Recommendations for Beijing
Beijing is a fascinating, bewildering chaotic place - all the better for exploring a culture in a city that goes back to before Genghis Khan. This page lists our favorite tips on what to do, where to go and how to get around while in Beijing.
Take a Taxi
Transportation in Beijing can be overwhelming at first - the city is so spread out, traffic is getting worse and worse. The subway is cheap, costing a flat 2 RMB fee, but the city is too spread out to be effectively served by the existing underground. While there are additional subway lines under construction, scheduled to be completed by the Olympics, the best way to get around is by cab.
Beijing features ring roads that go around the city and between the rings are multiple lane streets. While the cost in some cities, like London or New York, make taxi transportation too expensive, in Beijing cabs are cheap and convenient. For as little as 45 RMB ($6 US and change) you can get between any two parts of the city, for instance, between Sanlintun and Wudaokuo.
If you don't speak Mandarin, you should either carry the name and address of your destination in Chinese writing or call a friend who does on your mobile and have him or her instruct the driver.
Dining in Beijing
when it comes to food - Beijing has it all, and even better yet you can feast like royalty without going broke. It turns out that Peking duck really does merit the reputation, Quanjude restaurant established in 1864 offers the quintessential experience, but at a bit more cost than other places. Hot pot is a great option, you add your selected ingredients into steaming stock kept boiling in a metal urn at the center of the table. The Sichuan variety is not to be missed, the spices are not merely hot but also cause a pleasant numbing sensation.
Modern international dining can be found in the Chaoyang district, where you can also find the embassies and many of the shopping options, although restaurant prices are high here.
Wudaokuo in the Haidian district has an array of tasty food if you feel like you're missing home. Tafi is surprisingly authentic Italian; $7 four course meal (soup, salad, entrée, and dessert); $4 lunch buffet. Try the Lasagna. Tafi is located on the small road off of Chengfu Lu and in between Baiyi Lu and Zhongguancun Dong Lu. It’s at the back of the Lotus Center on the North East corner of the building.
While the service is not among the most ambitious, Yishin offers fresh affordable sushi and other excellent Japanese cuisine. Their spicy tuna rolls are delicious. It's located at 35 Chengfu Lu in Wudaokou 30m north of the traffic lights next to Wudaokou subway station. Ring them at (10) 8261-0136. 成府路35号院. 五道口城铁站旁信号灯往北30米路西院内
醉爱 (Zui4 Ai4) literally “Drunk Love” is a modern Chinese restaurant that serves up excellent plates from all over mainland China. The splendid décor contrasts sharply with the garish displays found in many traditional Chinese restaurants. It shares the same plaza as (but just left of) the Lotus Center on the corner of Chengfu Lu and Baiyi Lu in Wudaokou.
Finally, Lush is great if you’re looking to pick up a Western dish or a late night beer. Claiming to be “the home base” for Wudaokou expatriates and students, this 24 hour restaurant hosts open mic nights, movie nights, and the Wednesday evening favorite “Pub-Quiz.”Opposite the Wudaokou subway station. It's at 2nd Floor Building 1, Huaqing Jiayuan, above the Guanghe Zuoyong Bookstore. 北京市海淀区五道口 华清嘉园1号楼2层 Call (10) 8286 3566
For other dining recommendations check out these sites:
Time Out Beijing - check out their 2008 “Eating Out Awards”
Shopping
Beijing has a variety of shopping options. While Hong Kong may be better for electronics (do you really want a knock-off Ipod?), great deals can be had on silk, jade, clothes, and other accessories. For antiques, art and other artesan-type items the weekend 'dirt market' or Panjiayuan market is a nice stop. Bargain everything in Beijing except your metered taxi fare! The Silk Street market in Chaoyang is an experience - just about every brand for leather, bags, and apparel has been counterfeited. Silk Street is a tourist trap, vendors start at 10 times the price they're willing to sell for, and yet there is something strangely redeeming in the Pekingesque manner of the sales girls' attacks.
When shopping in markets the bargaining can get pretty intense. Practice with some smaller items, and definetely don't be afraid to walk away.
Spa and Massage Indulgence
Throughout the city you'll find many options for foot massage or full spa treatment - ranging from the cheap and practical to the high end relaxing. Nothing is better after a long day walking the city than to have your poor feet soaked in hot water and worked back to life.
For the brave adventurer seeking the full Chinese immersion experience there is Yihai spa in the Haidian district (No.12 Zhongguancun South Street, near the 3rd ring road, tel:010-62166216). 120 RMB gets you a soak in a public bath, a rub-down massage, and a dinner at a well-stocked all-you-can-eat buffet. Be sure to try the tub with the tiny fish that nibble at your skin!
Dragonfly Therapeutic Retreat in Sanlintun is another one of our favorites. let us know you're going and we'll get you a 10% discount!
The Insider's Guide to Beijing is probably the best guidebook for ex-pats staying in the city with a variety of needs.
Feel from to contact us for more details about Beijing - we're happy to help and we provide access to western concierge service to help you make the most of your stay in the city.
