Beijing Is The Ideal Destination For Holiday Vacation
The large and vibrant capital of China, Beijing, is fast becoming a popular destination for tourists especially since the recent 2008 Olympic Games that were held there.
With an eclectic mix of modern and traditional Chinese culture, there is something for everyone in this fast-paced city. As well as having world-class shopping and entertainment, with a history dating back over 5,000 years there are an endless list of ancient monuments, historical sites, and cultural activities throughout the city and beyond.
One of the most famous and popular sites is the Forbidden City. Situated in the centre of Beijing, it was formerly the residence of the Ming and Qing Emperors and is the largest preserved ancient architecture in the world. It is a world heritage listed site and dates back to the 1400's.
The Ming Tombs situated to the northeast of urban Beijing at the foot of the Tianshou Mountains are a fascinating selection of ancient tombs- some of the oldest and best preserved in the world. Many of China's past emperors were buried here.
At the heart of the city of Beijing is Tian'anmen Square, which is renowned for being the largest city square in the world. It was enlarged in the 1960's and is now 880 meters north to south, and 500 meters east to west. It can accommodate 1 million people. Many historical events occurred on the square, including the 1919 demonstrations against the Treaty of Versailles, and the anti-Japanese protests in 1935. It is not renowned for it's beauty but for it's historical and culture significance. Every day at sunrise the Chinese flag is raised in the square and lowered again at sunset. Chinese soldiers march at these times.
No trip to Beijing is complete without a visit to the Great Wall of China, and it needs little introduction. Over 2,500 years old, the Great Wall runs for 630km in Beijing and there are six areas open to the public.
There are many group and personal tours available that include visits to all of the main attractions of Beijing for reasonable prices.
The best time to visit Beijing is in the Autumn (September through to November), when the weather is at it's best (clear skies and breezy days), and tourists are at a minimum. The winters are very cold, with sub zero temperatures and glacial wind. Summer temperatures, from May onwards, can reach above 30 degrees Celsius, and can often be very uncomfortable as the sun is scorching, and there are often associated rain downpours later on in the season.
To gain entry in China, most visitors require a tourist visa that can be acquired from your local Chinese embassy or consulate and allow up to 30 days travel within China.
The Chinese currency is the RenMinBi (RMB) but generally pronounced Yuan in written form. Foreign currency can easily be changed in most banks and hotels and the exchange rate tends not to vary much from place to place. It is important that you keep your receipt because you can not change any leftover currency back to your home currency without it.
When it comes to choosing a hotel or accommodation in Beijing, the options are endless. Whether you want 5 star luxury, are on a tight budget, or want an international hotel or an ancient courtyard dwelling, there is something to suit you.
The eastern district of the city is the best spot for easy access to the main Beijing attraction, shops and restaurants. If you prefer to be near the airport the northeast of the city is the best location to avoid the heavy traffic experienced in Beijing.
The Northeast third ring road has a host of four and five star hotels aimed at affluent business travelers as it is close to the airport. These hotels tend to be quite pricey. The Hilton and Sheraton are two of the most popular and well known.
For those on a tighter budget, the Hai Dian district is full of smaller more traditional guest houses and hotels that are significantly cheaper. It is the main university district of the city and is a fun and lively area. The exception to the rule is the Shangri-La that is situated in Hai Dian and is one of the most expensive and luxurious hotels in the city.
Hou Hai has a large number of backpackers hostels at great rates, and some offer a stay in an old traditional courtyard, which makes for a different experience.
Wang Fu Jing is known for it's luxurious hotels and is the perfect location for those looking for pampering and the VIP treatment whilst on holiday. The five star Palace Hotel includes a designer shopping mall with brands such as Chanel, Christian Dior, and Salvatore Ferragamo amongst other high-end names. As this area is close to popular attractions - the Forbidden City and Tian'anmen Square, there are also many tourist oriented hotels that are slightly more affordable than the others.
