Insider's guides Insider's guidesAbout Richard Shaw, our Beijing insiderRichard is a photographer and writer, based for the past six years in China. Since 2006 he's been in Beijing, documenting this megatropolis' every move.

The guides that help you live like a local

Want to experience a place just like the locals do? Meet our team of Insiders — real people who know their destination backwards and actually call the place home. They're here to share the do's and don'ts, the scams and the secrets, and get you beneath the surface before you even hit the road. Leave the touristy stuff at the door, and get Inside.
Where not to go Imagine yourself surrounded by thousands of tourists and their megaphone wielding tour guides ... the last thing you want to do is squander precious holiday time dragging yourself around somewhere that sucks. Luckily for you, Richard has already done exactly that, so here's the lowdown on where NOT to go. Near the beaten track You already know the quintessential 'must-see' spots in Beijing, but why not check out an underground museum, Mao's favourite pub, and a market off the tourist trail? Richard has put together some of his favourite secret haunts and tips to ensure you get inside Beijing and get the most out of your holiday. Itineraries It's possible to see most of this massive capital's highlights in just a couple of days, but for those with a bit more time, take a day or two off the beaten track — it's easy to pass a week in Beijing without getting bored. See, do and taste the stuff you want in limited time with our insider, Richard, to help you avoid those 'why didn't I...' regrets. Lists Richard's put together an expert expat's guide to wining and dining around the capital which will get your chopsticks racing. He's also got some words of wisdom regarding popular Chinese rip-offs so you don't arrive green and leave gutted. The boring bits In addition to all the fun stuff you need to know before you hit the road, there are a few boring bits. Do you need to get a visa before you go? What kind of electrical plugs do they use in the People/s Republic? What's the time zone? How about that Chinese funny money? And when's the best time to plan your trip? Richard has the lowdown for you. Awesome links There are loads of great resources on the Web that will make your trip to Beijing even better. Richard has put together a list of favourite links that locals use all the time. Some are useful, some are entertaining, and some are downright bizarre.
Search ninemsn Travel:
Get a great travel deal
advertisement
http://ninemsn.lonelyplanet.com/
Buy Lonely Planet booksCovering everything from getting your visas to travelling with kids, our Lonely Planet guidebooks will help you plan your perfect trip.
Travel newsletter:
Around our site:
Mobile phones on planes?Should mobile phone use be allowed on long plane journeys, or would it drive you crazy? Have your say on this week's blog.
Travel AustraliaExplore your own back yard with our inspirational stories about Australian adventures.

Other ninemsn businesses: iSelect Mathletics RateCity
© 1997-2008 ninemsn Pty Ltd - All rights reserved