Yes, and it happens to look a lot like the Summer Palace Park (which makes sense because there's a historical connection between the two locales; I believe they used to be connected by water).

Thanks all for the help! I work for Bank of America so getting time off is rather rare for me. I've got today through next Sunday off for vacation so Beijing is actually just stop 1 so I'm hoping I won't be tired out after because Rome and Amsterdam follow! The plan I'm reading from you guys sounds pretty good. I don't check my bag so that shouldn't be an issue in PEK but seeing as I've never been there before I have no idea what to expect with getting out of the airport. I'm 'anticipating' an arrival around 4PM at the hotel but who knows how that'll go. I would love to stay longer in Beijing but I fly nonrev under my parents with Delta so I have to stick with what's open. Beijing weather is showing 60% rain still for Monday so it might be a wet day there.

Then, just try your best to enjoy Beijing. If you are interested, shoot me a PM and I will intro you to my friends at Hooter's; they will gladly show you the best that SLT has on offer.

SLT?

sanlitun -- an expat heavy area.

Having said that, with the v. tight schedule of the OP, I would stick to sightseeing, despite md's generous offer.

tb

Tb: Our OP is 20 years old! Can we permit him to experience SLT? I will offer him my cell phone number in the event he encounters a pickle, and I'm sure you will as well. I shall also compel the entire Hooter's staff to protect him.

I'm not too concerned about safety, although SLT at night, when inebriated, is probably one of the few 'dodgy' areas for expats in BJ. My only point was that if it came to choosing between doing some touristy sight, or seeing SLT, I would opt for the former.

I'm sure for many 20 yos, the SLT bar/ club scene would definitely hold attraction...it's just a matter of juggling.

OP: feel free to PM me if you want my number whilst you're in BJ. I can't speak Chinese well, and have no contacts in 'hip' places, but would be more than happy to help if in a bind.

tb

TB:

Because your are married and live in Zhongguancun, you might not realize that Beijing is one of the most vibrant cities in the world.

Most people who query us in this forum are couples; as such, I rarely mention SLT. But, this current thread pertains to a 20 yo guy, traveling solo.

In short, he needs to go to SLT. There is no travel agency on this planet that can promise a Hooter's entourage, but I can deliver on this front.... and the girls will pay for the OP's drinks if they like him.

I must confess my first quick read of this "...it's just a matter of jiggling." :o I think I was still mentally back on md's offer of Hooters staff protection.

I spoke with Sarah on wx and she told me that she would go all out for the OP if he is handsome.

Despite being a fuddy duddy family man, I'm well aware that BJ is a great place, even if I have to live vicariously at times. Having said that, although the offer sounds amazing, even when 20, it may have not been my cup of tea (too shy). So I guess it depends on the OP's personality.

Now, I'm really hoping the OP takes up the offer and reports back! :D

tb

Hahaha. Let's hope it doesn't end up in the Tea House scams thread.

Well here I am to report back on my trip. It's currently 2AM here and I have a cab coming at 5 to take me to the airport. First day I was 10 minutes late to the Temple of Heaven but I was still able to walk around and see most of it. 2nd day it rained the entire time, especially at the Great Wall. My poncho ripped but in the time between it ripping and me buying a new one my bag got soaked which confused my camera and soaked my passport. Then by time I got to the Forbidden City that afternoon it was closed since it was Monday. Certainly not the best trip I've been on but hopefully, if I come back, it'll be better.

Sounds like it would be hard for it to be worse. :(

Hope it at least gave you a flavor and desire to return.

(my bold) Interesting. The FC was supposed to stay open on Monday afternoons between July 1 and August 31, and for national holidays. Not sure what's going on here.

Sorry to hear that you had a soggy and not-so-fruitful trip, and hope your camera and passport are salvageable.