have you ever traveled to Beijing China and what was your experience like?

I am thinking about going to Beijing what can I expect

surprisingly, i really enjoyed my trip to Beijing. i went in '03 w/ a tour and we did the usual tourists spot but it was so interesting to see these places that you've only heard about. it was facsinating and you can't help but wonder how in the world did they manage to build these buildings/monuments/tombs/great wall (of course) in those times. it's just like walking through history.

places that we visited : Tiananmen Sq., Forbidden City, Summer Place, Great Wall (Badaling section), Ming Tombs, Museum of Defence (i think that's what it's called), Temple of Heaven, Underground City (used to be a bomb shelter, had a hospital, theater, school - now they make silk duvets (from silk worm cocoons) - cheap, lightweight & warm. good bargain).

at night, can visit the Wang Fu Jing area for some truly amazing street food - feeling a little adventurous?? can try some skewered grasshopper/silk worms/water cockroaches, etc. fried starfish, black stinky tofu, etc. of course, there are some 'normal' food along the way. steamed dumplings are delicious & cheap - like RMB2 for 8-10pieces!! can't leave Beijing without eating Peking Duck.

It was an awesome experience...really cool trip..eye opener...great thumbs up generally

I went to China for the first time in 1984, a world apart from the China of 2007. It is a fascinating country, probably offering the most variety in terms of geography, cultures, traditions, etc. Beijing is a very nice city (except in the spring when dust storms are common), with so much cultural activities, monuments, and everything else. But it is not my favourite city, although one cannot go to China without spending some time in BJ.

So, my advice....go for it, with an open mind and an open heart. China is not the typical beachfront vacation, it will challenge you at many levels, but if you have the right attitude and frame of mind and expect not to expect anything, you will want to go back again and again. If you are a wary traveler, join a tour. You can do a 2 or 3-week whirlwind tour of the must-see places in BJ and in other regions. But if you are a little adventurous, get yourself a Lonely Planet guide and phrase book, and go on your own. You won't regret it!

I just went this summer and the first thing is BAD AIR QUALITY.you can only see 100 yards at the most.also there are many street vendors.some people are rude but some are nice.otherwise it's great there

I visited in 2004 and 2006, once for business and then went back because I wanted to see more. I agree that Beijing isn't my favorite city in China but it is the capital and has a lot to offer. In addition to the spots already mentioned, just give yourself some time to wander around. Take one of the huotong tours near the Dazalan market, near Qianmen Dajie, south of Tianamen square. Or just go by yourself there and wander in the alleys and small markets. It's not "romantic" - people don't like living without functioning toilets or water - but it shows a way of life that the current government is eradicating without a trace in preparation for the Olympics. If the scorpions and seahorse skewers on Wangfujing Street don't tempt your appetite, drop by the Oriental Plaza right off the same area (it's a big indoor mall) and go to the basement where there are loads of food places, not as cheap as street food, but inexpensive with loads of choices, all cooked in front of you, and cheap relative to the fancy restaurants in hotels. Take the subway for a fast way through the city (not at rush hour). In off hours it's quick, and pretty easy to buy tickets. Go to Tianamen on the weekend and at night t watch people. Yes, it's polluted and traffic is insane and dangerous and there are now beggars and prostitutes (though no one will admit it), but it's the capital city of a very old country and one that wants to be very powerful. It's an experience. Oh, yes ... don't drink the water anywhere unless it's bottled (real bottled water), don't brush your teeth with it, bring your own TP for public restrooms (and try and avoid public restrooms ... western hotels can be a big friend here!), bring and use sanitizer, bring cough drops and anti-diarrheal and meds just in case, and listen up for the sound that means someone is going to spit somewhere nearby. Despite all the that, it will be unforgettable if you open yourself up to the experience.

I lived in Beijing for three years it was great, it is far better to go to a place without expectations b/c you will not be disappointed but here are a few things if you really want them

1 - great food
2 - traffic is horrible
3 - people are friendly
4 - the city is a little dirty
5 - great cultural architecture
6 - Taxi drivers like to cheat you