I used to go on hikes with Beijing Hikers on a frequent basis because they are well organized, they take care of all logistics, and the guides instill a certain level of confidence when navigating sketchy terrain. However, when I met up with one of our other forum regulars last year, he advised me that there are numerous other companies/groups that do the same drill at lower price points. Regardless of what outfit you use, I agree that it's a great way to explore the outskirts of Beijing, including lesser known GW sections.

Great info as I expected from fellow FTers! I'll report back of course.

I suggest Hikers Family - cheaper than BJ hikers and a good mix of locals and expats. Search for them on wechat and they'll add you to a group.

The 4th ring is what Google Maps has as S50, correct?

No.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f28173d3bd.jpg

S50 is the 5th ring.

Fortunately, the map apps that still work in China have retained the "ring" nomenclature :D

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...df771be8e9.jpg

I've settled on Beijing as reported earlier.

A lot to research as China will be my 87th country, but it does present challenges. One thing I've read is that tickets to the various highlights have to be obtained in advance, with varying timetables.

I normally enjoy these challenges, but in Beijing's case, I likely should make arrangements with a tour company to hit the highlights and make those arrangements in advance (for early November).

Any recommendations for reputable tour companies?

TIA!

The challenges you speak of certainly exist, but are often vastly exaggerated in terms of both severity and addressability. Furthermore, November definitely isn't a busy month. If you do choose to buy any attraction tickets from third parties, beware of upsells.

I think a lot of places in the main tourist cities have ditched the réservation system entirely. I think only Tiananmen still requires a résa.

This seems interesting (Beijing pass).

https://english.www.gov.cn/news/2024...f4e8e9a60.html

Seems as if there is one for Shanghai also.

Interesting indeed, at least they have acknowledged there is a problem.

But it's mind boggling that in this day and age the solution is to launch a city specific prepaid card and all the infrastructure maintenance and aggro that goes with running anything involving real money balances. Why does local government think they can run a prepay card to out compete local ads global payment services.

They should have just given the necessary push to all the necessary local retailers where foreigners go to take foreign cards and still accept cash, and for central government to make it easier for foreigners to use WeChat pay or Alipay on the same basis as a local even if these mean there's a small % to pay on larger transactions to cover the interchange fees.

I have booked through Klook website for the Forbidden City and Temple of Dawn day tour. The tour guide was amazing and he is proficient in both English and Mandarin and was able to share the historical background of the sights and it does help a lot in appreciating the Chinese culture (even though I am a Chinese). If you would like the contact of the tour guide (either via WeChat or WhatsApps) or the tour package that I have booked, you can PM me for details.

I transited through Beijing in 2018 and 2020 en route to Aus/NZ. Both times we stayed in the Airport Hilton, which I would recommend for a day or two layover. On the first transit we stayed two nights and booked a guide and car for the day. Hotel pick-up, out to the Great Wall before the crowds, which worked perfectly, then Tainanmen Sq & Forbidden City. It was great. Happy to dig out details. Second time we had something like 15hrs so just booked a half-day rate at the hotel, which got us a room from 8am-6pm or something, plus Club Lounge access.

For Forbidden City, certain tickets are held back daily to be sold to those with foreign passports. If you are not Chinese citizen proceed to the ticket counter with your passport.

for Great Wall we just booked a tour. Probably paid much more than we needed to but given limited time it worked for us. Had to go through two 'sales visits'. One of them at a tea place wasn't bad though for the experience. Other was a jade jewellery place. Didn't buy anything at both places.

Do make sure you have Alipay or WeChat payment service working before you enter China. Good idea to have e-Sim working. And helps if you have VPN installed before you enter China.