I'm so tempted to go - it's the one Olympic year I have the possibility of knowing potential Olympians [rowers] - but alas, I don't think it's going to happen! I think I hear Thailand calling my name instead.

Anne

Posted By Prêt à Voyager on January 31, 2008, 10:54 AM

we go to the summer games every 4 years and this is the 1st time i am not excited.the price of everything except the event tickets is beyond crazy, the allocation of event tickets is being somewhat manipulated by the beijing olympic committe, and the way the country is using these games as a political staement is directly opossite of what the games are to be about. but yes we are still going (Ithink we are crazy)

Posted By cheyrl on January 31, 2008, 1:14 PM

I hope to go as my husband will be part of the medical team for the Olympics. I'm finding it hard to find lodging and would like to know if anyone knows how to book University Housing besides Cartan Tours. Their prices seem very high to me. (perhaps I'm delusional)

Posted By DeeDee Smidt on January 31, 2008, 1:47 PM

I am going. These are going to be my 11th Olympics. My plane is booked. I've got a lead on an apartment, and I am usually pretty lucky when it comes to getting tickets (I never pay retail, but retail has never been sold out before). It will be a very interesting games.

Posted By daniel on January 31, 2008, 2:02 PM

Beijing is great but only under the right circumstances. And in the heat of the summer, amidst unbelievable crowding, this trip is definitely one to avoid.

A much better plan would be to visit next fall, when temperatures get cooler and the crowds have gone home. And, probably, prices will have been reduced as well.

Posted By Robert Selwitz on January 31, 2008, 2:12 PM

We are not going to the Olympics this year but went
to China and Beijing in March, 2007. If you have not made up your mind, take a chance and go! The trip is long and can be expensive but it is well worth the cost in time and money! Besides the Olympics, The Forbidden City and The Great Wall are simply fabulous!!!! The Bell Tower and Hutongs are well worth the time also! Have fun and enjoy!!!!!

Posted By Sue on January 31, 2008, 2:34 PM

NO WAY! If I'm not coughing on the smog, I'd be filling the coffers of the communist party.

Posted By jwellar on January 31, 2008, 3:17 PM

We are really hoping to go as our son may be rowing in the Olympics. We are finding out that getting housing is expensive and they want full payment now with no refunds. Has anyone found out anything different? (most rooms are 300-1200USD per night)This would be our first Olympics and first time to China.

Posted By Kathy on January 31, 2008, 10:56 PM

We need to stop sending our money to China...We need to stop supporting communism, it is going to bite us in the.....you know.

Posted By Miriam on February 1, 2008, 9:34 PM

I apologize!!!! I posted a comment a couple of days ago and recommended the
Bell Tower as a place
worth visiting in Beijing.
I realized later that it is
not the Bell Tower but the Drum Tower. It definitely
is worth visiting, just be
prepared to climb stairs!

Posted By Sue on February 3, 2008, 8:21 PM

yes, i like to go to china but after or before the olympic. for sightseeing. any good deals

Posted By juliet mcbride on February 8, 2008, 11:44 AM

I want to go to Beijing to see the Olympics .I am a Chinese we all proud of Beijing as host of the Olympic Games

Posted By sunny on February 13, 2008, 9:48 AM

I'm absolutely going, and I' taking a dozen college students and my two young kids with me. Anyone who has a serious interest in China should be there. This is China's big event, their chance to prove to the world that they are growing up and can play with the big boys now (whether or not they can pull it off is another story). This summer will go down in the Chinese history books as a turning point for China. No way I'd miss it, regardless of the price. Yes, all hotel rooms must be paid in full with no refunds and you can expect the price to be 100 times what it should be. We'll be in a hostel where we stay every year; usually we pay around $7 per night per bed but this year we're paying around $70, with a 5-night minimum. Paying now is actually a blessing in disguise as the exchange rate of yuan-per-dollar keeps dropping (you'll save $ by paying now).

Posted By Barb on February 14, 2008, 1:52 PM

You know, there is a yahoo group called GoingToOlympics. Sometimes inexpensive rooms show up there.

Posted By daniel on February 14, 2008, 10:30 PM

I was in China for the month of October. I volunteered in Xian through Cross Cultural Solutions of NY and I also traveled to Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Luoyang, Beijing, Guilin, and Yangshuo. It was the most wonderful experience, and I still think of it daily. I met many nice people of China. When I was in Shanghai and Beijing, I stayed in B&Bs. In Beijing, it was within the hutongs - an experience of its own. Here is the website.

http://www.bb-china.com

Enjoy!

Posted By Roberta on February 22, 2008, 12:42 PM

Has anyone ever gone to Beijing, a communist country, but not let out when ready to leave? I would love to go, but now my husband has me so twisted I don't know what to do. Insight if anyone has any. Thanks!

Posted By Sha' on February 24, 2008, 6:21 PM

People, WAKE UP and see how China has changed! roberta, Cathy, Sue - y'all still have your heads stuck in the 60s and 70s. If you go today, you'll see that some Chinese cities will even put NYC to shame. And no, no way will Chinese officials not let you go back to your own country!

Posted By thatChineseGuy on February 28, 2008, 1:10 AM

Hey somebody can tell me what items do I need more to travel to china? what is most necessary to travel ? and if is true that police are really strict and what is more difficult according with our culture and actitud that can put me in a big risk ? I am going this April by the end of the month so please help me this is my firs time .

Posted By maria on March 2, 2008, 5:24 PM

To all those who worry about going to China, take a look at the photo galleries here :

Beijing Photo Guide. You will see a green, modern and charming city.

Welcome to Beijing !

~~ Darcy

Posted By Darcy Kwan on March 2, 2008, 7:57 PM

Not going to the Olympics? Why? This will be our 2nd visit to Beijing and we are so excited to see all of the changes they have made since 2001. We've been planning this trip since they announced the 2008 Summer Games host city. Will it be expensive? Of course. Athens was more expensive as well for the '04 Olympic Games (and so was Atlanta!), but how many people do YOU know who can say they've been there? Beijing is an amazing city. They WILL be ready and this event is going to be the most spectacular ever! The Chinese people are fantastic and will make their country proud. If you have the means to attend the Olympic Games, I cannot think of even ONE reason not to. Yes, it will be cooler in the Fall....yes, the prices will be lower - much lower - BUT the event of a lifetime will be long over! Go. Take your American Flag and make YOUR country proud!

Posted By Susan on March 19, 2008, 3:12 PM

Maria -
China is an amazing place. I am so happy you have the chance to go see for yourself. Most things that you can buy in the West you can also buy in China. For example, they sell many American brands of shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc. That being said, I would recommend bringing plenty of deodorant and tampons, as these items can often be difficult to come by. Also, I suggest you bring some medicine for diarrhea or upset stomachs, as some of the food or water may disagree with you. By not drinking the tap water unless it has been boiled first you will decrease your chances of this, but it is better to be prepared just in case. Bringing along a guidebook is always helpful. I hope you have an amazing trip! Don't worry too much. Just be friendly and open to learning about a new culture, and I am sure you will have a great time :)

Posted By fairlothlorien on March 21, 2008, 11:23 PM

To anyone considering coming to Beijing for the Olympics- if you are a curious, adventurous traveler-I would say yes! Definitely come! Beijing is fascinating and completely different from anything you probably expect.

I'm an American living in Beijing right now (been here a total of about 3 months so far) and it is a completely amazing experience.

This is NOT the communist vision of 1970s Hollywood movies!
It IS, however, a completely different culture, with pretty much everything done a little bit differently here.
You'll see more pics of pandas than of Mao. More cool shoes than communist propaganda. And more people friendly to Americans than most of the world right now!

The pollution shouldnt be a major concern in August- the govt is completely stopping all construction in the city sometime in July and limiting the cars in the city from that point also. It is a big joke among expats that we will all choke in September when the pollution comes back! But man, will our city be shiny clean!

If you are looking for a canned Western-style tourist vacation, dont bother coming here. If you want to experience life and a 5000-year old culture that is skyrocketing into the modern world, we of the expat community welcome you!

And tips:
-the western-catering hotels, restaurants, etc are overpriced and the restaurants- esp the chains- are not nearly as good as the ones that Chinese people actually eat at.
-Rent a room from an English-speaking Chinese person or a local expat or student and get a copy of That's Beijing when you get here to find out where the expats are hanging out/ dining/etc
- drink bottled water, and dont pay more than 2 kuai for it (about 30 cents a bottle US). Places that charge 8-10 kuai are crazy and are ripping you off. 7-11 has bottles for 1.20 kuai.
- dont go to a tea shop with someone wanting to "practice their English"- they will try to rip you off. Ditto for the "art students" wanting to show you their exhibition.
- the phrase to know is "bu yao"- it means "I dont want it" Say it to the incessant hawkers of counterfeit fuwas, postcard ladies who try to follow you up the Great wall and those persistent art students...

Have fun!

Posted By Ailuri on April 8, 2008, 3:28 AM

Ailuri, you are 'spot on' in your comments! We did exactly that -- rented an apartment from an English-speaking Chinese couple. Every Olympic-host city we have visited has just sparkled and shined thru the entire event. We were in Athens a few days following the games and noticed the cats and street people were back minutes after the closing ceremonies. To experience the world, one MUST be adventurous! I don't get all of the fuss about 'western toilets'. As they say 'when in Rome'. Well, when in China....squat! Millions and millions of Chinese do. Every new experience is a great story for when you get back home :) Thank you for your comments and your tips!

Posted By Susan on April 8, 2008, 3:30 PM

Beijing is a great place! Chinese people Welcome every visitors come from World!

Posted By Zhangcheng on April 19, 2008, 7:29 AM

I agree with Ailuri and Susan. I'm an American student who's been here since January and I'm having the time of my life!
With Susan on the Chinese toilet thing, or "squatty-potties" as I call them, I suggest trying to use them. Think of it this way... western toilets (anywhere in the world) in high traffic areas probably aren't the most hygienic. With the Chinese toilets, you never have to touch anything.

Don't be afraid to wander off the tourist path and into places where the local Chinese are eating and shopping... that's where the best prices, clothes, and food are. If there's any shoe-lovers here, Beijing is shoes heaven! As for the food, if it looks like the people eating it can afford to eat at Mcdonalds (western chains are considered trendy and comparatively expensive here), then it's probably ok.

Someone asked about the police... you don't even need to worry about them, as long as you're not bent on criminal activity. They're generally friendly, and much of the stuff that people would get a bit of trouble from the police for in the US does not interest Chinese police. However, right now, though I don't know if this will change this summer, I have never felt unsafe. In fact, I feel safer walking down the street here than in anycity, USA.

One thing you have to watch for is pickpockets. Just be aware where your stuff is.

The Chinese that talk to you, generally just want to practice their English, or (more likely) sell you something. Be firm when you don't want whatever it is. In front of vendors or at open-air markets, don't show interest in a product unless you're really considering buying it. Otherwise, you'll never hear the end of it. If it's not a store with set prices (price tags are a good indicator), then make sure you haggle! Don't worry if your price sounds ridiculously low as compared to theirs, they probably inflated the price to try and get a higher price out of you. Be firm, but friendly, and you'll probably come to a decent price agreement. Trying to walk away from the vendor brings the price down. Not kidding about that one.

Posted By Angel on April 19, 2008, 7:59 AM

I am a chinese,welcome to Beijing ;

Posted By 张雷 on April 19, 2008, 8:03 AM

After that near-death food poisoning bout in China one visit was enough for me. I'll watch the games on TV.
jm

Posted By james on April 19, 2008, 9:47 AM

welcome to China!
welcome to Beijing!

Posted By Crystal on April 19, 2008, 10:03 AM

I got tickets through Cosport and have never felt so ripped off in my life. Couldn't get opening ceremony tickets through the lottery but Cosport later offered a $14,000 package that includes opening ceremony tickets.

Last Spring, Cosport completely botched the ticket distribution. What was supposed to be a purchase turned into a lottery and the lottery was delayed twice (August, then October). While Cosport were trying to get their act together, it was impossible to book flights and rooms since you had no idea what (if any) events you might get through their screwed up lottery.

Finally, at purchase time last Fall, Cosport wouldn't guarantee the tickets being shipped to me at home before 2 weeks prior to the games and since we had planned to leave a month before, my only option was will-call in Beijing precluding my ability to sell the tickets should I decide not to go. I paid. Now that I had events and dates, I could start making arrangements.

Right. Now it's December and I couldn't find a hotel room for less than $1000 per night double occupancy only. That means $2000 per night for my wife, daughter, and me. I don't mind paying double or even triple for a premium but I refuse to pay $1000 for a $200 room.

The whole thing stinks of a money grab. Cosport delayed the tickets until it was impossible to get reasonable accomodations and then later offers rooms and tickets packaged by Cosport themselves at exhorbitant prices. Can you say conflict of interest? I will NEVER deal with these con artists again. If you want a chance to get something for your money, you're better off playing Three Card Monty in Central Park than dealing with these scamming liars.

Needless to say, we've decided to forgo the Beijing games for a trip to Europe this summer. Next year, when Cosport and their ilk are targeting their next sucker, er, customer, we will go to China and enjoy it for all the beauty, history, and splendor it has to offer.

Gee, I wonder what Cosport will do with my tickets at the will-call office in Bejing. They said it's too late to send them to me at home even though the games are still 4 months away. I suppose they could find out whether or not I entered China. They wouldn't sell those tickets twice. Ya think??

Posted By erick on April 19, 2008, 1:36 PM

I always enjoy Chinese cuisine and non-tourist culture spots, but sooner or later I want food from home. In Beijing, there is an oasis for Texas style Bar-B-Q just one block from the China World Hotel and Traders Hotel, and just down the street from The Silk Road. Tim's Texas BBQ is a great respite from traveling. The owner is from Austin, Texas and he has recreated the atmosphere and menu in a way that lets you step back home without getting on a plane. After a brief mental and culinary trip home, you can step back out into the heart of Beijing and enjoy the trip. I believe it is the ONLY authentic Texas BBQ place in Beijing so it is worth finding. (I don't own any interest in the place or get comped for the comment. I just travel to China for business and really like the place.)

Shane

Posted By Shane on April 19, 2008, 2:25 PM

I wish I could be there. I was in Beijing last summer and it was fabulous. Great Wall, Summer Palace, Forbidden City are all marvelous sights you don't want to miss. I've been to china three times the past year on photo tours and I love it. I'm moving to China for a year to study mandarin and photograph some of China's exotic locales. Great place to visit. A bit of a hint: learn some mandarin phrases first, my experience in China is that outside of Hong Kong and major hotels, people don't understand any English at all.

Feel free to visit my flickr galleries for pictures of Beijing, Shanghai, and other Senic Chinese sights. http://www.flickr.com/photos/beautifulhorizons/sets/72157601896632108/

I've also traveled to some of the more remote provinces of china for photo tours. Absolutely stunning! Man parts of China are not the smog infested, crowded highrise land that's portrayed in the west.

Posted By B on April 19, 2008, 2:42 PM

I've been to China several times and know first hand that there's nothing to be hesitant about. It's got all the comfort and conveniences of anytown in America. The police are helpful and friendly. There are probably scammers but I personally didn't encounter any. There are a lot more good people than bad so if you're not going because of some political view or because of some one sided story you saw on TV then you're hurting more good people than bad. The people in China have not been fed propoganda that communism is bad, most won't even know their government is communist. They think of it as the people's republic, meaning the government is a reflection of the will of the people. Isn't that also how we would define a democracy? Don't be fooled by the people who don't know, go to China and see for yourself.

Posted By PrinceCharles on April 19, 2008, 3:08 PM

I went to Beijing China on the second week of March. We (my wife and I) stayed in Day's Inn Forbidden City hotel which was two and half blocks to Tienanmon Square (a seven minutes walk). We paid about US$92 a night for two including breakfast. The rooms were clean and the staffs were extremely nice. From the airport, we took a taxi which costed about US$14. We tried to go every where with the local buses and subway, they were very cheap I think it's about US$0.30 per ride. During our stay, every time we got on the bus or subway, younger people automatically stood up offering us their seats (Chinese culture respects elders). Taxis were plenty and very cheap. Their Chinese food is different from ours in China town. And believe me theirs are better! Three tips I have...1) One block in Beijing is about five blocks in NYC. Make sure you have a pair of good comfortable walking shoes. or take a taxi when in doubt. 2) Not all taxi drivers speak English so make sure ask your hotel clerks to write where you want to go in Chinese so you can show it to the driver. 3)Wherever you go if you are lost...talk to any kid under 20, especially college kids they all speak English. And they are so thankful that you give them a chance to practice! Have a good trip! TeddyH

Posted By Teddy Hwang on April 19, 2008, 5:07 PM

I am going to the Beijing olympics this summer I am so excited. This will be my first time being in china although I know people who live there because I go to boarding school and we have many girls who come to are school from Asia. I am going with my family this will be the last trip for sometime before I go away to college which will put me long ways away from my hom on the East coast. My father knows someone who is organizing the olympics so they have made all of our traveling arrangements. I can not wait for the games.

Posted By RachelLauren on May 8, 2008, 9:11 PM

I just booked a tour at $1895 per person that I thought was too good to be true. Doesn't include tickets, but they helped steer me in the right direction. Does include dinners, Great Wall trip, transfers, etc. and looks like a super fun group.

So who else is going? Only three months left!! I can't wait. I really am looking forward to Track and Field more than anything. Swimming seems really expensive.

Anyone wanting to come hang out with a super cool 30ish year old couple should book at Track and Field Tours. See ya in BEIJING baby!

Posted By A.G. Peterson on May 10, 2008, 7:43 PM

I would like some good info about air tickets and poss. tour packages while at the Olympics. I am coming from Seattle, WA and am interested in watching the rowing.

Posted By marnie on May 22, 2008, 12:48 AM

Hey,

Cosport have been a disgrace to deal with, but I am still going to Beijing, no matter how many events I manage to see. Erick, are you willing to sell your tickets to me? email is skaf18@hotmail.com

Thanks,

Pete

Posted By Pete s on May 22, 2008, 10:31 PM

I was in Beijing for the first time in April 08.' The taxis are very cheap, food is cheap and beers, 600 ml. at about 1.20 to 1.50 usd at local places. I paid 62 usd/night for a 4 star hotel near the central train station. Everything went well. My advice would be on arrival after you clear customs go to the taxi queue and wait for a cab. Do not take a taxi across the street or let someone in the airport talk you into their cab. All cabs should have a meter-- and insist on the printed receipt. Note the cab driver's name. It should be shown by his ID. Let him know that you have it, by pronouncing the name and talking to him. Go to the silk street market. Six floors of fun and shopping. Haggle. If they start at 100.00. you counter with 10% or 10.00 This is the way you start. Get some clothing made on the 5th floor. Silk jackets, wools, linen clothing and anything you want. Shoes and luggage in the basement. I went to the great wall with a small tour mid week and it was packed. During the games it will be a zoo. Same with the Forbidden City. Try the roasted duck at a local place, not the fancy hotel. They boned it and served it with different dipping sauces and small like tortillas. We paid less than 20.00 for the duck, and a few beers with some extra veggies.
I did not like the smell of sewer gas during April around the city. I think this will be worst in the August heat. Bring toilet paper. They seem to ration the stuff in Beijing. Take some with you in a back pack while you run around town. In public eating places you most likely will have to use a squatter in the bathroom. The nice toilet however, will be in your hotel. Get some bottled water and take some with you. Plenty of coffee shops and the tea is great. I will be heading there mid-Olympic Games for a few days to see the wrestling and leaving before the games end. Hotels that are 4 and 5 star have been marked up about 7 times the normal price for the Games. Try to look for hotels with less stars for best prices. Finally after a long day of walking go and get a foot massage. I did this after the trip to the Great Wall. It was part of the tour and it was great!

Posted By Bruce on June 3, 2008, 8:24 PM

Well, my apartment came through. Nice 2 bedroom place for about $3500 for the entire month of august. Under my usual Olympic goal of $50 per person per night for the 20 nights of the olympics (ok, 16 nights, but 20 works better for the math). The apartment is across the street from a major train station (maybe 25 meters from the door of the apartment building to the door of the Train station. 15 minutes to the Olympic Stadium, and subway access to just about every venue. The people I worked with have a few more apartments. You can Email me at Dejapooh(at) hotmail.com

ERICK, if you still don't want your tickets, perhaps you can sign them over to me to pick up in Beijing. We can talk to Co-sports. Lets see if we can come to some accomidation. Better something then to walk away from them (I do not have any tickets. I can not afford them. I usually trade Pins for tickets).

See you all in Beijing!

Posted By daniel on June 12, 2008, 2:17 PM

Daniel, what do you mean my trade pins? anyone else have a handle on where to get Tix?

Posted By Linda on June 24, 2008, 8:33 PM

I am going and I found a great site that is written by Americans in Beijing and they have many insider tips on how to save money. It's localnoodles.com. Check it out!

Posted By Stephanie Jones on July 19, 2008, 10:47 AM

I'm heading to Beijing as a volunteer for the USOC. I booked my ticket last minute, still haven't secured a place to stay and I'm terrified about the language barrier- BUT, IT"S THE OLYMPICS!!!! I can't wait to be a part of what is sure to be an infectious energy shared by the entire world.

Posted By Pamela Crowley on July 24, 2008, 1:56 PM

I'm going. This will be my 7th Olympic and by far the most difficult to get tickets for. I'm taking the family so there is 5 of us traveling. Should be an adventure. Any one interested in selling their tickets to me I'm looking for anything on the 24th for 5 people. If you're still looking for housing I have leads on some places I did not take. Reasonably priced $80-150/night. 30pinckney@gmail.com

Posted By Prof. Garcia on July 24, 2008, 6:52 PM

Going to China one year from now, as my son has married a Chinese girl and will be there for 2-3 years. I have allergies to nuts and soy (among others ) and do not know how I will eat!!

Any knowledge and suggestions are very welcome!! So far I have only thot of sushi, dumplings and rice, but they may fry whatever is in the dumplings in those 2 oils anyway. I anxiously await your help.

sincerely, Carol Benson

Posted By carol benson on August 4, 2008, 10:44 PM

I have travelled throughout Asia: Philippines, Thailand, China, and Malaysia. But to read how the prices have risen is no surprise, all Asian country's have two prices, the local and the foreign. If these people would realize if you keep a fair price for the traveler they will return or recommend someone else. No honor among thieves, right? Especially in a communist country.

Posted By Scott Kuhrt on August 8, 2008, 12:36 PM