Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
came to worship the gods and pray for a bountiful harvest. Starting from roughly 7am, the
entire park is alive with activity, with the older generations congregating in groups to sing,
dance, play badminton, or do tai chi.
Finally, if you've any inclination, energy, or time left for shopping after this, you'll find
Hongqiao Market (the Pearl Markets) across the road from the east gate of the park. This is
yet another complex for bargaining on rip-off Prada and Gucci items. Hongqiao, however,
has a much stronger focus on jewelry than Yashow or Silk Street.
Practicalities
Unlike Hong Kong or many other international cities of the world, Beijing still is an afford-
able destination to visit. There are high-rolling hotels and there are quality, very comfort-
able budget hotels for around RMB300 per night. In fact, the price difference between a
single room in a hostel and a room in a good budget hotel is often indistinguishable.
If you do go local, you'll probably find that the beds are just as soft as the tiled floor
beneath them. Amenities will be basic and service isn't going to be the kind that makes you
feel special. It is, however, quite likely that you'll have unlimited free wireless Internet in
your room at whatever level of accommodation you stay in.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Dongcheng
There is no shortage of hotels in Dongcheng, especially around Wangfujing, where China's
rich love to stay. Book yourself into one of the big-name five-star chains, or for something
with more of the Beijing spirit, try one of the many boutique options. Newcomer Temple
Hotel (23 Shatan Beijie, Dongcheng district, 东城区沙滩北街23号 , tel. 10/8402-1350,
www.thetemplehotel.com , prices not available at time of writing) is a stunning option. Set
in a restored 600-year-old wooden temple sitting at the end of a dusty urban hútòng, this
luxury hotel gives you a stark juxtaposition of the upper and lower echelons of Beijing.
You'll find it just a short walk west of the National Art Museum of China and Dongsi sub-
way station (Lines 5 and 6).
Another boutique hotel, this time by Gulou, is the Orchid (65 Baochao Hutong, off
Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng district, 东城区, 鼓楼东大街宝钞胡同65号 , tel. 10/
8404-4818, www.theorchidbeijing.com , from RMB680). Just a stone's throw from expat
favorites as well as tourist hangouts, it's in an amazing location for both convenience and
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search