subject: Have The Perfect Vacation In Beijing [print this page] Beijing, the capital of The Peoples Republic of China was known as Yanjing during the Ming dynasty, and later came to be known as Peking, before it got its present name. It is a very historical city and the seat of power of the most populous nation in the world. It is characterized by its vastness, with narrow roads and cramped lanes. However, this has given way to modern world class infrastructure, thanks to the city hosting the 2008 Olympics.
Air China, British Airways and many other major airlines have flights to Beijing. Low cost carriers have cheap flights to Beijing as well. The locals speak a spattering of English, which is also due to the Olympics. Mandarin is the main language commonly used.
It is known as a Bicyclists Nation, now going through a car explosion with industrialization and modernization of the economy. Cheap tickets to Beijing, along with bike rentals to explore the city, make it a budget holiday paradise. Public transport is also very cheap with a good network of buses and taxis.
Being the capital of a vast nation with a distinct culture, there is plenty to explore around. This is made more practical and easy with a lot of cheap domestic flights available to major cities around the country.
Sightseeing around the capital includes a lot of palaces, temples and parks. The Forbidden City, home to the Imperial Court of the Ming Dynasty, is relatively intact and a place not to be missed. Unfortunately, many historical sites were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution.
The Temple of Heaven, a park, usually packed with people, is the best place to take a stroll or enjoy the hustle and bustle around with a cup of tea. The Beijing Zoo is home to the endangered Giant Panda and is a worth a visit for the beautiful landscaping. Ju Yong Guan is a pass of The Great Wall of China and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The more modern attractions in and around the city include the Olympic Water Park and other Olympics-related infrastructure. Look out for cheap plane tickets to visit this land of ancient culture and civilization.
One of the main attractions around Beijing is The Great Wall of China. It can be overcrowded most of the times, but definitely not to be missed. The city is famous for its ancient alleyways and Hutongs with typically traditional architecture. This is slowly being taken over by new structures with modernization.
The best way to explore the city still remains by bicycle. Overcrowding and traffic snarls, with a lot of pollution due to rampant construction can, however, dampen the experience. Chinese cuisine is world famous and inexpensive. A variety of options are available from street vendors to high-end restaurants to try out authentic Chinese food. There are a multiple variety of noodles, with so many choices to decide from, that it could be sometimes difficult. Beijing roast duck should definitely be on the list of things to try with almost every restaurant offering it on their menu. It is usually served with pancakes. Vegetarian options are also available in some places these days. A vacation to the city will not be complete without a visit to the umpteen number of tea houses around the city. It is indeed a city of tea drinking people!
