The heart of the Middle Kingdom
by kimberbakos
The sense of history that this city exudes is like no other. The Forbidden City and the Great Wall speak volumes about the past, while Tianenmen Square whispers about the present political oppression. The Olympic preparations shout out the progress and the future. My first view of the Great Wall as we approached the mountians. It was amazing and looked like it was just hanging on to the peaks.
Different ways of exercising
by marielexoteria
The pictures show 2 things that Chinese people use to exercise their bodies and minds and then one thing that I saw one person do but I'm not sure if more people do it as well.
Pictures 1-3: while walking to find a place to eat, I found these women dancing. I have no idea what the dance is called but they were so good and the music was so festive that I couldn't help but take their picture. This was at the parking lot of one of the malls on Xinjiekou Nandajie.
Picture 4: this man was trying to keep a dreidel turning with 2 strings. Whenever the dreidel was spinning, it was making a weird (to me) sound. The picture was taken at Temple of Heaven park.
Picture 5: this woman was pedaling a child size tricycle of the sort. She was to change direction as another woman walking behind her would clap, and with each clap she would turn left or right. She was sitting on the tricycle in the opposite way a child would and I think she was working on her balance, hearing and coordination. The picture was also taken at Temple of Heaven park.
Hiking the Great Wall
by idy
Those who like a good workout should climb/hike the Great Wall. It's generally walking up a gentle gradient, but some sections are good and steep, and there are a great many stairs to climb!
If you're even more adventurous, you may want to consider parasailing over the Great Wall (as seen in photo 3)! Just imagine how fabulous the view would be! Comfortable shoes, drinking water, a hat!
Mao's Figurine?
by shamenc about Panjiayuan Market
This is not really A shop.. it's ALOT of shops!!! hahahaha....
It's a whole market where little nick-nacks / figurines and some antiques also if you at searching!!!
It's really quite fun digging in to all the stuff!!!
Personally i think this should not only be a SHOPPING tip.. i think it's really a sight on it's own!! haahahah
It really amazes me how much the locals read and embrace the cultural importance.... Little Mao Figurines. hehehe.. They are really quite cute
Also if i you are a collector, there are some pretty good tribal costumes too.. but do expect to pay a good price for it!!
Beijing Acrobats and Circus
by herzog63 about I don't remember which one I saw
If you're in Beijing you gotta check out the Acrobatic Troupes. They are fun to watch! They were for me anyways. I went twice in Beijing and twice in Shanghai. It was fairly inexpensive too! Just a couple of dollars in 1987. I'm sure the price has risen since then. Just ask at your hotel or tourist office for the latest schedule and prices.