Beijing 5.24 π Back & Uncensored: Our 'Avoid This Like the Plague' List!
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We've just returned from a five-day trip to Beijing with my boyfriend, and some online suggestions really made it tough for us. Today, I'd like to share the experience and advice with everyone!
During this trip, we visited a wide range of attractions:
- Tian'anmen Square to watch the flag-raising ceremony and visit Mao Zedong Memorial Hall (Chairman Mao Memorial Hall)
- The Forbidden City (where ancient emperors resided)
- Qianmen Street (a bustling old commercial street)
- Badaling Great Wall (one of the most famous sections of the Great Wall)
- Olympic Park, including the National Stadium (Bird's Nest) and the National Aquatics Center (Water Cube), venues for the 2008 Olympics
- Temple of Heaven (where emperors offered sacrifices to heaven)
- Summer Palace (an expansive imperial garden)
- Yuanmingyuan Ruins (a destroyed imperial garden; feel the historical atmosphere)
- Walked around the entrances of Tsinghua University and Peking University to experience the academic atmosphere!
Now let me debunk some of the online misconceptions about ticketing concerns:
- Many people claim that tickets will not be available online, but no need to worry! Ticket purchases or reservations at most places are not an issue.
- I saw countless people successfully arranging tickets on-site, though Tian'anmen Gate Tower and the Great Hall of the People might require more stringent measures. Those who insist on stressing the importance of online booking well ahead of time unnecessarily alarm people.
On whether to bring backpacks or leave them behind at security:
- Some say that not carrying a bag makes the security check faster. Technically, this is true. However, even if one doesn't bring a bag, the queue remains long.
- So, anyone who wants to carry a bag should be confident. Convenience is most important. Don't let others discourage you.
The key points: These misleading tips and sensible advice you must know:
- Golden Water Bridge outside Tian'anmen Gate Tower β only single-directional traffic!
- If there's a reservation to visit the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, National Museum, or the Great Hall of the People (near Tian'anmen Square), make sure! to visit these places first!
- By mistake, I went past the Golden Water Bridge first and then had to return to the square; it took nearly half an hour to circumvent it, my legs nearly gave out!
- Suggested order of visiting Tian'anmen Gate Tower and the Forbidden City:
- Early morning flag-raising ceremony β Mao Zedong Memorial Hall β Great Hall of the People (if interested) β strolling at Tian'anmen Square β climbing Tian'anmen Gate Tower β entering the Forbidden City. This path saves time and trouble.
- The Forbidden City has a "Convenient Channel" for specific groups:
- Seniors over 60 years old (70 years old for Mao Zedong Memorial Hall), pregnant women, and those with limited mobility can pass through more quickly.
- One senior may bring one minor child along with another accompanying adult. This provision is thoughtful indeed!
- Early start is essential for watching the flag-raising!
- Flag-raising follows the sunrise, and times differ daily. Arrive 1β2 hours earlier as a precaution.
- To secure a good spot, prepare to queue up early before dawn; crowds are numerous.
- Power Banks Regulations at the National Museum:
- Power banks are allowed, but only if not swollen or damaged and less than 20,000mAh capacity.
- Note: Power bank usage is banned within exhibition halls.
- The Great Wall is far from Beijing city center; it's wise to exclusively schedule a day for it:
- Badaling Great Wall β crowded but spectacular. Take buses or high-speed trains from Beijing North Railway Station.
- Mutianyu Great Wall β less crowded but further away.
- Touring route for Temple of Heaven Park:
- The south entrance is recommended instead of the east gate. Starting at the south gate, moving northward towards the north exit allows visitors to appreciate prime spots, such as Circular Mound Altar, Echo Wall, and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.
- Ticket choices for the Summer Palace:
- One doesn't need to buy joint admission tickets that include all small gardens in the park. It's massive; even one whole day isn't enough!
- Cover major attractions, including the long corridor, Buddhist Incense Pagoda, Seventeen-Arch Bridge, and Grand Theatre.
- A bag is needed when visiting Beijing sights:
- Without it, water, snacks, sunblock, etc., would be difficult to carry.
- When the off-season crowds fall short, baggage and non-baggage security passage times rarely differ much β sometimes they're even searched together.
- Visit Water Cube (aquatics center) at night:
- Beautiful photos when illuminated by lights! Remember, security checks are required; keep luggage light and simple.
- Beijing street foods:
- While Niujie Food Street (a local food area filled with Muslim residents) is popular and highly recommended, personally, I find flavors fairly normal there.
- When in the mood for classic Beijing snacks, a better pick would be Hutuosi Street, home to more authentic tastes!
Translation is finished, hopefully making the original content clear and easily understood in English.
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My itinerary is pretty similar to yours. Did you go with a tour group or travel independently?
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Hey sis! The tour I took was arranged by a group a friend of mine went with before, and it was an absolutely fantastic experience! It was just over 1,000 RMB per person for five days and four nights, with no hidden fees. The tour leader was @εδΈιδΉθ‘. You should definitely check them out!
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Do the renovations at the Forbidden City affect visiting hours or access?
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We went last week.
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Bookmarked!
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Just wondering, where's a convenient place to stay around there?
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@@η³―η±³ε’ε
