Beijing in 3 Days

3 Days in Beijing

You may have heard that Beijing is a city of huge contrasts; traditional vs. modern, gazillionaires vs. penniless, the list can go on forever. When a person arrives in China, they will almost certainly be surprised. China is never what is expected and Beijing is sure to overwhelm, delight and shock at the same time.

This isn't really a 'how to' bit, but is what I would do if I had only 3 days to spend in Beijing without breaking the bank. Anyone can do this, even if you don't speak Chinese and even if you're a 'cautious adventurist' like me.

First, some important stuff to know:

1. Public transportation, especially the subway, is really easy to navigate. Most tourist attractions are within a 5-10 minute walk from a station. Its the cheapest, fastest and least hassle free way to get around. Transport passes can be purchased at most subway stations and 35RMB on your pass should be more than enough to cover bus and subway fare for all 5 days.

2. Beijing is a safe city, but there are still lots of scammers who make their livings quite well by absconding with foreigner's funds. Its impossible for a westerner to blend in here for obvious reasons, so just be aware. The 99.99% of people who approach you to ask you to tea, want you to look at their art exhibit, or want to be your personal tour guide are dodgy so just ignore them.

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3. Try, try, try to at least say 'hello', 'thank you', and 'goodbye' in Chinese. Chinese people know that their language is one of the most difficult to learn and speak well, but they love it with a capital L when you try. Westerners are still a curiosity, so use it to your advantage and see what kind of perks you may get. On more than one occasion I have been given the the additional 'friend discount', been personally escorted to my destination when lost, and been given drinks/food on the house- all because I tried to use the words I did know.

4. ATMs are safe to use here. I have lived in Beijing for over a year and have never needed to exchange US currency for Chinese RMB. I've always just gone to the ATM if I needed extra cash. The fee is minimal and its more convenient than waiting in line at a bank that is able to exchange (not all are).

So now heres how to do 3 days in Beijing. I'm writing this with the assumption that you have a place to stay and like walking...

Day One:

Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park.

From Subway Line 2, Qianmen Station exit A, you can walk in a straight line through the Square, right through the Forbidden City and to Jingshan Park. Along the way you can stop at the 'Maosoleum' or Mao's tomb if you're interested.

Tiananmen: Its a huge square. Did you see any of the 60^th Anniversary celebrations that were held here at the beginning of the October 2009? 80,000 people were in the Square, and those were just a portion of the 250,000 participants. Its also an experience just to go to see how controlled it is, all the plain clothes officers masquerading as tourists, all the cameras and security. The Great Hall of the People will be on your left and China National Museum will be on your right. Last I heard, the Museum was still being renovated....

Walk North towards Mao's picture.

The Forbidden City is impressive, but essentially you're paying admission for a long walk. In my opinion, its the kind of thing you do once, to say you did, and then you never need go again. I firmly believe though that if you come to Beijing and don't go to the Forbidden City, you'll regret it because you'll get hassled back home by people who can't believe you didn't go... so just go. Be impressed by the interesting roof tiles and decorations, all the buildings, and the massive courtyards. Who knows why the Emperor's wives needed that many rooms?!

To enter the Forbidden City, walk under Mao's portrait and then continue all the way to the back. Its about a five minute walk. There are numerous ticket windows for other attractions on the way. Don't be fooled- these are not tickets for Forbidden City. You'll see signs directing you to the ticket windows at the end... Admission will be 60RMB during peak season and 30RMB in off-season.

After your walk through the Forbidden City, at the North Gate you will see the entrance to Jingshan Park. Admission is 2RMB. Climb to the top of the hill for a neat birds-eye view of the Forbidden City and Beijing. Hopefully it will be a clear weather.

You may have noticed I didn't include food options yet. When I do this day with people, I like to eat a big breakfast before heading out, buy a snack if I need one later, and then save myself for an early dinner. Your feet will probably need a break and you will be tired. Top off the day with a Peking duck dinner before resting up for the next day. I like Quangjude Roast Duck Restaurant by the Silk Market. A taxi there is worth it from here and is about 10RMB. If you're not to tired on your way out, work off the duck and walk through the Silk Market and see what they have to offer. Its the end of the day, so the crowds wont be as bad.

Day Two:

Summer Palace and Acrobat Show and Wangfujing Night Market

Take Subway line 4 up to Xiyuan and follow the signs for Summer Palace. Its about a 10 minute walk. The Summer Palace is a great place to bring a book and have a picnic or to wander. Take the boats on the lake, walk across the 17 Arch Bridge and see a fantastic view of the temple on the hill.

In the afternoon, take the subway back to Hujialuo, granted it is on the other side of the city, but you can get tickets for the acrobat show that plays in the late afternoon or in the early evening. Its about an hour and its pretty neat. Then go see the Wangfujing Night Market, if the tasties they offer there don't strike your fancy, there are plenty of cheap but delicious restaurants in the area.

Day Three:

Great Wall

Some like to wake up at the crack of dawn to see the sunrise at the Wall. I have yet to do that, seeing as I am lazy in the mornings. But, I do recommend leaving early on the day you're going to the Great Wall. You can take a bus from Dongzhimen station or you can hire a private driver or a taxi. I like to go with a driver and if you have friends in Beijing, they probably know someone with a car looking to make some extra money. A taxi would run you about 400RMB, and many will take you if you agree on a flat price before you leave. He'll wait for you at the Wall while you're exploring and drive you back to the City.

There are many different spots to visit but my favorite part of the Wall is Mutianyu. Its not too crowded and touristy, like Badaling, although the path leading to the Wall is full of kitschy paraphernaliaeant to woo and entice the laowai.

Bring a picnic lunch, saunter along the Wall and enjoy some spectacular views.

When you're full of fresh air and getting peckish go back to the Dongzhimen area and eat dinner at the best Xingjiang restaurant in Beijing, Crescent Moon in Dongsiliutiao Alley. It guaranteed to please.

And there you have it. Beijing in 3 days. It can be done. Theres loads of things to do in the evenings if you wish too. And while the things I mentioned are by no means the only things to do, its good for travelers who are blowing through Beijing on their way somewhere else or have a long weekend to spend. Happy travels!