Five days in Beijing

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Firstly, with regards the last blog, I apologise for the lack of stirring photos of the Great Wall etc., but the digital camera was in Alison's bag... (fortunately, we still had the SLR). I guess you'll just have to wait for my return to the UK for me to bore you senseless with slide after slide, after slide, after slide...zzzzzzzz

This entry is more for the benefit of would be visitors to Beijing, but may still be of interest to friends and family back home, as it is a few hints and tips that may help you save time, and money in and around Beijing.

Accommodation

We stayed in the City Central Beijing International Youth Hostel - try saying that with a mouthful of yams! It has a broad range of rooms from dorm beds at Y60 or so (cheaper if you book online in advance) up to "executive suites". A twin room will set you back Y160 for the room (again, cheaper online). It is well situated, just across from the train station (also the location of the airport shuttle bus), and right next to a subway stop. It is also round the corner from Chang'an, the main road through Beijing with some handy buses.
The place is clean and well equipped with reliably hot showers, a bar, restaurant, and tourist info desk. However, do not expect the front desk to be of any help whatsoever! Few of them speak any English, and they seem less than willing to help sort out problems (like lost luggage!).
There may well be better hostels in Beijing with a more intimate atmosphere (this place is vast), but it has served us well on the whole.

Transport

Subway: There is a growing subway system in Beijing, and what is currently in existence is very good. Y3 (20p) gets you in, and you can go anywhere for that, including changing lines.
Buses: If you can stomach the bus, it is a cheap and useful way of getting around - Y1 for any inner city journey, Y1.5 to somewhere in the suburbs. You don't pay the driver, there will be a conductor on the bus who will come and ask you for the fare - if you tell them where they are going they will keep you right and let you know when it is your stop. Twice, locals getting off at the same stop pointed us in the direction of where we were going, and one even walked half a mile to take us to the exact spot!
Taxi: Not taken one, but apparently the flat fair is Y10 for a few kilometres, and then it goes up a few Yuan per kilometer after that. Apparently.
Trains: We didn't have a problem getting tickets for heading out of Beijing despite what you hear - we got an English speaking assistant, and hard-sleeper berths (middle and top) with only a days notice).

Sights

Summer Palace: If you get good weather this place is fantastic, and a great getaway from downtown Beijing. Plan at least half a day, and relax. If you are getting the 375 bus from Xinzhimen subway station, the bus stop is just behind the Subway (30m round the corner).
Great Wall - Mutianyu: This place is apparently less busier than the more favoured Badaling, and at points we were the only people on sections of the wall which was fantastic. Getting there is a bit tricky if you go by local buses - I'm not sure if there is a local bus which goes directly from Dongzhimen Long Distance Bus Station; it might be better to take a tour bus from next to Tiananmen square, although it will cost you a bit more. Take your ISIC card if you are a student for a discounted entry to the Wall.
Other Highlights: Go to the Donghuamen night market - it is great for some interesting street kebabs and seeing what the locals consider edible; The Lama Temple is supposed to be good, we're going tomorrow!

I hope that helps, and good luck in Beijing!

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Photos

Summer Palace
Is that blue sky in the background?!

Summer Palace
Painted window

Comments

[Jingxing]

Highlight places.
I myself quite like the Heaven Temple, where Chinese worshipped the Heaven before; Summer Palace is very good as well, as you may know it was built to amuze the Royal family during hot summer days.

[Jingxing]

Where did my comment go?
The previous one just disappeared. I personally quite like the Heaven Temple, where the emperors worshipped the Heaven before. Did you find any food you are interested in the night market? Don't get despair, I am sure the foods/fruits in GZ/HK will suit you. By the way, I think the pear and peach in Beijing are quite good.