Pilgrims flock to 'longevity county'

For the past six months, Zhou Xuezhong has been living in Bama County in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, a place thousands of kilometers from his home in Beijing.
It's the second year that the retired senior citizen has chosen to live temporarily in this "longevity county," which boasts a high number of centenarians.
The 73-year-old Zhou, who has been struggling with asthma and coronary disease for years, said he believes the good environment in Bama can help him battle his diseases, and he plans to return to the county annually.
Located in northwestern Guangxi, Bama counts many long-living elderly among its population of 240,000.
Official statistics show that there are nearly 31 centenarians for every 100,000 people in Bama. In 2012, Bama reported 81 centenarians, giving it one of the highest rates of centenarians in the world.
The natural conditions in Bama are widely believed to have contributed to local people's good health. Scientific tests show that the amount of negative oxygen ion in the air in remote Bama is far above that of many other places in China, and many believe this leads residents to feel energetic and comfortable.
The stories of Bama's "living legends" have spread across the country and enticed an increasing number of people from other provinces hoping to find the elixir to an enviable long life.
Earlier this month, various media outlets in China reported that many longevity pilgrims "crawl like dogs" and even drink urine in Bama, believing such practices can help keep illness at bay.
As more newcomers swarm to the county, a health preservation industry has
gradually sprung up in Bama, partly thanks to promotion by the local government and the inflow of capital. In recent years, its tourism industry has soared due to the promotion of health preservation.
"We are trying to make Bama an international resort for health and recreation," said Feng Haifeng, secretary of the county committee of the Communist Party of China in Bama.
In 2012, the county received more than 2 million domestic and foreign tourists, a year-on-year increase of 23.3 percent. The revenue it generated stood at around 2 billion yuan (about 327 million U.S. dollars), accounting for 48.6 percent of

Bama's annual gross domestic product.
In the first five months of this year, Bama has already received over 1million visitors, generating more than 927 million yuan in tourism revenue.
The reputation of the remote county is so widespread that it has even attracted a number of people who travel from far away to live in Bama for an extended stay.
This group is nicknamed "houniaoren," or "migratory people," with lives like those of migratory birds -- flying south in winter and staying in Bama for several months.
Chen Jinchao, head of the Guangxi Bama Longevity Research Institute, said the number of migratory people flocking to Bama has been on the rise in recent years.
"Last year, around 10,000 such tourists spent their Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, in Bama," he said.
Government statistics show that in 2012 alone about 180,000 migratory people visited Bama.
Most of the migratory people go to Bama for health recovery or even medical treatment, as they believe living conditions there can facilitate recovery.
Zhu Zhijun, a migratory person himself, said there are thousands of people like him living in Bama, many of whom have been diagnosed with cancer or tumors.
While the incoming tourists have contributed to the growing tourism revenue, they have also raised concerns.
Although no scientific evidence has proven that the natural environment in Bama is effective in curing illness, the county's reputation for longevity has stirred blind faith among many who regard it as a place offering the recipe for long life.
"Some people believe that once they are in Bama, all manner of diseases will be miraculously cured, without taking any medication," Chen said.
For instance, some patients resort to eating the Huoma, a local vegetable believed to guarantee a long life, on a daily basis, just because they believe that the Huoma will "keep the doctors away."
Others are obsessed with Bama's water. They even name it "divine water," thinking that it has amazing medical effects, while in fact the unfiltered water could contain excessive bacteria and cause diarrhea, Chen said.
He added that some patients insist on swimming in the "divine water," which has led to several drowning cases and forced the local government to put up fences around rivers.
Chen said another consideration is the possibility of disease transmission if more patients come to Bama for medical treatment.
"Although the clean air and water could provide a good environment for the recovery of people with chronic diseases, it is not a hospital," Chen said.
He believes that people obsessed with Bama are following the crowd, and that they should have a better understanding of what health preservation is really about.
"What's really important is for people to build a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about exercise, rather than blindly searching for a long-life recipe in a longevity county," Chen said.

Today I Have a Dinner in Huguosi Snack Food Store

There is no better illustration of what Beijingers eat during the Spring Festival than food offered by traditional snack food (xiao chi: small eats) stores throughout Beijing. The Huguosi Snack Food Store is a great example of the

festive food shops.
The present location of the store was formerly the site of a famous temple fair in the western part of the city where the most famous "small eats" food brands flourished. In 1956 a state-owned traditional snack store was established.
Today the store is one of the few old brand-name state-owned businesses that still continue this tradition.
According to Li Qiuhua, manager of the store: nian gao (glutinous rice cake), dou bao (steamed buns with smashed red bean stuffing), xi zi bing (a cake with the Chinese character for 'happiness' on it) and mian yu'er (a cake shaped like a fish) are some of the most popular foods at the store during big holiday shopping.
Most of these foods carry auspicious meanings. For example, nian gao literally means: “better this year than last year”. The fish cake is considered auspicious because fish in Chinese (yu) means surplus. The Chinese hope they are prosperous and rich in each New Year.
Other foods available include many kinds of traditional Beijing 'small eats.' Some of the most famous treats are lu da gun (rolling donkey): a soft yellow rice and soybean cake, ai wo wo: a white glutinous rice cake with a variety of stuffing, wan dou huang: a smooth tasting yellow pea cake and jiao quan: deep-fried crispy flour ring.

Rongbao Zhai Chinese Painting Workshop

Rongbao Zhai is located in  Liu Lichang West Street with its former name as Dongzhu Zhai. In the 20th year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu in Qing Dynasty (1894), it changed its name into "Rongbao Zhai". It is always a place for people in the circle of painting and calligraphy to gather and communicate from the early period.
Rongbao Zhai is famous for its wood-block watermark printing at home and abroad. Its wood-block watermark printing is made by masters with great talent, which is the reason why any of the current printings can't compete with it. The wood-block watermark printing has a long history in China. In the early 9th year of the Rongbao Zhai can not only print Shijianxiaopin (comment or short essay inscribed on the wood or printed on the paper or silk with great exquisiteness), but also engage in complicated silk painting and monumental long book copy, which are similar to the real ones. Rongbao Zhai's products such as "Poem of Seventy-two Officials" and "Twenty-four Solar Terms Envelope", made by the wood-block watermark printing, was regarded as very outstanding products in Liu Li Chang by Lu Xun and Zheng Zhenduo.

reign of Xiantong Emperor in Tang Dynasty (A.D. 868), a person named Wang Jie printed illustrations of Diamond Sutra with this technique and these illustrations remain until today. From the Tang Dynasty, most books are accompanied by illustrations and the process printing is available in the 16th century. In recent decades, with new improvements and achievements made on the basis of the traditional techniques, at present
At present, Rongbao Zhai has a large collection of authentic works and reproduced ones made with wood-block watermark printing techniques of ancient and modern painters and calligraphers. It also provides four treasures of the study (brush, ink, paper and ink stone) as well as services like mounting, processing and repairing, which brings great convenience for painters and calligraphers. Rongbao Zhai has made great achievements in booming the artistic market of painting and calligraphy and promoting international cultural exchange.

The South Beauty In Beijing China

In 2000, the South Beauty Catering Management Group (South Beauty Group) was founded with its headquarters in Beijing. The Group has three luxury restaurant

brands: South Beauty Restaurants, Lan Club and SUBU. They represent the greatest development potentials for this Chinese international catering service management group.

The South Beauty Restaurants mainly serve traditional Chinese Sichuan-style Cuisine, in addition to the Cantonese-style Cuisine series of the Southern School, Tanfu Private, exquisite French Cuisine and attractive Mexican Cuisine. All these cuisines bring their own features to reveal the supreme art of cooking. 

National Art Museum of China

Located on Wusi Street, the National Art Museum of China was established in 1962 to exhibit outstanding works of modern Chinese artists. The gallery has 6,000 square metres of exhibition space, which is divided into 14 exhibition halls currently housing 10,000 pieces, not including folk art. The central part of the gallery, with four floors, has an ancient Chinese pavilion type roof. The

surrounding flat roofs have skylights to allow for natural lighting. The building is decorated with glazed tiles, a traditional Chinese construction material and many of the walls are paved with light yellow ceramic bricks. The designer wanted the building to reflect ceramic art. With the development of a commercial economy, traditional donations from fine artists are now being gradually replaced by sales. The gallery gathers works through a variety of channels which include buying them from national and local exhibitions and offering financial aid to some fine artists who sell their work to the gallery. The research staff at the gallery excels at the development of the study of fine art, and they have published dozens of articles and papers. From 1962 to 1995, the China Art Gallery organized over 1,000 exhibitions covering everything from photography and calligraphy to stamp collections. Some of the shows were co-coordinated with other galleries such as the China Folk Artistic Work Gallery. From 1962 to 1977, the total budget for the gallery was 2.25 million yuan. The average annual budget since 1978 has increased to 560,000 yuan. With profits from the exhibitions, it has the potential to become the nation's finest art gallery.

Come Here I am in QUANJUDE Waiting for You

QUANJUDE, a famous historical brand of China, was established in 1864 (the third year of Tongzhi of Qing dynasty). During the 136 years, QUANJUDE has experienced business vicissitudes and survived the arduous ordeal of time. Throughout the years, QUANJUDE dishes have been greatly enriched due to developing and innovation.
With its long history, Quanjude roast duck enjoys a high reputation among domestic and overseas consumers for the peculiar roast technique and outstanding quality. It ranks the first not only in Chinese Famous Dishes, compiled by all-China famous chefs under the organization of Ministry of Commerce in 1958, but also in Elite of Chinese Famous Dishes, published by China and Japan in 1982. In many cases, Quanjude lists the first among famous restaurants.

The well-known All-Duck Banquet is headed by QUANJUDE roast duck and supported by over 400 dishes with QUANJUDE characteristic flavor. Government leaders, officials and VIPs from nearly 200 countries and regions have visited QUANJUDE roast duck restaurants and had dinner here.
The foundation of China Beijing Quanjude Group May 20th of 1993 ushers in a new episode for QUANJUDE. The Group set its developing strategy as taking advantage of QUANJUDE brand and expanding the business by scaling, modernizing and franchising with quality playing the crucial role. Since the implementation of the strategy, QUANJUDE’s business has been booming and more positive meanings are being brought to the image of the old renowned brand. Currently, the Group has over 60 company-owned and franchised restaurants in China. The annual sale reaches 500 millions yuan (RMB); the number of roast duck annually sold amounts over 2 millions; guests annually entertained top 5 millions. The Group lists one of the largest food service enterprises in China with 600 millions yuan (RMB) of assets and 700 millions yuan (RMB) of intangible assets.
In January of 1999, QUANJUDE was awarded the title of "China Renowned Trademark", which is the first and unique case as of now in the service trade. This honor also contributes to QUANJUDE’s image of high quality, excellent taste, rich and profound culture.

Visit Beijing Shooting Palaestra This Summer

During the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the venue will host a total of 10 shooting events. It will also likely be the venue where the first gold medal will be awarded during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
Present at the delivery ceremony were officials from the State General Administration of Sport, the City of Beijing, and Mr. Wang Yifu, head coach of the Chinese national shooting team.
Construction of the venue broke ground on July 13, 2004. The venue, with a total surface area of 45,645 sq m, contains qualification competition halls, a final competition hall, a storehouse, a room for armed police use, a heating and ventilation equipment room, and an electric transformer room.

The qualification competition hall contains 10m, 25m, and 50m target ranges. The final competition hall contains sealed 10m, 25m, and 50m target ranges.
The venue has a total seating capacity for 8,600 spectators, with 2,170 permanent seats and 6,430 removable seats. The qualification competition halls can seat 6.100, and the final competition hall can seat 2,500.
The Beijing Shooting Range Hall was designed to reflect the shape of a hunting bow. This design takes into consideration the origins of the sport of shooting—hunting in the forest. The Shooting Hall's qualification competition halls and the final competition hall are connected by the venue's main entrance, which contributes to the venue's "bow" shape.
Post-Games, the venue will host important international and Chinese shooting competitions and serve as the training base for the Chinese national shooting team and youth training grounds.
Parts of the venue might be used as a national defense teaching facility. Additionally, the venue may be used to promote shooting as a sport to the public and to promote the Olympic spirit.

Qingliang Valley in Beijing Not Far Alway From Downtown

Situated in Shicheng Town, Miyun County, the Qingliang Valley is about 110 kilometers (68 miles) from Beijing. Characterized by dense pools and spectacular waterfalls, this area has rich resource of water. The valley lies to the north of the Yunmengshan Natural Forest Park, and such superb geographical advantage makes it an ideal destination as a summer resort. Baihe River runs across this area throughout the year, adding vigor and vitality to the Qingliang Valley.

Here the green mountains, the clear waters and pools, the luxuriant woods, the countless stunning peaks and stones complement each other perfectly. The mountains are covered by vast stretches of Chinese pines. Set off by blue sky and white clouds, this scenic area is an enchanting painting of nature. In spring, the valley is covered by various flowers in full bloom; the icy water melts and dampens the earth. Relaxing in this area in summer is much enjoyable; in addition, you could take pleasure from picking fruits in autumn and climbing the snow-covered mountain in winter.
The scenic area is characterized by various waterfalls and pools. Whether in rainy days, or during dry seasons, the magnificent waterfalls offer you unusual discoveries. About 5 kilometers from the entrance of the valley lies an imposing Pearl Waterfall. The water rushes down from a high cliff and resembles a charming curtain of pearls. A glimpse into a distinctive cave behind the Pearl Waterfall will impress you deeply.
The mountains command a fine view of the pleasant valley, including a grand canyon with high mountains and steep cliffs on both sides. In the canyon, the peaks tower into the sky, while the gullies are deep and awesome. A viewing platform at an elevation of over 700 meters (2,300 feet) gives you spectacular views of this beautiful land.
This scenic area is unique with colorful aquatic sports. On the clear Qingliang Lake, sporting on bamboo rafts, climbing grids, and playing on swings are all very challenging. If you prefer to amuse yourself on land, horse-riding is for you.

Have a Prince Gong’s Mansion Tour in Beijing City

Gongwangfu (Prince Gong’s Mansion).The mansion on Liuyin Street of Xicheng district was owned by a notoriously

corrupt official of the Qing Dynasty, He Shen and his harem of 80 concubines. His only grace lay in his devotion to his wife, Feng Shi, who fell ill after their youngest son died in a battle against rebels. Then her devoted husband hired monks to pray for her health to return, only to find Feng dying of a broken heart. Rumor has it that the house was haunted by the ghosts of the lady as well as many former escorts of He Shen. Late at night, cries of the mother can be heard echoing through the mansion. Even security guards at the tourist spot say female ghosts in white can be seen wandering around the garden.

Exploring Art in Lan Bator-Beijing Landscapes

The Monastery-Museum of Choijin Lama is a storehouse of jaw-dropping papier, mache masks and elegant bronze sculptures.
At the heart of Ulan Bator is an art-lover's paradise waiting to be discovered. Chitralekha Basu looks beyond the usual tourist draws and finds a trove of art and culture around the city's central square.

If you stood in front of Sukhbaatar Batbold's now cellophane-wrapped statue in Ulan Bator's central square and drew a circle with a 1-kilometer radius, you would be at the hub of a never-ending exhibition.
Granted, most of Ulan Bator's potential tourist lures - from the Roman-style colonnaded buildings often colored an unlikely shade of dark peach to the multi-tiered pagoda-roofed monasteries - are located right here, but the volume and variety of art on display is truly extraordinary.
The best part of visiting UB's arts hub is that the intense concentration of thangka paintings, appliqu panels showing menacing mythological gods, bejeweled bronze sculptures, quaint hunting tools and masks and costumes worn traditionally by tsam dancers seems inversely proportional to the number of eager connoisseurs.
Miles and miles of art objects stand solemnly in unpeopled galleries. Even the staff, supposed to be looking out for the chance visitor, is hardly ever seen. But don't let that give you ideas. A warren of closed circuit cameras is tracking your moves, just in case you thought of clicking a shot or two on the sly and not paying the fee (see box).
First up on the list is Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts, by far the most representative collection of Mongolian art, from prehistoric granite sculptures to early 20th-century landscapes by the legendary Mongolian painter B Sharav (1869-1939).

Top Toursit Attractions to Visit in Beijing

Beijing Great Wall Tour 

Beijing Forbidden City Tour

Beijing Temple of Heaven Tour

Beijing Summer Palace Tour

Beijing Hutong Tour 

Beijing Ming Tomb Tour

Beijing Night Show Tour

Impressive Great Wall and Ming Tombs Day Trip

My day trip visit Badaling Great Wall, one of the famous sections of the Wall was very memorable! It was my first time to visit the Wall in China and I did it with my family. A big family! So I had chosen this private trip! Overall, yeah, it is very organized and under control. Me and my family, we also had a great vacation!

Changling in Ming Tombs

At the morning, tour guide picked us in front of my hotel. She was very nice and polite person. Greet us with big smile and good English, we directly ride on to the van and head to the Ming Tombs, our first destination. That day fortunately the weather was good! Along the journey, tour guide was told us about everything, about the city, history of Ming Tombs, one day journey that we will take etc. So we did not get boring.
Arrived at Ming Tombs, we entered to the big area with many tress and Chinese pavilions or pillar. Tour guide was told us more about history of Ming Tombs, where buried 13 emperor of Ming dynasty and even more some empresses in the area. Explore the tombs, not all of the area, some part of it, I could feel little bit scared. The place was very quiet and calm, might be because there was a sacred area.

Magnificent and Crowded Badaling Great Wall

After that, we transferred to the Chinese restaurant to take some lunch. After have a little rest and had some Chinese lunch we go to the Great Wall. Badaling was very crowded and a lot of local people. But we keep enjoyed the trip and excited climbed the Wall. Although it was tired but I am proud I already visited the Wall! Very impressive one! The sceneries were very stunning and fascinating!
After about 2 hour explored the Wall, we gathered together and tour guide was waiting for us to back to the city. We had visited Olympic Stadium and have 45 minutes to take some photos around the stadium. The architecture was just so amazing and magnificent. Satisfied with all of the whole day photos that we had taken, we head back to the hotel and tour guide send us home. That one day was goes very quickly and memorable! We all happy and grateful to have this tour! Thank you!

Resource:http://www.beijinglandscapes.com/beijing-travel-blog/great-wall-ming-tombs-day-trip.html

Making Dumplings

I'm very interested in Chinese food so during the trip to Beijing, I booked one of Beijing Cooking Learning Tour on beijinglandscapes. Haha, the tour didn't disappoint me (it is very interesting and meaningful).
Began at 9:00 am and the first destination was the Beijing Cooking School. Here I learnt a few different dishes and saw how they are made from beginning to end, learning the secrets of excellent Chinese cooking. After hands on learning experience, I finally cooked three dishes as my lunch. I'm very proud that I could make dumplings. Although the shapes of them are very strange, it is a perfect job for me and I felt very exciting to eat my own Chinese lunch.

Dumplings-My Lunch

After the lunch, I was driven to one of the branches of time - honored brand - Daoxiangcun Foodstuffs Store. I can't believe that so many people queue up to buy the snacks. Is it really delicious? Then I bought some to take home as gifts to my family and friends.
In the afternoon, I began the village tour - Beijing Gaobeidian Village. The first destination of the village tour is the Tonghui River. It is a part of man-made ancient Beijing-Hangzhou Great Canal with the long history of more than a thousand years. Then I visited the Classic Furniture Street. The 1,500 meters long classical furniture street is located along the Tonghui River in the east part of the Gaobeidian Road. The main type of the furniture is of Ming and Qing Dynasty. Here is a good stage for representing and trading Chinese Traditional furniture. At last I visit a local famer's house. This is my favorite part of the village tour. Here I happily talk to the villagers and make dumplings together with them. There I enjoyed a very delicious Farm Flavored.
About 6:00 pm I got to my hotel. Stay in the comfortable bed and aftertaste the one day trip, I still feel very exciting. The English speaking tour guide is very kindly to me and told me a lot about the history and story about the old Beijing. Also I'm very happy that I learn some secrets of Chinese cooking!

Resource:http://www.beijinglandscapes.com/beijing-travel-blog/beijing-cooking-tour.html

Strolling along Qianmen Commercial Street

Qianmen, in mouth of people, includes Zhengyang Gate, Pearl Market and Dashilan area. Qianmen is the most important place on axle wire of Beijing, also is the core area of protection of ancient capital features. In Ming and Qing Dynasties, Qianmen is the necessary road to Temple of Heaven and Altar of the God of Agriculture. Nowadays, Qianmen Street still keeps the style of history.

Panorama View of Qianmen Street

Eat in Qianmen. Walking in Qianmen Street every time, I have a feeling of pass through. Even through Qianmen Street is crowded with tourists and fashion music, the Dashilan is still old and restores ancient ways. In ancient time, Beijing was called as Peking, the Qianmen is the gathering place of cate including many characteristic restaurants. After hundred years, Quan Ju De shapes its own style of cooking including Quan Ju De Roast Duck and 400 dishes, which was loved by the governments, officials and social celebrities. The past Prime Zhou liked to select the Quanya Banquet as the state banquet.
Go shopping in Qianmen. Qianmen Street is the famous business street and old culture street, located at axle wire of Beijing, and starts from Moon Bay in north to Tianqiao Intersection in south. With 570 years history, Qianmen Street is also known as Heaven Street. It is 845 meters totally, is Pedestrian Business Street. Only both sides of Qianmen Street is covers an area of 66,000 square meters, contains about 180 shops. The long history of Qianmen Street shapes the old famous shops such as Liubiju Paste, Tongrentang Drugstore, Ruifuxiang Silk Store, Neiliansheng Shoes shop, etc.

Tramcar in Qianmen Street

Play in Qianmen. The world famous Laoshe Tea House created in 1988, is located at west of Qianmen Street, and close to Tiananmen Square. It is the representative gathering place of tea house culture of old Beijing, national demonstration base of the cultural industry and AAA tourist scenic spot. Here, you can enjoy the original characteristic performances, taste Chinese famous tea, buy top-level tea and eat the imperial characteristic snacks. Especially, you will see many celebrities in night shows. All these featured national art and programs attract travelersdeeply. Laoshe Tea House is called as the window of showing the essence of Chinese culture art and the bridge connects the friendship of home and abroad, and it is the human landmark of Beijing culture.
Qianmen Street is good place to eat, play and go shopping. Here, you have good chance to appreciate the most characteristics of Beijing.

Article Resource :  http://www.beijinglandscapes.com/beijing-travel-blog/strolling-along-qianmen-street.html

Beijing Night Biking Experience

This time my family chose Beijing tour during the holiday. We hope that we will have a nice trip and enjoy the rich culture and the historical sites here.
In order to get some different feelings, we booked the Private Beijing Nightlife Bike Tour through beijinglandscapes. During the two hours we four people enjoy the beautiful night scenery of Tiananmen Square, Houhai Lake and around the Forbidden City. While biking, the English speaking tour guide told us the history, story and the features about each tourist destination. Let me share them with you!

Tiananmen Square is the largest and widest city square in the world and it is the witness of many of important events of the Chinese nation taking place here since last hundred years. There are standing many symbols of Beijing. In the east is the National Museum of China and in the west is the Great Hall of the People. Monument to the People's Heroes stands at the center and Chairman Mao's Memorial Hall is located behind it.
Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, is the palace of 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, covering an area of 720,000 square meters. Every day large numbers of tourists come here to experience the "imperial power". However in the evening, it looks a little bit gruesome.

Night Scenery in Houhai Lake

Where I like best is Houhai Lake. The nigh scenery there is really beautiful that when I first saw it I lost in it. There is also a famous bar street there. A small alley along the lake, get together around the sea, no loud music, instead melodious songs and only 80s unique culture. With the characteristics of old Beijing Houhai, the modern city is definitely an alternative melodious. My family and I really like the atmosphere. So tomorrow we will have a cup of drink in Houhai Bar Street to experience Beijing nightlife.
Although the trip only lasted about 2 hours, the tour guide told us a lot about the old Beijing and modern Beijing. Thank you very much for his patience. Tonight we enjoyed a very happy time!

Resource: http://www.beijinglandscapes.com/beijing-travel-blog/night-biking-tour.html

Most Practical Tips and Information for Your Beijing Tour

Here we provide some practical tips for Beijing tour. Not only common knowledge of the city, but also the detailed helpful tips for sightseeing. 

Tip 1: Chinese Currency and Exchange Rate

When touring in Beijing, foreign currency can be changed in most banks and hotels. Exchange rates do not vary that much, so hotels are often the most straightforward place to exchange. 

Tip 2: Best Time to Tour in Beijing

Springs and autumns are the best times to come to Beijing, but beware that during national holidays the city's hotels and sights will be packed.

Tip 3: Taking Photos Carefully

Beijing is a beautiful city and there are many pictures await you. But if you want to take pictures of strangers or street scenes with people, make sure to get their permission for the photo or do it without detection. Also it's very common locals come across when you are taking a picture.

Tip 4: Beijing Useful Telephone Numbers

China Internationall country code number: 86

Beijing city code number: 010

Ambulance: 120

Fire: 119

Police: 110

Weather Forecast: 121

Time: 117

Tip 5: Useful Guide Book

We suggest you should better bring a Guide Book with you, obviously written in your local language, but make sure alongside every attraction heading, and it has the Chinese name written in Chinese alongside. 

Tip 6: Health Care in Beijing

If you have any health problems while visiting Beijing, there are good medical facilities with modern hospitals and plenty of clinics. Many of the doctors speak English. 

Tip 7: Beijing Safety 

Relatively, violent crime in Beijing is low, so usually visitors should not encounter any problems. Make sure you keep your valuables locked in your hotel safe and avoid carrying more cash than you need.

Hope this Beijing tour tips can help you a lot.

Travel Tips - for Your Tours in Beijing

Touring in Beijing can be both intriguing and exciting. There are large number of travelers can be frustrated when touring in Beijing. Read on to find some Beijing tour tips to help you get the most out of your Beijing experience.

Weather

Beijing's weather differs greatly between seasons and travelers are advised to check the weather before departure. Autumn is probably the best season to visit Beijing, the temperature is mild and the sun is out a lot.

Communicating

The official language of China is Mandarin Chinese, actually a northern dialect, and this is what the people of Beijing speak. Most hotel staff can speak English, so this is not a big problem. But on the street it may be difficult to communicate. Nowadays most young people are studying English, so for simple directions and help, you can most likely get assistance from a younger person.

Business Hour

Generally, most of the scenic spots in Beijing sell entrance tickets from 8:00 till 16:00. Some are open much earlier like Temple of Heaven, Beihai Park, and Summer Palace. Many early birds in Beijing come to these parks for morning exercises.

Exchange Currency

Tourists can exchange traveler's cash at most banks, and hotels always have a money exchange counter. To change money, you have to have your passport at hand. Some up-scale hotels will only change money for their own guests. When you are changing money, don't change too much, because it is difficult to change back into other currencies.

Internet

Internet cafes' can be easily found along the streets of Beijing, and lots of hotels have internet access. If you want to do business via the internet, chat with family or friends, there are plenty of venues for you to choose.

Whenever you have any question about your Beijing tour, please contact us and we will try our best to help you.

Why Beijing is the First Destination to Visit ?

Once you tour in Beijing, you will love it and you will never want to leave. Here I will list top reasons why Beijing is so famous in the world.

Reason 1: Famous Attractions in Beijing

Has been the capital of different periods of history, Beijing offers China's wonderful array of attractions, including Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Ming Tombs, and Lama Temple. 

Reason 2: Picturesque Natural Scenery

Beijing has many beautiful landscapes for tourists relaxing. The best time travel to Beijing is in late spring and autumn. Autumn is a particularly pleasant time to visit as the days are warm and the leaves of the many trees in the city turn glorious shades of red and gold. The heat and humidity of the summers and the biting wind in winter can be extreme.

Reason 3: Friendly Chinese People

When traveling in Beijing, you will find that the Chinese people are warm, friendly and extremely honest. They always smile to other people and willing to help others. Especially the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games pushed the people's passion for nudity over the top.

Reason 4: Say "HI!" to the animals in Beijing Zoo

As China's largest treasure house of animals and birds, Beijing has become one of the ten biggest Zoos in the world. One of the most famous mammals in Beijing Zoo is giant panda which has long been a symbol of the world's wildlife Protection effort.

Reason 5: Try Chinese Food

In Beijing, tourist can taste different styles of food from different regions. One of the most famous foods in Beijing is Beijing Roast Duck. 

Reason 6: Convenient Transportation

Public transport in Beijing is very convenient, so tourists can take a bus, rend a taxi, or ride a bike. Bicycle is a convenient means of transportation. It has been very popular among foreign visitor. 

Reason 7: Morning Visit to Beijing Park

An unmissable experience is a morning visit to one of Beijing’s public parks. This is when people let their hair down by indulging in their particular favorite physical activity, be it Tai chi, jogging, singing or even ballroom dancing.

Reason 8: Accommodation of All Level

Whether you want to save money and live in a much comfortable hotels, Beijing offer different levels of accommodation. To cater for the booming tourist industry, Beijing provides accommodation that can meet all budget levels, including boutique hotels, star-rated hotels, hostels and inns.

Enjoy yourself during your Beijing travel.