It has always been a dream for me to see the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Tiannamen Square. Now, I have an opportunity, but on very short notice. My husband will be there on business and I can tag along - grandparents are able to watch our 2 young kids, and we have some frequent flyer miles to cover the flight ... so, everything seems to be lining up. EXCEPT, I may need to do some sight seeing on my own, which makes me a bit nervous.

Although I'm Chinese (born/raised in California), I don't speak a spot of Chinese. The language barrier in itself worries me.

How safe is the City?

If I do go, should I book with a group tour for the safety aspect, or would it be ok to go it on my own? I don't look forward to being bussed in a horde of tourists and dragged to the cloissone/pearl factories ...

What to do?

Thanks in advance!

Go and enjoy! October is the best time of year to visit Beijing. You can see all those tourist sites on your own - and the city is very safe. People WILL assume you're Chinese at first sight - once they find you don't speak Chinese they'll think you're from another East Asian country. Bon voyage!

Do not hesitate, GO! You can very readily see the sights you want to see without being in a tour group (take a taxi out to the Great Wall just before sunrise, no crowds,no traffic going out and watch the sun come up. You can always get a guide if you wish at your hotel, from which ,if it is downtown, you can walk to many sites. Beijing is safer than any major city, but watch your purse on buses etc. You may well be noticed as a non local by your clothes, mannerisms etc.

I was in Beijing October 2003, and the weather was magnificent. My husband and I travelled independently without incident. A few afternoons I was on my own, people were polite and helpful. You will love it, and be very proud of your heritage. China is a magnificent country

Go and go on your own! I took my then 8-year old son one October a couple of years ago and did it all on our own. I never felt threatened, although I was wary of possible pickpockets as I would in any metropolitan area. The only trouble we encountered were tour groups in the Forbidden City that were too eager to take our place as we were looking into various pavillions. I used the concierge in the hotel to write out questions/directions in Chinese (the best one was "cheeseburger, only ketchup" for my son's McDonald's lunch one day). We hired a car, driver, and guide through the hotel for a day to go to the Great Wall. The guide was superb and the whole day was quite economical (probably $100). You can also join half-day tours if it gets to be too much on your own. I hope you go and have a joyous time.

http://www.asiatravel.com/china/tours/chinatour.html

Have a look at the above link they have some good day tours and at reasonable prices.