BEIJING

beijing Beijing is full of contradictions - ancient Chinese capital, yet today with a very C21st face. The city's enormous population adds to the feeling that you at the very heart of a huge Empire. Beijing lies at the end of the Trans-Siberian route, but for many people is not yet the end of the journey - different onward options are possible. (see below).

The Forbidden City is the number one attraction most visitors will want to see. It's huge! So allow at least half a day - many people take a picnic and stay even longer. Does the architecture remind you a little of Mongolia? It's no accident! The Mongolian Emperor Batu-Khan came here as a conqueror, bringing with him the architectural styles of his homeland's monasteries, to a city he called Khan-Baliq, and which is now Beijing. This Royal City was open only to the Royal Family, and their elite bodyguard of eunuchs. To all others it was closed - thus it was "the forbidden city". Something of the lives, wealth and ritual of the last Emperors can be understood from the substantial exhibitions and historic buildings within the fortified walls.
The Summer Palace makes a pleasant contrast with the grim, fortress-like appearance of the Forbidden City - set in attractive gardens, the Emperors and their families would spend the summer months here instead.
Tian-Shan is a large temple located a little way south of Tiananmen Square - well worth a visit to see not only the buildings, but also to see ordinary Beijingi's going about their lives, including the popular outdoor activities of Tai-Chi, and errrr, ballroom dancing?
Tiananmen Square shouldn't be missed - and since one of our hotel options actually looks into the square, there's not much chance you will! In addition to the famous square itself, there is the Mausoleum of Chairman Mao, which you may want to visit.
Beijing also has a large number of different monasteries and shrines of different native faiths - Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism - plus several imported ones. Although none are especially large, they make an interesting insight into a country which is not as State-controlled as you might immediately believe.
And don't forget the many and varied markets! Some are interesting just to see the variety of goods on sale (the night markets, the fish market etc), and in others you might even find something you want to buy yourself - especially in the Silk Market, which offers great value (although check the size - Chinese sizes tend to be a bit small).
The most famous excursion out of Beijing is to the Great Wall of China. There are different sections of the wall you can visit. The most touristy is Badaling (maybe you already passed here on your train from Mongolia? This is where the ancient Chinese-Mongolian border was), but there are other sections without quite so many postcard-sellers. A lot of the Wall is in a bad state of repair, so plans to "walk the wall" rarely last more than 1-2 kilometers in reality.

Of course, there is lots more to see in China beyond Beijing! Many people will be heading south to Hong Kong (a logical point to pick-up the next section of a Round-The-World air trip), and there is a new train service (36 hours - yes, it's a long way!) direct to Hong Kong from Beijing. But there are lots of other options! You can also take a train to Xian Old City

Shanghai, and find a boat to Japan - there are weekly services (excluding winter months, when weather prevents sailings) to Kobe. Alternatively, you could take your time going south on a more indirect route via Xian, China's historic capital. In addition to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors (not in town at all, but our included visit gets you there!), there are the historic city walls to walk, the Great Goose pagoda, and the Mosque - in many ways, a more "traditional" view of China than in the capital itself.

Bridge The World also have suggestions for routes across China which will take you to a next section, or return, from Thailand, or Vietnam.

Trans-Sib Main

Bridge the World Main

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