Lonely Planet Beijing

• Travel on any budget
• A practical guide to tourism as well as culture and customs
• Find the best hotels and restaurants in your price range

Lonely Planet's guide to Beijing will take you on a journey through China's capital, guiding you through the amazingly rich culture of Beijing, and introducing you to the city's history, food, art, shopping, and much more. Color photos and maps will take you there before you even leave your house, allowing you to plan ahead and get a glimpse at what you'll soon experience.

Lonely Planet Beijing begins by introducing you to the city, describing the general layout, giving you statistics and price ranges. The City Life section gets a little more interesting, describing the culture of the political, educational and cultural center of China. You will read about Beijing's festivals, social hierarchy, religion, education system, fashion, sports, media, economy, government and climate. The Arts and Architecture section will then guide you through Beijing's cinema, dance, theatre, literature, music, fine arts and architecture. The Food and Drink section will provide you with menu advice, common food phrases, and information on dining customs and commonly served foods. You'll also find recommendations on where to go and what to eat if you're looking for vegetarian fare.

The rest of Lonely Planet Beijing guides you through the city's history, sights, walking tours, entertainment, shopping, excursions, and will also tell you where to eat and sleep whether you'd prefer budget or luxury accommodations. If you're worried about the language barrier, a glossary of common Chinese terms is included as well as a selection of phrases to help you navigate through the city. The book doesn't ignore practical issues, either, and provides tips on health, using phones, internet access, money issues, safety issues, and an index of travel offices. Lonely Planet Beijing also provides color maps to many sections of the city as well as several major parks and the Beijing metro line.

If you're in the market for a complete guide to the city, Lonely Planet Beijing will help you to experience Beijing in its entirety, give you a little assistance with culture, language, and food, and allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich and enchanting culture of China's capital.