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Overview of Beijing Vacation Rentals

Cultural Visitors to Beijing Vacation Rentals

Beijing has been not only the political capital of China for centuries; it has also been at its cultural core. Many famous sights such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall and the Temple of Heaven are located in Beijing which makes it highly attractive for people with an interest in China’s culture and history. It is not a destination that you can explore in a day or two. You need to spend at least a week or two in Beijing if you are to truly appreciate all the city has to offer.

Beijing Travel Tips

One of the first things you will notice about Beijing is the number of bicycles. It is the primary form of transportation for most local residents, and there are estimated to be more than 10 million bicycles in the city. When walking around and crossing streets, you need to be consciously aware of cyclists, otherwise you may end up having a collision.

When getting out of a taxi, be sure to look in both directions before opening the door; otherwise, you may inadvertently connect with a cyclist riding by. If you make use of taxis, make sure they are registered taxis and contain meters or you may find yourself getting ripped off at the end of your journey.

The best way to get around the city is by using the light rail and subway systems. Signage is in both Chinese and English, and station announcements are also made in both languages. Tickets can be bought on the platforms or at stations, and maps are also available so you can navigate your way around the city. Beijing has one of the most efficient city public transport systems.

Beijing Capital International Airport is located approximately 25 kilometers northeast of the city. The airport hosts international carriers from around the world and has more than a 1,000 flights arriving daily. On arrival, it is best to get a taxi to your city destination or make use of the public transport system. Do not accept the offers of touts as they often end up being troublesome and expensive.

Seasons to Beijing Accommodation

Beijing is not known for its favorable climate. The winters are icy and the summers can be sweltering. The average temperatures during the summer month of June and July are between 28 and 40 degrees Celsius. Many of the local Chinese women walk around with umbrellas to protect themselves from the harsh summer sun. A good time of year to visit is in August and September when the weather is more moderate but the iciness of winter has not yet set in. One advantage of visiting Beijing is that you can still do plenty of sightseeing even if the weather isn’t agreeable. The many museums, palaces and shopping attractions are mostly indoors so you would only need to brave the weather when traveling around.

Sightseeing Around China Vacation Rentals in Beijing

While many of the attractions can be visited independently, it is helpful to have an up-to-date guidebook with you so you can read up on the history and culture associated with a particular attraction. A good way to orientate yourself upon arrival is to purchase a city map and join a day tour which takes in some of the city highlights. Following the tour, you can then return to the sights of your choice and spend more time exploring them. If you have a specific interest such as the temples or the relics of the different Chinese dynasties, sign up for a guided tour which will provide you with additional information and insight into those aspects of China’s culture and history.