various minor edits, Airbnb, hostpitals, etc
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Revision as of 06:09, 3 August 2015
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The city is well known for its flatness and regular construction. There are only three hills to be found within the city limits (in Jingshan Park to the north of the famous Forbidden City). Like the configuration of the Forbidden City, Beijing has concentric "ring roads", which are actually rectangular, that go around the metropolis.
The city is well known for its flatness and regular construction. There are only three hills to be found within the city limits (in Jingshan Park to the north of the famous Forbidden City). Like the configuration of the Forbidden City, Beijing has concentric "ring roads", which are actually rectangular, that go around the metropolis.
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Beijing was host to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games.
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Beijing was host to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games
and will host 2022 Winter Olympics
.
Beijing is a dynamic, changing city. There is a mix of old and new all around (especially within the 3rd and 2nd Ring Roads). Here you can see the most modern, envelope-pushing technologies and social innovations butting heads with the most ancient cultural norms and social settings. The people here can seem a bit cold, but once you break the ice you will find that they are very friendly and engaging.
Beijing is a dynamic, changing city. There is a mix of old and new all around (especially within the 3rd and 2nd Ring Roads). Here you can see the most modern, envelope-pushing technologies and social innovations butting heads with the most ancient cultural norms and social settings. The people here can seem a bit cold, but once you break the ice you will find that they are very friendly and engaging.
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===Walks and rides===
===Walks and rides===
[[File:The Great Wall-Badaling-2004d.jpg|thumb|321px|Great Wall of China at Badaling]]
[[File:The Great Wall-Badaling-2004d.jpg|thumb|321px|Great Wall of China at Badaling]]
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* '''The Great Wall of China''' (长城 chángchéng) about a 1 hour train trip or 1.5 hour bus ride from the city (be aware of [[#Stay_safe|bus scams]]). See [[Great Wall of China|'''Great Wall''']] for general information on the Great Wall and see [[Beijing/Rural Beijing#Do|'''the suburb article''']] for individual listings. The Badaling section is the most famous, but also over-restored and crowded. Jinshanling, Huanghuacheng and Simatai are more distant but offer a better view of the wall away from the crowds. (As of March 2011, Simatai is closed for restoration. It is expected to re-open in the 2012-2014 timeframe)
Mutianyu has been restored, but is far less crowded than Badaling.
Crowds are a definite issue with the Great Wall: at popular sections at popular times, it becomes not the Great Wall of China, but rather the Great Wall of Tourists. It is possible to rent a taxi for ¥400-800 for the round trip including waiting time. You may want to bring a jacket against the wind or cold in the chillier season - in the summer you will need lots of water, and it will be cheaper if you bring your own.
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* '''The Great Wall of China''' (长城 chángchéng) about a 1 hour train trip or 1.5 hour bus ride from the city (be aware of [[#Stay_safe|bus scams]]). See [[Great Wall of China|'''Great Wall''']] for general information on the Great Wall and see [[Beijing/Rural Beijing#Do|'''the suburb article''']] for individual listings. The Badaling section is the most famous, but also over-restored and crowded. Jinshanling, Huanghuacheng and Simatai are more distant but offer a better view of the wall away from the crowds. (As of March 2011, Simatai is closed for restoration. It is expected to re-open in the 2012-2014 timeframe) Crowds are a definite issue with the Great Wall: at popular sections at popular times, it becomes not the Great Wall of China, but rather the Great Wall of Tourists
. Mutianyu has been restored, but is far less crowded than Badaling and more popular with foreign visitors. The unrestored Jiankou section is dangerous and widely regarded as the most beautiful
. It is possible to rent a taxi for ¥400-800 for the round trip including waiting time. You may want to bring a jacket against the wind or cold in the chillier season - in the summer you will need lots of water, and it will be cheaper if you bring your own.
* {{do
* {{do
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Some 'expensive' hotels are in the city centre, especially in [[Beijing/Dongcheng#Sleep|Dongcheng District]], and on the eastern 3rd Ring Road in [[Beijing/Chaoyang#Sleep|Chaoyang District]], however by Western standards these hotels are still relatively cheap. In the outlying areas, especially out by the [[Great Wall of China|Great Wall]], are some country club type resorts as well as some unique, one-of-a-kind, hotels. For the most expensive hotels, the listed rates start at around ¥4,000, but are often discounted to a level around ¥1,500.
Some 'expensive' hotels are in the city centre, especially in [[Beijing/Dongcheng#Sleep|Dongcheng District]], and on the eastern 3rd Ring Road in [[Beijing/Chaoyang#Sleep|Chaoyang District]], however by Western standards these hotels are still relatively cheap. In the outlying areas, especially out by the [[Great Wall of China|Great Wall]], are some country club type resorts as well as some unique, one-of-a-kind, hotels. For the most expensive hotels, the listed rates start at around ¥4,000, but are often discounted to a level around ¥1,500.
There is also a "line" of budget hostel, south of Qian Men in [[Beijing/Chongwen]], big street on right: Leo hostel, 365 Inn, split in 2 / take left, Jing Yi shi hostel, train booking office, street on the left to Leo courtyard, Far east hostel.
There is also a "line" of budget hostel, south of Qian Men in [[Beijing/Chongwen]], big street on right: Leo hostel, 365 Inn, split in 2 / take left, Jing Yi shi hostel, train booking office, street on the left to Leo courtyard, Far east hostel.
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AirBnb and Couchsurfing are very active in Beijing. A single room for ¥180 is easy to find.
==Stay safe==
==Stay safe==
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[[China#Smog|'''Air pollution''' and '''Smog''']] has traditionally been a big problem in Beijing like any other big city in China. Car exhaust, coal burning, and dust storms from the Gobi desert combine to make some of the worst city air on the planet. Winter is the worst time as the cold air creates an inversion layer and traps the pollution in the city. In 2013, Beijing was in the news for a sudden spike in its smog. The air quality was "beyond index", which can be fatal to those who are sensitive to air pollution.
[[China#Smog|'''Air pollution''' and '''Smog''']] has traditionally been a big problem in Beijing like any other big city in China. Car exhaust, coal burning, and dust storms from the Gobi desert combine to make some of the worst city air on the planet. Winter is the worst time as the cold air creates an inversion layer and traps the pollution in the city. In 2013, Beijing was in the news for a sudden spike in its smog. The air quality was "beyond index", which can be fatal to those who are sensitive to air pollution.
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It's a good idea to check the air-quality readings online first thing every morning, as well as the weather forecast for any expected winds or precipitation that may mitigate it later in the day. The regular readings from the U.S. embassy's air-quality monitor are on Twitter and thus blocked; however, they are mirrored at sites like [http://www.aqicn.org this]. If it is "unhealthy" or "hazardous", consider cutting back on your activities if they are likely to involve a lot of walking outside, in favor of visits to museums or shops. If you have a flexible schedule and plan to visit the Great Wall, the
higher elevation
may get you
above
the smog if you are lucky.
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It's a good idea to check the air-quality readings online first thing every morning, as well as the weather forecast for any expected winds or precipitation that may mitigate it later in the day. The regular readings from the U.S. embassy's air-quality monitor are on Twitter and thus blocked; however, they are mirrored at sites like [http://www.aqicn.org this]. If it is "unhealthy" or "hazardous", consider cutting back on your activities if they are likely to involve a lot of walking outside, in favor of visits to museums or shops. If you have a flexible schedule and plan to visit the
Jinshanling
Great Wall, the
distance
may get you
away from
the smog if you are lucky.
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There are many hospitals in Beijing, but the public hospitals that most locals visit are generally not up to the standard that foreigners from Western countries are used to. In addition, it is unlikely that any of the doctors or nurses would be able to communicate in English. Ambulance services are unreliable, and in the event of an emergency, taking a taxi is usually much quicker. There are
also
several '''private hospitals''' in Beijing that are set up specifically to cater to expatriates, the most well known one being [http://beijing.ufh.com.cn/en/ Beijing United Family Healthcare]. The doctors and nurses at these hospitals are able to speak English, and the standard of care is usually far superior to what the local Chinese have to put up with. However, they are generally very expensive if you are not covered by insurance.
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There are many hospitals in Beijing, but the public hospitals that most locals visit are generally not up to the standard that foreigners from Western countries are used to. In addition, it is unlikely that any of the doctors or nurses would be able to communicate in English. Ambulance services are unreliable, and in the event of an emergency, taking a taxi is usually much quicker. There are several '''private hospitals''' in Beijing that are set up specifically to cater to expatriates, the most well known
and expensive
one being [http://beijing.ufh.com.cn/en/ Beijing United Family Healthcare]. The doctors and nurses at these hospitals are able to speak English, and the standard of care is usually far superior to what the local Chinese have to put up with. However, they are generally very expensive if you are not covered by insurance
. Go to [http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/acs_health/chinese-hospitals/beijing.html US Embassy's medical facilities listing] for a complete list
.
==Cope==
==Cope==
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===Internet access===
===Internet access===
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Internet access is highly restricted in China. Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are completely blocked, and it is not uncommon for many foreign websites not to load. Examples of partially blocked sites include Wikipedia, Blogspot, and Tumblr. To circumvent this problem you can purchase a commercial VPN to tunnel out of the firewall. These can cost from free to $20 per month. Be aware that free versions have security holes and can increase your chances of getting hacked.
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Internet access is highly restricted in China. Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are completely blocked, and it is not uncommon for many foreign websites not to load. Examples of partially blocked sites include Wikipedia, Blogspot, and Tumblr. To circumvent this problem you can purchase a commercial VPN to tunnel out of the firewall. These can cost from free to $20 per month
. ExpressVPN works the best Beijing, especially if you have stable wifi
. Be aware that free versions have security holes and can increase your chances of getting hacked.
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Free WiFi can be found in Costa Coffee, Charlie Brown Café, Starbucks (after a pin has been sent to your mobile phone), McDonald's (30 minute time limit after registration), and many other small independent cafés. These cafés can look like restaurants from the outside, but most any place that is called a café will have WiFi. WiFi is also common in hostels and hotels.
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Free WiFi can be found in Costa Coffee, Charlie Brown Café, Starbucks (after a pin has been sent to your mobile phone), McDonald's (30 minute time limit after registration), and many other small independent cafés. These cafés can look like restaurants from the outside, but most any place that is called a café will have WiFi. WiFi is also common in hostels and hotels
. Most of those wifi connections are weak and unstable. If Internet is important for you, choose an AirBnb home with good wifi
.
===Laundry===
===Laundry===