Diabolo in TuanJieHu Park 团结湖公园, BeiJing

Filmed in October 2010.

Beijing, the capital city of China, is a vibrant metropolis steeped in history, culture, and modernity. Here's a brief overview of what you can expect as a tourist in Beijing:

Historical Landmarks:
The Great Wall of China: One of the most iconic structures in the world, the Great Wall is easily accessible from Beijing. Mutianyu and Badaling sections are popular among tourists.

Forbidden City (Palace Museum): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this vast imperial palace complex was home to Chinese emperors for over 500 years. It houses numerous halls, courtyards, and historical artifacts.

Temple of Heaven: A masterpiece of Chinese architecture, this ancient temple complex served as a place of worship for emperors to pray for good harvests.

Summer Palace: A stunning ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces, the Summer Palace served as a retreat for emperors during the Qing dynasty.

Tiananmen Square: One of the largest city squares in the world, Tiananmen Square is flanked by important landmarks such as the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.

Cultural Sites:
Beijing Hutongs: Explore the narrow alleyways and traditional courtyard residences of Beijing's historic neighborhoods. You can take a rickshaw tour or simply wander around on foot.

Beijing Opera: Experience traditional Chinese opera performances at venues like the Liyuan Theater or the Chang'an Grand Theatre.

798 Art District: A hub of contemporary art and culture, this former industrial area is now home to numerous galleries, studios, and cafes.

Modern Attractions:
Olympic Park: Visit iconic structures such as the Bird's Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center) from the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

CBD (Central Business District): Marvel at the futuristic skyline of Beijing's modern business district, which includes landmarks like the CCTV Headquarters and the China World Trade Center Tower III.

Culinary Delights:
Peking Duck: Indulge in Beijing's most famous dish, crispy roast duck served with pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce.

Street Food: Explore the city's vibrant street food scene and sample local delicacies like jianbing (savory crepes), lamb skewers, and dumplings.

Practical Tips:
Transportation: Beijing has an extensive public transportation system, including the subway, buses, and taxis. However, traffic can be heavy, so plan your travels accordingly.

Language: While English is not widely spoken, especially outside tourist areas, many signs and transportation announcements are in English. It's helpful to carry a translation app or a phrasebook.

Weather: Beijing experiences four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. The best times to visit are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and comfortable.

Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions, such as removing your shoes before entering someone's home and using both hands to pass or receive items.

Beijing offers a rich tapestry of experiences for tourists, blending ancient heritage with modern innovations. Whether you're fascinated by history, culture, or culinary delights, there's something for everyone in this dynamic city.

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A month in China : History and Culture : tour suggestion from BeiJingBuzzz

History and Culture Tour of China Week 1-2: Beijing and Surroundings Explore Beijing's historical sites, including the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace. Hike the Great Wall of China and visit the Ming Tombs. Explore the ancient imperial city of Pingyao and the Yungang Grottoes. Week 3: Xi'an and Shaanxi Province Visit the Terracotta Army and explore the ancient city walls of Xi'an. Discover the historical sites along the Silk Road, including the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Shaanxi History Museum. Explore the ancient cave dwellings of Yan'an. Week 4: Cultural Highlights Tour Visit the ancient water towns of Suzhou and Zhouzhuang. Explore the traditional villages of Fujian's Hakka Tulou. Discover the Confucian temples and traditional gardens of Shandong Province.

ShangHai City Guide

Welcome to Shanghai! Explore the dynamic city of Shanghai, where the past and present seamlessly blend together. From historic landmarks to modern skyscrapers, Shanghai offers an exciting mix of culture, cuisine, and experiences. About Shanghai Shanghai, China's largest city, is a global financial hub known for its futuristic skyline along the Huangpu River. The city is a melting pot of cultures and boasts a rich history influenced by its colonial past. Key features of Shanghai include its iconic Bund waterfront, traditional gardens, vibrant nightlife, and diverse culinary scene. Top Attractions The Bund: Walk along the historic waterfront to admire colonial-era architecture and panoramic views of Pudong. Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden): Explore a classical Chinese garden with pavilions, ponds, and rockeries. Shanghai Tower: Ascend to the top of this skyscraper for breathtaking views of the city skyline. Oriental Pearl Tower: Visit the iconic TV tower with observation decks and a glass-bottomed walkway. Jing'an Temple: Experience the tranquility of this Buddhist temple in the heart of the city. Tianzifang: Wander through narrow alleyways filled with boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries. Shanghai Museum: Discover ancient Chinese art and artifacts in this world-class museum. French Concession: Stroll through tree-lined streets and explore trendy shops, bars, and restaurants. Shanghai Disneyland: Enjoy a magical day at the renowned Disney theme park. Culture and History Shanghai's culture reflects a blend of traditional Chinese heritage and international influences. Shikumen Architecture: Discover unique stone-gate houses in historic neighborhoods like Xintiandi. Traditional Arts: Attend a Shanghai opera or acrobatics show to witness local performing arts. Colonial Heritage: Learn about Shanghai's past through visits to former French and British concessions. Tea Culture: Participate in a tea ceremony to experience Chinese tea traditions. Dining in Shanghai Shanghai offers a diverse culinary landscape, from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. Xiaolongbao: Try Shanghai's famous soup dumplings at Din Tai Fung or Jia Jia Tang Bao. Hairy Crab: Indulge in seasonal delicacies like Shanghai hairy crab (da zha xie). Shanghai Noodles: Taste savory noodles topped with braised pork or seafood. Street Food: Explore local markets for snacks like scallion pancakes, pot stickers, and stinky tofu. High-End Dining: Experience fine dining at upscale restaurants showcasing modern Chinese cuisine. Shopping in Shanghai From luxury boutiques to bustling markets, Shanghai is a shopper's paradise. Nanjing Road: Shop along China's premier shopping street for international brands and department stores. Tianzifang and Xintiandi: Browse through boutiques and designer shops in these trendy neighborhoods. Old Street (Nanshi): Explore antique markets and traditional handicraft shops near Yu Garden. IAPM Mall: Visit a modern shopping complex with luxury retailers and gourmet dining options. Fake Market (AP Plaza): Haggle for souvenirs, electronics, and clothing at this bustling market. Getting Around Shanghai Shanghai has a convenient public transportation system that includes metro, buses, taxis, and ridesharing services. Shanghai Metro: Navigate the city using the extensive subway network connecting major attractions and districts. Public Buses: Use bus routes to reach specific destinations; consider using mobile apps for route planning. Taxis and Ridesharing: Hail taxis or use apps like Didi for convenient transportation around the city. Bicycles: Rent bikes from bike-sharing stations to explore parks and scenic areas. Where to Stay in Shanghai Choose from a range of accommodations in Shanghai, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Luxury Hotels: Experience world-class hospitality at luxury hotels along the Bund or in Lujiazui. Boutique Hotels: Stay in stylish boutique hotels offering personalized services and unique designs. Hostels and Guesthouses: Budget-friendly options with shared facilities, ideal for backpackers and solo travelers. Apartments and Rentals: Rent serviced apartments or vacation homes for a comfortable and homely stay. Practical Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer pleasant weather. Language: Learn basic Mandarin phrases; use translation apps for communication. Currency: Use Chinese Yuan (CNY); major credit cards accepted in tourist areas. Etiquette: Respect local customs and manners; avoid public displays of affection. Safety: Be vigilant of pickpockets in crowded areas; carry copies of important documents. Internet Access: Purchase a local SIM card for mobile data; free Wi-Fi available in many cafes and public places. Enjoy Your Trip to Shanghai! Get ready to immerse yourself in the energy and excitement of Shanghai. Whether you're fascinated by history, captivated by the skyline, or indulging in delicious cuisine, Shanghai promises an unforgettable travel experience.