A ride through the mountains west of Beijing

A motorbike and side-car journey through the mountains just west of Beijing ...

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.

Featured Videos

A boat cruise along the Li River 漓江, GuiLin to YangShuo

GuangXi province. With a great song too :)

Grand View Garden, BeiJing

Grand View Garden (DaGuanYuan) is a large imperial style garden; a recreation of the famous garden described in the classic Chinese novel "Dream of the Red Chamber" (also known as "A Dream of Red Mansions" or "The Story of the Stone"), written by Cao Xueqin during the Qing dynasty. The construction of Grand View Garden began in 1984 and was completed in 1986. It covers an area of about 12 hectares (30 acres) and is designed to resemble the garden as described in the novel, with pavilions, corridors, artificial hills, ponds, and lush vegetation. Visitors to Grand View Garden can explore various scenic spots and cultural attractions that are inspired by the characters and events from "Dream of the Red Chamber." Some of the highlights include: Grand View Tower (Daguanyuanlou): This central pavilion serves as the main entrance to the garden and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It is a popular spot for visitors to take photos and admire the scenery. Baochai Hall (Baochaifang): Named after one of the principal characters in the novel, Baochai Hall is a traditional Chinese-style building where visitors can learn about the life and culture of the Qing dynasty elite. Jia Baoyu's Room (Jiabaojuyuan): This recreation of the protagonist's living quarters gives visitors a glimpse into the daily life of the fictional Jia family. The room is furnished with antique furniture and decorations reminiscent of the Qing dynasty. Peach Blossom Island (Taoyuandong): Inspired by the idyllic setting described in the novel, Peach Blossom Island features winding paths, lush vegetation, and a tranquil pond surrounded by peach trees. It is a peaceful retreat within the garden where visitors can relax and enjoy nature. The Eighteen Scenes of the Grand View Garden: These scenic spots are based on the poetic descriptions found in "Dream of the Red Chamber" and include attractions such as the Lotus Fragrance Pavilion, the Mountain of Toads, and the Three Wisdoms Hall. In addition to its historical and cultural significance, Grand View Garden also hosts various cultural events, performances, and exhibitions throughout the year, including traditional Chinese opera performances, calligraphy demonstrations, and art exhibitions. Overall, Grand View Garden offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of "Dream of the Red Chamber" and experience the beauty and elegance of traditional Chinese garden design. It is a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike, providing a tranquil escape from the bustling city of Beijing.

ShangRao city, JiangXi province

With Walk East ... Shangrao is known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical sites. Here are some places to visit in and around Shangrao: Wuyuan County (婺源县): Wuyuan is famous for its picturesque countryside, ancient villages, and well-preserved traditional architecture. Visitors can explore charming villages like Likeng, Xiaoqi, and Wangkou, known for their Ming and Qing dynasty houses, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant rapeseed fields. Sanqing Mountain (三清山): A UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning peaks, deep valleys, and lush forests. It's considered one of China's most sacred Taoist mountains, with temples, pavilions, and scenic hiking trails offering breathtaking views. Linchuan Ancient City (临川古城): Explore the remnants of this ancient city, which dates back over 2,000 years. Walk along the well-preserved city walls, visit historical sites like the Linchuan Confucian Temple, and admire the traditional architecture and cultural relics. Shangrao Wuyuan Yanqing Temple (上饶婺源雁卿禅寺): This Buddhist temple, located in Wuyuan County, boasts a history of over 1,400 years. Visitors can admire the temple's architecture, explore its tranquil gardens, and experience Buddhist culture and rituals. Wolong Valley (卧龙谷): A scenic area known for its karst landscape, dense forests, and pristine rivers. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, bamboo rafting, and exploring the area's natural beauty. Jinggangshan (井冈山): Although located a bit farther from Shangrao, Jinggangshan is worth a visit for its historical significance as the birthplace of the Chinese Red Army. Explore revolutionary sites like Ciping and visit landmarks such as the Jinggangshan Museum and the Former Residence of Mao Zedong. Poyang Lake (鄱阳湖): One of China's largest freshwater lakes, offering opportunities for birdwatching, boat tours, and enjoying the natural scenery. Visit the Poyang Lake Wetland Reserve to observe migratory birds and other wildlife. Yushan Mountain (玉山): Known as the "First Mountain in Southern China," Yushan offers hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. It's particularly popular during the spring for its cherry blossoms and azalea flowers. Wangkou Village (望口村): A beautiful ancient village in Wuyuan County, known for its well-preserved architecture, ancient bridges, and tranquil rural scenery. Explore the narrow lanes, visit historic buildings, and immerse yourself in the village's traditional charm. Shangrao Bamboo Sea (上饶市竹海): Discover vast bamboo forests, winding paths, and serene ponds in this scenic area. Visitors can take bamboo raft rides, hike through the bamboo groves, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of nature. These are just a few highlights of the many attractions Shangrao has to offer, blending natural beauty with cultural heritage to create a memorable travel experience.

LongQing Xia 龙庆峡 (Great Dragon Gorge) near Beijing

The beautiful LongQing Xia Scenic Area is located 90 kilometers (55 miles) north-west of Beijing. A great day trip from the city. Besides boating, there are also hiking trails, bungee jumping and zip lines.

Rethinking ‘freedom’ (2) – the reality, from a 14-year expat

With Chris / Expat Adventuring in Asia ... "What if everything you thought you knew about China… was wrong? If your image of China is still based on grainy news footage, filtered headlines, or Cold War stereotypes, then you’re missing the most important story of the 21st century. Because the truth is — China has changed. Radically. Quietly. And in ways the West never expected. In this video, I take you on a firsthand journey into the China you’ve never seen — not the one framed by fear or misinformation, but the one I experience daily as a foreigner who has lived here for over 14 years." Peace : )( :