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We are not China specialists, but through our local Hong Kong/Beijing affiliates Moonsky Star, we can offer services at the end of Trans-Siberian Journeys. Please note that all Tourism in China is regulated by the Chinese State over whom we have no control.
Beijing
Beijing is a massive modern metropolis which grows more and more like Tokyo ever day. Great mirror-tiled skyscrapers dominate the skyline, and it has all modern amenities. However, Chinese Tourism has traditionally been made-up of Group Tours. Although you are very welcome as an individual traveller (they want every tourism $ they can get) there is little concession made to non-readers of Chinese. We seriously recommend you allow a little more time! and get a really good guide-book /phrase-book to help you get the most out of it. Our 56-page InfoPack has lots of suggestions and ideas, but is no substitute for a guide-book. Even hardened backpackers often cave-in and take the local sightseeing tours in Beijing. These are excellent value if your time is limited. You may baulk at US$50pp for a full-day trip to the Great Wall and Ming Tombs, but if you consider this includes about $18-worth of Entrance Tickets you would have bought anyhow, comfortable air-conditioned buses over distances which would take hours longer on cramped public transport which has no help for non-Chinese-speakers, fairly friendly Guides who speak English, a substantial lunch en-route, and the convenience of having it all sorted-out for you - it starts to look attractive! (the Great Wall is about 3-4 hours from downtown Beijing).
Of course, Beijing's main attractions are more easily done by yourself. The Forbidden City is going to be No #1 on most visitor's agenda - allow plenty of time for this massive City-within-a-City, last residence of the Emperors, and formerly closed to all except their close circle, and personal eunuch bodyguards (hence the name "forbidden"). Within the massive walls are great Temples for occasions of State - but also little Museums of things like clocks given to the Emperors (they liked clocks), royal regalia, and much more. You need at least 3-4 hours to even scratch the surface.
Tiananmen Square is directly adjacent - in fact, if you've already been to Moscow, you might recognise this set-up of "Massive Square & Walled Imperial Citadel" from somewhere. Mao's Mausoluem can be visited, if you want to.
The Temple of Heaven was the principle Daoist temple in Royal Beijing, and the temple remains laid-out as if for Imperial ceremonies. It is still consecrated as a Temple, and attracts many Chinese worshippers. Still more flock to the attractive Park around the temple to socialise, practice Tai-Chi, or even public ballroom dancing, which is very popular!
Other Beijing attractions include the Silk Market, the food markets, the Old Lanes, the Summer Palace and Gardens, other temples and more....
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