I still have almost 4 days left in Beijing after return from Harbin. It needs to go somewhere because I have enough of Beijing already. Tianjin will be the first choice because near by and get there in 30 minutes by the new bullet train. I take me longer to get to the train station by subway. The new line 4 go direct into the train station without get out to the street. There are 3 to 4 trains per hour, very frequent route. When I ask people in Beijing, everyone except one said there is not much to see in Tianjin. Only one said there are lot of history. That is why I save it until the last open time. The train ride is very smooth and quiet, comfortable seat with lot of leg room. ... read more

It has been more than three months in Beijing. I have the first handed opportunity to understand the city and China. The learning experience is great both in the real life and school. If I can stay three more months will improve my language a lot. When I am started getting a hand on it and time to pack. I achieve my goal of able to communicate; I do not expect to speak fluently at this short time. I am able to get what I needed for the daily live here. Even a local old lady compliments my speaking is not bad as an out of towner. Someone may think I am goofing off in Beijing but I do study. I am one of the five students never missed a class. I graduated with honor. I ... read more

The Temple of Heaven, 天壇 is a complex of Taoist buildings situated in the southeastern part of central Beijing, in Xuanwu District. The complex was visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for good harvest. It is regarded as a Taoist temple. The temple complex was constructed from 1406 to 1420 during the reign of the Yongle Emperor, who was also responsible for the construction of the Forbidden City in Beijing. The complex was extended and renamed Temple of Heaven during the reign of the Jiajing Emperor in the 16th century. The Temple of Heaven was renovated in the 18th century under the Qianlong Emperor. Restoration in preparation for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics was completed in 2006. It is a World Heritage site. You can ... read more

If you really want to see the average Beijing live, this stretch of street will fit your bill. It only goes straight and no turns, so you will not get lost. You can get off the Xidan subway station and heading north. There are many modern buildings and shops in the Xidan area. Large volume of both locals and some tourist shopping here. You can spend a whole day there if you want to shop. The first few blocks of the street is full of wedding photo studios, some of them are very fancy set up with individual counseling station with large 32” LCD monitor. There may be close to hundred of them or even more. Beijing’s divorce rate is 25% and rising, it is a good business. The wedding studio never disappears on the street. ... read more

I have been waiting for the good weekend to go to the Great Wall. Wait too long for a clear sky and come the unexpected early snow, wipe out all the color leaves. When wait for the snow, and snow comes I do not have time to go. It snow earlier during the week and has been very cold in the 30’. I figure the snow is not going to melt so soon. I look at the sky at Fri. night, I think this is the time to go, otherwise I will miss out again. I can either take the train from the Beijing North station 北京北站 at Xizhimen 西直門 or express bus from Jishuitan 積水潭. Either station is accessible by subway line 2, and only one stop apart. The train is more comfortable but cost ... read more