China (Beijing area), a few questions
Replies: 2 - Last Post: Sep 17, 2012 3:18 AM Last Post By: manchurianexile
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China (Beijing area), a few questions
Next monday early morning I'm scheduled to arrive at Beijing int Airport. As I will be in Beijing at least three more times during my 5 week trip I'm considering to skip Beijing. For a short (almost one week) trip before returning to Beijing for departure on a North Korea tour. So I wonder:- Are their convenient public transport options from Beijing Int. Airport to Jinshanling or Simatai Great Wall?
- What would be the better option Simatai or Jinshanling?
- I did a quick search foraccomodation that didn't turn up too much, but I assume there are plenty of options. Correct?
- Is it worth to visit nearby Wuling Shan?
For the weeklong trip I'm considering the following destinations: Simatai/Jinshanling, Chengde, Eastern Qing tombs, Pan Shan Scenic area (and depending on time Tianjin). Any opinions on that?
As the transport I need is pretty local I assume it won't be effected too heavily by the migration due too autumn festival and national day or amI too optimistic about this?
For the North Korea tour I need to store some luggage in Beijing as gps, large zoomcamera's etc are not allowed. What secure options are there to store luggage for 8 days in Beijing? I'm thinking about some cheap but reliable hotel. Any suggestions?
1
You could combine a visit to the Qing Eastern Tombs with a section of the Great Wall at nearby Huangyaguan, which is a less touristy and pleasant place than most GW sections. Start early at the tombs then head for HYG about 1 hour away by car. Spend the night at a hotel located near the foot of the GW and then hike the next day. Or stay over at the tombs then head for the GW and stay another night before returning the next morning to Bj. You seem to have done your research (or know how to do travel research) so you should be able to figure out the other various details on how to do it. BTW, Chengde is also worth a weekend trip.2
In my opinion, Chengde is a waste of time, There is nothing much there other than the Northern Resort (Which is pretty much the Summer Palace on a slightly larger scale) and a few nearby temples. Also, entry to said resort is laughably expensive as are pretty much all the accomodation options. You'd be better off using that time in Beijing or, maybe, heading into Henan (Anyang, Luoyang, Kaifeng, etc) or other nearby provinces.
