Calvin’s Hub

On December 2009, we went on a 9-day vacation to tour Beijing, China (and a nearby province). It was winter so it’s an odd time to visit China although it was quite an adventure.

Our plan was to stay at my sister’s apartment to save on lodging and have her as our guide during weekends when she doesn’t have work. During weekdays, we toured places around the city on our own which wasn’t really hard despite not being able to speak their language.

We had an itinerary planned but it was heavily modified after we decided not to go to Chengde province anymore. So here’s what happened to our itinerary:

• Olympic Green
• Datong in Shanxi Province
• Temple of Heaven
• Forbidden City and Tian’anmen Square
• Lama Temple
• New Summer Palace
• Great Wall of China and Old Summer Palace
• Shopping

In hindsight, 9 days is overkill to spend in China (well unless we went to Chengde). We had too much time that we were able to attend a Christmas Party at the Philippine Embassy and watch a Chinese movie. Hehehe.

If you’re going to visit Beijing, I think 6 days is enough and you still have time to shop and relax. Must-visit places will have to be the Olympic Green, Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, Old and New Summer Palace and of course, the Great Wall.

Because it’s winter, we skipped Fragrant Hills which is really nice during spring or autumn.

Each spot doesn’t take long to tour and take photos but because there’s a lot of walking involved, it’s really tiring that you would want to spend the rest of the day resting your feet.

With their efficient interconnected subway system, it’s quite easy and cheap (2 RMB to any station) to go through all places in Beijing except for the Great Wall where you need to hire a car. Avoid the bus though unless you know how to speak and read Mandarin.

I’ll provide some more tips as I write about our adventure.

If you’re also planning on visiting Beijing, my sister has some itineraries you might want to check out on her site.

Part 2: Pros and Cons

• Touring Beijing in Winter Part 12: Old Summer Palace
• Touring Beijing in Winter Part 11: Great Wall of China
• Touring Beijing in Winter Part 2: Pros and Cons
• Touring Beijing in Winter Part 3: The Olympic Green

Filed under: Travel