First timer to PEK...
 

As this is my first time to Beijing, I was hoping to get some information on how much the taxi/cab fare is to the Shangri-La Hotel... I know that one can be taken for a 'ride' in Beijing...

My hotel is:
China World Hotel, a Shangri-La Hotel
At China World Trade Centre

Cheers AG.

Around 80 RMB + or - 10 from PEK . There is a nice selection of high end stores in the lower level
and an ice skating rink. 2 Block walk to Silk Street fake market.

Thank you! So I can expect to pay no more than 90 RMB, right?

Also, does anyone know what electric plug sockets are in China? I am travelling to both Beijing and Shanghai...

Cheers, AG.

Teach a man to fish. ;)

See also.

Whatever you do, don't tell the cabbie "Shangri-La" unless you want to end up at the Shangri-La on west 3rd Ring (which is a nice place, but far away from civilization).

China World is one hotel that --I dare say-- every taxi driver under the sun is familiar with, though I would guess that less than 10% are familar with its affiliation with the Shangri-La brand (same goes for the neighboring Traders and Kerry Hotels).

Shangri-La ...... Xianggelila

China World Hotel .....Zhong guo da fan dian

link to map:
http://www.shangri-la.com/uploadedFi...h_infocard.pdf

In case the OP is unfamiliar with pinyin "x" is pronounced kind of like "sh" but smile/grin when you say it...

Shangrila = "xiang (She-ang) ge lee la" or something like that.

Kerry Centre = "je lee zhong xin (sheen)"

Hope this helps.

Taxi drivers are more familiar with the simple term "Guo Mao" for China World...oops I guess this is too late, huh?

This will get you guys to the complex, but if you want to get to the front door, refer to post #6.

Surely the Shangri-La can arrange airport transportation. Why not just use them?

Cost is 5-6x that of a taxi. (It's often assumed that such expenses are trivial for guests in 5-star hotels, but everyone's situation is unique.)

Hilton
 

Any sage advise about taxi to Hilton?

I'm under the impression that taxi rides a pretty reasonable in PEK. Is that the case? Only speak english. Having a map, I assume would be required.

Thanks for the help. My first trip there as well.

The Hilton is about as easy as they come (just off the airport expressway at 3rd ring). You shouldn't need a map for this, but if you feel so inclined, just google "beijing map" and you should be able to find it easily. The pinyin is xi er dun (西尔顿; probably not the exact characters, but will get you there).