First time visitor to Beijing and China
Apr 21, 2011 | 8:04 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 822
First time visitor to Beijing and China
Hello folks in China forum!
I will visit Beijing in the start of June this year for tourism
I will try to make it from the airport to my hostel by metro (I will of course print out its adress in Chinese just in case I have to do it in some other way) and I have som really simple questions.
Are stations marked in English (guess they are that on the airport line), is it easy to buy tickets for the metro with English?
I went along in Moscow where everything was in Russian since cyrillic is not too far from latin letters after all, but in Chinese? Not a chance. Also do restaurants in Beijing have menus in English? Guess they are probably 10 times the price the local people go to, but well that is the usual rule.
Also is it possible to bypass Chinese censorship by using a VPN connection? I like to go into "naughty" sites like Youtube.
I will visit Beijing in the start of June this year for tourism
I will try to make it from the airport to my hostel by metro (I will of course print out its adress in Chinese just in case I have to do it in some other way) and I have som really simple questions.
Are stations marked in English (guess they are that on the airport line), is it easy to buy tickets for the metro with English?
I went along in Moscow where everything was in Russian since cyrillic is not too far from latin letters after all, but in Chinese? Not a chance. Also do restaurants in Beijing have menus in English? Guess they are probably 10 times the price the local people go to, but well that is the usual rule.
Also is it possible to bypass Chinese censorship by using a VPN connection? I like to go into "naughty" sites like Youtube.
Apr 21, 2011 | 9:28 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 38,543
I haven't been in Beijing in years and I've never ridden the metro there. However, my experiences with their transit systems in China is that you'll find names written in Pinyin--their words, our alphabet. This works fine for names as they mostly wouldn't be meaningful words anyway.
Rule #1 for navigating in China--have your destination and any important waypoints (such as the station you want to get off the Metro at) in writing. Do not expect to be understood if you say them.
Restaurants are going to be a problem unless you go to fancy places. I have rarely seen English on a menu although pictures of dishes aren't exactly rare. I have seen a *FEW* restaurants that do the Japanese thing of a whole display of fake dishes. This is a big help but even then it can sometimes be hard to tell what a dish is.
I have never had problems with them trying to charge me too much when there are posted prices, although she has caught errors on the bill several times. When prices aren't posted negotiation is expected and you're going to be overcharged, period. In the cities tourists frequent my wife doesn't want me anywhere around when she's negotiating as she's China-born and can still pretend to be Chinese. When we got far off the tourist track once that didn't apply, though--it was like I was invisible rather than the usual thing of being the target of every merchant around no matter how bad their English. (We will be walking along either holding hands or with my hand on her shoulder and they'll keep trying to interest me despite being barely able to communicate what they are selling. The more persistent ones will keep it up even when she tells them we aren't interested.)
Rule #1 for navigating in China--have your destination and any important waypoints (such as the station you want to get off the Metro at) in writing. Do not expect to be understood if you say them.
Restaurants are going to be a problem unless you go to fancy places. I have rarely seen English on a menu although pictures of dishes aren't exactly rare. I have seen a *FEW* restaurants that do the Japanese thing of a whole display of fake dishes. This is a big help but even then it can sometimes be hard to tell what a dish is.
I have never had problems with them trying to charge me too much when there are posted prices, although she has caught errors on the bill several times. When prices aren't posted negotiation is expected and you're going to be overcharged, period. In the cities tourists frequent my wife doesn't want me anywhere around when she's negotiating as she's China-born and can still pretend to be Chinese. When we got far off the tourist track once that didn't apply, though--it was like I was invisible rather than the usual thing of being the target of every merchant around no matter how bad their English. (We will be walking along either holding hands or with my hand on her shoulder and they'll keep trying to interest me despite being barely able to communicate what they are selling. The more persistent ones will keep it up even when she tells them we aren't interested.)
Apr 21, 2011 | 10:20 pm
#3
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Beijing
Programs: SK EBG, BAEC Gold
Posts: 985
All station names are marked both in Chinese and in pinyin (romanized spelling of Chinese name). In a few cases the station name may be an English translation or a partial translation (military museum = junshibowuguan, Tian'anmen East/West come to mind) but certainly you should have no problem recognizing where you are.
Buying tickets is also not going to be a problem. The deal in Beijing is still 2RMB gets you a ticket (actually a one-time use smart card) anywhere on the system with unlimited transfers (*except* the link from the airport to dongzhimen). At most stations there will be a counter where you can buy tickets. At some there are only ticket machines (also easy to use), but usually one of the station staff will be able to help you. Depending on how much travelling you are going to be doing on the metro you could also buy an electronic smartcard (Yikatong see - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yikatong). This doesn't save you any money on the metro (but does on busses), but does save the inconvenience of having to buy a ticket each time you make a new journey. Just stand by a machine looking helpless and say "yi-ka-tong" and someone will help you buy one. Note you *cannot* buy several "tickets" and use these during your visit - each "ticket" is only valid from that station for that day (possibly also within a certain number of hours - but I am not sure about this).
VPNs can be used to get access Youtube and similar sites, but since Feburary this year the government has turned the blocking-machine up to 11 ... If you already have a VPN account, check with them before you leave about access from China. If not, there are some good suggestions in this thread (note that the free version of the software suggested by moondog will not give you Youtube access - or at least it says that streaming access is disabled - I haven't actually tried this though).
For food if you are eating in a restaurant that serves Chinese food you will be eating with locals
Maybe slighter richer locals than at the corner noodle place, but certainly locals. Even at smaller places you can find menus in English (or at least some variant of English), and if not there will most likely be a menu with pictures of many of the dishes (this is almost standard here in all but the smallest places.
Bargaining is indeed required almost anytime that there is no posted/labelled price (and also many times even when it is). You will almost certainly end up paying a higher price than a local could get - but not by so much, unless your bargaining skills are completely useless.
Buying tickets is also not going to be a problem. The deal in Beijing is still 2RMB gets you a ticket (actually a one-time use smart card) anywhere on the system with unlimited transfers (*except* the link from the airport to dongzhimen). At most stations there will be a counter where you can buy tickets. At some there are only ticket machines (also easy to use), but usually one of the station staff will be able to help you. Depending on how much travelling you are going to be doing on the metro you could also buy an electronic smartcard (Yikatong see - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yikatong). This doesn't save you any money on the metro (but does on busses), but does save the inconvenience of having to buy a ticket each time you make a new journey. Just stand by a machine looking helpless and say "yi-ka-tong" and someone will help you buy one. Note you *cannot* buy several "tickets" and use these during your visit - each "ticket" is only valid from that station for that day (possibly also within a certain number of hours - but I am not sure about this).
VPNs can be used to get access Youtube and similar sites, but since Feburary this year the government has turned the blocking-machine up to 11 ... If you already have a VPN account, check with them before you leave about access from China. If not, there are some good suggestions in this thread (note that the free version of the software suggested by moondog will not give you Youtube access - or at least it says that streaming access is disabled - I haven't actually tried this though).
For food if you are eating in a restaurant that serves Chinese food you will be eating with locals
Maybe slighter richer locals than at the corner noodle place, but certainly locals. Even at smaller places you can find menus in English (or at least some variant of English), and if not there will most likely be a menu with pictures of many of the dishes (this is almost standard here in all but the smallest places.Bargaining is indeed required almost anytime that there is no posted/labelled price (and also many times even when it is). You will almost certainly end up paying a higher price than a local could get - but not by so much, unless your bargaining skills are completely useless.
Apr 22, 2011 | 6:47 pm
#4
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Southeast USA
Programs: various
Posts: 6,710
If you are going to be in Beijing for at least a few days and will be using the subway system (and/or the buses) frequently, then buying a yikatong card can save you time and hassles from queueing for individual tickets. At the manned ticket window, say "yikatong." There is a RMB 20 deposit for the card (refundable when you return the card at the end of your stay), then you add on whatever fare amount you want. At RMB 2 per ride x "X" rides per day, you can figure RMB needed to charge up. Note that unlike the card deposit fee, unused stored fare on the card cannot be refunded so don't charge beyond what you'll need. If you need to add more value to the card, you can do so at attendant booths or at recharge machines (English menu instructions available). If you get stuck, someone can help you. It's a pretty user-friendly system even for the non Chinese speaker/reader. It's also one of the best financial deals going and a good way to beat Beijing's horrible traffic.
If you are only going to do a scattered ride here or there during your stay, just buy individual tickets as you need them.
VPN's work, but get the software loaded onto your computer before you arrive, and test it out. Get an SSL or OpenVPN GUI-based system, not a PPTP-type which may be cheaper but is now blockable. Make sure the VPN company knows you will be in China, as sometimes there are some extra 'tricks' you need to do (flushing the DNS cache and rebooting, etc.) to ensure performance from behind the Great Firewall.
If you are only going to do a scattered ride here or there during your stay, just buy individual tickets as you need them.
VPN's work, but get the software loaded onto your computer before you arrive, and test it out. Get an SSL or OpenVPN GUI-based system, not a PPTP-type which may be cheaper but is now blockable. Make sure the VPN company knows you will be in China, as sometimes there are some extra 'tricks' you need to do (flushing the DNS cache and rebooting, etc.) to ensure performance from behind the Great Firewall.
Apr 22, 2011 | 11:26 pm
#5
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 46,370
Buying tickets is also not going to be a problem. The deal in Beijing is still 2RMB gets you a ticket (actually a one-time use smart card) anywhere on the system with unlimited transfers (*except* the link from the airport to dongzhimen). At most stations there will be a counter where you can buy tickets. At some there are only ticket machines (also easy to use), but usually one of the station staff will be able to help you.
Apr 23, 2011 | 5:20 pm
#6
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Toronto
Programs: Aeroplan, BA, AA
Posts: 6
Best way to tour Chinese cities?
I have read all the downside arguments about going on an organized tour so wondering how is the best way to go about setting up a private tour. Does anyone have any good contacts in PEK, Xian, SH, HK??
There will be a group of 5 friends wondering aimlessly across China for the first time(although we do have one in the group who can speak Manderin and has been there before).
We bought a multi city air ticket off of Expedia for $200 each. PEK-XIA-HKG-PNG. We booked our hotels in the centre of each city using online sites like booking.com, hotel websites directly, agoda, etc. Now we need aiport transfers and a good guide in each city to show us the highlights.
Itinerary:
APR 30-MAY 4 PEK
MAY 4 - 7 XIAN
MAY 7-10 HKG
MAY 10-17 SHA
What do the experts recommend? We're interested in the history, good restaurants, fun nightlife spots. Oh and good markets for clothes/shoes.
cheers^
There will be a group of 5 friends wondering aimlessly across China for the first time(although we do have one in the group who can speak Manderin and has been there before).
We bought a multi city air ticket off of Expedia for $200 each. PEK-XIA-HKG-PNG. We booked our hotels in the centre of each city using online sites like booking.com, hotel websites directly, agoda, etc. Now we need aiport transfers and a good guide in each city to show us the highlights.
Itinerary:
APR 30-MAY 4 PEK
MAY 4 - 7 XIAN
MAY 7-10 HKG
MAY 10-17 SHA
What do the experts recommend? We're interested in the history, good restaurants, fun nightlife spots. Oh and good markets for clothes/shoes.
cheers^
Apr 23, 2011 | 6:39 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,190
It will be freakin' hot and likely dusty, so dress accordingly and bring plenty of Murine or Systane for your eyes! Hat and sunglasses a must.
Subway line from the airport terminates at the main circle line (also an intermediate stop connecting to another eastern city line) but is considered separate with its own fare structure and no transfer to the rest of the system. IIRC it's 25Rmb versus 2Rmb for the other lines.
If you are arriving mid-to-late afternoon, you'll hit the main subway system at rush hour when it will be even more crowded than normal. If you have more than a backpack, or single roller bag, it will be hard to get through the crowds. Even with minimal luggage, be prepared for the crush. If there are few of you, it might be best to do a cab to your hostel which with three people would be marginally ($5) more than the subway combination. Otherwise, subway is easy to get around on once you know which lines go where and as noted the English version of station names are posted under the Chinese lettering. Same with major streets.
Subway line from the airport terminates at the main circle line (also an intermediate stop connecting to another eastern city line) but is considered separate with its own fare structure and no transfer to the rest of the system. IIRC it's 25Rmb versus 2Rmb for the other lines.
If you are arriving mid-to-late afternoon, you'll hit the main subway system at rush hour when it will be even more crowded than normal. If you have more than a backpack, or single roller bag, it will be hard to get through the crowds. Even with minimal luggage, be prepared for the crush. If there are few of you, it might be best to do a cab to your hostel which with three people would be marginally ($5) more than the subway combination. Otherwise, subway is easy to get around on once you know which lines go where and as noted the English version of station names are posted under the Chinese lettering. Same with major streets.
Apr 23, 2011 | 8:46 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 822
It will be freakin' hot and likely dusty, so dress accordingly and bring plenty of Murine or Systane for your eyes! Hat and sunglasses a must.
Subway line from the airport terminates at the main circle line (also an intermediate stop connecting to another eastern city line) but is considered separate with its own fare structure and no transfer to the rest of the system. IIRC it's 25Rmb versus 2Rmb for the other lines.
If you are arriving mid-to-late afternoon, you'll hit the main subway system at rush hour when it will be even more crowded than normal. If you have more than a backpack, or single roller bag, it will be hard to get through the crowds. Even with minimal luggage, be prepared for the crush. If there are few of you, it might be best to do a cab to your hostel which with three people would be marginally ($5) more than the subway combination. Otherwise, subway is easy to get around on once you know which lines go where and as noted the English version of station names are posted under the Chinese lettering. Same with major streets.
Subway line from the airport terminates at the main circle line (also an intermediate stop connecting to another eastern city line) but is considered separate with its own fare structure and no transfer to the rest of the system. IIRC it's 25Rmb versus 2Rmb for the other lines.
If you are arriving mid-to-late afternoon, you'll hit the main subway system at rush hour when it will be even more crowded than normal. If you have more than a backpack, or single roller bag, it will be hard to get through the crowds. Even with minimal luggage, be prepared for the crush. If there are few of you, it might be best to do a cab to your hostel which with three people would be marginally ($5) more than the subway combination. Otherwise, subway is easy to get around on once you know which lines go where and as noted the English version of station names are posted under the Chinese lettering. Same with major streets.
Apr 25, 2011 | 9:12 pm
#10
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Toronto
Programs: Aeroplan, BA, AA
Posts: 6
I have read all the downside arguments about going on an organized tour so wondering how is the best way to go about setting up a private tour. Does anyone have any good contacts in PEK, Xian, SH, HK??
There will be a group of 5 friends wondering aimlessly across China for the first time(although we do have one in the group who can speak Manderin and has been there before).
We bought a multi city air ticket off of Expedia for $200 each. PEK-XIA-HKG-PNG. We booked our hotels in the centre of each city using online sites like booking.com, hotel websites directly, agoda, etc. Now we need aiport transfers and a good guide in each city to show us the highlights.
Itinerary:
APR 30-MAY 4 PEK
MAY 4 - 7 XIAN
MAY 7-10 HKG
MAY 10-17 SHA
What do the experts recommend? We're interested in the history, good restaurants, fun nightlife spots. Oh and good markets for clothes/shoes.
cheers^
There will be a group of 5 friends wondering aimlessly across China for the first time(although we do have one in the group who can speak Manderin and has been there before).
We bought a multi city air ticket off of Expedia for $200 each. PEK-XIA-HKG-PNG. We booked our hotels in the centre of each city using online sites like booking.com, hotel websites directly, agoda, etc. Now we need aiport transfers and a good guide in each city to show us the highlights.
Itinerary:
APR 30-MAY 4 PEK
MAY 4 - 7 XIAN
MAY 7-10 HKG
MAY 10-17 SHA
What do the experts recommend? We're interested in the history, good restaurants, fun nightlife spots. Oh and good markets for clothes/shoes.
cheers^
Apr 25, 2011 | 10:07 pm
#11
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 46,370
I'd be happy help you in Beijing, but you should get familiar with the basics first. For example, if you want a driver for a GW trip, read the drivers thread and start copying phone numbers. Anyway, if you drop me a PM, I'll reply with my phone number.
Apr 25, 2011 | 10:47 pm
#12
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 46,370
Apr 26, 2011 | 10:18 am
#13
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: YYZ/HKG/PEK/HGH/DLC/ADD
Programs: UA 1k,MM,Marriott G,HHG,SWG
Posts: 38
Personal licensed tour guide inside China
Hey YYZ roamer,
I'm from YYZ as well.
Been to PEK, HGH, PVG, HKG etc. for business many times and have offices there as well.
I have been using a private tour guide for my VIP client's families when they come and visit and I cannot spend time during the day with them personally, she is recommended by my friends in different consulates in PEK.
Am not sure of the protocol, Moderators can delete the information if it is not welcomed, but here is her contact info.
Jenny Chen
jennychen1119(at)yahoo.com.cn
+86 13966051378
Even if you decide to use other private tour guides, do make sure that they are licensed.
Our company has been using her for over 5 years now and she's been great, always get positive response from our client's families. She knows her history, culture and perfectly serviceable English.
PM me if you want more details.
Cheers,
I'm from YYZ as well.
Been to PEK, HGH, PVG, HKG etc. for business many times and have offices there as well.
I have been using a private tour guide for my VIP client's families when they come and visit and I cannot spend time during the day with them personally, she is recommended by my friends in different consulates in PEK.
Am not sure of the protocol, Moderators can delete the information if it is not welcomed, but here is her contact info.
Jenny Chen
jennychen1119(at)yahoo.com.cn
+86 13966051378
Even if you decide to use other private tour guides, do make sure that they are licensed.
Our company has been using her for over 5 years now and she's been great, always get positive response from our client's families. She knows her history, culture and perfectly serviceable English.
PM me if you want more details.
Cheers,
Apr 26, 2011 | 11:32 am
#14
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Toronto
Programs: Aeroplan, BA, AA
Posts: 6
Domestic Chinese Flights
Routing was PEK-XIY-HKG-PVG
I'm not sure if Expedia made a mistake but I have a confirmation for 5 of us to fly that routing for $200 each. I just checked Expedia now and the exact same itinerary is $359 which I think is still pretty good.
Beijing (PEK) to Xi'an (XIY) 04/05/11 12:55 PM - 2:55 PM China Eastern Airlines 2110
Xi'an (XIY) to Hong Kong (HKG) 07/05/11 11:00 AM - 1:35 PM China Eastern Airlines 203
Hong Kong (HKG) to Shanghai (Hongqiao Intl.) 10/05/11 12:40 PM - 3:00 PM China Eastern Airlines 722