Laurie

We are planning a two week trip to Beijing in mid-January. It's a business trip for my husband and a sight-seeing trip for myself and our two children, ages 7 months and 4 years. Does anyone have any info. or tips on maneuvering around Beijing with 2 small children? We're planning to hire a guide and a driver, as well. <BR> <BR>Also, does anyone know how acceptable it is to nurse a baby in public? <BR> <BR>Thanks! <BR> <BR>Laurie in Temecula, CA

Cara

Hi Laurie, <BR> <BR>I was in Beijing last fall and had a great time, but I'm not sure about traveling there with young children. Hopefully you and your husband are already used to foreign travel. The city is far more westernized than I had imagined, but still nothing like being in the US. For the most part, it's difficult to find public toilets. Even the Beijing International Airport doesn't have toilets...just holes in the ground. <BR> <BR>We were staying by Embassy Row with a friend who lives there and were able to stop at Starbucks on our way out in the morning. And there's McDonalds scattered throughout the city. <BR> <BR>In terms of children, I don't know how much help I can be, since I have none of my own. I can advise you that it will be very cold during January and you will have to have everyone well bundled since the cold is nothing like what we're used to here in Southern California. I was surprised at what a stir I could cause just by being a blue-eyed blonde...obviously not something some they see everyday. I also have somewhat curly hair and I found that many people would come up and touch my hair as well as ask to take photos with me. So be warned that they might want to take photos with your children. I found that they were very friendly and said that they could recognize us as Americans due to our big smiles. <BR> <BR>I must also warn you that crossing the streets is quite an adventure in itself. Can be quite scary at certain intersections...cars, bicycles from every direction and you just have to run as fast as you can, dodging cars. I wouldn't want to attempt it with a stroller! <BR> <BR>I agree that you should hire drivers for the day. Taxis are very reasonable in Beijing and your hotel should be able to help you negotiate a price for a driver for the day. <BR> <BR>I'm not sure how many things there will be to see that will interest a 4 year old. Summer Palace was one of my favorite visits of the trip. Make sure to go see one of the acrobat shows...very enjoyable and amazing show. <BR> <BR>As far as breastfeeding, I'm not sure if I'd be that bold in a public place. <BR> <BR>I hope I'm not coming across as too negative. I really enjoyed my visit and thought it was a wonderful place to see. I just want to be upfront about some of the problems you might face with young children. <BR> <BR>Feel free to ask anymore questions you may have.

Amy

Laurie -- We travelled with our son in Guangzhou, China when he was nine months (he's also been to Vietnam and several other Asian countries since we live in Hong Kong). The biggest issues are sanitation and car safety. I'd recommend bringing a car seat with you. Few cars have seatbelts so you may wish to have the hotel specially arrange one for you. We sanitized bottles, etc., with a portable travel sterilizer, which worked well and were extra careful with the food he ate. If you stick to nice hotels, then you shouldn't have any problems. <BR> <BR>In Asia, people love to see and hold babies (our son is blond which gave him even more attention). Countless people asked to be photographed with him or to hold him (our friends said it was like traveling with a rock star). We thought this was great fun, but if you are someone who is nervous about having other people hold or touch your child then China may not be for you! <BR> <BR>Breastfeeding is not very common in China and even in Hong Kong it is generally frowned upon in public, although I'd be surprised if anyone said anything to you. I wasn't breastfeeding when we were in China, but in other countries I was generally able to find a secluded place to do so and always had a small blanket with me to cover up as much as possible. <BR> <BR>As Cara said, don't forget that it is going to be VERY cold when you are there. Going to the Great Wall (which is a long ways away) with two children on a snowy day may be a bit of a challenge. However, if you go to Badaling (the closest location) you can take a gondola up to the Wall which cuts down on some of the climbing. <BR> <BR>Let me know if you have any questions. Overall, we've had a wonderful time traveling with a child in Asia.

Andrea

I am an American living in Shanghai, and have been to BJ several times. While I don't have children, I think that the biggest issues will be food and bathrooms/sanitation. <BR> <BR>If your 4 year old is not a very adventurous eater, you may want to pack lots of snacks with you from the states, and a box of Ziplocs. The snacks available in stores along the street and even in the hotel shop might not be your first choice. It's not ALL dried squid, but it might not be easy to find things your child will like (Oreo's and Chips Ahoy are plentiful, though!) Although the McDonald's and KFC's are abundant, they can be hard to find when you need one! <BR> <BR>I think that you will have a wonderful time! Beijing has a lot of parks that you can explore, and just walking around the streets will be exciting for all of you. <BR> <BR>I STRONGLY recommend one of those backpacks (front or back) for your baby instead of a stroller. The streets are TERRIBLE to cross, and the sidewalks are EXTREMELY crowded with other pedestrians, parked bicycles, and hawkers, and the pavement can be crumbling. <BR> <BR>I would highly recommend the Hutong tour. Others may deride it as being overly touristy, but if it's not too cold for you, it's a bicycle rickshaw tour through the back alley houses of Beijing. Very interesting, and I suspect your children would like it. You may want to go back to that area on your own and explore it on foot/with a stroller - there are few (if any) cars on the back lanes and it's a world of its own, wonderful for just exploring and getting to know the people. <BR> <BR>Have fun!

Laurie

Thank you to Cara, Amy and Andrea for all of your info and suggestions. I have found out some more info about our trip. Apparently, my husband's company is going to put us up in a 3-bedroom apartment. The good thing is that this will allow us to bring my mother (the granny-nanny) and one of our friends. The downside is that there is no concierge/hotel staff to assist us. However, we will have a car with a driver and a guide. I will be schlepping my 7-month around in his backpack on my back. My four-year old (very blonde/white hair with hazel eyes!) will probably be walking or in a stroller. I hate those "leashes" that parents here in the US use on their children, but feel that I may have to have one for her. Do you think that will be a good idea? She is also a fairly good eater, so I'm hoping that she will enjoy the food. She already eats sushi over here! And, she loves rice! We are definitely going to be bringing a car seat for the baby. <BR> <BR>Thanks again for all your advice and any more you wish to pass my way! <BR> <BR>Laurie in Temecula, CA

Jerald

We have been to BJ twice & last year with our 10 YO grandson. Contact your airline for imput on tours etc. We have used Dragon Air & they had us in a car with an english speaking BJ univ. grad guide & a driver very cheap. The guides are very knowlegeable but brain washed in regards to Tennamin Sq. & oyher political matters. The people do like Americans & love children. My grandson had more photo ops than I did & I am 6'6" & 300#. Go & enjoy the adventure, PS take lots of film & camera batteries

Andrea

The apartment may very well have a full-service staffed help desk (English speaking) - all of them that cater to expatriates do, and I can't imagine that they would put you anywhere else. If you can tell me the name I can find out for you. <BR> <BR>As silly as it sounds, I would ask someone (either your guide or the apartment staff) to write on a piece of paper for you "Please bring the rice with the other dishes." Otherwise you will get it absolutely last. Also be sure to buy a guide that has typical dishes written in English, pinyin, and Chinese characters. This will allow you to order by pointing, which can be the most efficient. <BR> <BR>I am with you on hating those leash-things, but to be honest, it probably is a good idea. The streets can be REALLY crowded - my husband and I lose EACH OTHER frequently and have to call one another on our cell phones! I think they're relatively cheap, so it wouldn't hurt to just tuck one in your daypack and then just bring it out as you think you need it. You'll be right up there on the list of Best Things to Stare at with the blonde hair AND the leash!!! <BR> <BR>Don't forget to go to one of the parks very early one morning (6:30 to 7). I can't remember the name, but there's a famous one that's on a hill overlooking the Forbidden City. It's one of my favorite activities - lots and lots of people doing their exercises, ballroom dancing, flag dancing, etc. <BR> <BR>Feel free to send me an e-mail if you have any other questions.

Emily

Make plans for what you will do if (God forbid!) one of your children should fall ill. We took a tour last year with a couple whose 3-year old daughter became seriously ill and I remembered how terrified they were when they were faced with unfamiliar medical facilities, as well as trying to communicate with the staff in a language that they didn't speak.

Andrea

About illnesses - There is at least one private hospital in BJ for foreigners, geared towards the expat/diplomat community. I haven't been to the one in BJ, but the one in SH is wonderful - just like a clinic in the US. Just get the number ahead of time. The American Chamber of Commerce in Beijing should be able to help you find their phone number.

Andrea

About illnesses - There is at least one private hospital in BJ for foreigners, geared towards the expat/diplomat community. I haven't been to the one in BJ, but the one in SH is wonderful - just like a clinic in the US. Clean, modern equipment, primarily American staff. Just get the number ahead of time. The American Chamber of Commerce in Beijing should be able to help you find their phone number.