While traveling in Beijing, it is always important to keep a few tips in mind. The first of these is to always assume that you do not need to yield to vehicles when crossing the road. Despite zebra crossings, drivers in China rely heavily on their horns and frequently play chicken with pedestrians. Also, always check behind you before crossing the street. Obviously, several other things should be known. So, when you go to Beijing with Cathay Pacific, keep these things in mind.
Public toilets in Beijing
When visiting Beijing, it is important to know how to use public toilets properly. While there are some upscale toilets in high-end shopping areas, you are much more likely to find squat toilets on the streets. Likewise, you may not find doors between toilets, and the toilets are often in unsanitary conditions. Using Beijing’s public toilets is a different experience than using Western toilets.
The majority of Beijing’s old districts are teeming with traditional courtyard houses, and most of these houses are without toilets. Residents of these homes rely on public restrooms to relieve themselves. One recent survey of public toilets in Dongcheng and Xicheng neighborhoods revealed that there are two basic types. One is a modern, clean, and sanitary facility, while the other is a traditional one.
The Beijing government’s toilet system has gone a long way toward improving the indoor environment of the siheyuan, while demonstrating a modern sanitation system. This system is not only beneficial for migrant workers, residents, and the city, but it also helps to maintain the cultural milieu. Public toilets are a great way to promote the city’s modern sanitation system and provide employment for local residents.
The city has more than 6,000 public toilets, but the old alleyways have few facilities. Because these toilets have no partitions, people often socialize. The Communists taught their people to share everything, so the public toilet in Beijing is a valuable gathering place. However, there are some concerns about the state of public toilets in Beijing.
Beijing has more public toilets than any other city in the world. It is estimated that every 400-600 meters in downtown Beijing should have a public toilet. This means that a tourist will walk about four and a half minutes to use one. And Beijing’s hutongs also have toilets. A Tsinghua University student is working to renovate the city’s public toilets to a high standard. However, getting these facilities to the standard required for a modern city like Beijing is a tough task.
China’s National Tourism Administration has been pushing for modernized public toilets in major tourist attractions. Most of these restrooms feature attendants who are dedicated to keeping them clean. Moreover, most of them are free to use, though some may charge a small fee. It is best to carry tissues or hand sanitizers with you when visiting these locations.
Getting a China visa for travel to Beijing
If you’re traveling to China, you should be aware of visa requirements. While you may be allowed to enter the country without a visa, you may be required to obtain one before you leave. The Chinese government has made some steps to ease the process. For example, certain countries have bilateral agreements with China that exempt citizens from the need to apply for a visa. Similarly, Japanese service and diplomatic passport holders are exempt from the requirement for a Chinese visa.
The first step in the visa application process is to gather the necessary documentation. This documentation includes a detailed itinerary, flight/accommodation list, and invitation letter. In case you’re applying for a tourist visa, you’ll need to contact an approved Chinese travel agency and have them prepare your travel plans and lodge your visa application. Then, you just have to wait for your visa to be approved.
Another step in the application process is to prepare a PU letter. This letter needs to be from a government department or a provincial foreign affairs office in China. It must indicate that the applicant has a legitimate reason for traveling to China. In addition, you’ll need to present a 30-day travel history, which includes a list of countries you visited in the last 30 days, including dates of entry and departure. If you have not traveled recently, you must provide a letter explaining your absence, which should be short and to the point.
If you’re traveling to Beijing as a tourist, you’ll need to obtain a China visa before you travel. The processing time varies, depending on the type of visa you need, so make sure to allow ample time for your application. The process is quick and convenient when you use a reputable travel visa agency like CIBTvisas.
In some cases, you’ll be required to complete a seven-day quarantine period in your destination city. This period will vary by city and district, but it will likely involve home quarantine for residents, restricted movement within a community, and regular COVID-19 tests. Some travelers will also have to undergo additional quarantine if they intend to travel to other Chinese cities.
Avoiding illegal tour buses
When traveling to Beijing, it’s important to stay away from illegal tour buses. While these buses may seem legitimate, they’re actually run by criminals. These buses advertise cheap tours to popular tourist attractions. Don’t be fooled by their advertisements, as many of them charge extra for extra services. In addition, you’ll likely end up in the company of hawkers who will not take no for an answer.
Take public transportation, including subways. The Airport Express and line 2 will get you to Mutianyu. You can also take a taxi, but remember that you can get ripped off. Using public transportation is a safe and fast way to travel to Beijing. Using a private vehicle, such as a private car, is another option.
Getting around in Beijing
If you’re staying in Beijing for an extended period, the best way to get around the city is by bicycle. Bicycles are surprisingly cheap and easy to rent in Beijing. They’re also more convenient than buses, and can take you up to 10 km faster. Bike rentals are becoming increasingly popular, especially in hostels.
There is a vast public bus system, but it can be hard to navigate if you don’t speak Chinese. Taxis are also very common, although it may require some trial and error to find the right route. Make sure you know your destination before you get into a taxi, because taxi drivers often don’t speak English. Taxis with license plates starting with the letter “B” are official, while those with no license plate may be unofficial. Another option is to use a service called DiDi, which is China’s version of Uber. This app will let you pay the driver with your credit card.
While getting around in Beijing on a bicycle is a great way to get around, you should also know the traffic patterns in the city. A Chinese driving license can be difficult to obtain and the test can be confusing, so it’s best to get a car to make your commute easier and avoid unnecessary hassles. Most expats don’t need a car, but some choose to have one for convenience.
Beijing taxis are cheap and easy to use, but you should always write down your destination when hailing a taxi. Although taxis are affordable and convenient, they can be difficult to hail during rush hours, between 7 am and 10 pm, and during inclement weather. Also, you’ll have to speak Chinese to communicate with the driver, so be prepared with translation apps or a written itinerary of where you’re going.
Beijing has a subway system with over a dozen lines. The two main lines run under Chang’an Avenue and circle under the northern part of the Second Ring Road. The Fuxingmen and Jianguomen subway stations are interchangeable.