Just back from Beijing
 

I just got back from a one-week organized tour (through Pacific Delights) of Beijing. It was a great trip. Stayed at the Palace Hotel in Beijing, which is very nice and in a great location (walking distance to the Forbidden City). The shoppers in my group seemed to find the best bargains at the Pearl Market (which sells everything). A lot of people bought individual pearls which they had strung while they waited - for a good price. I really enjoyed the Great Wall - hired a driver to take me to the Wall at Simatai which was really spectacular and had virtually noone there, compared to Badaling. If you have any questions, just ask. <BR>Martha <BR>

Hi Martha: I'm going to Beijing in June and wondered what the taxi cost from there to the Great Wall? Where did you pick it up from? The hotel? Can you get bus tours at the big hotels to the Great Wall? Is Beijing expensive? Is bottled water easy to get? Carolyn

Hi Carolyn <BR> <BR>The taxi cost is, and this is negotiable , I negotiated $400.00 RMB's which is about $48.00 US. You can catch a taxie anywhere in Beijing. They have 3 prices of taxie, $1.20 , $1.40, and $1.60 that is the cost per kilometer. It cost $10.00 to get in and $1.20 per kilometer. One RMB is about .12 cents. You will not pay very much. You do not have to tip the taxie driver. I would say , but most open minded. Beijing is one of the most beauitful cities in the world. Enjoy your trip. If you are leaving in June it will be hot , most probably about 30 degrees or around 85 to 90 F. humid , but pleasant. I loved it. Study a little of mandarin. I would suggest you go to lonleyplanet.com and buy a mandarin phrase book . simple words like Ni Hao. ( Hello) or Ziajian (good bye ) are most useful. I took mandarin for six month prior to going. It did me little good, but it is useful. , I also recommend Xi'an, Stay at the Belltower hotel. most reasonable and right in the center of town. Anyway , enjoy your trip. you will not be dissapointed. <BR> <BR>Rich

Carolyn - <BR> <BR>I found Beijing to be fairly cheap - the taxis certainly are. I stayed at the Palace Hotel, which I thought was great. Very good service, nice room and amenities, several restaurants and a business center that is open 24 hours a day. It is also walking distance to the Forbidden City and several shopping areas, including local markets. Bottled water was left every day at the hotel, but it also easy to find in local markets. I was on a tour and asked the tour guide to arrange a driver to take me to the Great Wall at Simatai. That costs 600 Yuan ($73) for the entire day. The hotel concierge also arranged trips for people, as well. There are alot of nice things to buy (and I'm not a shopper), so be sure to take extra luggage. Have fun. <BR>Martha <BR> <BR>

Hi Martha, <BR> <BR>I'm planning a trip to China for late January. My husband has to travel there on business, so our family is planning to go with him. We'll be bringing our two children, a 7-month old and a four-year old. My four-year old has travelled pretty extensively, but this would be the 7-month old's first trip. We'd probably be staying at the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza, which is near the Forbidden City. Do you think Beijing is "doable" with children or are we just crazy? <BR> <BR>Thanks! <BR> <BR>Laurie

I'm not sure if I would agree with the recommendation for the Belltower Hotel in Xi'an. I stayed there in the fall, and found it to be less than comfortable. The beds were horrible, there was only hot water available a few hours of the day and the staff was far from pleasant. If you can afford it, the Hyatt is a much nicer facility.

Laurie - <BR> <BR>In terms of children in China - the Chinese people love children. So once you get there, you will be well received, I would think. The problem may be getting there. The flights are long and tough, especially with young children. My flight from Detroit non-stop to Beijing was about 14 hours over, and 12 hours back. Add to that the inevitable delays - my flight from Detroit to Beijing was delayed 6 hours on the ground due to mechanical problems (we were supposed to leave at 4 p.m. and left at 10:30 to 11 p.m. instead) - it can be a long trip for little ones, and especially their parents. Once you are there, I think you'll have a great time. <BR>Martha <BR>

Laurie, <BR> <BR>Late January is very cold in Beijing. If you go to the Great Wall, make sure to wear a lot of clothes. <BR> <BR>The Chinese New Year will be on January 24 to 26. Chinese people usually rested up to a week. The entire China closed down for the festival. You might be in trouble if you are in China around that time.