mduell goes to Beijing
Nov 19, 2011 | 10:37 pm
#1
Original Poster
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Join Date: May 2007
Location: Houston
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Posts: 13,343
mduell heads to Beijing and has questions
I'm using the "jiejie method" of doing as little advance preparation as possible, but the night before departure it's time to figure out some things.
I'll be in BJ this week. Please comment on any of the following statements/questions, or if I've missed closure days, or if there's a thread I should read (DCC and Tea House scams I've well covered!), or anything.
Looks like good weather Mon-Weds and thunderstorms/rain later in the week.
My MO is to travel the world and see what it's like: hit up the major sightseeing attractions and a few places off the beaten path when the opportunity presents. One of my favorite examples of the latter so far was Aberdeen on HK island; the harbor was incredibly scenic and from the open stares I in the town square I figured it wasn't a big tourist spot.
We're staying in Chaoyang, which seems pretty central/convenient.
Restaurant suggestions? I like to try local food. Or great places for some foreign cuisine.
I'd like to see what the nightlife is like, any suggestions for nightclubs or bars? For some irrational reason I'm particularly concerned about being scammed or worse here.
It sounds like Mutianyu is a good place to see the Great Wall.
I'm open to any event suggestions. I've read the MBZ and MC arena schedules and "Beijing Update" (some ezine I subscribed to from a link here) but haven't seen anything too exciting. In no small part because I don't recognize any of the acts.
Return flight departs PEK at 1825, I gather this means I need to arrive at the airport no later than 1600? Not checking bags.
Schedule looks something like:
Monday - arrive
Tuesday - sightseeing near hotel/Dongcheng (Palace Museum/Tianamen Sq/Great Hall/Natl Museum), Temple of Heaven/Natural History Museum
Wednesday - Great Wall
Thursday - more sightseeing, maybe Summer Palace
Friday - meeting up with a friend
Saturday - last minute sightseeing, evening departure
Thanks FT!
I'll be in BJ this week. Please comment on any of the following statements/questions, or if I've missed closure days, or if there's a thread I should read (DCC and Tea House scams I've well covered!), or anything.
Looks like good weather Mon-Weds and thunderstorms/rain later in the week.
My MO is to travel the world and see what it's like: hit up the major sightseeing attractions and a few places off the beaten path when the opportunity presents. One of my favorite examples of the latter so far was Aberdeen on HK island; the harbor was incredibly scenic and from the open stares I in the town square I figured it wasn't a big tourist spot.
We're staying in Chaoyang, which seems pretty central/convenient.
Restaurant suggestions? I like to try local food. Or great places for some foreign cuisine.
I'd like to see what the nightlife is like, any suggestions for nightclubs or bars? For some irrational reason I'm particularly concerned about being scammed or worse here.
It sounds like Mutianyu is a good place to see the Great Wall.
I'm open to any event suggestions. I've read the MBZ and MC arena schedules and "Beijing Update" (some ezine I subscribed to from a link here) but haven't seen anything too exciting. In no small part because I don't recognize any of the acts.
Return flight departs PEK at 1825, I gather this means I need to arrive at the airport no later than 1600? Not checking bags.
Schedule looks something like:
Monday - arrive
Tuesday - sightseeing near hotel/Dongcheng (Palace Museum/Tianamen Sq/Great Hall/Natl Museum), Temple of Heaven/Natural History Museum
Wednesday - Great Wall
Thursday - more sightseeing, maybe Summer Palace
Friday - meeting up with a friend
Saturday - last minute sightseeing, evening departure
Thanks FT!
Last edited by mduell; Nov 19, 2011 at 11:33 pm
Nov 20, 2011 | 3:20 am
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 46,373
I'm using the "jiejie method" of doing as little advance preparation as possible, but the night before departure it's time to figure out some things.
I'll be in BJ this week. Please comment on any of the following statements/questions, or if I've missed closure days, or if there's a thread I should read (DCC and Tea House scams I've well covered!), or anything.
Looks like good weather Mon-Weds and thunderstorms/rain later in the week.
My MO is to travel the world and see what it's like: hit up the major sightseeing attractions and a few places off the beaten path when the opportunity presents. One of my favorite examples of the latter so far was Aberdeen on HK island; the harbor was incredibly scenic and from the open stares I in the town square I figured it wasn't a big tourist spot.
We're staying in Chaoyang, which seems pretty central/convenient.
Restaurant suggestions? I like to try local food. Or great places for some foreign cuisine.
I'd like to see what the nightlife is like, any suggestions for nightclubs or bars? For some irrational reason I'm particularly concerned about being scammed or worse here.
It sounds like Mutianyu is a good place to see the Great Wall.
I'm open to any event suggestions. I've read the MBZ and MC arena schedules and "Beijing Update" (some ezine I subscribed to from a link here) but haven't seen anything too exciting. In no small part because I don't recognize any of the acts.
Return flight departs PEK at 1825, I gather this means I need to arrive at the airport no later than 1600? Not checking bags.
Schedule looks something like:
Monday - arrive
Tuesday - sightseeing near hotel/Dongcheng (Palace Museum/Tianamen Sq/Great Hall/Natl Museum), Temple of Heaven/Natural History Museum
Wednesday - Great Wall
Thursday - more sightseeing, maybe Summer Palace
Friday - meeting up with a friend
Saturday - last minute sightseeing, evening departure
Thanks FT!
I'll be in BJ this week. Please comment on any of the following statements/questions, or if I've missed closure days, or if there's a thread I should read (DCC and Tea House scams I've well covered!), or anything.
Looks like good weather Mon-Weds and thunderstorms/rain later in the week.
My MO is to travel the world and see what it's like: hit up the major sightseeing attractions and a few places off the beaten path when the opportunity presents. One of my favorite examples of the latter so far was Aberdeen on HK island; the harbor was incredibly scenic and from the open stares I in the town square I figured it wasn't a big tourist spot.
We're staying in Chaoyang, which seems pretty central/convenient.
Restaurant suggestions? I like to try local food. Or great places for some foreign cuisine.
I'd like to see what the nightlife is like, any suggestions for nightclubs or bars? For some irrational reason I'm particularly concerned about being scammed or worse here.
It sounds like Mutianyu is a good place to see the Great Wall.
I'm open to any event suggestions. I've read the MBZ and MC arena schedules and "Beijing Update" (some ezine I subscribed to from a link here) but haven't seen anything too exciting. In no small part because I don't recognize any of the acts.
Return flight departs PEK at 1825, I gather this means I need to arrive at the airport no later than 1600? Not checking bags.
Schedule looks something like:
Monday - arrive
Tuesday - sightseeing near hotel/Dongcheng (Palace Museum/Tianamen Sq/Great Hall/Natl Museum), Temple of Heaven/Natural History Museum
Wednesday - Great Wall
Thursday - more sightseeing, maybe Summer Palace
Friday - meeting up with a friend
Saturday - last minute sightseeing, evening departure
Thanks FT!
I sent some guests to Huanghua Cheng yesterday (much cooler than Mutianyu, and closer). They had a blast, but noted that the conditions were borderline dangerous. If you pm me and/or Jiatong, we'll try to hook you up with a phone.
Nov 20, 2011 | 8:09 am
#3
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Southeast USA
Programs: various
Posts: 6,710
My comments in bold, inserted in your narrative.
I'm using the "jiejie method" of doing as little advance preparation as possible, but the night before departure it's time to figure out some things.
I'll be in BJ this week. Please comment on any of the following statements/questions, or if I've missed closure days, or if there's a thread I should read (DCC and Tea House scams I've well covered!), or anything.
Looks like good weather Mon-Weds and thunderstorms/rain later in the week.
Forecast I've got says pretty clear first half of week then cloudy and a little cooler rest of week. No precipitation. Assume temperatures will be around freezing, a little above and a little below.
My MO is to travel the world and see what it's like: hit up the major sightseeing attractions and a few places off the beaten path when the opportunity presents. One of my favorite examples of the latter so far was Aberdeen on HK island; the harbor was incredibly scenic and from the open stares I in the town square I figured it wasn't a big tourist spot.
We can help you out with suggestions for the OTBP (off the beaten path) if you want.
We're staying in Chaoyang, which seems pretty central/convenient.
Um, that like saying "we're staying in Delaware." But as long as you are not too far out, everything is workable.
Restaurant suggestions? I like to try local food. Or great places for some foreign cuisine.
Peking duck should be at least one of your dinners. I think a lunch or dinner of just plain northern homestyle cooking would be good. Lots of visitors like to do dumplings.
I'd like to see what the nightlife is like, any suggestions for nightclubs or bars? For some irrational reason I'm particularly concerned about being scammed or worse here.
This is moondog's territory. The nightlife I mean, not the scamming.
It sounds like Mutianyu is a good place to see the Great Wall.
Yes. This time of year, I wouldn't go to any of the more distant crumbly sections of wall, and it's too cold to be out there exposed for a full day. There won't be that many tourists this time of year.
I'm open to any event suggestions. I've read the MBZ and MC arena schedules and "Beijing Update" (some ezine I subscribed to from a link here) but haven't seen anything too exciting. In no small part because I don't recognize any of the acts.
Barber of Seville Opera at "The Egg" (Ntl Ctr for the Perf Arts)? Acrobat or Kung Fu Show? See a Chinese movie (English subtitles)?
Return flight departs PEK at 1825, I gather this means I need to arrive at the airport no later than 1600? Not checking bags.
16:00 is a good target, could push it to 16:30.
Schedule looks something like:
Monday - arrive
Tuesday - sightseeing near hotel/Dongcheng (Palace Museum/Tianamen Sq/Great Hall/Natl Museum), Temple of Heaven/Natural History Museum Skip the National Museum and the Natural History Museum. A far better Museum if you are in the mood is the Capital Museum.
Wednesday - Great Wall China Culture Center has an all-day on Thursday going to Ming Tombs and Mutianyu, their stuff is always good, culturally-oriented and there are no factory/shopping tours. If you were going to the expense of a private car to take you to there, this might be an even better value for you. You'd need to email or call as soon as you get in and sign up. Also look at their Wednesday offering which is very good and includes the Forbidden City. You may wish to scramble your days around. http://www.chinaculturecenter.org/ca...11&Month=11###
Thursday - more sightseeing, maybe Summer Palace
Friday - meeting up with a friend
Saturday - last minute sightseeing, evening departure
Thanks FT!
I'll be in BJ this week. Please comment on any of the following statements/questions, or if I've missed closure days, or if there's a thread I should read (DCC and Tea House scams I've well covered!), or anything.
Looks like good weather Mon-Weds and thunderstorms/rain later in the week.
Forecast I've got says pretty clear first half of week then cloudy and a little cooler rest of week. No precipitation. Assume temperatures will be around freezing, a little above and a little below.
My MO is to travel the world and see what it's like: hit up the major sightseeing attractions and a few places off the beaten path when the opportunity presents. One of my favorite examples of the latter so far was Aberdeen on HK island; the harbor was incredibly scenic and from the open stares I in the town square I figured it wasn't a big tourist spot.
We can help you out with suggestions for the OTBP (off the beaten path) if you want.
We're staying in Chaoyang, which seems pretty central/convenient.
Um, that like saying "we're staying in Delaware." But as long as you are not too far out, everything is workable.
Restaurant suggestions? I like to try local food. Or great places for some foreign cuisine.
Peking duck should be at least one of your dinners. I think a lunch or dinner of just plain northern homestyle cooking would be good. Lots of visitors like to do dumplings.
I'd like to see what the nightlife is like, any suggestions for nightclubs or bars? For some irrational reason I'm particularly concerned about being scammed or worse here.
This is moondog's territory. The nightlife I mean, not the scamming.
It sounds like Mutianyu is a good place to see the Great Wall.
Yes. This time of year, I wouldn't go to any of the more distant crumbly sections of wall, and it's too cold to be out there exposed for a full day. There won't be that many tourists this time of year.
I'm open to any event suggestions. I've read the MBZ and MC arena schedules and "Beijing Update" (some ezine I subscribed to from a link here) but haven't seen anything too exciting. In no small part because I don't recognize any of the acts.
Barber of Seville Opera at "The Egg" (Ntl Ctr for the Perf Arts)? Acrobat or Kung Fu Show? See a Chinese movie (English subtitles)?
Return flight departs PEK at 1825, I gather this means I need to arrive at the airport no later than 1600? Not checking bags.
16:00 is a good target, could push it to 16:30.
Schedule looks something like:
Monday - arrive
Tuesday - sightseeing near hotel/Dongcheng (Palace Museum/Tianamen Sq/Great Hall/Natl Museum), Temple of Heaven/Natural History Museum Skip the National Museum and the Natural History Museum. A far better Museum if you are in the mood is the Capital Museum.
Wednesday - Great Wall China Culture Center has an all-day on Thursday going to Ming Tombs and Mutianyu, their stuff is always good, culturally-oriented and there are no factory/shopping tours. If you were going to the expense of a private car to take you to there, this might be an even better value for you. You'd need to email or call as soon as you get in and sign up. Also look at their Wednesday offering which is very good and includes the Forbidden City. You may wish to scramble your days around. http://www.chinaculturecenter.org/ca...11&Month=11###
Thursday - more sightseeing, maybe Summer Palace
Friday - meeting up with a friend
Saturday - last minute sightseeing, evening departure
Thanks FT!
Last edited by jiejie; Nov 20, 2011 at 8:23 am
Nov 20, 2011 | 12:02 pm
#4
Original Poster
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Houston
Programs: UA Plat, Marriott Plat
Posts: 13,343
You guys are awesome.
I think we'll be OK without a phone. Hasn't been an issue in our past travels. Let me know if I'm missing something here.
I'm open to OTBP suggestions.
Chaoyang didn't look that big on Google Maps... we're at the St Regis.
Peking duck is definitely on the to-do list, we were thinking of doing it as Thanksgiving on Thurs. Can you recommend any restaurants for northern homestyle cooking or dumplings? I love (the undoubtedly Americanized) dumplings in the states.
Can you suggest an acrobat or kung fu show?
Any Chinese movies out about stealing things? Treasure, vehicles, political offices etc. Oddly that's our favorite category of movies.
Turns out my companion's flight is at 1600, so we'll get there by 1400 and I'll hang out in the Air China lounge.
Noted regarding the museums.
Booked the Thursday Ming Tombs/Mutianyu tour with CCC.
I think we'll be OK without a phone. Hasn't been an issue in our past travels. Let me know if I'm missing something here.
I'm open to OTBP suggestions.
Chaoyang didn't look that big on Google Maps... we're at the St Regis.
Peking duck is definitely on the to-do list, we were thinking of doing it as Thanksgiving on Thurs. Can you recommend any restaurants for northern homestyle cooking or dumplings? I love (the undoubtedly Americanized) dumplings in the states.
Can you suggest an acrobat or kung fu show?
Any Chinese movies out about stealing things? Treasure, vehicles, political offices etc. Oddly that's our favorite category of movies.
Turns out my companion's flight is at 1600, so we'll get there by 1400 and I'll hang out in the Air China lounge.
Noted regarding the museums.
Booked the Thursday Ming Tombs/Mutianyu tour with CCC.
Nov 20, 2011 | 12:30 pm
#5
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Southeast USA
Programs: various
Posts: 6,710
Again I'm bold.
You guys are awesome.
I think we'll be OK without a phone. Hasn't been an issue in our past travels. Let me know if I'm missing something here.
Phone would be a good idea. Maybe moondog has a spare to lend?
I'm open to OTBP suggestions.
I'm brain-dead now. Will add to this thread later. Check site when you arrive in Beijing.
Chaoyang didn't look that big on Google Maps... we're at the St Regis.
Chaoyang District is huge. But St Regis is very central. No worries.
Peking duck is definitely on the to-do list, we were thinking of doing it as Thanksgiving on Thurs. Can you recommend any restaurants for northern homestyle cooking or dumplings? I love (the undoubtedly Americanized) dumplings in the states.
Thanksgiving: Beijing duck is a good option. Be advised that since you booked the CCC tour for Thursday which will get back 6:30-7:00 pm, you may have to walk-in and wait for a table. Duck restaurants will not take reservations for any seating after about 6:00 pm. Usually by about 7:30, the first wave of diners will be leaving. Some of the name-brand hotels will be doing traditional Thanksgiving also, if you prefer to do the duck on another night.
Dumplings: Lots of visitors like Din Tai Fung, which has a few branches in Beijing. A bit fancier and pricier. Dumplings are everywhere in Beijing!
Homestyle: One not far from St. Regis, reasonably priced, is Xiheyaju on Ritan East Road. It's too cold to be outside in the courtyard now, but I've never had a bad meal there. There are plenty of others but many are just neighborhood places.
Can you suggest an acrobat or kung fu show?
Acrobats: Chaoyang Theater I think every night 19:30/concierge can doublecheck for you. Legend of Kung Fu show which mixes dance and martial arts; Red Theater also I think 19:30 nightly.
Any Chinese movies out about stealing things? Treasure, vehicles, political offices etc. Oddly that's our favorite category of movies.
This entire country is about stealing things! Who needs a movie for that?! Hmm, I've been out of town so don't know what's playing, concierge can probably find out. Suggest first looking at what's on at Wanda Cinema or Sanlitun Village MEGA Cinema. They are nice and new. I think "Let the Bullets Fly" isn't playing anymore, that would be a good one. You could also rest up in hotel room and do something by DVD.
Turns out my companion's flight is at 1600, so we'll get there by 1400 and I'll hang out in the Air China lounge. Good plan.
Noted regarding the museums.
Booked the Thursday Ming Tombs/Mutianyu tour with CCC. ^ I think you'll find this a good experience and an improvement over what you could manage on your own.
I think we'll be OK without a phone. Hasn't been an issue in our past travels. Let me know if I'm missing something here.
Phone would be a good idea. Maybe moondog has a spare to lend?
I'm open to OTBP suggestions.
I'm brain-dead now. Will add to this thread later. Check site when you arrive in Beijing.
Chaoyang didn't look that big on Google Maps... we're at the St Regis.
Chaoyang District is huge. But St Regis is very central. No worries.
Peking duck is definitely on the to-do list, we were thinking of doing it as Thanksgiving on Thurs. Can you recommend any restaurants for northern homestyle cooking or dumplings? I love (the undoubtedly Americanized) dumplings in the states.
Thanksgiving: Beijing duck is a good option. Be advised that since you booked the CCC tour for Thursday which will get back 6:30-7:00 pm, you may have to walk-in and wait for a table. Duck restaurants will not take reservations for any seating after about 6:00 pm. Usually by about 7:30, the first wave of diners will be leaving. Some of the name-brand hotels will be doing traditional Thanksgiving also, if you prefer to do the duck on another night.
Dumplings: Lots of visitors like Din Tai Fung, which has a few branches in Beijing. A bit fancier and pricier. Dumplings are everywhere in Beijing!
Homestyle: One not far from St. Regis, reasonably priced, is Xiheyaju on Ritan East Road. It's too cold to be outside in the courtyard now, but I've never had a bad meal there. There are plenty of others but many are just neighborhood places.
Can you suggest an acrobat or kung fu show?
Acrobats: Chaoyang Theater I think every night 19:30/concierge can doublecheck for you. Legend of Kung Fu show which mixes dance and martial arts; Red Theater also I think 19:30 nightly.
Any Chinese movies out about stealing things? Treasure, vehicles, political offices etc. Oddly that's our favorite category of movies.
This entire country is about stealing things! Who needs a movie for that?! Hmm, I've been out of town so don't know what's playing, concierge can probably find out. Suggest first looking at what's on at Wanda Cinema or Sanlitun Village MEGA Cinema. They are nice and new. I think "Let the Bullets Fly" isn't playing anymore, that would be a good one. You could also rest up in hotel room and do something by DVD.
Turns out my companion's flight is at 1600, so we'll get there by 1400 and I'll hang out in the Air China lounge. Good plan.
Noted regarding the museums.
Booked the Thursday Ming Tombs/Mutianyu tour with CCC. ^ I think you'll find this a good experience and an improvement over what you could manage on your own.
Nov 21, 2011 | 7:24 pm
#7
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: PEK & MKE
Programs: Amex-gold, Hainan-gold, Mrt-LT Titanium
Posts: 1,534
St Regis
I am at the st regis wednesday am the 23rd for Economist breakfast meeting.
@ 8:15-10:30 Kowloon 2, 4/F- If you want Moondog's floater Nokia mobile , pls ping me
@ 8:15-10:30 Kowloon 2, 4/F- If you want Moondog's floater Nokia mobile , pls ping me
Nov 22, 2011 | 8:04 pm
#8
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Southeast USA
Programs: various
Posts: 6,710
Not sure if you're still reading this thread, but some of us FT'ers are getting together on Thanksgiving for dinner, and our top two choices so far are not far from the CCC offices where your Thursday tour will be ending. If you don't have other plans already, you might consider joining us but try to let somebody know by this evening (Wed) as we will make a reservation. Venue being finalized later today. Cost is going to be somewhere in the RMB 250 per person range for turkey dinner buffet and all the trimmings. Look at the "Beijing Thanksgiving" thread on this forum.
Nov 23, 2011 | 1:54 am
#9
Original Poster
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Houston
Programs: UA Plat, Marriott Plat
Posts: 13,343
I'm still here.
Had a mixed bag of northern chinese cuisine last night at some restaurant I never found a pinyin name for on Jianguomen... half was delicious, half was not what we ordered ("why does this short rib look like the joints of a foot?") but no one understood english. Fortunately the price was low enough we only wasted y70ish. Also our first DCC encounter which they didn't understand so we paid cash. Dumplings tonight.
Amazed at how hard it is to get a taxi. Half won't stop, half won't take the ride regardless of distance (5km or 20km). At the tourist traps they want off-meter fares that are 3x what the meters would read.
I don't know what we're doing tomorrow with a friend coming in from SH, but I'll post in the BJ Tday thread pretty soon if we're going.
Had a mixed bag of northern chinese cuisine last night at some restaurant I never found a pinyin name for on Jianguomen... half was delicious, half was not what we ordered ("why does this short rib look like the joints of a foot?") but no one understood english. Fortunately the price was low enough we only wasted y70ish. Also our first DCC encounter which they didn't understand so we paid cash. Dumplings tonight.
Amazed at how hard it is to get a taxi. Half won't stop, half won't take the ride regardless of distance (5km or 20km). At the tourist traps they want off-meter fares that are 3x what the meters would read.
I don't know what we're doing tomorrow with a friend coming in from SH, but I'll post in the BJ Tday thread pretty soon if we're going.