Tianjin & Beijing

[lilacblue1]

I'm planning for a "solo" trip (approx 5-6 days) to both Tianjin and Beijing during early/mid nov this year. But I'm aren't too sure if (1) the duration of travel is sufficient, (2) convenience to travel around and (3) the safety to travel solo.

My intention to head down to Beijing is mainly because of Zi Jing Chen and those ancient stuff, so mostly sightseeing would be my main aim for the trip.

Would appreciate it if someone could advice me or recommend accomodations for these 2 places for me. Thank you.

PS: First time heading to both places =P

 

[dilphinus]

I'm planning for a "solo" trip (approx 5-6 days) to both Tianjin and Beijing during early/mid nov this year. But I'm aren't too sure if (1) the duration of travel is sufficient, (2) convenience to travel around and (3) the safety to travel solo.

My intention to head down to Beijing is mainly because of Zi Jing Chen and those ancient stuff, so mostly sightseeing would be my main aim for the trip.

Would appreciate it if someone could advice me or recommend accomodations for these 2 places for me. Thank you.

PS: First time heading to both places =P

Nothing much in Tianjin. If you have only a week or less, suggest you spend all the days in Beijing.

Most of the tourist attractions are within walking distance of the metro, with the exception of the Ming Tombs and the Great Walls. First time, would suggest you buy a local day tour there. Couple of years ago, I paid RMB100 for a day tour to the Ming Tombs and Badaling.

I quite like the Prince Gong's Mansion. Good to spend 3/4 to a day at the Forbidden Palace. Would suggest you get a guided tour unless your Chinese history is good. If not, it will just be looking at stuff without knowing the history behind it and most people will find it boring.

For shopping, most tourists will go to Wangfujing. I don't like Wangfujing though. I prefer Qianmen. The cleanest toilet at Wufujing is at the APM Mall. Free wifi too.

I always stay at Crysal Orange (Jinsong). If you are feeling rich, can stay at Jianguomen. The prices at Ibis Jianguomen can be pretty good sometimes. Else, there's plenty of cheap and expensive hotels at Wangfujing.

 

[GoToSea]

what is zi jing chen?

 

[lilacblue1]

thanks for the advice.

however...i've checked online and see that the airtix are about 550 (china eastern air/air china), followed by SQ at about 880.

since its my first trip to beijing...I'm just wondering if the ticket price is always that ex throughout the year?

 

[dilphinus]

thanks for the advice.

however...i've checked online and see that the airtix are about 550 (china eastern air/air china), followed by SQ at about 880.

since its my first trip to beijing...I'm just wondering if the ticket price is always that ex throughout the year?

These prices are pretty alright. It can go up to $1xxx for direct flights on SQ and CA (Air China). China Eastern will have to transit either Shanghai or somewhere else.

 

[kitsura]

China Eastern's hub is Shanghai so you need to transit in Hongqiao. Cheapest is to fly China Southern but transit Guangzhou. Flying in China is all crappy so don't bother taking SQ.

 

[lcpteck]

If you don't mind taking MH, wait for their promo fares. It's about $330 roundtrip to Shanghai or Beijing.

I'm flying to Shanghai on the New Year period for $317.

 

[kitsura]

If you don't mind taking MH, wait for their promo fares. It's about $330 roundtrip to Shanghai or Beijing.

I'm flying to Shanghai on the New Year period for $317.

Or fly Scoot to Nanjing for $200++ and take HSR for another 1 hr to Shanghai. Taking the Metro from Pudong Intl to somewhere in Puxi already close to 45 mins so it's another option.

 

[ralliart_ray]

what is zi jing chen?

forbidden city

 

[GoToSea]

which peking duck is nicer between da dong and quanjude?

 

[planetshaker]

which peking duck is nicer between da dong and quanjude?

Da Dong Win hands down. Quan Ju De should just try once so as to tick it off the bucket list. Otherwise, its always Da Dong for me, - you should make reservations 1-day before if you do not want to wait 1-2 hours during peak hours.

 

[lilacblue1]

I am planning to join a one-day local tour (No shopping stops, factory stops, etc) to Great Wall of China since the transport to the place is a trouble. Is there any reputable local tour operator for recommendation?

 

[dilphinus]

I am planning to join a one-day local tour (No shopping stops, factory stops, etc) to Great Wall of China since the transport to the place is a trouble. Is there any reputable local tour operator for recommendation?

No such thing as no shopping/factory stops. Get from the agency at the entrance of the food street at wangfujing. Doesn't matter which agency, cos most agencies selling the same tour will end up with the same operator. Also the Badaling will always be bundle with another attraction. Seldom will be a standalone package for the great wall.

 

[lilacblue1]

No such thing as no shopping/factory stops. Get from the agency at the entrance of the food street at wangfujing. Doesn't matter which agency, cos most agencies selling the same tour will end up with the same operator. Also the Badaling will always be bundle with another attraction. Seldom will be a standalone package for the great wall.

oh no..but i damn scared later they force me to buy stuff from those shops leh...confirm i'll get thrown off one...dont know how to react
anyway..is a private tour better or a group one better?

 

[planetshaker]

oh no..but i damn scared later they force me to buy stuff from those shops leh...confirm i'll get thrown off one...dont know how to react
anyway..is a private tour better or a group one better?

no need to fear, they just bring you to shop for 1 -hour, you dont buy anything, its ok. just leave at end of 1-hour.

 

[GoToSea]

this is how i am never approached in the shop... dun speak english/mandarin... speak hokkien or malay.. confirm they lazy to sell u. lol

 

[annai]

Budget airline flies to Tainjin/Shanghai. Take HSR to Beijing.

 

[lcpteck]

Budget airline flies to Tainjin/Shanghai. Take HSR to Beijing.

MH to China routes is cheap.

 

[zirhk3355]

I work in Beijing and Tianjin. I would suggest that you either take a direct flight in, or transit outside China. The flight delays in China are very unpredictable so don't spoil your holidays over a missed flight.
Scoot flies direct to Tianjin, but sometimes it can be exp so check out Xiamen air which stopover (not transit) in Xiamen for just 1hr.

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[zirhk3355]

Tianjin-Beijing bullet train is very convenient.

The line 2 mrt is open from Tianjin airport to Tianjin train station, direct at abt SGD1+.

Once reach train station, go up and buy a ticket (SGD10+) with your passport, no need to prebook, there is a train every 15mins, travel time is 35mins.

Once in Beijing, take the MRT (fixed SGD0.40 anywhere), or grab a cab only if you got big luggage, it wont be exp. Remember mrt is always faster in Beijing, the traffic jam is really really terrible.

Drop me a PM if you wana roam around Tianjin, I can guide you over a beer. But just 1 day is enough, don't need to stay over.

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