Dave posted on June 29, 2010 12:01
Bernadette found Beijing a lot less crowded than Vietnam; only busy at the tourist spots with busloads doing the Forbidden City, Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and Summer Palace.
It was very interesting seeing the young people on Bar Street, compared to the older age group dancing in parks.
Shopping was also interesting as there were main markets for tourists; a lot of copy label bags, shoes etc, which you haggled down to about 75% off the starting price or what you were willing to pay in New Zealand.
The weather was lovely, which averaged around 25°.
Tipping was only required for your guide and driver; and if you used the baggage service at the hotel.
We stayed at Qianen Jianguo Hotel, which provided Western/Asian type breakfast, which was okay, but interesting. They had three restaurants, one had Western options on the menu; burgers, BLTs, chips and spaghetti bolognaise.
Contact our staff for all your China requirments!