Beijing in December

[pkroger]

I'll be visiting my SO in Beijing over Christmas/New Years. Does anyone have any suggestions for things to do in Beijing this time of year. I know it will be cold, so maybe a trip to the Great Wall is not such a great idea.

 

Thanks

 

Peter

[MarkandLeigh]

We visited Beijing last January. Actually, a trip to the Great Wall was excellent! Not nearly the crowds. Just bundle up to be warm! It was sunny, but the air was cold and the winds somewhat brisk. Unless you are from a warm climate, it's idea. We took in all the sights, without the crowds. For us, it was the best time of the year to go.

Mark

[MarkLuvsShuPing]

Any outdoor activity in Dec is going to be cool, but well worth it. We went to the Great Wall, and like Mark said, it was cold and breezy, but you can't let that stop you. Same goes for the Summer Palace and the Forbidden City, you won't find many heaters but if you bundle up, you'll be fine and happy you went.

[maiyademama]

I think winter is the best time to go to BJ, especially when there is snow...nothing like seeing the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Summer Palace covered in snow. It is really cool when the forbidden city's mote frozen over... You will still see the old timers out there giving hair cuts at 8am and bold kids running around on the ice...great photo ops. Take long underwear, a big parka, gloves, and face mask (if you want to do any climbing---the mask is a must). Have fun and you can always get out of the cold and stay warm with your sweetie...or have snowball fights in Tiananmen square

 

Basically hit all the regular sites and enjoy the lack of crowds.

[pkroger]

Thanks for all of the great suggestions. I have heard that the air pollution can be quite bad in winter. Has anyone experienced this?

 

Peter