March 21, 2004

China plans afoot

So we're all poised to fly out to Beijing on the 2nd April, assuming they give our sorry arses a visa. The question for now is - where do we stay once we get there (our flight arriving at the ungodly hour of 9.40pm).

I quite fancy one of those traditional courtyard hotels, although they seem prohibitively expensive. If anyone has any recommendations for a nice(ish), nothing fancy but not a complete dive with welcoming staff (a must), around the 5,000 yen/ A$60 mark in Beijing, then pleeeeeeease share. Do I have to beg?

Our current plan (i.e. will probably change tomorrow) is 4-5 days in Beijing, including the Great Wall, a couple of days in Qingdao to meet Coco's parents who speak no English but apparently cook a mean gyoza (hell, you sold me), maybe check out Tai-shan, then head west to Datong to see the funky caves (name escapes me) and the Terracotta Warriors. Too much in two weeks?

We're a bit lost about what to do in the two weeks 'cos, I mean, it's fucking China man, and there's an overwhelming amount to see. It's totally doing my head in. Probably won't plan too much in advance, but I can't quite shake my evil "Little Miss Organisation" twin. Know what I'm saying?

Posted by Kinki at March 21, 2004 12:15 AM

My experience in China was that it was nice to come back to a clean, modern hotel. You will get more than enough "rustic ambiance" out there on the street. The Capital Hotel in Beijing is reasonable and known for its helpful staff -- so much so that it's become popular with Western families adopting Chinese infants. You might see quite a few of them there. Whether or not you would consider that a drawback or not depends on you . . .

Posted by: Abby at March 21, 2004 01:49 AM

Two weeks in China? I'm all kinds of jealous!
Sorry I don't have any actual useful advice for you...

Posted by: Andrea at March 22, 2004 12:42 AM

two weeks in china!! i'm so jealous! have a great time!

Posted by: gleek at March 22, 2004 01:24 AM

I agree with Abby - a clean hotel would be best. DO NOT be fooled by the number of stars they post. I believe they have their own rating systems. The Great Wall takes about 1/2 a day, and the Terra Cotta Warriors take about a day. Make sure (and I think this goes without saying) that you visit TianAnMen square (sometimes you can even go in and view Mao in his Tomb) and the Forbidden City - I have been there about five times, and still am enchanted by it. Have fun!

Posted by: Alex at March 22, 2004 06:46 AM

Hey there kinkers!! Thanks for a great night at karaoke! Well during my last trip to Beijing I stayed at the Grand Hyatt which was..... obviously not paid for by me. After work was done though I stayed in the one of those courtyard hotels in the old hutong district. It was clean enough and in the price range you mentioned. Can't remember the name but it's in the lonely planet. The next morning I got up and rented a bicycle from the hotel rode around aimlessly down old alleys and through markets...got lost but then found my way home. You can stay in a fancy hotel anytime. do the courtyard thing. the place I stayed was near the subway and a bike ride from the forbidden city - can't lose really. Apart from that go see the acrobats - totally worth the money...sorry bout the essay maybe I'll write you a proper email!!

Posted by: kat at March 22, 2004 10:23 AM

Yes, I agree with Kat - you have to experience the hutongs (old part of Beijing) while you're there! Also, the forbidden city is a must-see, as is the Summer Palace (a little drive outside Beijing) - allow a few hours there as it is HUGE and lots to see & do. The Temple of Heaven is also beautiful. If you want to see Mao (or rumour has it, it's not him but a wax statue b/c someone stuffed up the embalming process), make sure one of you lines up in the queue, and the other dumps cameras/bags etc in the cloakroom across the road - you won't be allowed anything to take with you to see Mao. And they hurry you past (zou, zou) so you can't stop and look TOO closely to see if it really is him. Great Wall is awesome - if Dicky Knee is up for it i'd recommend the walk from Jinshanling to Simatai - not as crowded as other parts of the wall - a good 11km walk up & down (steep in some bits), but you get the feeling that the Mongols are going to come tearing down one side of the mountain, or you're in Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon....complete with hawkers wanting to sell you rice, beer, icecream & tshirts!!!
You will have a ball...so much to see & do in China..and the people are great :)

Posted by: nicole at March 22, 2004 12:30 PM

The Bamboo Garden Hotel (http://www.bbgh.com.cn/en1.htm) might be what you're looking for. Will stay there myself next week.

Posted by: Els at March 23, 2004 05:40 AM

Thanks for all your suggestions, guys. Els - that was the hotel I was looking at; didn't it used to be Chiang Kai Shek's residence, or am I thinking of another one?

Posted by: Kinki at March 23, 2004 06:04 AM

While you are out at the Summer Palace, try to go the ruins of the Old Summer Palance - definately very atmospheric and not as touristed. Go by bike if you can - Chris and I did and it is a fabulous cycle, but leave a whole day to go to both places.

Posted by: Heather at March 23, 2004 11:10 AM