Beijing is an interesting city, important both historically and currently. Unlike Shanghai it is a treasure trove of must-see tourist sights but like Shanghai it is a big, happening city. However the feel of the city is completely different. Besides the layout, the heights of buildings, and so on, the atmosphere is nothing like my home in the south. It is a less international city but that didn't bother me, especially since I had the benefit of traveling with a Chinese friend. It just gives off a vastly different vibe. Certainly the people are a little less friendly, although that may be painting the picture in too broad a stroke as we only met a small sampling and certainly some were friendly. The signature Beijing foods I ate were far from my favorite dishes in China (besides the duck, which was lovely). The sites, though, were well worth the trip. My friend and I hit most of the highlights including the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Tian'anmen square, walking and shopping in hutongs, and of course The Great Wall. We also checked out Peking University, Tiantan, and Wanfujing street food (I can't warn against the last strongly enough - it is an overpriced tourist trap with terrible food). Besides the last, the sites were really enjoyable. The hutongs are interesting in that they are old city streets found in the midst of the city. A cool place to wander, shop, and get a glimpse of the past. Temple of Heaven park was beautiful. The Forbidden City and the Summer Palace were interesting, although walk through the Forbidden City for an hour and the only things you absolutely remember seeing are doors. Of course, The Great Wall was the big one. I was definitely at a more touristy section of the wall but it was all Chinese tourists. The foreign tour buses are taken to a different spot. We just took the city bus which was cheap and easy but certainly not the way to see the oldest or most authentic parts of the Wall. I'd really like to spend more time there, and I've already made tentative plans with a friend to hike it in the future (several years of saving down the road). All in all it was a great trip: good weather (besides the smog the last two days) and good times with a great friend. Still, I'd sum up my thoughts on Beijing as glad I went, happy I don't live there. | |
2 Comments
Mom
11/2/2014 12:19:29 am
You covered a lot of ground. Interesting observations.
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Kimmies
11/11/2014 09:51:50 am
Sarahs, after losing the link to your blog due to a computer crash I have finally relocated it and I could not be more pleased to be reading the tales of your exploits again!
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