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want to meet at fmd_good Common Place
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Lost in PEK
honestly just take the airport express train, it's the easiest thing. drops you at dongzhimen in about 30 mins for 25 kuai, then u can grab a cab or hop on the subway from there. way less hassle than dealing with taxi drivers who might try to take the long way or pretend they dont know where your hotel is.
if you're really beat and luggage is heavy, the didi app works fine from the airport too. just set it to english and pick the cheapest option, prob like 100-150 yuan depending on where you're going. just make sure you're at the right pickup point, the signs are actually pretty clear once you look for them.
The airport express train is the obvious choice and it's fine, but if you're already stressed and have bags, dealing with the transfer at Dongzhimen can be a pain. I'd actually recommend the airport shuttle buses instead. They leave right outside each terminal, cost about 30 yuan, and drop you at several major spots like Xidan or the railway station depending on which line you pick. You just find the counter, tell them your general area, and they'll point you to the right bus. No navigating subway stairs with luggage, no haggling, and you can just stare out the window and decompress for the 40 minute ride.
You could also just get a taxi from the official queue outside arrivals. It's not as scary as people make it sound, just show the driver your hotel address in Chinese on your phone and they'll take you there.
best photo spots in beijing?
olympic forest park is slept on fr. the linden trees along the main axis go gold in late october and the bird's nest reflection in the lake at sunrise is nuts, barely anyone there on weekdays. also check out 798 art district on a weekday morning, the old factory pipes and graffiti make great contrast shots. tbh bring a wider lens than u think you need, everything in beijing is bigger than it looks in photos
everyone goes for the big landmarks but honestly the best shots i got were from the overpasses on the 3rd ring road at dusk, just traffic light trails with CCTV tower lit up in the background. also guomao at blue hour from the silk street footbridge, the CBD towers all glassy & orange, tripod helps cuz u need a slow shutter. one thing nobody mentions, air quality totally changes your photos so check the AQI app the night before, a clear day after rain is worth waiting for
For sunrise the Temple of Heaven east gate area is underrated, locals doing tai chi around 5:30am with the morning fog, way better than fighting crowds at Tiananmen. For sunset honestly just walk along the canal near Shichahai, the reflections off the water with the Drum Tower behind are hard to beat. Bring a tripod if you can, the good light only lasts like 20 mins this time of year.
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