Visiting Beijing: Tips and Advice

Visiting the city of Beijing as part of a China tour is a real treat as it is a great mix of Chinese Culture while embracing more contemporary Western values. The history of the city goes back to 350 BC and has been shaped by the various rulers that have been in power throughout time. Beijing has been Chinas capital for four dynasties and has had various names including Yanhing, Dadu and Beiping.

As you will travel through the city, you will notice that the people are extremely friendly but may stare at you, please do not take offence to this. Many people will offer to shake your hand, but the customary greeting is to join your hands and bow. Other things to bear in mind are, you should never shame anyone in public or cause embarrassment, punctuality is very important, tipping is frowned upon and most restaurants use chop sticks so you may want to learn before you visit.

Autumn is one of the best seasons to visit the city as it will be mild and the air crisp, but be warned this is peak tourist season. In Winter, the city is usually avoided by tourists, as it can be bitterly cold due to Siberian winds from the North. The city of Beijing is not as conservative as it once was, but when visiting sacred sites and temples, you should dress appropriately.

Getting around Beijing by yourselves can be very daunting for visitors, so it is best to always carry a map with you. You may need to point to your map as many people will not speak or understand English. Taxis and the subway are a great way of getting around the city, but be warned that although there are many buses around they city, they do become very crowded.Everyone likes to do a bit of shopping on their holidays and Beijing, much like all big cities, is great for this. There are many districts around the city that offer something for everyone. Dachilan in Tiananmen Square is one of the best places to buy Silk as well as clothing. Jianguomenwai is a popular shopping district that has world famous stores like Prada and Gap. If you are interested in antiques and artefacts, then you should pay a visit to Liulichang that is home to some of the city's oldest antique shops.

Beijing's first super mall is in Xindong Plaza, and is home to many world famous stores and Chinese shops.
Whether you are just visiting the City of Beijing or it is part of a larger tour of China, you are bound to have a great time in this bustling city that is full of culture and diversity.

1: Hong Kong: a vital node for business and trade in Asia
2: A short guide to the greener side of Hong Kong
3: Hong Kong Sizzles
4: China Visas Type
5: Beijing and its attractions
6: A Holiday hub in Hong Kong
7: China Visa
8: A City Not So Forbidden Anymore
9: Tips to get Chinese Visa for Travel OR Business purposes in China
10: The Silk Road - China's Most Exotic Travel Destination

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