Insider's Guide to Beijing 2007

 (18 customer reviews)

If you're just hitting Beijing for three-four days, stick with Frommer's, Lonely Planet et al. But if you're planning a longer trip, and most especially if you're a truly curious traveler interested in not only the what but also the WHY of a historical but living and fast-transforming city, the Insider's Guide to Beijing will be your trusted companion. It's a great guidebook while you're in the city but also makes fascinating pre- and post-trip reading, with great nuggets of info on how the taxi cab license plate system works, interviews with local people like chefs at famous restaurants, and humourous but also useful info on topics like "breathing in Beijing" and how to get from place to place using the fastest mode of transportation.

The fact that the Insider's Guide is really written by insiders - long-time expat residents who clearly know and love the city but also understand all its quirks, means you also get the benefit of informed reviews of everything from bars to...Read more

Wonderful guide book especially made for the expatriate in mind. I lived in Beijing and found this guide book very helpful. Actually calling it a 'guide book' kind of cheapens it -- this is the type of book needed in more cities around the world for those that live in a particular place and for those that wish to experience life 'like a local'

I would have liked more maps, yet thinking about the quick growth and change of the city, maps change just as much as the city does, so it is better to pick one up elsewhere.

This is a good book at a "no joke" price, although (of course) it is cheaper in Beijing. Yet don't take a chance and wait for Beijing - this is a must buy and a big regret if you don't get it.

I have lived in Beijing on and off for four years now, and this is by far the best, most updated, most useful guide for people who want to get beyond the big tourist attractions. These people KNOW Beijing -- from art/music/dance/theater, to what(and who)'s hot what's not, to family life and stuff for the kiddies.... This is the most up to date guide you can find on the shelves, and in a city that changes by the minute, you can't depend on Lonely Planet or other guides that come out once every couple of years! Whether you are a hipster or a stay-at-home mom, THIS guide has soemthing for you!