Beijing Travel Forum

Hi All,

I am planning to visit Beijing for the first time ever. I have never been to China but I would like to spend one of my coming vacations there. My main interests are relaxing, SPA treatment, and shopping.

But I am a bit worried because I have never been to China but have heard a lot of stereotypes. So I would like to ask you guys some questions to help me decide on this visit, or cancel it.

I have 10 questions, you don't have to answer them all. Just answer the ones that you think you have the background for it.

1- Beijing is a large city. I don't want to book in a nice hotel from the internet then discover that it is away from all the attractions, and have to spend most of my time in transportation. What are the areas that you recommend me to live in? Are there any nice and luxurious hotels that you advice me to try?

2- Would an English speaker face a difficult time in Beijing? Will I be able to get around, talk to taxi drivers, bargain in shops, order food, and ask for directions in English?

3- I am interested in SPA treatment and pampering myself. Can you recommend a SPA or a resort?

4- Where can I find interesting electronics and products that would make great gifts?

5- Is food an issue? Are international fast food chain easy to spot and find?

6- Do you recommend a certain restaurant that I should not miss visiting?

7- Do you recommend a certain attraction that I should not miss visiting?

8- What about markets/mall? Which ones should I never miss?

9- Would you like to warn me about anything? Any places to avoid? Any habits to avoid? Any people to avoid?

10- Any other tips/suggestions?

Thanks guys.

VidER

why China/? maybe you mean you would like to go to Prague (SPA) or Thailand (Electronics)
I think China is better if you are interested in the Chinese people and their culture, their historic places and their scenery.
YOu don't mention that at all in your post... just curious as to why you want to go to China.

Above two posters are right on.
I'd like to add a few answers if I may....but, before I do so, I'll address the following part of your opening statement: "But I am a bit worried because I have never been to China but have heard a lot of stereotypes. So I would like to ask you guys some questions to help me decide on this visit, or cancel it."
(Stereo types run the gammot, from Chinese, to Americans, to Europeans to Arabs..the true traveler goes with an open mind, not saddled by a bunch of "stereotypes". Addtionally, MY perception of China and the Chinese people may not be YOUR perception, depending on your own social class (or lack there of), upbringing (snootiness opposed to humbleness and appreciative) and educational level (includes the willingness to continue learning).

Now to the questions:

#1) Beijing is indeed a huge city, crowded and congested. There are hotels to meet all price ranges. I suggest you google luxury spas Beijing and see what comes up? Additionally, there are many wonderful pages from members on here, a "looksy" through China may yield results? This will entail you having to do some of the actual research however.
Additionally, what may be luxurious to me, (say a 3 or 4 star hotel) may not be so to you.
We were quite pleased with the Songhe Hotel, near the Forbidden city...but, we're not used to palatial suites either. Hope this helps?

#2) We do not speak a lick of Mandarin (official language), nor any of the other dialects spoken throughout. I find however the trick is - again - an open mind, willingness for US to at least learn a few of THEIR simple words, such as hello and thank you and use them often and with a smile!
The Chinese are a very friendly lot and we never had any trouble communicating nor exploring China on our own.

#3) Can't help you, not the pampering type here

#4) Beijing has many electronic stores throughout - Wanfujing area as well as malls...make sure they convert to your electrical needs as well as having instructions in english or, whatever language. Also, warranties become an issue?

#5) Food was never an issue for us but, again, we are a simple two and were willing to try just about anything (within reason).
Educate yourself on the local foods (the vary greatly between provinces) and go with an open mind. Uhm..."International fast food chains"...you mean McDonalds? KFC? Oh my!

#6) Restaurants - look throughout ours as well as wonderful member pages on Beijing (or other section of China you wish to visit).

#7) How many days have you got? Have you looked through the previous questions on this forum alone?
What are your interests? Are you willing to hike? Be amongst crowds? China is one of the most historic places / countries you will be in!!! In Beijing, Great Wall...Forbidden City...Tianemen Square..etc. Google up Beijing attractions and see what interests you.

#8) I'm not a shopper but enjoyed Wanfujing Street and their night food stalls.
Also, the silk market
#9) Only habits you should avoid are preconceived notions or influences you may be bringing in from the outside.
GO WITH AN OPEN MIND!!! You'll get alot more out of your trip.

#10) Do some research. We could (and are willing) to help you. You need to narrow down your field some.
Browse through some of our member pages (rate them as they appreciate knowing if they've helped you)...additionally, google area you're planning on visiting.
We loved China and plan on returning soon.

You're welcomed to contact us if we can be of further assistance.

Homer

I am fairly new to VT andhave not spent a great deal of time in the Forums; but I have answered a few questions for people and have posted a couple small questions myself---and the first thing that came to my mind when I saw this/THESE questions, was: IS THIS PERSON FOR REAL?? Have they ever heard of a guidebook or GOOGLE??
Personally, from a lot of the people asking questions, they seem to be someone who just fell across this website, posed a question and never logged on again afterward!!
I am making a habit now of checking out the Home Page of the person asking the question; and if there is no birthday, no hometown, no photo and they just became a member, I would not waste my time.

We were in China for the first time in Oct 2007 . WE loved it . The other posters are right its a busy country steeped in history and culture . Don't get me wrong it is a very growing city so its not at all like stepping back in time. The biggest problem I had was the polution .At times it was hard to breath. They're trying to clean it up for the Plympics but with so many cars ..it'll be awhile

For me the a must for food was to try Quan Ju De (Peking Duck): http://www.quanjude.com.cn .It was good although the serving was small by our standards.

I hope you go . It is amazing!

Beijing is not the right place for SPA treatment, the only one impressed me is Hilton Resort on Yalong Bay, Sanya.

# 3 - Beijing is known for its massage therapists- they are great! Be sure and try the foot massage. The one I went to was on a main street near my hotel:
Dragonfly Spa @ the Forbidden City
No. 60 Donghuamen Ave., Dong Cheng district,open 11:00am through 1:00 am. It was about half the price of a spa treatment in the USA. Look them up on the web.
# 4 - I got Chi-pods (like i-Pod shuffle) for gifts at the Pearl Market, also for about half of what you'd pay in the USA.

1. Park Plaza Hotel or Regent Hotel.
Park Plaza is much like the Regent just not as classy, but they are brother and sister hotels, so if your lucky enough, and well really often if you book at the Park Plaza you'll get a complimentry upgrade to the 5 star Regent right next door. These two hotels are right near Hongqiao Markets, Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City and of course Wangfujing Dajie!
2. You will find it surprisingly incredibly easy.
i) If youve got a map, taxis are so easy, though some speak english which is a plus.
ii) buying food is easy because you can point or there will be a token english speaker.
3) Sorry, dont know much
4) Hongqiao Market is Close, and affordable but be warned for gip offs.
Also BuyNow has alot of legit products
5) McDonalds are every corner but there are many more KFC's due to the chinese love of Chicken
6) There are a few local Duck restaurants near Wangfujing that are out of this world.
Theres also a German restaurant someone around the outskirts, that has sausages to die for.
7) Umm there are some Live Karate-type Shows and History of Fighting in China shows that have stunning actors and effects.
8) Hongqiao Market was my favorite but Silk Streets probably the Best for everything. If your looking for Malls, try Wangfujing.
Street Markets and Night Markets at Wangfujing and defiantly a try.
9) If any one grabs you push them off. They will hold on til you buy, ihad someone hold onto me for a horrible wasteful 45 minutes!
And MUST bargain, i cant stress that enough never buy what they say!!
10) Not really look around have fun, but defiantly never come to China to Relax, its just not that type of place.

Hope That Helped (:

Just came back from Beijing 2 days ago. My first time too. Some things that might shock you are the multitudes of smokers, public spitting, shoving, no queuing up, just to name a few. The history is amazing though.
2- Try and learn some of the basic Chinese words. Most of them know a bit of English but their pronunciation might be a bit difficult to understand.
5- City is full of KFCs, McDonalds and Pizza Huts.
7- Must see places: Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven.
8- Wangfujing, there is a whole stretch of food stalls (fried scorpions, crab apple/ fruit candy on a stick, dumplings, grilled meats/ exotic foods like starfish, smelly beancurd, etc... However, since most people just try a bit and throw the rest, there are lots of people scavenging the dustbins for scraps.
9- If you shop, do bargain (unless its in a proper shopping mall). They will hike up the prices unbelievably high. For instance, a set of 10 chopsticks was priced at RMB 120. Walk away and the salesperson will call out to you "Ok, ok RMB 80....ok, 60....20...10! You can haggle for a lower price at this shop of visit another, there'll be plenty selling the same goods. In the end I got it for RMB 8. Jackets are around RMB 60-80. Handbags on display are around RMB 100. Be prepared for some tugging at your arms from the salespeople. Stand firm on your intended price. If not, go somewhere else. Better to go as a group, if you purchase more, the easier to bargain. The cost price is really, REALLY low.