Beijing

Just before making my way to Hong Kong, I went to Beijing for just over 4 days (August 26-30). Unfortunately, because of China’s military parade on September 3rd, the Forbidden City was closed during my stay. In exchange, I got the benefits of pollution control, with reduced traffic as cars could only be driven on alternate days and blue skies as factories shut down.

Celebrating peace (end of WWII) with a war parade.

War is like a mirror. Looking at it helps us better appreciate the value of peace. – Xi Jinping

My favourite places (in descending order)

1. Summer Palace

Huge park with amazing scenery everywhere.

17 Arch Bridge on the upper left. Photo from the Tower of Buddhist Incense.

2. Great Wall

I went to the Badaling section, since it was only a ¥5 bus ride from Deshengmen. Definitely go early, because by 11 am, crowds make it really difficult to take photos. I recommend taking the toboggan (¥60) to the 4th tower. I spent less than 3 hours there.

3. Temple of Heaven

4. Dongshan Park

Great view of Tiananmen from the peak.

5. Anywhere you can eat Peking duck

444. Ming Tombs

I had a tonne of fun! 😊

One final note: I flew China United Airlines to Beijing. I don’t recommend it. They have an absolutely awful on-time record, their website is all in Chinese, you can’t select seats or pre-purchase baggage allowance at a discount without a Chinese ID card, and they fly into Nanyuan Airport, which does not have a subway connection.