Beijing Budget Travel Tips: Beijing on a Shoe-string

Beijing Budget Travel Tips – Beijing is the home of the 2008 Olympics and it is usual that your traveling expenses will increase due to that. However, that does not mean you can’t really enjoy Beijing still.

Let me give you tips to enjoy Beijing on a shoe-string.

Want to see The Great Wall? Of course!

Do you know that an English language tour up the Great Wall is 5 to 10 times the cost of a similar Chinese language tour? I guess you get the picture now!

That’s what I did and I saved and spent the money on food for that day.

Chinese language tours in minibuses usually leave from the street just south of the Great Hall of the People off Tian'anmen Square every morning. You can buy tickets from the booth on the pavement before departure.

Just make sure you know when to get back to the minibuses during the tour.

Or do what I did. I tagged along with a small group of young ladies who took care of me during the Great Wall tour.

Guys, this is one of the best ways to shoot two birds with one stone, isn’t it?

Well, let me introduce to you the THREE must-go places that are FREE in Beijing:

1. Tian’anmen Square

Tian’anmen Square is the heart of Beijing and many locals love to be there. I guess they want to be near to their revered Chairman Mao's Mausoleum.

In addition to historical monuments and huge pictures of Chairman Mao, one can witness a rising and lowering of the flag ceremony during sunrise and sunset.

2. Gardens Around The Temple Of Heaven

There is an entrance fee to the Temple Of Heaven but the beautifully kept gardens around it are free to wander in. So, just enjoy on gratis!

3. Donghua Men Night Market is another free place to explore. You can take photos of hawkers selling from snake to seahorse (me not joking!) and most of the stuff sold there are pretty cheap if you’re tempted.

So, it’s still possible to enjoy Beijing on a tight budget.

Backpackers, here we go!