I am traveling to Beijing November 4-11, 2007 with my husband and my mother. We are all first timers to China and are very excited.
What is the typical temperature like during that time?
We are only visiting Beijing and would love some great restaurant suggestions.
For that matter, any suggestions at all or books we should read before going.
We will be seeing all of the major sites.
Thank you.

I was in Beijing last Oct 26 to Nov 11. The mornings were cool and crisp, and then the temperature rose up to 15 - 17 C or so. I wore a zip up kangeroo jacket on top of a tshirt most days, but I did notice that the Chinese wore significantly warmer clothes than I was. I guess it depends what you are used to. It never rained once, but did get very windy for about a day and a half. It was difficult to walk around outside because there was so much dust in the air (from all the construction sites).

I would take the Best of Beijing with you, by Lonely Planet. It is very small, includes maps, site names in chinese characters (very important), and some good restaurant recommendations. There is also a thread here by ekskrunchy, which includes many restaurant reviews. I plan on trying a few of her choices when I go back in a couple of weeks.

November is cool and sometimes is windy,you need to take the warmer clothes.
About the restaurant,don't skip Peking Duck(Quanjude or Dadong) and Hotpot(Donglaishun).

The Lonely Planet Mandarin phrasebook was very helpful. When all else fails, you can politely pull out your book and point to the Chinese characters for the word/phrase you are trying to communicate! The LP one is good because it is small enough to slip into your purse, but has the all-important English-Pinyin-Chinese translations. (While there, I even met a Spaniard who had the same book Spanish-Mandarin. We had fun comparing versions.)

Once we were in China, we found the Insiders Guide to Beijing to be the best guide book for details on shops, restaurants, etc. I mention that we bought it there because I'm not sure where they are sold elsewhere. (www.insiders.com)

Last night we ate at Liqun Roast Duck restaurant in a hutong about 1 mile south from Beijing hotel, reviewed alot in Fodors. This small, rather grubby family run place has wonderful roast duck (and ok imported wine) without the large Hyatt prices. Cost was $52 for 4, which included the wine for $24. If you like a local place, which many celebs have gone to, this is it, although it is a "bones on the floor/table" kinda place. Phone 67055578. As you enter the hutong, don't take up the offers from pedicabs sitting there as you are about 200 feet away.
We come to Beijing often, and hate the touristy big places.

akfuri13,

I am going Nov 30-7 and would love any info you could provide post trip. I just ordered the Luxe guide (restaur, shopping and hotels only), which has been recommended by several Fodor's people. I am fortunate to be staying with expat friends. I should be receiving my book any day now and will be happy to post any good info (and fact check with my friends). Also, feel free to email me at [email protected] and we can compare notes. I am curious about weather, too.

THANKS everyone for the great information.
Has anyone stayed at the Capital Hotel?

JBERNSEN, you mention Luxe guides. Are they really that much better than Lonely Planet or any of the others?

Akfuri, I have lots of eating suggestions in my report which covers a week in Beijing last March. I will top it for you...

Regarding Luxe guides..they are really more llike folders than actual guidebooks..the info within is brief..I found a few tips on shops and restaurants not mentioned in other guidebooks...emphasis in the restaurant section is on the trendy and hip places, so if you are seeking those, you might consider buying the guide..be sure to secure the most recent edition..

JUST BACK FROM OUR TRIP TO BEIJING!!!!
It was more beautiful than we expected. The weather was about 60 degrees Fahrenheit and sunny (smoggy the first two days). I highly recommend the Temple of Heaven. if you are on a tour try and get some free time to walk around yourself. We stayed at the Capital Hotel and LOVED IT! Very clean.