made in China. I stayed close to that mall and so ended up there on several evenings. The duck at MIC is superb!

Hi,
Are you talking 15th -20th of October? I arrive on the 17th and am also alone. Wouldn't mind a companion for dinner, however I am not interested eating in Western style restaurants. You can e-mail me backchannel [email protected] if you would like to get together.

Yes I am there then. Don't get me wrong I love Chinese but can plan that western meal on my own! After a week I start to crave some comfort food and enjoy the food in China as its more choice on every level that in Dublin where I live. I also did not want to sit an a fancy hineseplace on my own for a whole meal...I just get bored. NY woman will mail you over the weekend. Great to hear you will be over. IS it your first trip?

Siobhan -

I should be arriving in Beijing on Oct. 12 and stay until Oct. 18. I would like to meet up for dinner etc. I will be solo. I am interested in Chinese food.

Please let me know your hotel. I am putting this trip together at the last minute.

NY Woman -

I will email you via gmail also.

Thanks.

Lisa

I just flew back from Beijing (trip report to come) and one thing I noticed that most of the massage places were open late in the evening (like midnight or even later). At first I thought that was a bit weird and wondered what type of "services" they were providing but it seemed quite standard. There was one that both my hotels recommended for foot massage (which I think is reflexology which I was curious to try) - it is located in the bldg next to the Pennisula Hotel. I didn't have the time to do it but I went and checked it out and it looked very nice and there were plenty of normal looking people in there.

There are a few and yes open late but I am going to a "spa" place that is open late and more ladies oriented. Blind foot massages are supposed to be the best in my Chinese friends opinion. I just prefer a lady massause. There are some dodgy places for "special" massages I am told but most are normal massage places. Love to see your report!

Saul can you liaise with NY woman and we can try to do something for a dinner maybe. My days are full with work. looking forward to getting out of Dublin.

S

Lisa, I mailed NYwoman and let us know love to meet up for a social meal. will need it at that point I am there 15-20th Oct. I did not see your name at the bottom of your post....thought you were a fella!