Let's hope Email-Kid resurfaces after successfully finding his hotel. And that we don't next hear from him in some internet cafe in Gulou district, asking us for better directions!

EMK, if you read this before arriving in Beijing, try to follow Gin Fizz' directions IF you can find the right street to turn off, as it will save you time and energy. But if you can't find the right street or aren't sure where to turn, follow mine as using the Drum Tower as your landmark is more foolproof. As it will be dark already by the time you get to your walk from subway to hotel, I'm not sure if the street signs will be easily readable for you to find the right place to turn per Gin Fizz.