<![CDATA[Travel: China - Beijing]]>Hi,


Any good travel agent do organised Educational Tour to Beijing ? I was thinking to go during PSLE 2009 Marking days ?

Thanks.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/11919/travel-china-beijingRSS for NodeSat, 20 Jun 2026 10:40:55 GMTThu, 02 Jul 2009 08:19:09 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: China - Beijing on Mon, 25 May 2020 05:59:02 GMT]]>I can’t wait to travel again to Beijing, this place has always been close to me. So many great experiences and so much to love about Beijing…

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1977682https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1977682Mon, 25 May 2020 05:59:02 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: China - Beijing on Sat, 23 May 2020 01:06:12 GMT]]>ONLINE EXPERIENCE Beijing Virtual Fun Tour

https://www.airbnb.com.sg/experiences/1723646?source=p2

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1977311https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1977311Sat, 23 May 2020 01:06:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: China - Beijing on Wed, 13 Nov 2019 09:42:46 GMT]]>This is nostalgic! I stayed at Raffles Beijing Hotel in December 2007 - my first trip to Beijing. The air was so polluted then. The minute the aircraft door pulled open, the smog smell engulfed the plane. I enjoyed the hotel. In those days, Beijing was building many five star hotels in preparation for the Olympics. It was tiring walking around, perhaps due to the awful air quality. Nobody wore masks then. And this was pre-haze period, so Singaporeans also didn't know about masks 🙂 Raffles Beijing Hotel was a little grand old dame, sandwiched between taller buildings.


Fast forward to 2015 - I brought my kids to Beijing without the husband. Stayed at Renaissance Wangfujing. Nice newish modern hotel, but too far from the MTR station. The air quality was so so much better. I had no problems getting around using cabs, subway, and I hired a driver to Mutianyu.

Third trip in 2017 - went with hubby. Stayed at Renaissance Beijing Capital. This was further from Tiananmen/Wangfujing - hence not as near the sights. At a business district. Not exactly doorstep to a metro station either, but near to shopping malls and all. Air quality was also good. Distances in Beijing are far - getting from one sight to another does take quite some commuting time.

Can really see and appreciate how much China has changed over the past ten years. Actually the change is even more stark for the Tier 2 cities.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1946212https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1946212Wed, 13 Nov 2019 09:42:46 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: China - Beijing on Wed, 13 Nov 2019 08:49:30 GMT]]>

Coolkidsrock2\" post_id=\"1946032\" time=\"1573556781\" user_id=\"48901:

Will be proximity to sub-way.

Given the cold, will prefer to be as near a subway as possible.

Getting a driver for the day of the Great Wall tour but will like to explore on own for rest of the days.
The subway stations's actually not far (by big country's standard), but just note that there are 3 main Blocks along East Chang'an Road. The 7-storey French Nuo@FC sits in the middle of a row of interconnected buildings.

Nuo's flanked by the post-50s 12-storey Beijing Hotel proper on the east and Grand Hotel on the west. There's another modern annex behind Nuo, which allows guests to cut thru to WFJ like I mentioned.

https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E7%8E%8B%E5%BA%9C%E4%BA%95%E7%AB%99 One of the exits is linked to Oriental Plaza basement 1.

I got the City view room facing the famous East Chang'an Rd leading to Tiananmen and FC. Not trying to sound dark, but I got the '6.4 Tiananmen massacre room view'. In 1989, foreign correspondents reporting on 6.4 were staying at the 12-storey annex, east to this century-old Nuo so most of the media photos were shot from that angle, including that of the immortalised 'Tank Man'. If you stay in rooms with the Garden view, you won't see Tiananmen.

If you're a heritage buff, this is the place to stay - literally 在天子脚下. It all began in 1900 when the 8 European forces invaded and plundered Peking. The soldiers needed a place for R&R after plundering the palaces, so the rest's history. https://kknews.cc/history/g54omke.html Many political heavyweights and movers & shakers of modern Chinese history stayed there.

But do not expect it to be in brand-new tiptop condition as Raffles merely retrofitted the historic building, and not sure if Nuo (under Kempinski grp) did anything extra after taking over the mgmt.

It's convenient to walk to TAM to watch the changing of guards and flag raising ceremonies. Do buy the tickets to climb up to the TAM tower (the balcony with Mao's portrait) to look down at the square & pretend to wave like Mao or Xi.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1946207https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1946207Wed, 13 Nov 2019 08:49:30 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: China - Beijing on Tue, 12 Nov 2019 11:06:21 GMT]]>Thank you for the detailed info.


It’s the old Raffles one.

Will be proximity to sub-way.

Given the cold, will prefer to be as near a subway as possible.

Getting a driver for the day of the Great Wall tour but will like to explore on own for rest of the days.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1946032https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1946032Tue, 12 Nov 2019 11:06:21 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: China - Beijing on Tue, 12 Nov 2019 10:09:36 GMT]]>

Coolkidsrock2\" post_id=\"1945934\" time=\"1573528794\" user_id=\"48901:

Is Park Plaza Wangfujing or Nuo better located in terms of accessibility to train station, food and shopping?
Which Nuo in Beijing? The former Raffles or the other Nuo in the art district? If you're looking at Nuo Beijing Hotel at Forbidden City, there's a back door from the lobby to cut to Wangfujing. This Nuo is located at one end of WFJ where Malls of Oriental Plaza is located (Food Republic and other F&B).

Walk along WFJ you'll find WFJ bookstore, the famous WFJ food street but you can only find traditional BJ snacks not proper meals. Keep walking you'll find Da Dong Peking Duck, Quanjude Peking Duck and Tianjin Goubuli buns restaurants. Walk further you'll see state-owned Beijing Dept store and HK's APM mall which has many F&Bs too.

Train station meaning subway or HSR? Park Plaza is near a subway station. Nuo's nearest station is WFJ but to me, it's pretty far.

One thing about BJ maps: Some buildings may appear like a stone's throw away on paper, but they're actually very far from one another in reality. As you know, BJ communist boulevards were constructed post-49 to accommodate tanks and ICBMs or maybe even planes! Anyway, I don't know if it's because of the pollution, but I always feel breathless walking in BJ, so I'll take a cab or get a driver.

Honestly, I'd only taken BJ subway once in my life when there were only 2 lines. I took BJ public buses b4, but it was nightmarish. Now something else about buses: some BJ cabbies, because they hate to be be caught in a jam near the Forbidden City South Gate (Wu Men), might take you to the North Gate (exit) and force you to alight there. We were dumped there as the traffic seriously wasn't moving, hence we had to take the FC shuttle bus to get to the South Gate where the ticket office/entrance is. Boy, that snaking queue to board that crowded shuttle bus...

Donkey meat - be careful. A lot of fake donkey meat these days. I had authentic donkey meat in BJ in the 90s when the Chinese were less cunning.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1946023https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1946023Tue, 12 Nov 2019 10:09:36 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: China - Beijing on Tue, 12 Nov 2019 03:19:54 GMT]]>Is Park Plaza Wangfujing or Nuo better located in terms of accessibility to train station, food and shopping?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1945934https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1945934Tue, 12 Nov 2019 03:19:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: China - Beijing on Wed, 06 Nov 2019 06:02:06 GMT]]>And eating donkey meat.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1945025https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1945025Wed, 06 Nov 2019 06:02:06 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: China - Beijing on Wed, 06 Nov 2019 06:01:15 GMT]]>

doodbug\" post_id=\"1945022\" time=\"1573019042\" user_id=\"13281:

The Ming Tombs is not an absolute must-do to me. I much prefer Hanyangling at Xi'an.
I would really want to visit Badaling some day though. I've been to Mutianyu twice.
Mutianyu is fun. One easy but expensive route is to take the Cable Car one way up to Tower 14, walk downwards to Tower 6, then take the toboggan down one way. Of course if you are feeling up to it, you can walk the entire journey (Tower 1 to 2X) and back down. If you have senior citizens in your group, do bear in mind the toboggan has some age restrictions.
My friend gave the same feedback on the Ming Tombs and recommended Mutianyu for the fun of tobogganing.

No senior citizens with me. Just DH, teenage DS and myself. DS likes History and visiting such sites. Planning to visit Gubei Watertown enroute to Simatai.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1945024https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1945024Wed, 06 Nov 2019 06:01:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: China - Beijing on Wed, 06 Nov 2019 05:44:02 GMT]]>The Ming Tombs is not an absolute must-do to me. I much prefer Hanyangling at Xi’an.

I would really want to visit Badaling some day though. I’ve been to Mutianyu twice.
Mutianyu is fun. One easy but expensive route is to take the Cable Car one way up to Tower 14, walk downwards to Tower 6, then take the toboggan down one way. Of course if you are feeling up to it, you can walk the entire journey (Tower 1 to 2X) and back down. If you have senior citizens in your group, do bear in mind the toboggan has some age restrictions.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1945022https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1945022Wed, 06 Nov 2019 05:44:02 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: China - Beijing on Wed, 06 Nov 2019 05:17:52 GMT]]>Am also thinking of Simatai. No issue with food and toilets? Read in some reviews that it is not as developed as Mutianyu so am a little hesitant.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1945019https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1945019Wed, 06 Nov 2019 05:17:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: China - Beijing on Wed, 06 Nov 2019 05:11:18 GMT]]>

doodbug\" post_id=\"1945014\" time=\"1573016420\" user_id=\"13281:

http://simon-service.com/

I used Simon for my day trip to Ming Tombs and Mutianyu. He speaks decent English. I actually used him twice on two separate trips - once with my husband; once without my husband and alone with two kids.

Simatai seems even further. I already found the car journey to Mutianyu quite long. So I guess it depends whether you mind the travelling. Mutianyu also has fast-food restaurants to grab a bite, and very clean toilets.
Yes, you are right. I got the two sections mixed up. Mutianyu is about 2hr journey, Simatai about 4hr. Simatai is more authentic and more scenic but probably isn’t worth the extra time if all you want is to visit the “Great Wall”.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1945016https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1945016Wed, 06 Nov 2019 05:11:18 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: China - Beijing on Wed, 06 Nov 2019 05:00:20 GMT]]>http://simon-service.com/


I used Simon for my day trip to Ming Tombs and Mutianyu. He speaks decent English. I actually used him twice on two separate trips - once with my husband; once without my husband and alone with two kids.

Simatai seems even further. I already found the car journey to Mutianyu quite long. So I guess it depends whether you mind the travelling. Mutianyu also has fast-food restaurants to grab a bite, and very clean toilets.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1945014https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1945014Wed, 06 Nov 2019 05:00:20 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: China - Beijing on Wed, 06 Nov 2019 04:59:54 GMT]]>

Coolkidsrock2\" post_id=\"1945011\" time=\"1573015797\" user_id=\"48901:

Is it better to visit the MuTianYu or SiMaTai section of the Great Wall in mid-Dec?
Simatai.
However, it’s is a longer journey than Mutianyu. Thus, if you prefer a shorter journey / trip / day or have an entourage not suitable for a longer trip, Mutianyu.

Edit: I got the two sections mixed up 😂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1945013https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1945013Wed, 06 Nov 2019 04:59:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: China - Beijing on Wed, 06 Nov 2019 04:49:57 GMT]]>Is it better to visit the MuTianYu or SiMaTai section of the Great Wall in mid-Dec?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1945011https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1945011Wed, 06 Nov 2019 04:49:57 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: China - Beijing on Tue, 17 Sep 2019 01:43:54 GMT]]>Need help.


Going to Beijing in December. Planning to go on a day trip to Great Wall, thus looking for a Guide, private driver or taxi driver, preferably English speaking one. Anyone has someone to recommend? Not keen to book those day tours from hotel because of the unwanted shopping that they bring you to, and secondly, the weather is expected to be freezing cold, so want a private transport so that we can control the time out in the cold and can have the flexibility to visit a few more places.

Appreciate any recommendations. Can pm me. :rahrah:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1935628https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1935628Tue, 17 Sep 2019 01:43:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: China - Beijing on Tue, 31 May 2016 00:30:43 GMT]]>.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1685245https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1685245Tue, 31 May 2016 00:30:43 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: China - Beijing on Sat, 28 May 2016 13:03:31 GMT]]>

StillThinking:
There's so much to buy and see in Beijing, I regret bringing so little money that last time when I went with my school, the things were so interesting and they were so cheap, yet they were of better quality then in SG, ironic to you people right? I don't even get why China is being criticised so badly for something that doesn't even happen.

What are the things that caught your eye? Those souvenirs?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1684547https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1684547Sat, 28 May 2016 13:03:31 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: China - Beijing on Sat, 28 May 2016 03:05:52 GMT]]>There’s so much to buy and see in Beijing, I regret bringing so little money that last time when I went with my school, the things were so interesting and they were so cheap, yet they were of better quality then in SG, ironic to you people right? I don’t even get why China is being criticised so badly for something that doesn’t even happen.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1684438https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1684438Sat, 28 May 2016 03:05:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: China - Beijing on Sat, 28 May 2016 00:18:59 GMT]]>

fanren:
Hi

Can anyone advise about the water in Beijing? Some said use bottled water to wash teeth dun use tap water... So boiled water is it safe to drink?
Following Singapore tour group..
I am the KS type and I use the bottled water provided by the hotel to brush my teeth and I only drink the bottled water.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1684400https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1684400Sat, 28 May 2016 00:18:59 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: China - Beijing on Fri, 27 May 2016 17:35:40 GMT]]>Hi

Can anyone advise about the water in Beijing? Some said use bottled water to wash teeth dun use tap water… So boiled water is it safe to drink?
Following Singapore tour group…

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1684362https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1684362Fri, 27 May 2016 17:35:40 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: China - Beijing on Fri, 06 May 2016 03:15:06 GMT]]>Recent happenings in Beijing :


Pedestrian road blocks are introduced surrounding Tiananmen Square and metal detectors are set up

If you suddenly change your pace of walking, you will be pinned down on the floor immediately.

Don't suddenly take out water bottle to drink, they may suspect is drinking kerosene for self immolation

Don't cross the yellow line in front of 新华门, will be shot, I heard, have not tried. :rotflmao:

Carry your ID or passport in case of spot check. If dressed like people from rural provinces, bound to be questioned on the spot.

Lots of plain cloth security personnel walking around you and listening what you say.

Use whatsapp instead of wechat. Whatsapp is encrypted but wechat is tracked for sensitive words

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1676663https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1676663Fri, 06 May 2016 03:15:06 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: China - Beijing on Fri, 06 May 2016 02:48:21 GMT]]>

tankee:
floppy:

[quote=\"tankee\"]is there any thing really worth buying in beijing?


The simple answer: No.

That is, unless you enjoy the bargain process... which is an experience in itself.


I do not like to bargain as well 😉 thanks[/quote]I bought an intricate cloisonné (景泰蓝) bangle at the summer palace, a poignant reminder of the extravagance and narcissism of Empress Dowager Xi who dwelled in both the forbidden city and the summer palace.

Didn't bargain 🙂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1676654https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1676654Fri, 06 May 2016 02:48:21 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: China - Beijing on Fri, 06 May 2016 01:04:44 GMT]]>

melody68:
Hi, does anybody know where i can book high speed train from beijing to shanghai? thank you

Answered you in the Shanghai thread

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1676598https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1676598Fri, 06 May 2016 01:04:44 GMT