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Enjoy a Week in Beijing

For an unforgettable holiday experience, consider a visit to Beijing. A week should enable you to become much better acquainted with the Chinese culture, especially in and around the capital city. Such exotic sights as the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden Palace are on the must-see list of every visitor to China.

Of course, after clearing customs at the airport and getting your luggage, you need to take a taxi to your hotel. Be careful to avoid the 'gypsy' taxis at the airport. They are illegal and are well-known for highly overcharging for their services. Get a taxi at the taxi stand at the airport.

If your arrival is late in the day, it would be good to relax until morning. After long hours in a plane, an overnight rest will enable you to enjoy the first full day in Beijing.

Since the Great Wall and the Forbidden City are first on your list of things to see, plan to spend two days touring Beijing, and be sure to include a hike on a portion of the Great Wall of China. There are lots of photo opportunities there.

Since you will want to understand some of the history of China, the next day should be spent visiting the Forbidden City and learning Chinese history. Museums and tours are good sources of Chinese history highlights.

The next day can be spent however you like. You should have already come up with some suggestions which appeal to you. Even sleeping later on this day can help you to feel rested. Whether you spend much time in the hotel or not, it is considerate of you to keep your hotel room clean and tidy.

There is a famous university in China, one at which you could spend a day or two. It is Xinghua University.

The last day of your week in Beijing should be used to see other places which you consider important, places such as Tiananmen Square or the sites of the 2008 Olympics.

You should try a Chinese banquet on your last day in Beijing. Probably turkey will be served and should be enjoyed using your knife and fork. Enjoying a Chinese banquet will be more appreciated if you bring an interpreter with you so you understand what is being discussed.

The Chinese are kind people and will respond well to your efforts to be polite. Of course, you should not mock or laugh at elements in their culture which differ from your own way of life.

Your week in Beijing will remain a favourite holiday memory. The Chinese want you to learn about their capital city and to enjoy spending time there.

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