]]> Summary: Because the next Olympic Games will be held in Beijing, China, many people are going to visit Beijing. The conversation in this podcast introduces Beijing. It’s good for people who plan a trip to Beijing, China to know about Bejing’s attractions, food, nightlife as well as the transportation before they get there.  Resources: http://en.beijing2008.cn http://www.2008.com                                                             Transcript:   Fang: Welcome back to the Beijing Information Online. As I mentioned in our last program, the next Olympic Games will be held in August 2008 in Beijing These days, many of my friends are talking about visiting Beijing during the 2008 Olympic Games. One of the frequently asked questions is: what can I do in Beijing besides watching the Olympic Games? Well, the answer is you can do as many things as you can think of in Beijing during your stay. And today, we have Mr. Jidong Huang joining us. Mr. Jidong Huang is a Software Engineer working for a company in California. As a Chinese, he had lived in Beijing for more than four years, so he will have a lot to say about Beijing.   Fang: Hi, Mr. Huang, welcome to the Beijing information Online.   Huang: Hi, Fang, thanks for the invitation I’m very happy to be here to introduce Beijing.  Fang: Well, as I talked about in the beginning, I have many friends who are planning to visit Beijing during the 2008 Olympic Games. Can you first briefly introduction about Beijing?   Huang: Ok, Beijing is the capital city of China. It is one of the most exciting cities in China. Located in northern China not far from the sea,. The city is of great culture and history, and the people of the city are very friendly. It will be a very enjoyable experience if you are going to visit Beijing.   Fang: Good, next, Mr. Huang, can you talk a little bit about the must-go places in Beijing?  Huang: In Beijing you will find many interesting and historical places to visit. Marvelous sites such as the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and Tiananmen Square are all located in or near Beijing. I think you will be impressed by those places. Also, one thing you must do when you visit Beijing is to walk around in the “hutongs”, the old lanes and alleys that once surrounded the Forbidden City in all directions. A Hutong is an old style Chinese neighbourhood. You can feel some old days in China when you walk in Hutong. However, now, they are being replaced by modern buildings, as many hutong residents wanted to have better living conditions. So, for now, I really recommend people visiting the Hutongs when they visit Beijing. You know, nobody knows how many Hutongs will be left after the modernization of Beijing.   Fang: Sure, I also agreed on this. In fact, I was in Beijing about half a year ago. I saw a great many changes had taken place in Beijing, which makes Beijing an even better place for visiting. But looks like most of the places you mentioned is open only during daytimes, what about the night life? Any recommendations?   Huang: You can start your evening at an early show, afterwards go to a bar or restaurant and end your evening in a night club. About early show, the choice is more or less unlimited; Peking (or Beijing) Opera with the best performers in China, Kung Fu Shows, Chinese Acrobatic Shows. For those people who like to visit bars, in the north east of the city centre you will find the Sanlitun area, named after the main street, which is the most popular bar area for local and visitors.  Fang: Talking about Beijing Opera, We can enjoy it a little bit. (sound) Fang: It’s very special, isn’t it? Huang: Sure, peking opera of China is a national treasure. It has existed for over 200 years. In Beijing Opera, one special thing is the facial painting, which is applied to roles only, shows the character's age, profession and personality by using different colors. In Beijing Opera, over one thousand painted facial patterns are used. I think most people will be impressed by it. Fang: Ok, we now know where we can visit in Beijing. What about the food in Beijing?   Huang: You can try very delicious traditional Chinese food in Beijing. The most famous is the Beijing Roast Duck also known as Peking Duck. I would say it is Beijing's most famous delicacy. You know, they slowly roasted the duck over open fruit-tree wood fire to get the right crispy skin, moist and flavorful meat. It is really delicious.   Fang: Wait, Wait, My mouth is going to watering. I have to change to another topic. There are lots of interesting activities going on in Beijing, so what about the transportation? How good is it? I think that is many people’s concern.  Huang: Well, Beijing has an extensive public transportation network. Subway and City Rail with high speed trains running at intervals of 3 to 5 minutes are the fastest public transportation in the city. Besides subway and city rail, the public buses are also very convinent. They are the cheapest means of transportation which cover the entire city. And you can also take the taxi. There are more than 60 thousand taxis in the city. Anyway, the transportation in Beijing is very convinent for everyone. You can easily find English Sign and directions when you use the public transportation.   Fang: thanks, Mr. Huang. I am glad we have you here talking about Bejing’s attractions, food and drink, nightlife as well as the transportation. I think some of my friends could not wait to visit China now. Thanks a lot. I wish everybody who is planning to visit Beijing is going to have a very pleasant journey. And don’t forget to write to us: beijinginfo@yahoo.com if you have any story to share about your stay in Beijing. See you next time.  

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