Fact Sheets & Video - Beijing

Get ready for the games!

Beijing, the capital of China, remains a city of contradictions and intriguing culture especially with all eyes around the world focused on its record transformation to lay out the welcome mat for the 2008 Olympic Games.

Aside from its infamous grey haze, the city also has the reputation of being a challenge to get around at the best of times. But one of the most favoured, efficient and economic transportation means for locals and visitors alike is the high speed Beijing subway system. Recent updates have seen the opening of four new lines in time for the Games, with the subway continuing to be developed and improved well into 2015. Most one-way journeys on the subway average a cost of around 30 cents and tickets can be purchased at the stations.

When it comes to accommodation, with the majority, if not all of the 806 star-rated hotels in Beijing booked out for the duration of the 2008 Games, home stays otherwise known as "Olympic Family Hotels", are a new concept for the Chinese and an affordable alternative for visitors. Lodgings under the new home stay program have been estimated to provide an additional 646,000 beds during the Games. They can average around $80 per day based on a week-long stay and are even cheaper if you stay for longer. For instance if you stay for a month, it generally costs around $520 per person, which works out to be around $18 dollars per day! Maria Yuan is one such home stay volunteer who opens her spacious and comfortable home to visitors, with the accommodation fee going directly to the Olympic fund, not the householder. Maria's abode and hospitality is an inviting example of a home stay experience, including the creature comforts of authentic home cooked cuisine, integrating with a local Beijing family, playing ping pong, plus having an eye-catching fish tank in the bathroom.

Further Information

Beijing, China

Thai Airways International fly return to Beijing

From $1422 west coast, $1591 east coast

Based on low season departures

www.thaiairways.com.au

Prices correct at 2/6/08. Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes. Conditions apply.

Travel Indochina

10 day Highlights of China Small Group Journey from $2690 a person, twin share

Plus $500 discount per couple if booking deposit received within 7 days

1300-365-355

Conditions, surcharges and block out dates may apply.