Backpackerz BUZZ: Issue 64

This issue, we’re looking at the upcoming summer Olympic Games in China, taking a career break to travel the world, and review of the film “A Map of Saturday”.

Beijing is preparing itself for the world’s spotlight this July as host of the 2008 Summer Olympics. The lead-up to the games has been marred in controversy on many different levels, many of them relating back to China’s spotty human rights track record. This controversy has unfortunately overshadowed what this opportunity holds for Beijing and the rest of the country—a chance to show the world the beauty, history, culture and people of China’s capital city.

Beijing has a long and colourful history and, in recent years, has set its sights on modernization, opening itself up to Western visitors. The city is located toward the north-eastern tip of China, an area that sees weather similar to most parts of Canada with cold winters, hot summers and pleasant springs and autumns in between. Summer is high season, aside from a quick burst of activity around the Chinese New Year in January or February.

As the capital city, Beijing has some important and must-see sights within the city. Tiananmen Square is here—the site of the 1989 student protests that set the stage for the famous photo of a man holding up a line of tanks. The square’s gate separates it from the Forbidden City, a 15th-century palace that was home to two emperors and now houses the Palace Museum.

Other Highlights:

Temple of Heaven—The temple of all temples, it was built in 1420 and originally used only by emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. These days it’s open to the public and, according to UNESCO, this World Heritage site is a “masterpiece of architecture and landscape design.”

Summer Palace—Once the vacation destination of emperors during the hot summer months, the palace is set on a hill by a lake inside a park.

Beijing Zoo—Home to more than 7,000 animals in 50,000 square metres of zoo. The Giant Pandas are the popular ones, but don’t miss the red pandas, sea turtles, polar bears, giraffes, tigers, or, well, any of them.

Make Room for the Games

The upcoming Summer Olympics will leave their mark as Beijing has spared almost no expense in venue preparations across the city. One of the most impressive structures is the Beijing National Stadium, nicknamed the Bird’s Nest thanks to its lattice-like external structure. The stadium will host the opening and closing ceremonies in addition to some of the athletic events.

Eleven other buildings were constructed for the Games, including the Beijing National Aquatics Centre, the Laoshan Velodrome, The Olympic Green Tennis Centre and the Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park, among others.

The city’s subway system is also getting a facelift and has been expanded to twice its original size. Seven new lines and 80 new stations will start operating at the end of June.

Hostels of Beijing

Far East International Youth Hostel

This hostel is in one of Beijing’s hutongs—historical neighbourhoods throughout the city now often preserved and protected by the government. It’s a 10-minute walk from the alleys that lead to Tiananmen Square, and close to restaurants and shops. Explore the neighbourhood by rickshaw or rent a bike from the hostel.

The building was once the home of a warlord and includes a traditional Chinese courtyard built in the style made popular during the Qing Dynasty. Dorm beds start at about $7.

Feiying International Hostel

The Xidan shopping area is in downtown Beijing, where this hostel is located. This is the central financial district of the city and its markets, malls and small shops are where locals go to get their goods. Stop by the Xidan Outdoor Market for great deals on clothing and accessories, but prepare yourself for crowds and bargaining.

Back at the hostel, rooms come with ensuites and air conditioning. It’s close to the Beijing Central Railway Station, restaurants, supermarkets and shops. Daily tours run from the hostel to attractions like the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven and the Ming Tombs. All that starting at just $6 per night in a dorm.

Peking Hostel

Five minutes away from the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square is the Peking Hostel, a traditional Si-He courtyard house. It has preserved its original style while adding some modern flare and conveniences, including air-conditioned rooms, free wireless Internet and a bar.

The communal vibe is alive and well here—don’t miss breakfast in the hostel restaurant each morning and then get in on a walking tour. Dorm beds start at about $12.

Visit www.hihostels.com or www.yhachina.com for info on other hostels in Beijing or the rest of China.

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 12th, 2008 at 9:15 pm and is filed under Hostelling International. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site. Add to del.icio.us.