Meet our team with Ian Enright

Tiananmen Square

BEIJING

DYNASTIES, DUMPLINGS AND DUCK

Meet Ian, one our talented Reservations Consultants and read all about one of his favourite cities, China's capital, Beijing.

Ian on the Great Wall of China

I first arrived in Beijing, China on 21 August 2005 – and I still remember it, as if it was yesterday. I did not realise it then, but this would be the start of a love affair with a country that still lasts today. I recall a New Zealand couple once said to me, ‘you will either love a destination or not, and if you love somewhere, it will get under your skin and you will never be able to wash it out.’ This is oh so true with China!

The word China is derived from the Chinese Pinyin word Zhongguo, and Zhou Dynasty whose capital at the time was Luoyang. Zhongguo means Zhong (Middle) Guo(Land) or as they liked to call, the Middle Kingdom. As the Zhou Dynasty believed Zhongguo was the middle of the Universe surrounded by Barbarians. China has seven ancient capitals: Beijing, Xian, Kaifeng, Luoyang, Anyang, Nanjing and Hangzhou. So, a country with such a rich history and culture, really should be a must visit on anyone’s bucket list. Beijing and Xian are featured on many of our group tours, however Kaifeng Luoyang, Anyang, Nanjing and Hangzhou can be booked as private extensions and are well worth the visit.

I arrived into Beijing, to a rather old airport, lacking in air-conditioning and one that felt more like a giant tin shed, than the modern, high-tech Beijing Capital Airport of today. I was met outside customs by my transfer driver, who spoke very little English, but he did make me laugh. As we drove to my hotel the streets were dark and silent due to the late hour except for the sounds of the Russian Communist music my driver was playing. He said to me the streets might be quiet now, but wait until tomorrow morning, as a bobble head originated around 1046 BC during the

statue of Chairman Mao bounced up and down on the car’s dashboard.

After being dropped off at the Rainbow Hotel Beijing, located a short walk from the South Gate to the Temple of Heaven, I woke the following morning to the view from my window of the early morning hustle and bustle of what would become my favourite city in China, Beijing. I have been lucky to travel to China over 10 times since 2005 and visit over 20 cities and locations within China. But Beijing holds a special place in my heart, as it has always been a city I can, and have returned to time and time again. However, everywhere I have visited in China has left a mark on my heart and soul.

1. ACCOMMODATION

No matter what style of accommodation you are after,

Beijing caters for all budgets and preferences. From basic 3 star to luxury 5 star, just like any major city Beijing has much to offer.

I prefer to stay close to Wangfujing street and can happily recommend either the Crown Plaza or the

Novotel Peace Hotel Beijing.

Both are located right on

Wangfujing street, making it a convenient location for shopping and dining options.

Delicious Peking Duck pancakes China has a long and rich history, and you can discover more at every turn. Places you definitely want to visit on a trip to Beijing include:

The Forbidden City

Home to numerous Dynasties throughout the centuries.

The Summer Palace

The Emperor’s Summer retreat and built during the Ming Dynasty.

A China Experience 10 days | Fully Inclusive Tour

Now from $3,680pp

Discover Beijing’s rich history and culture on this introductory tour, plus you’ll also visit the cities of Xian, home to the enigmatic Terracotta Warriors and dynamic Shanghai.

2. THE GREAT WALL

Dandong on the Border of North Korea, Dragons Head Great Wall in Qinhuangdao Coastal City on the Bohai Sea, both sections are worth the climb.

Jinshanling Great Wall, Mutianyu Great Wall & Badaling Great Wall are three sections that are all easily accessible from Beijing. Mutianyu and Badaling easily added after a morning city tour and an opportunity to also add a visit to the Sacred Way at the Ming Tombs. Jinshangling is a full day tour from Beijing, and is one of the oldest sections of

4. HISTORY

Save up to $500pp

the wall still in its original form. go to Rajasthan with Wendy Wu and see for yourself!

Great Wall of China

3. FOOD

Everywhere you travel through China, there are delicious and unique dishes to try. In Beijing, a must-try is Peking Duck (now called Beijing Duck). Dating back to the Ming Dynasty, it was originally only served to the emperor, but today it is enjoyed by all members of the community and is used as a celebratory meal. Chairman Mao once said, you have not visited China until you have climbed the Great Wall and eaten

Peking Duck.

The Temple of Heaven

Built during the Ming Dynasty and was not only a place of worship, but a place for astrology.

Beijing Hutongs

It is worth taking a walk down the alleyways or by motorised rickshaw. Hutongs are traditional houses that the Chinese once lived in and are now found in a few areas around Beijing but close to the Forbidden City.

The Lama Temple

The only Tibetan Buddhist temple in Beijing, during the Ming Dynasty. The Dalai Lama of Tibet at the time authorised the carving of a statue of Buddha. Carved out of one piece of timber log, it could only be transported to Beijing during winter, where it was sledded from Lhasa to Beijing.

5. SHOPPING

If you travel on one of our group tours, you will be able to enjoy a visit to local silk markets. Silk products date back some thousand years and garments are soft and cool when worn.

Wangfujing Street – the main shopping street and district in Beijing, is where you'll find many bargains, from high end shopping, to side street antique shops for that unique purchase. With the conversion rate of almost 5 RMB to 1 AUD, shopping for a bargain is always fun!