Streetwise Guide: Beijing

Ok, this is an ad, but I wouldn't recommend it unless I thought it was useful! : )

I used this guide when I was in Beijing quite extensively. I did also bring a Beijing Lonely Planet with me when I went to study in China. The Lonely Planet is very useful for a traveller, but I found it wasn't enough for someone who will be living in Beijing, or visiting for a period of time. 

The book is quite comprehensive, is printed in colour, has lots of beautiful colour photos, but not too big or heavy - you'll be able to carry it around with you in your bag. 

I think the best thing about it is that there is a very useful colour co-ordinated maps of the different districts of Beijing. eg. "Academic Northwest", "Historical Central", "Arty" Northeast, etc, as well as a very handy map of the subway system in Beijing. Another thing I found useful is that the book also tells you the major bus routes. There are maps with bus routes available that you can buy in Beijing - but they are in Chinese! 

Different districts are covered in Area Guides. Information contained include:

• "Sightseeing" - Info on important places to visit, how to get there - ie. bus routes, subway lines (and names of stations written in Chinese), entrance fees and map of the place if appropriate. 
• "Food and entertainment" section that has a restaurant guide and bar listing with price range. 
• "Shopping" and "Accommodation" guide
• Suggested Itineraries for each district - very useful for exploring Beijing! 
• "Bus Details" - major bus stops in the districts and useful bus routes - very useful if you don't want to take taxis all the time! 

There is also a great introduction. Topics include:

• "Best of Beijing" - information and colour pictures on the "must see" places to visit.
• "Art and Culture" 
• "Food and Drink" - including a picture menu with names written in Chinese, and price guide- very  handy, especially if you can't speak Chinese to begin with, and even then, I found it hard to remember name of dishes. 
• "Sports and Entertainment" - includes info or martial arts, bars & nightclubs, cinemas, etc

Travellers' Survival Guide

Lots of information in this section including:

• "Planning your trip" - Visas, Insurance, Budgetting, What to pack
• "Getting Around" - Airport shuttle bus, Subway guide, buses, taxis, bicycles
• "Useful Information" - Banking, Communications, Health, Toilets, Security, Shopping Tips (include info on common prices - very handy to get a rough idea so you don't get ripped off), etc, etc
• Language Guide - there is a few pages on useful phrases, but if you'll be in Beijing for a while, I would recommend a separate phrase book. 

So, I would highly recommend this book if you'll be going to Beijing to study, work, or even if you plan to stay in Beijing for an extended period of time. It'll make life a lot easier and more enjoyable!