Amazing Sights and Shopping
What can I say .... This is a place of complete contrast. I flew into Beijing for a whistle stop tour of some of China's best highlights. From Beijing you can travel to the Great Wall of China, which is one of the most amazing sights I have ever seen and I am also proud to say I have climbed and paid for my medal and certificate at the top of the wall. Although not for the faint hearted, we took the hard route up the Great Wall and if I can climb it slowly anyone can. The view is stunning and the feeling of achievement is well worth the effort, I would recommend that if you ever get the chance to climb the Great Wall you really should, it's a day you'll never forget. If after all that hard work, you need a reward look no further... You can either go sight seeing and enjoy the wonders of the Summer Palace and Tiananmen Square or try a little retail therapy at the Silk Markets! This is a several floor market with every designer name you can imagine. From handbags to Jewellery, Watches to Ipods, it can all be found at bargain prices. You'll need a cool head and a lot of bottle for bartering. There are rows of D&G, Gucci, Chole and Tiffany... all that glitters is not designer here though! These are some of the best copies you can find and if you like a bargain you'll not be disappointed.
I loved the diversity of Beijing and will certainly go back, why not go and see for yourself....
Beijing Silk Markets
Originally the Silk Markets was long narrow streets and open markets which were demolished and replaced by the 7 storey building it is today. It homes a very comprehensive markets and is a paradise for the serious shopoholic and bargain hunter. As you walk through the doors you will be hit by the kaleidascope of colours, sights, sounds and smells. From Silk material and products such as P.J's, robes, shorts, scarfs etc to hadnicrafts, jewellery, make up, electrical items, handbags, purses, watches .... I could go on and on to the wonderful service of the Peking Duck restaurant on the 7th floor, with their 6* toilets! I must warn you that toilets in Beijing range form 0* to 6*, (mostly 1*). ThOn entering the markets it can seem very daughnting as every stall holders vies for your attention and of course your money. Plan what it is you are shopping for, there is a directory on floor 1 advising what is items are sold on what stalls. Please remember they ALL want your mopney and will try and sell at a ridiculously high price - they do expect you to barter though so go in with a ridiculously low price and you will meet a happy medium. Do not worry about insulting the stall holder as they will not sell without making any profit and if you really want the item, don't show them but you will find it on many other stalls. Please remember to check watches and eletricals to ensure they work and remember all items are fake rip offs and of low quality or mis spellings of designer lables. Be patient as it takes time to haggle so ensure you allow for this. There are bigger idiots around that will be in a hurry and payt a higher price than necessary. A worthwhile trip for any one except maybe the designers whose items are forged within The Silk Markets
Beijing - City of Diversity
Beijing, the capital of China offers so much; The Forbidden City - a home to many ancient Emporers and also known as old China, this leads on to Tian'amen Square, know as new China. The Summer Palace, (another home of the ancient emporers), The Heavinly Palace, The Magnig=ficent Great Wall of China - WOW and the shopoholics paradise - The silk market.
It also offers bar street but as I only had a brief stopover in Beijing I did not have time to sample this myself. The food is not typical Chinese as we Brits know it but don't worry, there are plenty of the usual suspects such as Macdonalds, KFC, Pizza Hut and Starbucks to name but a few
