I spent 36 hours in Beijing for work. Sixteen hour flight there (via Singapore) and 16 hour flight back, one night on the ground.
I saw a lot of freeways.
I saw a lot of the inside of taxis (Volkswagen Passats, very cheap).
But I managed to steal two hours to take a taxi downtown to see the Forbidden City.
It's a fab place to visit. Cost AUD12 to get in and it was really the only place I saw mobs of people.
For a HUGE population I was struck by two things in Beijing - the complete lack of people walking around the centre of town, and the lack of bikes. Cars can only drive on the road every second day (it goes by number place odds and evens).
Had to have Beijing Duck in Beijing. We were directed by the concierge to a great place called Hua's Courtyard Restaurant. I definitely recommend a visit. The Beijing Duck was excellent.
Restaurant strip in downtown Beijing.
While I was at the office we had the May birthdays celebration. The Black Forrest cakes came in these amazing boxes. I wanted the boxes more than the cakes.
A super quick whirlwind of a visit, but fun nevertheless. Must return to have a proper look one day.
