Beijing is a city in an early transition from the old to the modern. You can see many people talking on their cell phones everywhere even while they’re riding their bikes. You’ll also be able to see people going about their daily life while you’re walking around Wudaokou like a group of old Chinese folk playing mah-jong or parents and grandparents walking around carrying grocery bags or walking around with their kids and dogs.

Traffic in Beijing can get unbelievably congested, especially during national holidays. Bicycles are still one of the most popular and the cheapest modes of transportation. Most motorized vehicles are either buses (electric or gas-powered) or taxis. However, there are few traffic accidents in spite of the congestion.

Taxis are very inexpensive by American standards. Most rides in town will not cost more than US$3. But bus rides cost even less (about 7 US cents) regardless of distance. The subway is also clean and modern, and is very easy to navigate.

There are so many varieties of cuisine to choose from, just by walking around the university area. Many food vendors originating from different parts of China prepare their meals on the open sidewalk. You can have fried dough prepared in five different ways and fresh noodle dishes in ten! These snacks will also cost less than US$1 per serving. You will never run out of good cheap food to eat in Beijing!

The best time to visit Beijing is in May and early October when the weather is neither too cold nor too warm. Expect temperatures in the high 30s F late in the evening or early in the morning, reaching the low 80s F by noon.

Another thing that draws people to Beijing is the excellent shopping. Beijing is a shopping haggler’s paradise! Apart from fixed price items in department stores, everything else is negotiable, from clothes and food to photo copying and parking fees. Flea markets can be found everywhere, offering goods that are not easily available in other countries at unbelievably low prices.

You’ll also be able to see different high-end malls catering to a number of globally known brands. Beijing is definitely not a stranger to the “comfortable life.” Silk and cashmere are some popular products sold in Beijing where you can have tailor-made suits and dresses made for around US$120.

The Beijing Night Life is also something that everyone else enjoys in the city because there is always something to do every night. And there are ladies nights, which offer free drinks for the ladies starting from Wednesday to Friday.

Beijing people are very courteous and helpful. They would normally try to help a tourist who can’t speak Mandarin since this is also a very good way for them to practice their English.