Saturday, August 19th. Shortly after arriving in Beijing around 2pm, we made our way out of the crowded airport in search for a taxi. As soon as we were outside, local ‘taxi drivers’ tried to get our attention. These ‘taxi drivers’ are in fact not real taxi drivers at all. These drivers try to coax unsuspecting foreigners into hiring them for a “special price”, but what the poor traveler does not realize is that they are still overpaying by local standards. Not to mention, these drivers are not permitted to park their vehicles on airport property, so you will end up walking more than you would think. For an honest price, always get a taxi with a meter. Lucky for us, we took the advice of a well traveled business man (my dad) and went straight to a metered taxi. When visiting China, you will soon discover most is not what it seems. Like the ‘taxi drivers’ at the airport, you should almost never accept a first offer in Beijing. Bargaining in China is a must, and even a form of art once you get the hang of it! After getting into a metered taxi, we were off to Beijing’s Friendship Hotel.
In my experience, one of the best things about Beijing are the friendly and talkative taxi drivers. Known as shifu, meaning “master”, Beijing taxi drivers are some of the kindest and friendliest people in the city. If they discover you speak English, they will talk up a storm and show off what they know. Our shifu was a very kind, older man who was also very helpful. We decided to ask the cost of hiring him as our private driver and having him meet us every morning for the next four days while we were in town. After a good bargain we struck a deal and that was the end of our worries with Beijing public transportation.
Entrance to Prince Gong’s Mansion:
Our first stop was Prince Gong’s Mansion. It was home to Gong Wang Fu, a high government official and brother to Emperor Xian Feng. He had several buildings, gardens and courtyards on a very large piece of land. It is said that the majority of his beautiful property was purchased with money he had taken from bribes.
Doorway through one of Prince Gong’s courtyards:
The mansion was a magnificent display of China’s beauty and culture, but also an example of its historically corrupt government. Many also believe Prince Gong’s Mansion was an inspiration for the classic Chinese novel, Dream of the Red Chamber. The mansion was an interesting introduction to Beijing, and now time for something to eat.
An old alley of shops like many found throughout the city:
There is no better place to begin our Chinese culinary journey than Peking Duck. It is considered Beijing’s most famous dish and preparing it is so difficult they say you should consider it an honor if you get a chance to taste it.
Watching cooks prepare the Peking Duck:
Later that evening we went shopping at Wangfujing. A shopper could spend all day (or week) here. The streets are blocked off to traffic so people can move freely about.
Entrance of Wangfujin‘s “Snack Street”:
The area of Wangfujin known as Snack Street has several little shops selling souvenirs like Mao Zedong pocket watches, silk purses and fans, and snacks. Below a store sells fried scorpions and sea horses on a stick:
Even Cole couldn’t resist shopping here. In places like this, bargaining is a must. Generally, the rule is to ask for 60% off the asking price. If you pay more than 50% asking price then you are paying too much!
We arrived back at the hotel exhausted, knowing it was a day well spent in Beijing!
