I'm sure many people pick this...
by dr_in_asia
I'm sure many people pick this - but it is truly an spectacular sight to see. The Great Wall visit was a highlight of my tour. We went to Badaling, which was a more 'touristy' area of the wall, but very well preserved with a cable car ride up (you can walk if you like). I only wish we'd had more time there - I think if I was to do it again, I'd hire a private tour to see another part which is less crowded though.
Eating out
by clairegeordio
During the few days I was in Beijing, I did notice (at least in the area that I was staying in) that restaurants tended to not allow any more customers in after 8.30-9pm, so it is best to try to eat out earlier if possible.
Cheering Squads
by SLLiew
Unlike watching on television in your living room, when you watch at the stadium, you can feel the excitement and cheers of the supporters of each team which have fly all the way to be at Beijing to see their countrymen and countrywomen compete. Win or lose, they will cheer to the end.
The competitors often show their appreciation to the audience and their cheering squads at the end of the competition. Very often, you see family members in the cheering squads some holding placards example signed by their highschool to try their best.
So this add a personal story to each athlete who have given so much including their coach and their family members and friends over years to have a chance to compete at the Olympics.
Each country has their unique style of cheering. Some will sing together like football songs. The Chinese style is someone will shout "Zhongguo dui" (Chinese Team) and the crowd will followed with "Jia You" (Do your best). The Malaysia style is "Malaysia"... "Boleh" (Malaysia Can)
Shopping in Wangfujing
by blue_sky04 about Wangfujing Street
Wangfujing street is dedicated to shoppers. You can find modern shopping mall and department store as well as small independent stores a long the street. There you can find clothes, jewelry, souvenirs, food, and many others.
I visited some of the souvenir stores there and bought a few things. Remember to bargain when you go to the souvenir stores because the price they tell you often much higher than the normal price. I was able to bargain until the price became 25% of the initial price they told me.
Shopping
by Green_Frog about Wangfujing Street
The markets were a lot of fun here and we found this extremely talented young man who made doll replicas of yourself for only 180rmbs. Nikki had to have one - she'd seen these artist at Behai Park and they were selling them for 300rmbs so she had a doll made.
She had to pose for approximately an hour whilst this young man moulded, carved, sculpted this doll to resemble her - it was really amazing and the crowd we drew was incredible - at one stage we would've had over 100 people surrounding us!!! Frightening.