On Monday August 25, 2008, we held a live chat with our Beijing Insider, Richard. You had the chance to ask him any questions you wanted answers to about his part of the world. Check out the transcripts of your conversations below.
Pollution probs?
Gemma says:
Hi Richard, I'm thinking of going to Beijing next year, but I'm worried about the smog. My little girl has quite a bad chest sometimes. is it really as bad as they say?
Richard Shaw says:
Smog is more a problem between May — Sept
Richard Shaw says:
Something about the warmer climate.
Gemma says:
does it help if you wear a mask?
Richard Shaw says:
I dont wear masks — but some days I dont go out
Richard Shaw says:
Dont get me wrong — it can be bad — but I think western Media tends to over play a bit!! Like many things about China!!
Gemma says:
ok thanks
Richard Shaw says:
Welcome
Duck, duck ... goose
JoshOnTheBus says:
Hi, Richard! Just two questions about Beijing. Do you know a Peking Duck place down a little hutong called Li Qun? Also, have the "HAPPY PEOPLE" of Beijing — enforced joy for the Olympics — started to drive you mad? Cheers, mate!
Richard Shaw says:
Hi Josh
Richard Shaw says:
Yes .. I do know Liqun ... but not been there yet ...
Richard Shaw says:
I think Olympics is too long — 7 days less would be better.
Richard Shaw says:
Went out today — city seems suddenly dead!!
JoshOnTheBus says:
Awesome!
Richard Shaw says:
I know Liqun is family run & in a Hutong ... and very popular ... its quite small ... so it either pays to get there early ... or book ahead!!
JoshOnTheBus says:
Thanks, Richard!
Richard Shaw says:
No problems
Cheap sleeps, and when to stay away
Simba says:
hey Richard, could you please let me know what the youth hostels are like there
Simba says:
i'm F travelling by myself
Richard Shaw says:
Hi Simba .. You'll find them fine. China is safe & generally clean ... particularly in homes, hotels, etc.
Richard Shaw says:
Do you want any recommendations for places
Richard Shaw says:
?
Simba says:
or would you suggest a home stay
Simba says:
yes please would love recommendations
Richard Shaw says:
Have you tried
Couchsurfing?
Simba says:
no
Richard Shaw says:
Peking Downtown Backpackers, (+86) 10 8400 2429,
downtown@backpackingchina.com
Richard Shaw says:
Peking Youth Hostel, Beichizi, (+86) 0-6526 8855,
pekinghostel@yahoo.com.cn
Simba says:
also is there a time of year I should avoid due to "down time" — reason being — one time I went to Europe when all the museums were closed!!
Simba says:
excellent thank you
Richard Shaw says:
When were you thinking .. what time?
Simba says:
october
Richard Shaw says:
October is considered the very best time to come!
Simba says:
YAY
Simba says:
well thank you very much for your time 2nite Richard
Simba says:
and i look forward to checking out your recommendations
Richard Shaw says:
Keep in mind though the first week — 7 days — is a public holiday — celebrating National Day
Simba says:
ah k
Richard Shaw says:
So avoid that — if possible — travelling around then can be difficult.
Health check
Jo says:
hi Richard
Jo says:
hope youve been enjoying the olympics
Richard Shaw says:
Hi Jo
Jo says:
i was wondering
Jo says:
what is the health system like over there
Richard Shaw says:
Great atmosphere — but I think 17 days too long!!
Jo says:
people who may want to move there?
Richard Shaw says:
Health System — U mean hospitals
Richard Shaw says:
There are some very well reputed hospitals in Beijing.
Richard Shaw says:
With English speaking doctors
Richard Shaw says:
SOS International Clinic is one.
Richard Shaw says:
There's a branch just down the road from me
Richard Shaw says:
I would suggest if you are moving to Beijing that you buy a copy of the
Immersion Guide to Beijing.
Richard Shaw says:
Has all the info about just about everything you would ever need to know.
Jo says:
oh thanks richard
Jo says:
i was a little concerned if i were to get sick over there
Richard Shaw says:
Here I'll find publishers website.
Jo says:
but great to have this info
Jo says:
oh thanks heaps!
Richard Shaw says:
Immersion Guides
Richard Shaw says:
Its very cheap ... compared with say a
Lonely Planet
Richard Shaw says:
& written by people who actually live here!
Richard Shaw says:
So they know all this stuff.
Read part two
Have any further feedback?
