Beijing

Fazlin Samodien on 24 July 2002
This was my first visit to China and by far the best experience. I departed Johannesburg on Singapore Airlines 24 July 2002 which happened to be my birthday. Well to my surprise on the flight the Air hostess surprised me with a Happy Birthday song and a big chocolate cake and candles. My trip couldn't have started off better. The flight was pleasant with T.V screens in front of each passenger.

My first stop was Beijing, met by the tour operator and transferred to the 5 Star Prime Hotel. I would rate it a 4 Star plus compared to South Africas 5 Star hotels. This hotels location is situated on the main street close to all major shopping malls. This is where you also get the night life until the early hours of the morning and the food vendors with all kinds of delicacies...if you know what I mean. My advise is to learn a few basic phrases in Chinese because the locals does not speak a word of english and are not very friendly. Bicycles are the main mode of transport for the locals.

China is a very clean country, the streets are wide and spacious.The people of China live in flats, you don't see any houses. Apparently nobody owns their own property, it is all government owned.

Only a 30 minute drive from the Prime Hotel we were transferred in an air-conditioned luxury bus to the Temple Of Heaven.This is where the emperors would make their sermons, which is echoed beyond the walls.The building is structured in 3 tiers and the steps are in odd numbers. It is very important to have air-conditioned buses because in the summer temperatures are over 40 degrees.

The Forbidden City, is where the Chinese Emperors resided and ruled the country since the 13th century. It is also called the Imperial Palace. No common mortals had access only the royalty. The history and architecture is very interesting.The tour was very organised and our tour leader was well informed about the history of China. You definitely need one full day for each tour, you cannot rush through them because there is so much to see and the tourists sights are always full of tourists. Some advise, try not to drink too much liquid on the days you go on tours, because their public toilets facilities is not for the faint hearted and most toilets are flat in the ground.

The Great Wall Of China, was just what I expected and more! I took the challenge to climb the wall. We were in pairs and had to try to stay with the rest of the group. Some of the people in my group turned back after a few minutes of walking. I, on the other hand dragged myself to the bitter end, I didn't come all this way to give up. What an achievement, and to think that this Great Wall can be seen from outer space.

Tiananmen Square - Gate of Peace, this is where the student movements took place and so many were killed. The Ming Tombs is where all the Moseleums (graves) were of the Ming Dynasty and is very sacred. The Imperial Summer place has a shimmering Kunming Lake. You can spend the whole day at the Imperial Summer place and enjoy a cruise across the lake.

A must for dinning out, is the Peking Duck restaurant, everyone enjoyed their meal. I unfortunately only ate the veggies and crab sticks. I actually lost about 5kg on this trip! There is too much to absorb in a few days, so when you plan a trip to China make sure you have at least 7 days in Beijing. The locals in China are not very friendly, so don't expect a smile.