A guide to travelling to Beijing

This guide is for those embarking on a Beijing travel. Where to go in Beijing and what to see? Tips on bargaining at the local Beijing markets, what to look out for and the attractions that one should not miss are elaborated below.

All about Beijing

Beijing, also known as Peking, is the culture centre of China and has unlimited activities and attractions for its tourists. Beijing has many tours and guides who will make your visit to Beijing go smoothly, and leave you with a positive impression.

Activities and sight-seeing

In Beijing, you will find a vast number of shopping centres, with modern and the occasional traditional attire. Shopping in Beijing is quite popular and bargaining at markets is expected. The Silk market This market is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Beijing. As the name suggests, the silk market is packed with robes, pajamas, and every day wear, all made from silk. You may also be able to find traditional souvenirs, such as paintings and calligraphy. Panjiayuan Flea market A visit to the Panjiayuan flea market may require a full day. This is the market to visit if you are looking for old traditional Chinese objects as it is a gold mine for those who love antiques. Forbidden city It would be a shame to go to Beijing, and not to visit the Forbidden City, which is located in the middle of the city itself. The Forbidden City was built over 500 years ago and, today, it houses a museum to show visitors its long and rich history. Summer palace The Summer Palace covers over 290 hectares of land and is considered to be China's largest imperial garden and retreat. The Summer Palace dates back to the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234). Today, it is a haven for those wishing to relax under a cool tree shade, to look out onto the calming lake and learn more about the interesting history of the Summer Palace. Tips: -Fake Brands are still easily found in Beijing. Hence, one should be careful before buying and one should double check the merchandise. -The Summer Palace offers hours of hiking and sight-seeing. It is better to dress comfortable and to pick a day when the weather is favourable for any outdoor activity. -When visiting markets, you should keep in mind that most of the merchandise is over-priced. Therefore, you will need to bargain to get the price you desire. Always keep a smile on your face while bargaining, and do not become rude as this will not get you the price you desire. -It is better for you to familiarise yourself with the Chinese currency, as counterfeit money is common.