Hutong
by tompt
Hutongs are lanes or alleys formed by lines of siheyuan (houses around a courtyard) where old Beijing residents live. There used to be thousands of these hutongs, but they are torn down at high speed, in order to replace them for modern apartment buildings. This is said to beautify the city before the olympics in 2008.
Just walk or ride your bicycle through a hutong and absorb the atmosphere.
HONG QIAO MARKET
by LysDor
This is a typical chinese department store close to the temple of heaven. The first floor is full of faked watches and other items and the other 3 upper floors are dedicated to clothes, bags, shoes etc.
Prices are much cheaper here but be prepared to bargain as well!!.
There are also chinese antiquites here and a huge area of genuine pearl sellers. Design your own pearl necklace here! The best service and prices are to be found here though after tight negotiations and letting them understand that this particular shopping stand has been recommended as the best one to you and that is why you came here! Even some presidents, kings and queens have visited the place.
Packing List
by Chris_Dahlia
The weather in Beijing is so dry and windy almost all the seasons. So, some body lotion is needed. In summer, it is pretty hot, T-shirt can be nice then. And winter it is so cold and sometimes snows too, don't forget your coat then. And yes, usually you have to walk a lot while visiting places, so, sport shoes are really needed.
Wangfujing Street
by Unknownsu about Wangfujing Street
One of Beijing’s most famous shopping streets with 2 major shopping malls and a number of large department stores. It is also home to numerous stalls and shops that can keep you occupied for hours. You can buy things that you need and don’t need but will end up buying anyway for this is an excellent people watching street.
The most of the night life in...
by TobbeW
The most of the night life in Beijing is concentrated to one street 'Sanli Tun', this street is full of small nice bars, some with live music. This is the street where both the local people and the toursist go, some bars are open until 5 or 6 in the morning.
You can also find some discos in the city, I have seen advertisements but never had the time to go...
Karaoke bars are common in Beijing (as everywhere in China and Asia).. but do not expect the same to find any strip-bars like in many other asian countries...
Anyway.. Go out and have some fun in the evening! Whatever.... as long as you have clothes...