Let's face it — one of the things every first-time traveller wants to cross off their list when they visit Beijing is the Great Wall. This 5000km-long wall is of course amazing and absolutely a must see. But the question that plagues many is "Which part of the wall do I go to?"
Unfortunately, the overwhelming majority of people head for one of the two places that can only be described as a "Great Wall Circus" — Badaling and Mutianyu. The domain of tour groups, customarily led by megaphone- and flag-wielding tour guides, these recreated sections of the wall can be ridiculously packed. If that weren't bad enough, as you scale this epic structure, you'll often be fighting off hordes of hawkers, there to flog the veritable array of tacky souvenirs.
If you'd rather appreciate the Great Wall in much more authentic, tranquil, and less chaotic surrounds, there are several options. One of the most popular wall experiences with more intrepid travellers, is the 10km kilometre hike between the Jinshanling and Simatai sections. You'll encounter the odd hawker here and there, and the climb is quite steep in parts, but the views and experience of this part of the "Wild Wall" make it worthwhile and rewarding. Alternatively, hire a car and driver, and head into the beautiful areas around Huairou or Miyun, where you'll find chunks of the wall and not another soul in sight.
With many of the world's commodities made in China today, shopping is also naturally high on the agenda for many Beijing visitors. Lured by the prospect of snaring a bargain, masses of visitors descend daily on the famous Silk Street Market. Given the multi-floored warren of small stores that sell a vast range of wares, brace yourself for the incessant hassling from assistants at each and every shop. Pay just glancing attention to any item on display and prepare to prise yourself away from the calculator-armed overzealous sales assistant! From clothes to designer handbags and sunglasses, much of what you'll see here is fake. Okay, everyone knows that — but often, what is a problem here are the prices. "It's the quality you must pay for", the shopkeeper will steadfastly insist.
Bargaining is the norm in China and the whole process is a tactical game, but many shops here make such inflated margins off the tourists, unaware of "real" Chinese prices, that they will only lower their prices minimally. A recent experiment conducted by a Beijing magazine revealed local Chinese were able to bargain down a list of goods here significantly faster than foreigners.
A better option for clothing, shoes and accessories is to head to markets, such as the sprawling Dongwuyuan (Zoo) Wholesale Market (Xizhimen Da Jie, Xicheng District, phone 010 8837 8056), opposite the Beijing Zoo. Prices quoted here will be more realistic, though bargaining is still the norm. If you end up at the touristy Silk, Pearl, or Yashow markets, remember to bargain especially hard. Offer 25-40 percent off the initial asking price and hope for an agreed figure between 40 and 60 percent. And be ready to walk away — when customers walk off it's often considered a lost sale, so many places will offer the lowest price as you head out the door.
Next: Near the beaten track
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