Headed to Beijing, anybody been?

Get some sideways snatch

It's dirty, traffic is heavy and not a lot of English speaking people there. I spent a few weeks there for work during the winter at a point where they set a world record for air pollution. It's easy to get around by cabs and subway. Some good sites in Beijing were the Forbidden City or the Temple of Heaven (they are similar). Visited some Buddhist temples recommended to me by my hotel's guide. My favorite part was The Great Wall. My guide too me to a remote part of the wall where I was the only one on the wall. I've heard from others that the main wall attractions are over crowded Disney version.

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I did a full day tour bus. Saw Tienanmen Square, Forbidden City, Silk Factory, and Great Wall. The Great Wall was awesome. Forbidden city was cool too.

Find a good place where you can get some roast duck. That shite was the best thing I ate there.

Yup, don't forget a smog mask

It's a beautiful city though - you'll enjoy it. Safe travels

Got your visa already? It is required and not simple to get like some countries.

Avoid hiring the 2 wheeled little carts to take you around. They will take your money and threaten to turn you over to the police if you don't pay a huge fee of like $50 per minutes after taking you few blocks.

Hire a guide to show you around. One very very good one is here:

LINK

Check our her reviews at tripadvisor.com

Do not plan on driving. Expect modern facilities in the hotels, convention centers and some highly visited sites but very poor and undeveloped in others.

Most restaurants do not have menus in English but do often have photos of meals and most waiters do not speak English.

If you're white and over 5'8", you'll stick out in the ocean of people there. The people will look at you, but will avoid eye contact if you look back, that was a weird disconnected feeling.

A lot of times, you can try to ask the people something, they'll just smile at you and nod... and don't know what the f- you said.

There are a lot of younger university students that will be more than happy to practice their English on you.

Visit the Forbidden City, Tienanmen Square, Great Wall... but get ready to encounter AN OCEAN of people...

First off thanks for the advice OT

I'm going to be at National Convention center (close to the Olympic stuff).

Yes, I already have my visa.

Some of the Chinese guys in my research group advised paying for as much as possible in cash (RMB), and before I converted some money over I was wondering how much would be enough get me through the week comfortably (keeping in mind that I'm a fairly broke grad student)

I went during grad school. The Great Wall was my favorite part of the trip.. Take the stairs up.

Forbidden city and temple of heaven were great too. When we were there we attracted a lot of attention. People wanted us to hold their babies and take pictures with us. We felt like celebrities. Especially if you're somewhat tall or have blonde hair.

Wangfujing Street is neat with a lot of shops, little alleys off the street have a lot of the weird food street vendors. Great picture taking opportunities. You will have to be firm in telling people when you aren't interested when trying to sell crap off the street.

Keep your wallet/phone/passport safe. They will steal your stuff then if your hotel card is in your wallet they try to return it and claim a reward for their good deed. Happened with a girl on my trip. Passport was returned but all her other stuff (cell phone and money) were gone.

The food is amazing and massages are cheap. Take advantage of them.

Also, if you're near the Olympic stadium you can go into the Birds Nest and play on the track field.

Was there in 2012, lots of good advice already given. Be sure to see the Wall/Forbidden City/Square. Silk is a great buy in Beijing. Be leery of anyone approaching you to take you to a better bar/nightclub/whatever. You could end up being mugged. Tipping is not customary in China, do it only if you feel like it. Do not carry your passport, leave it locked at the hotel. Don't drink the water. If you worry about food born illness avoid hot pot restaurants and street food. Do not fall for the tea scam. Someone asks if you'll have a cup of tea and help them practice their English. They leave and you end up with a $200 bill for the tea. Have a Chinese foot massage, it's the best $5 you'll ever spend.