Things You Should Know Before Your Trip to Beijing

Ask the most seasoned traveler to share his or her experiences or to discuss some of the most spectacular places he or she has been, and Beijing is likely to be at the head of the list. Not only is Beijing rich in culture, it is certainly one of the most unique places in the world for a traveler to visit. In fact, all you have to do is take a look at some interesting facts about Beijing and you will want to see it for yourself.

The Center of It All

Did you know that Beijing is the center of China‘s political and educational establishments? You will find that the city is also the cultural cornerstone of China, which is why you can submerge yourself so deeply in the culture when you visit the area. Whether you want to get a peak at the every day lifestyle or if you want to get a better feel for China’s political system, Beijing is a good place to start.

Getting Money From an ATM

The money used in Beijing is the RMB, which is called 'Kuai' in Beijing. The exchange rate for the U.S. Dollar is 8 Kuai per 1 US dollar, so the prices you see on goods in Beijing will appear to be more costly than you thought. You might also be surprised to find that you can use your foreign credit cards in many of Beijing ATM machines. Still, you should be prepared for the possibility of not being able to use your card when you visit.

For the best chance of using an ATM card, keep your eye out for a Bank of China ATM, as these ATMs are more likely to accept your card than any other. There are ATM machines located throughout Beijing and you should not have a problem finding a machine that will work for you. If you try to withdraw money from a Bank of China ATM and you are unsuccessful, you might want to try again. Although the country is known for its technology, the ability to connect to an international line is sometimes unavailable. As a result, you may receive a declined transaction the first time around.

Haggle for a Great Deal

When shopping in Beijing, you should also remember to haggle over the price of pretty much everything available from local merchants. Merchants in Beijing expect their shoppers to haggle over the price and getting involved in a price debate is a great way to really experience the Beijing culture. Of course, it can also help you get a cheaper price. Understanding this cultural difference of opinion is something you should think of as an event rather than an argument of price.

Beyond the price of goods, you should also be aware that there are counterfeit goods readily available in China. If you want to be sure you are getting the designer purse, hat or eyeglasses you wanted, you need to use extreme care. Otherwise, you might get a lot less than you expected. Still, whether you are looking for designer brands or not, you will be amazed by the multitude of offerings and the number of individual shops and vendors lining the streets in Beijing.

Finding the Facilities

After a day of shopping, you will likely find yourself needing to use the restroom. Have no fear! Finding public facilities in Beijing is relatively simply and the toilets are generally kept quite clean. Keep in mind that the English symbol for rest room is WC, so keep your eye out for this symbol when looking for a place to go to the bathroom. You can generally find a free bathroom to use in restaurants, supermarkets, Internet bars, and most public locations. If you find you need to use one of the moveable versions along the road, however, expect to be charged a small fee for the convenience.

The Night Life

With a day of shopping at the market behind you, you might now be ready to look into what Beijing has to offer at night. Disco is still king in China. Therefore, in Beijing, you can find the type of disco atmosphere you’re looking for if you are ready to dance. Here, you will find every type of Beijing resident relaxing and having a good time. The crowd will likely be a mix of party lovers and friends who come to dance and enjoy the evening.

To find some of the best nightlife in Beijing, you'll want to look for a place called Banana Spicy for a great night of disco. If disco isn’t your thing, and you want to see another aspect of Beijing’s nightlife activities, grab a Chinese friend and go Karaoke. Though you won't find many English songs to choose from, this is entertainment in its purest form. Watching the Beijing residents who come and explode their voices to tunes that you cannot understand, is a lot of fun while also showing you that Beijing is a lot like home.

About the Author:E Cho-Beijing Olympic Games

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Singapore - From British Colony to Asian Economic Powerhouse

The Merlion’s origins are a combination of the magical and mundane. Toward the end of the thirteenth century, a Buddhist prince from the Indonesian island of Sumatra founded the Kingdom of Temasek near what is today Singapore. One day, he arrived at a large island, where he saw a terrifying beast. He thought it was a lion, although no lions had ever been seen in the area, nor have they been sighted since. The city founded on the island was named Singha Pura (”Lion City”) as a result. The Merlion’s tail connects it to fishing, the traditional occupation of the local population.

A British crown colony.

In Singapore, drivers still follow the British practice of keeping to the left side of the road. British influence began in the early nineteenth century when Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles founded the first branch office of the British East India Company here in 1819. Raffles is a difficult man to forget in Singapore, where statues, streets and the Raffles Hotel all bear his name.

Before Raffles arrived, the island had been a desolate place, occupied by only a few fishermen and the occasional Malaysian pirates. Singapore was a British crown colony as well as a commercial port belonging to the East India Company from 1867 to 1963. During those years, the city developed into one of largest commercial ports in South-East Asia.

Since independence in 1964 Singapore has grown into a modern metropolis. More than just business. Though Singapore enjoys a worldwide reputation as a hyper- successful economic powerhouse, “Lion City” is not usually listed among anyone’s favourite tourist destinations. Many travelers only make a brief stop here en route to somewhere else. This is not really far to Singapore, a city that has a great deal to offer.

Its Chinatown Quarter, Arab Street and Little India have been tidied up and polished until they shine. Even the modern areas of city centre have numerous places worth visiting. The cultural life of the city is diverse, and one runs into it at every turn. Singapore has never been more colourful or inviting.

Esplanade Park.

A new cultural centre has sprung from the banks of the river delta in Singapore’s Esplanade Park. Along with the Merlion, this facility is emblematic of Singapore, possibly in part because the complex is shaped like an enormous durian melon. This is a fruit with a famously awful smell, as many travelers to South-East Asia have learned from personal experience, but “stink fruit” is very popular with the locals.

Drivers license by auction.

Owning a private car in Singapore is a rather costly proposition. Once all the expenses are tallied up, owning a car can cost more than twice as much in Singapore as it does in Europe. Among the additional costs is the purchase of a license “at auction”. This license is valid for ten years, and is linked to the specific vehicle with which it is registered. If the owner purchases a new car, the whole process has to be started all over again. This method has so far proven very successful in keeping Singapore from being overrun with traffic jams and smog, the fate of so many other big cities.

A stroll through Singapore.

Singapore has a rich array of historical buildings. A walk through Singapore should begin in the city centre with Chinatown. The colourfully decorated stores, restaurants and cafes invite a short stopover. Wandering to the other side of Cross Street brings one to the Lau Pa Sat Festival Market. A short detour to the river promenade, where the Merlion statue can be seen in action, is also recommended. Along the promenade, visitors can relax under an umbrella and get away from the bustle of the city. Later, the nightlife at nearby Boat Quay may prove more tempting.

About the Author:John Hacking- Looking for cheap holidays and cheap airfares? Student Flights have a range of package deals for the young and young at heart. Visit http://www.studentflights.com.au/cheaptrips/ STSF190209-1

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