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So, I'm going to Beijing - China's sprawling capital. Some of my friends say I'm so bold that they would be too scared of China. The similar stigma they have developed towards Mainland China can feel a little intimidating, most of them completely irrational:
1. Using public toilets (read: the dirty Asian squat toilet) can be so frightening
2. Pollution is one aspect of the broader topic of environmental issues in China
3. Inability to speak Mandarin
4. Scammers are everywhere in China
5. How to identify Halal food in China, If I am a Muslim?
Familiar, isn't it? Quite unreasonable and funny considering China is the fourth most visited country in the world, after France, the United States, and Spain in 2015 with 56.9 million international tourists per year.
introduction.
Following my addiction to exploring the uncommon and experiencing the new cultures, absolutely no way I could say no when there was a chance to get a taster of a country where your grandparents came from. The time comes when I traveled to Beijing, China in November 2016. Right here and now, I can say it was a completely unforgettable experience, yet not the best. And in fact, I will return.
No matter what time you are in Beijing and whatever your interests are, you will be having fun here. There are hundreds of tourists spots and historical sites to visit, some are walk-able and some are a little far from the city center. If you're just like me and love to feel the cold and windy days, comfy sunshine and falling brown leaves, perhaps the best time for you to visit is in autumn.
things to see & do.
Temple of Heaven for its magnificent altars sitting in a huge park. Known as China's largest existing complex of ancient sacrificial buildings. The entrance fee costs 10-28 RMB off-peak season and opening times vary depending on the season but most of the time is going to be 8am to 4pm. I didn't explore much since the total area of the place is about 270 hectares, but the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is a must-see thing. It's the main building of the temple complex.
Tiananmen Square is located in the heart of Beijing, this city's most famous landmark that known as one of the largest city squares in the world is so prominent that's hard to miss. The best thing about this place is you can have four attractions at one time include the Tiananmen Tower, a monument to the People's Heroes, Great Hall of the People and Chairman Mao Zedong Memorial Hall. Thousands of people come to the square every day, making it the must-see place to visit in Beijing. Free entry.
If you're still desperate for more places to explore, you can choose to visit the Forbidden City, which is just to the north of the Tiananmen Tower.
Great Wall of China, the legendary emperors of China's past won't disappoint. It's one of the World Heritage sites by UNESCO in 2013, making it one of the world's most visited tourist attractions.
I am very satisfied with a half-day trip, should you want to explore more, it's possible to do some hiking, taking a helicopter flight, or even spending a night beside a wall. Lucky me, autumn is one of the most beautiful times to visit. But remember the windy weather might not be friendly, like a lot of times.
Some tips I could give before having a visit would be:
1. Arrive as early as possible, let's say 6-7am. Most tourists or tour groups didn't make it until 9am.
2. Get local hot tea/coffee just next to the gate, before or after you get in. Hot drinks simply help to keep you warm and enjoy.
3. Make sure to wear your most comfortable shoes as you will walk further to get the best view.
Summer Palace-This playground is my other favourite. Known as the largest and most well-preserved royal park in China, it merits an entire day's explorations, although one trip might not be able to see it all. The highlights of the park include Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, and the Garden of Virtue and Harmony.
Have you ever seen the landscapes of traditional Chinese painting with its huge lake, a bridge and hilltop views? If you didn't, the marvel design of Summer Palace offers you a pastoral escape of it. Lucky me, the pollution was kind and I have been immersed in clear views of the city's spectacular western mountains. The views were breathtaking.
Keep in mind that summer is the best time to visit this place while the lake is not frozen and the boat is available. So get ready to flex those legs and wear your most comfortable shoes as you need a whole day to explore this charming park.
Wangfujing-As one of the symbols of Beijing's commerce, Beijing Wangfujing Stree is one of the city's most popular shopping strips, not only in Beijing but in all of China. Currently, it is the busiest street in the city with 600.000 people every day come and go. This commercial street houses a wide variety of shops and trendy boutiques, some are world-famous brands and some are locals.
Walk towards the north end of the pedestrian mall, you will find the Wangfujing Night Market or Snack Street (Perhaps this is the best part of it all). Dozens of food stalls sell everything from deep-fried insect, snake kebabs, dumplings, to delicious noodles and ice cream, you name it, they got it. To keep in mind, do haggling, it's part of the culture in China.
when to visit.
Beijing has a long and hot summer, long cold winter and short spring and autumn. The hottest month would be in July and the coldest is January.
September and October are generally considered the best visiting times (autumn). Since I'm not into summer heat (most of the city's tourist attractions are outdoors), summer could be unpleasant as the dry air gives way to humidity and it's high season for tourists!
at last.
See? I have traveled to China and get back unscratched. So, China is a huge country, sure extreme variations in crime rates depend on the area, but I think Beijing is not one of them. Most major cities in China are extremely safe and it is generally safe even for women walking alone at night (I did walking alone hehe). There are some scams of course, as in any country right? However, Chinese people are warm and ready to help, so it is likely that your trip end without any major issues or incidents. If you are unable to speak Mandarin, use the smartphone apps dude, as I did this on my Japan trip in March 2019. Perhaps, the other thing you need to prepare before visiting is a pollution mask, just in case the pollution gets worse and you are not getting comfortable. Last but not least, HAPPY TRAVELING!
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