Anything worth buying on the cheap?
Things I should see/do?
I don't really need anything much so there's nothing specific I'm after. I've been watching this guy's videos to get a general lay of the land. The scam and pricing/bargaining videos were handy. Anything else I should be watching/reading?
Answers to other questions I should be asking?
You can get the train out to Badaling for very cheap. Metro fare to the north station then 6Y each way for a 1hr journey.
We took the new funicular up the hill at the wall for 100Y. It was deserted. Literally the most empty spot we had been in a fortnight in China.
The walk up and down, up and down then back down was pretty steep, so I was glad we didn't hike all the way up from ground level.
Seat61 has all the details.
Aah OK, reason I thought that was because I remember comparing pics with my parents, I went to Mutianyu and there was nobody at all in them, whereas in my parents photos, Badaling was packed out, but now that I think of it, they said it was some sort of Chinese National Holiday so I guess that's the reason!
I can't really remember the climb up, I was a lot younger and fitter then though so it might be a bit strenuous now. I do remember though that they had a toboggan ride to get down which was quite fun.
That guy (he who "trains doctors") will be on your secondary recommendation list for months now. You'll need around 3 new non-China-related obsessions just to dilute him away. But one click and you'll be back in the spiral.
I don't have any special recommendations for Beijing in particular. I did what joelab said to do. Beyond the tourist attractions it all kinda looked the same within walking distance of the center (which was far in the heat when I was there). I was also surprised how few cars and people there were once you left the center. I think buses stopped operating after 7 pm from that bus stop you have to get to from Mutianyu to get to Beijing - but this was a couple of years ago.
Maybe a local can chip in. Worth bringing a student card for the Forbidden City if available.
he who "trains doctors"
Yeah, he does nothing to break the white SA arrogant bastard stereotype.
get a starhub sim from singapore.
download the OFO shared bicycle app and ride around every where. beijing is as flat as a pancake.
beijing industrial art district. - definitely go there if you like things industrial and art.
yeah, great wall. get a train out there. (don't be fooled by people at the train station who say the train is cancelled and that you should take their bus).
Check the old part of town.
unfortunately the Tianyi market has now closed permanently. it was awesome for cheap shopping.
xiaomi store = buy some fans and leds, then come home. Worth it
You can also watch videos by laowhy86 on youtube.
+1 to seeing xiaomi store lol.
I wouldn't expect to buy anything cheap. As a foreigner walking around, you'll pay more than just buying online.
Have a read of this page on Wikitravel particularly the section on scams.
Prior to my trip, I was reading up and found it amusing how silly some of the scams sounded, especially the "practice my English" scam. But as soon as I stepped on Tienanmen Square, I had two different people approach me in twenty minutes, inviting me to a tea house to practice their English.
Ido not generally take or recommend tours, but I highly recommend Lost Plate Tours in Beijing . We had a really interesting and beer filled time with these people , and as real tight fisted person felt that this was worth every cent.We saw the great Wall , We saw Tiananmen Square the Imperial city all very nice but no beer , Look them up and book before you go you will not regret it.
What do? Spit everywhere, push in (don't line up for anything), give birth on the street, assault police officers whilst holding a toddler, run over your grandchild in a car.
FYI I'm just going off a few stereotypes and some videos I've seen on FB.
There's a Great Wall an hour or so drive that is worth seeing. Mutianyu is a good spot, not as popular I believe.
Also forbidden city is worth seeing.