Beijing with reluctant hubby!
 

We are thinking of adding Beijing (in addition to HK) as a stopover on a Circle Pacific. I have always wanted to visit mainland China but my husband isn't that keen, though he loves HK. We won't have enough miles left to fly anywhere within China except the one stop. From reading these boards it Looks as Beijing is the choice. Considering finding a 'land only' portion of a tour to explore China, as this would solve the language problem, but will probably be too expensive on our budget. If we don't choose this option how difficult would it be to see the sights on our own? Or hire an English speaking guide when we arrive? Would this be an expensive option? Any suggestions appreciated.
Thanks, Lin.

Lin, seeing the sights in Beijing is not at all difficult - we certainly didn't feel the lack of a guide and in fact I think we'd have found having one just an unnecessary impediment. The only tour we took was a day out to the Great Wall and the Ming Tombs, which are some way out of town. There have been many threads on this forum dealing with what to see in Beijing, how to get around, etc., and rather than repeat all that advice I suggest you run a search using the box above and run through the most relevant ones. Providing you have a good city map and written directions for taxi drivers, Beijing is easy.

I hope your husband becomes a convert during his stay - this is a great opportunity to see a little of a fascinating, richly diverse country in transition and well on the way to becoming the world's No. 1 economic power within the next 15 years.

Our two daughters have been living in a provincial city of China for three years, and recently revisited Beijing after a year's absence for a friend's wedding. They were blown away by how much it had changed in just that short time, at least in terms of their favourite pursuit, the nightlife.

Thanks Neil, He seems to be coming around a bit, I think it's his love of 'something for nothing' (a visit that wouldn't be happening without the miles to use up on the CP fare!). We did HK on the way home from visiting the kids in Singapore and while I'm sure I'd have never talked him into a trip specifically to HK he/we both loved it even tho it was in the midst of the SARS outbreak! I have done a search as you suggest and once I digest it all I will be in a better position to ask more specific questions. I am trying to figure out six weeks in NZ so at times it all seems a bit like TMI!
Cheers, Lin

Hi

My wife and I went to Beijing a couple of years back. I was quite surprised by Beijing and it had lots more to offer than expected. I have posted a trip report with pictures on my homepage http://gardkarlsen.com/china_beijing.htm. Maybe you can get an impression of what to expect there. Have a great trip.

Regards
Gard
Stavanger, Norway

I would recommend against a 'land only' tour. Beijing is very easy to explore on your own, and most hotels have a tour desk to arrange for the Great Wall tours.
Honestly, I think you'll have a better time if you are on your own. We stayed at a wonderful courtyard B&B on a hutong, it was called Haoyuan hotel. They have a website...