Dongcheng, Beijing

I stayed in the CBD district in Beijing for 2 weeks which is between the 3rd and 4th ring. The ring is a road that curves the city. While there, the air was clear so I did not have to wear a mask. Make sure you carry MASK because the pollution can be overwhelming.

I was there predominantly for business purposes and had an enjoyable time. I was often in people’s photographs unawares as they would stand next to me and snap away which I found a bit intrusive but it’s their country so…

I walked in the downtown area which was full of shops in the middle of the night undisturbed. There are cameras everywhere so if you loose something I have been told the authorities know where it is and where you are.

I visited the old summer palace, trekked the Great Wall and really enjoyed the cuisine. I walked and wandered a lot and met a young woman who was stationed at the US army base in Korea there.

You should always have wipes and napkins(some places don’t have toilet paper and or napkins in the restaurants) as well as great quads; because some places all you have is a hole in the toilet area where you will have to squat to do your business.