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Beijing Warnings or Dangers

steeeep - Beijing
steeeep
by MISSQT
Beijing travel tips posted by real travelers and Beijing locals.
Local Time 11:57 am Monday, July 7, 2008
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Safety: Crime in Beijing
  • Tip Rating:
  • Beijing is a very safe city, especially in comparison with alot of other major cities around the world. When I was in Beijing the most common crime seemed to be petty theft, and while I was not a vicitim a friend of mine had her backpack stolen from right beside her chair in a KFC. Just remember to be aware of your surroundings at all times, and keep your valuables in your line of sight and you should be fine. Oh, and beware the traffic....cars stop for no one.


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    Crowds: Summer Palace during Chinese main holidays
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  • As you see it´s very crowded. Normaly I wouldn´t visit such a place in the main holiday if I have been here before. But when I was there the first time the weather was terrible and I couldn´t take any good photos... so I had to visit that wonderful place again. And I didn't regret it. Anyway, if you have the chance to visit such a place, don't choose the first week in May or October. (or during Chinese New Year in February)

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    Taxis/Pedicabs: Taxis! Make sure that you...
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  • Taxis! Make sure that you have a registered taxi. My friends and I ended up in one taxi that had a meter that was 'broken'. This malfunction caused the kilometer reading to jump from 0.1-1.0 km for every 0.1 km. Needless to say, that would have been a pricey ride, as our 12 km ride took us across 60 km, according to the meter! Luckily, we refused to pay and the guy sped off...

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    Watch what you're photographing
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  • This is still China and they are quite particular about you can take and what you cannot take with a camera!

    MILITARY/POLITICAL
    I had a slight brush with the law when I was trying to take a picture of the ornate gateway entrance of Zhong Nan Hai, the political headquarters of the Chinese Communist Party, which happens to be within walking distance from Tiananmen Square.

    Anything related to the sensitive political and military machineries of China - I would advise to stay clear of them with your cameras. It's one thing to take the facade of the Chinese Parliament from Tiananmen Square, it's another trying to take the picture of the political headquarter of the ruling party. Careful where you cross the faint dotted line.
    ___________________________________

    EVERYDAY LIFE
    Also, many older folks are suspicious of photographers. There is still an old superstition that cameras suck the soul. Some folks simply dislike having their photos taken without their permission. Some entrepreneurial kind may even insist that you pay them after you had taken their photo and they won't hesitate to raise a ruckle till you pay up.

    Be courteous, ask. If rejected, use telephoto lenses whenever applicable. Take what you need and beat a hasty retreat and do not overstay your welcome. I entered a Hutong House to take some photos, courtesy of one of the owners but I could sense I was not fully welcomed and left the place quickly after I was done with a few quick shots.

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    Restaurants/Nightclubs: Teahouse at Summer Palace, Suzhou Street.
  • Tip Rating:
  • Scam teahouse and its 2 employees - Beijing
    Scam teahouse and its 2
    employees
    by sunshine9689, 1 more photos
    Send Photo to a Friend
    When you exit/enter Summer Palace from another (not main) gate, you can see small teahouses, stores along the embankment of a small river (on 2 sides).
    I want to talk about particular one - at the end of the embankment.

    We were passing by and a lady stopped us inviting for a tea. I had a bad feeling since no one was sitting there but recklessly agreed.
    A guy brought a big tea jar, let us smell the tea (it had wonderful smell of jasmine). Yes, - we said. He brought a brewing tea 5 minutes later and it was not quite the same smell as I thought the tea from a jar had. But anyway...

    After we were done he charged us 60RMB ($7.5) for a pot of mediocre tea which was way too much. We bargained of course, but still..

    Do NOT go there!


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    Beggars: Beggers
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  • As I walked down the streets, I saw many beggers and decided to spare a coin or two. When I gave to a little girl, a gang came up to me and begged for money. I was very frightened and went into my hotel asap. From the receptionist, she told me that they operated as a gang and would pester any easy target.


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    Toilets: Public Toilets
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  • This is an average version of a public toilet. No flush, no door to close. But they normally get cleaned with a bucket of water once a day.....or week.
    But you get used to it!

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    Pollution: Smog
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  • Beijing is one of the single most polluted cities I have been too. After a few hours my eyes were burning. Not much one can do but grit and bear it.

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    Safety: Watch yourself!
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  • Taxis: if you take a taxi, sit at the back because many of them don’t have front seat belts or if they do probably won’t work (usually the most expensive taxis, 1.60 or 2.00 Yuan, have seatbelts, however, just follow my advice and seat at the back). Be involved in traffic accidents in China could be one of the most complicated issues of your entire life.

    Pickpockets: it is also a big issue in China. Pay special attention when you travel in crowded buses, trains or subway.

    Unattended bags or coats: wherever you take a seat (except in the hotel room or at your friend’s house) don’t ever leave your belongings.

    Ripped-off: always bargain for untagged prices (except at the major department stores). If you feel the price is too high or feel there is something you don’t feel comfortable with simply don’t buy, shop around.

    Fake goods: watch out!

    "Best before"…: check the expiry date or date of validity, especially foods and drinks.

    Strangers: don’t accept free drinks or food from people you don’t know. Being drugged and waking up only with your clothes have happened many times.

  • Website: http://www.beijingsolution.com/

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    Taxis/Pedicabs: From airport to down town
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  • When you will arrive to Beijing by plane and continue to city center, be warning with private taxis. Right fare is appr. 80RMB (Dec 2005) but you could be demanded over 300RMB.
    Allways clarify the price in advance.

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    More Beijing Tips
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