Transit - Beijing To Xian, China

Jul 9, 2012

No Forbidden City; boys not up to it. Wandered around hutongs, Dashilar Street and Qian Men Street (Emporer's Avenue). http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/beijing/dashilan-street.htm http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/beijing/qianmen-street.htm Beijing West Railway Station T55. Overnight on seats 13.5 hour trip.

Beijing, China

Jul 8, 2012

Temple of Heaven; loads of locals in the grounds playing sports, dancing etc. Beijing 2008 Olympic site. Birds Nest and The Water Cube. Spent a few hours at the water park inside the Water Cube. Duck pancakes at Old Beijing hotel.

Beijing, China

Jul 7, 2012

Great Wall of China tour to Mutianyu section of the wall. Caught chairlift to the wall. Walked from Tower 6 to 14 then back to 6 (restored part of the wall). Steep walk from 6 to 1; some parts remain in original condition. Toboggan ride back to the car park entrance. Lunch at Mr Yangs. Bus back to Beijing. Xidan shopping area.

Beijing, China

Jul 6, 2012

Subway out to Summer Palace. Spent all day there. Great dinner in Old Beijing Hotel.

Beijing, China

Jul 5, 2012

Trouble free flight to Beijing and taxi to hostel. http://www.qianmenhostel.net/index.asp?site_language=english Not any easy feat but manage to secure train tickets to Xian. Spent to afternoon wandering around Tian an Men Square. Joel very popular among the locals taking a sneaky (or not do sneaky) photo or 2 of him.