Beijing , China
From VPNs to Vibrant Vibes
Okay, our visit to China was not just about a VPN, but entailed the positive vibes of the Chinese people. VPN stands for Verified Protected Network; many companies provide an excellent service (we utilized ExpressVPN). The VPN especially comes in handy when a country, i.e., China, who blocks your access to many of the sites you may be accustomed to in the United States. We started our quest on the East coast of the United States in Orlando, Florida and flew into Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) for a short layover. If traveling from the East coast of the United States, you can expect a flight time of approximately 14 hours. During our stay in Beijing, China we had the opportunity to tour and visit the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Temple of the Heaven, and Tiananmen Square. We battle through the rough and tough negotiating floors of Pearl Street and Silk Street. We tried scorpion in the tasty alley of Wangfujing Snack Street. Lastly, we received a traditional massage from Chinese spa.
The Forbidden City
Get you're walking shoes ready. This place is enormous and full of amazing facts of the Dynasties that use to occupy the space. Most importantly don’t forget your passport! It will act as your ticket to enter the gates main gates. While we were there, there were in the process of remodeling many of the stones in the common area.
The Great Wall
Breathtaking! If you are even close to Beijing, please please put this on your itinerary. You have to check out this Word wonder. Get up early and if your schedule allows you to. We were able to reach the Wall around 8:00 AM, and it felt like we were the first group there. Please keep in mind that you will need to secure a tour or transportation before the day you would like to visit. It takes approximately 1 1/2 hours to reach the Mutianyu entry point of the Great Wall. There are multiple entry points. This point is considered to be the most maintained and includes a Cable Car to the top, and you can utilize a Toboggan (Bobsled). If you decide to walk to the entry point of the wall, spend the money to use the Toboggan. The Toboggan itself is unique and was so much fun. I promise you will not regret it. Also, I would not recommend the wall to small children or the elderly. Many sections of the wall have narrow steps and steep inclines. Please use caution!
Temple of the Heaven
The Temple of Heaven Park is iconic to the Beijing reputation. Before my arrival, I only was expecting a large park with trees and the Temple of Heaven, but to my surprise it also amazing other temples such as the Altar of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Divine Music Administration, and the Circular Mound Altar. People loved LQS at the park, and many of the kids stopped us for pictures.
Tiananmen Square
This comes in a close second for me behind the Great Wall due to the sheer history of the square. Should be noted, secured in and around the square is heightened. S:N If you are willing to get the most bang out of your day; start early and at the Tiananmen Square and work your way to the Forbidden City it is virtually all included in the “square”. Another cool and interesting part of the area and the streets around this populated area, there is no potential of being struck by a vehicle! All your travel is underground, which I coined as an underground crosswalk. Many consider the Tiananmen Square in the top ten largest squares in the world. If you don’t do a guided tour, at least read up on the history before stepping on this historic square.
Overview of LQS’ China Experience
Well, well, well honestly it was everything I thought it would be and MORE. The quest was a notable bucket list (CHECK) for myself and many of the group members! I feel like I am well versed in all forms of chopsticks. Get ready to walk; I walked on average 20,000 steps a day. Go with an open mind and embrace the culture. The early bird gets the worm in many of the tourist attractions. Also, a few things to take into consideration when going to China from the mainland United States.
Apply for your Visa at least two/three months before you quest (LQS can assist you in that too)
SECURE A VPN
Please, please check with your cell phone provider before traveling to China concerning your international plan.
Download WeChat and Google Translate
You are going to lose a day (so your Seven-day quest is already six)
Don’t be scared to use the subway
Try to learn a few words before you go.
Have the cash that you would like to transfer to Yuan or RMB before you travel.
The time is easy to remember for (EST) due to Beijing being 12 hours ahead of us.
You will get your day back when going back to the United States.
