I live in China so have been through Beijing several times. It boasts an excellent transportation system, interesting sites (Tiananment, Forbidden City, the Great Wall just outside Beijing), and a quick (but shallow) look into Chinese culture. However, it feels to me like the city on display for the world that it is. For an authentic experience of China, you'll need to find a different place (I recommend most places in Yunnan Province). For history and photo opps, Beijing's your destination.

I was in Beijing six years ago, and I can't wait make a return trip. The city is just spectacular. Standing on the Great Wall and taking in the gorgeous scenery for miles around is an experience of a lifetime, as is standing in the center of Tian'anamen Square. I also enjoyed touring the Forbidden City, seeing the Ming Tombs, and watching an acrobatics show put on by the China National Acrobatic Troupe. The city is fairly easy to navigate, and there's plenty to see and do. Weather definitely makes a big difference, so be sure to check it out before you plan a trip.

Pollution is inexcusable, and traffic jams are just plainly horrendous. But if you can live with those two, Beijing is a great city, with a vibrant multi-ethnic community, a local population that has a deep sense of history and cultural pride, a great abundance of historically significant architecture, and a colorful mosaic of art-related and cultural activities that will surely make your stay, long or short, a fulfilling and wholesome experience.

Things may have changed since my visit, but Beijing is very polluted. In fact, after a couple of days I lost my voice from breathing in the particulates that one can easily see as a haze throughout the city. Nevertheless with all of its sights, Beijing was easily worth the trouble. The city holds many of China's landmark spots that a foreigner normally wants to see (e.g. the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Tiananmen Square) as well as a short drive to the Great Wall (even if that section has been largely rebuilt). Take a surgical type mask for breathing, but definitely visit Beijing if one has the chance.

If you like pollution and people spitting in your face, then go to aka Beijing

I lived for three and a half years in Teda, Tianjin, about two and a half hours by train from Beijing. I really enjoyed visiting the city for shopping and sightseeing. There is a great shopping area across the big street just south of Tiananmen Square. Also check out the alley off the west side of the Wangfujing shopping street which is a bit to the east of the Forbidden City (also a must). The Pearl Market near the Temple of Heaven also has good bargains. Don't be afraid to take the subway. It is cheap and convenient. There are downloadable subway maps on the Internet. You buy your tickets from a cashier and then hand them to a ticket taker about ten steps from the cashier's cage. Also many of the Chinese-style hotels are just fine and a lot cheaper than the big name hotels that cater to tourists and rich Chinese.

Beijing may not rank as high as NYC, Paris, London but it's a great place for a short visit. The tourist "traps" like Tienamen Sq., the Forbiddin City, and the Summer Palace are also unforgetably beautiful places. But it is a huge complicated city, and even a native who took us to a favorite restaurant got lost because the taxi driver knew two streets with similiar names. Few people speak English, so learning a little Chinese is very helpful.

I refuse to go to China and support the Chicoms.

Beijing is easily one of top 5 filthiest cities on earth. . .it is so crowded it takes 50 minutes to go anywhere b/c it's so big and crowded. . .you will run into an occasional taxi driver who might rip you off. If you can live with these things, you must go to Beijing. . .I felt it had some of the friendliest people I have ever met. Incredible sightseeing (Summer Palace, Forbidden City, Tianemmen Square, etc.) Good food, affordable shopping if you invest the effort. This is one of those cities where it might better to go by yourself- Beijing simply doesn't work if you have four different people with a map who want to see different things. 4 or 5 days in Beijing is enough to have a memorable time without getting bored by yourself. Also, go to SIMATAI (Great Wall) not BADALING. Badaling (Great Wall) is a tourist trap whereas Simatai is less crowded because the Wall is much steeper.

The people are really nice when you actually communicate with them, preferably in Chinese. The food is varied and fabulous, and there are lots of interesting sites around the city (if you avoid the tourist traps, that is). Shopping is great fun, and you can find some increadible bargins, especially if you speak Chinese. The city has really shaped up over the last year. The high pollution levels, bad traffic, and the constant spitting ;-) detracts from what otherwise would be a very nice place to live in and to visit.

Dusty weather, mean people. Famous landmarks, buildings in poor repair, no artifacts or historical items left. Go to Guilin.

Close up to The Great Wall you have a historical capital with lots of cultural landmarks! :o)