Beijing China Hotel and Travel Guide

When you visit Beijing, you will encounter a world filled with the beauty of Chinese arts and culture. There is a wealth of history waiting to be uncovered. It is up to you to plan an itinerary that allows you to capitalize on your experience. There are many attractions that will keep you busy throughout the day and then you can unwind during the night by frequenting a jazz club or hip-hop disco joint.

When you Visit Beijing, you must consider making an appearance at Tianamen Square, where you can experience the world’s largest public square. Other points of interest include the Temple of Heaven, the Lama Temple, the beautiful gardens of the Summer Palace and the Southeast Corner Watchtower. Tiantan Park offers you a nice view of Ming architecture, which covers 660 acres of land. The Temple of Heaven was designed to be a meeting point between Heaven and Earth. If you desire to enjoy a nice park, Beijing's Jingshan and Beihei are great places to enjoy a breath of fresh air.

As a tourist, you should keep in mind that the national language of China is Mandarin, known in China as Putonghua. Almost everyone speaks Mandarin. You should know that all Chinese languages are tonal. Each syllable has a different meaning depending on the way the speaker emphasizes pitch or musical inflection.

It is difficult for visitors to speak Chinese, however you can still find someone who speaks English within the major cities. Keep in mind that it is difficult to get around China on your own without speaking the language. If you are not planning to go with a tour group, it is wise to hire a local English-speaking guide. You can obtain a guide from the CTS office in Beijing.

When you are ready to purchase that perfect souvenier, you should know that Chinese currency is called the renminbi (RMB), also known as the “People’s Money” You can exchange money at most Bank of China branches or check at the front desk of the hotel you are staying at. Be careful how much money you exchange, you cannot change RMB back into foreign currency in China. RMB bills come in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 yuan. Yuan are commonly referred to as kwai. To get an example of how the range of costs in Beijing- soft drink costs about $1.25 and a slice of pizza can set you back about $6.

When you are planning a Trip to Beijing, try to avoid the major holidays, such as National Day on October 1st and the Spring Festival, celebrated in late January or February. You should keep in mind that you will be competing with all of China when making reservations and visiting the major attractions. During the holidays, trains fill up and flights become overbooked.