Beijing Travel Tips You Should Know
If you are going to Beijing, there are a few things that you should take into consideration. These include food, public transportation and nightlife. By taking these into consideration, you can be sure that you will have an unforgettable vacation. Visiting Beijing is wonderful with Cathay Pacific but you need to know what to see. Consider the following and the tips.
Forbidden City
The Forbidden City in Beijing is one of the best places to visit in China. It’s an impressive palace complex that contains over 1000 buildings. Some of the most famous ones include the Hall of Preserving Harmony, Middle Harmony Pavilion, and the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
Located on the north-south axis of Beijing, the Forbidden City is the former Imperial City. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited sights in the world.
Built during the Ming Dynasty, the Forbidden City was designed in the style of the Nanjing Palace. Emperors lived here for centuries and decorated the building to portray their status as gods.
Today, it’s a part of the Palace Museum. However, the Communist Party wants to replace the Forbidden City with a park that reflects their commitment to the people.
Forbidden City is surrounded by a moat and a tree-lined promenade. It takes three hours to explore the whole complex.
The Forbidden City is considered the largest collection of ancient wooden structures in the world. It also features dozens of thrones and relief images of dragons. Visitors are advised to take a lot of water with them and avoid going in the heat of the day.
The most important building in the Forbidden City is the Hall of Supreme Harmony. This structure took ten years to construct. They are made from rare namu wood and cost a significant amount of gold.
Hutongs
A hutong is an alley or lane in Beijing. It is an ancient Chinese neighborhood. Many of them are now a tourist attraction. They are also the home of many of the local people in Beijing.
In the past, hutongs were a common means of communication. Most of the people who lived in hutongs were from the lower class. Their houses were smaller and were usually situated around a courtyard. There were passages between the houses to allow ventilation and light.
The term “hutong” is derived from the Mongolian word hottoh, which means water well. During the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), hutongs first appeared in Beijing.
Later on, the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) expanded the hutongs. Some were built as compounds in the vicinity of the Forbidden City and other areas. Several of the old hutongs are still preserved in the area of the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, and Shichahai Lake.
Hutongs are now more crowded. People in these neighborhoods have to find affordable places to live. Sometimes, they are forced to move. Others choose to self-immolate.
In the 1980s, private businesses were allowed to set up shop in the hutongs, hoping to bring in new jobs. However, as the city became more developed, some hutongs have been bulldozed.
Despite the destruction, the hutongs are an important element of Beijing’s history. Several have been designated protected. But other hutongs are being demolished for commercial developments.
Public transport
If you are looking to travel from one place to another in China, you may want to consider using public transport. You can get from point A to point B on a variety of different modes, including buses, subways and taxis.
Using a public transportation card can be an efficient way to travel around Beijing. The card works by loading money onto it and then swiping it each time you take a ride. Before taking a ride, however, it’s a good idea to learn how to locate the card’s closest stops.
The metro is a popular form of public transport in Beijing. There are four main lines, including Line 13, which is the city’s aboveground light rail. It links the northern suburbs with the east-west line.
One of the best features of the system is that it is incredibly convenient. In addition to being free and relatively easy to use, the system offers frequent service.
Traffic congestion is a common problem in China, and the government has taken steps to help reduce it. To start, Beijing launched a pilot program for a road restriction policy.
This is a small-scale experiment that will likely continue into the future. On designated days, drivers are only allowed to use certain streets, and can be penalized for not following the rules.
Another notable feature of the policy is that it allows tourists to drive along some of the main streets. These roads are called ‘ring roads’, and they serve to connect the city center with its outskirts.
Food
Whether you are looking for traditional Beijing food or an international experience, Beijing has something for everyone. From dumplings to western cuisine, there are plenty of options.
One of the most popular foods in Beijing is the fried sweet snack known as Tangerduo. It is made from flour and sugar.
Another traditional Beijing treat is the Chinese egg crepe, which is made from mung bean, eggs, and spring onions. The dish is served with hoisin sauce and pickles.
Other Beijing snacks include the jiaozi, which are pan-fried dough rings. These are also available throughout the day. They come in many different flavours. You can find a variety of vegetarian versions, as well as pork versions.
Beijing food is also very spicy. Generally, the northern style is very spicy, whereas the southern style is more mild. There are also plenty of vegetarian options, though it can be hard to find meat-based dishes in Beijing.
Dumplings are a popular street food in Beijing. Street stalls and upscale restaurants alike serve them. If you are traveling on a budget, look for a local restaurant that serves food that is authentic.
Another food that is widely eaten in Beijing is the fried snack called Wonton. They are typically stuffed with meat, such as ham. They can be rolled into a ball or sliced into pieces. The resulting snacks are very soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Beijing has developed quite a bit over the past decade. There are now plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. Most are located in Sanlitun and Xicheng, although Wudaokou is also a popular area for nightlife.
One of the most iconic bars in Beijing is Destination, which is a great spot for a late night drink or dinner. It has an art gallery and dance studio, as well as a HIV testing center. The venue is particularly popular amongst gay and lesbian patrons.
The Chinese have a long history of performing arts. The Peking opera is an excellent example of this. Many visitors enjoy watching acrobatic and kung-fu shows.
In addition to traditional Chinese entertainment, a wide variety of international performances are available. Several venues in the embassy district of Beijing are good options.
One of the best places to see an acrobatic show is the Chaoyang Theatre. This performance has an impressive stage set up and a storyline that will hold your interest.
Another good place to see an acrobatic show in China is the Red Theatre. This performance has a very fast pace and a moving storyline.
Beijing nightlife is full of fun and exciting activities. However, it is also important to remember that you can only really appreciate it if you’re aware of the various cultural aspects. For instance, don’t be afraid to communicate with locals to learn more about their culture.