Spending 1 day in Beijing transiting to Europe. Wanna see some sights and nightlife with a local guide. Problem is that all Chinese social apps (even tried dating lol) are in mandarin only and most use location identifiers (WeChat etc), so it’s impossible to make plans/contacts in advance. I found few good local agencies online but it’s not the experience I’m looking for. Any ideas fellow obs, especially those from Beijing?
1 Day in Beijing
Lfishka2 on 05/05/2019 - 13:27
Comments
If you're after sights head to Tianaman Square - Forbidden City is right in front of it. Mao is nearby too, if that's your thing. Behind Forbidden city is a park (I think it is Jin Shan, I might be wrong). Great view from the top on a clear day. Go early - like super early, if it is forecast to be clear.
Otherwise, I'd suggest Summer Palace - it is a bit of a trek but well worth it. Much better than the Forbidden City and fewer people. FC can get super busy.
The GWC is a big one but to get a decent experience you need to travel a fair bit out - it's an all day thing. If you go to the closest part to Beijing you'll have a horrible time with the hoards of Chinese tourists. I've been four times, each time I have traveled 3-4 hours out of the city. I never saw another person.
You'll be fine by yourself, if before you go, you get the names of the places you wish to visit written in Chinese. Then you can just show the cab driver. Use Google, type them up and store them on your phone. I did this when I first moved to China to get around. Don't bother with addresses just use the name or cross section of the street.
Forbidden palace. If you go there make sure you empty your bladder .Toilet may be 1 miles away from where you are .
Dont forget give my regards to Chairman MAO.,
Thanks for all the suggestions guys but maybe I have to reiterate that I’m looking for ways of getting in touch with someone local. Maybe a blog in English or something similar, or an agency that offers individual all day tours without charging an arm and a leg. I used these services in Europe and Australia that just put one in touch with the local freelance tour guides and it was great. Otherwise I’m a seasoned traveler and can google a google out of google and have no problems finding main attractions
https://www.tour-beijing.com
We used this company for cruise port transfers and found them really helpful. I’m sure they would be happy to tailor a private tour just for you. Highly recommend going to Quanjude for Peking duck but heads up it is nigh on impossible to get a taxi from around there late at night!
ETA I see you are wanting to organise things yourself and save some money (as are we all!) but since the Olympics, Beijing tour guides and drivers value their worth very highly and in US dollars!Pretty sure you need a visa which makes that one day quite expensive
No visa is required if transiting to another country.
Thanks MsBin, that website is quite comprehensive but obviously charges “tourist” rates. Wonder if anyone knows how to contact those freelance private operators/guides? Maybe a little more risky I know but I’m sure there are decent semi-pro among them
You could try looking at the ‘Experiences’ section on AirBnB and asking one of the tour guides to adapt a current experience to suit you. You also do not need a visa as you’re eligible for a 72 hour transit visa, which can be obtained at the airport.
You can't really have it both ways.
Either take a guide at tourist rates or DIY. given your lack of Chinese, they're really your only options.
You're not going to find an English speaking local, guide or otherwise, willing to take you on a tour of Beijing for bargain basement prices. Certainly not whilst offshore and without any Mandarin.
You better then a tourist now are you?.
Problem is that all Chinese social apps (even tried dating lol) are in mandarin only°
What OP trying to say is red light district… no one seems to get that. Can someone help OP?
The Qianmen markets are great - just across from Tiananmen Square. You could also go and see the Chairman Mao mausoleum and wonder what that's all about. It's easy to spend a day just wandering around that area. You don't necessarily need a local guide, but I can understand how it would be helpful. I was there with Peking University students who came over to Australia on an exchange before hosting us Australians on an exchange.
Go to the 798 art zone. Spend the day wandering around there. And the forbidden palace.