6 signs you’ve survived a trip to Beijing

If you’re a tourist, you either have a rent a car or planned on taking public transportation. But did you know that 10 million people take the Beijing subway service every DAY? At its rider’s peak, there were 11.5 million riders in one day. In 2013, there were a total of 3.2 billion riders for the year. It is the second largest subway system in the world besides Shanghai’s. Doesn’t this make you think NYC’s subway system aren’t all that bad or crowded?

Beijing subway fun fact: You can pay for your fare by recycling plastic bottles.

Did you try this when you visited Beijing? We’re sure you’ve had a ton of plastic bottles in your hotel room after midnight trips to the vending machine. It’s a great way to save money for small souvenirs for your family or for emergencies.

You’ve survived the paranormal activity of the Imperial Palace

A beautiful and vastly historic building such as the Imperial Palace has a bit of paranormal activity hovering around it. If you’ve been here, you may have seen it and if you’re reading this, you’ve survived it. History says that murder was often committed by jealousy of guards and others that worked there.

During the Ming and Qing dynasties, execution was very common and death was thrown around like Kim Kardashian spends money. In the 1940’s, it was then transformed into a palace for visits from tourists. Many have heard crying of women that wouldn’t respond, ghost guards and more.

You’ve managed to escape the Beijing summer heat

Like the United States, China’s hottest months are July through August. The heat peak is almost 100 degrees in the summer. Going to the beach is something everyone from all cultures do when they’re hot and live somewhat near one. Known as the first “bathing venue under Heaven”, Nandaihe is the closest beach to Beijing, in Qinhuangdao City. If you want to take a day trip to the beach, it will take between 3 and a half to 4 hours, if you’re not riding a bullet train.

You’ve walked the Great Wall of China

Of course, this historical landmark shouldn’t be missed when you visit China. If you’ve been able to walk an exceedingly long distance on the Great Wall, you’ve officially gotten your stamp of survival. The view alone is enough to take your breath away. You’ll need to bring your most comfortable and strongest footwear. There are certain sections of the Great Wall that you can climb but there will be an entrance fee.

You’ve visited the Ming Tombs

The Ming dynasty was quite notable. The 13 tombs of the emperors lie within this gorgeous structure. The years of their reign were between 1368-1644. Talk about a long family run! You can see the tombs themselves but it is very hard to climb down into the underground tombs to see 3 of the emperors that were excavated at some point.

You’ve taken in the Beijing Capital Museum

This is one of the largest museums, especially in China. A trip to a new destination is not complete without visiting a museum of its history. The Beijing Capital is a five-story mansion filled with rich history that dates back for centuries. If you’ve managed to visit every floor and soak it all up, you’re a true survivor!

Here at the museum, you can watch educational films as well that tells the history of Beijing. All types of media display historical information at this museum.

When you get back to your hotel, you may be feeling a little inspired and pumped up to watch more movies that are related to its history. You may want to check out, “Lost In Beijing” which follows a young woman and her daily struggles with blooming Beijing. You can check it out on Netflix, but it may be blocked. But you can learn how to bypass Netflix and watch great films as such.

Conclusion

China is the heart of history with emperors and culture. Beijing specifically is known for many of it’s architectural structures as well as its political history with the long reign of their famous dynasties. If you’re back from China and reading this, you’re now filled with rich history and have survived the overwhelmingly beautiful trip.