Oct 03, 2001 06:16 PM
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The title suggests a preposterous idea, right? Is that really the way to see the wonders of China?
No.
But many travelers find themselves in Asia saddled with impossible schedules. Few know it is possible to beat the travel and language constraints--in chauffeured comfort, mind you--and see these treasures for about $60-$130. We're not talking about a tour bus here, but a trip you plan and pace yourself.
Here抯 how it works: Begin as early as possible at the front desk of your hotel, or at any information desk where someone speaks English. The idea is to hire a cab driver for the day.
Major hotels print simple business cards, with name and address in English as well as the local language. On the back of this card, have someone write ''Great Wall at Badaling Pass, cable car entrance'' and ''Forbidden City, Shenwu Gate'' in Chinese characters.
Have your translator scribble down the negotiated price plainly with the instructions. Cab drivers generally charge less than $90, and view that as a lucrative day's work. Two couples can split the cost.
Badaling Pass is about 55 miles from Beijing. Allow two hours for the trip. Once there, your driver will expect about a third of the agreed-upon fee. It's a fair request, but omit enough to make it worthwhile for him to wait for you.
Look for the cable car entrance, pay the $12, and get ready for the ride of your life. It won't save you money, but it will save you valuable time. On a day like this, time truly IS money.
The splendor of this incredible engineering achievement is among China's most familiar sites. But nothing prepares you for the view, so savor every angle, and enjoy the wider panorama from the back window as your cab takes you back to Beijing early in the afternoon.
The next stop on your card reads forbidden City? You are instructed the driver to drop you at the northern ''Shenwu'' gate, where you will pay the rest of the fee and say ''Xi-Xi'' (Thank you). The fee here is about $7 to enter one of the great creations of humankind.
This walled wonder is also known as the Palace Museum or Imperial Palace. Emperors and their families lived here for centuries shrouded in mystery and 33-foot walls. No one is admitted to the half-mile maze of passages after 4:30 p.m., and closing time at 5:00 p.m. is strictly observed.
North to south, try not to miss the Imperial Garden, the Hall of Heavenly Purity and the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Each is situated directly on the sightseers' route. Supreme Harmony offers magnificent thrones and furnishings.
Leaving the Palace area, you enter a rambling bazaar of very aggressive merchants. Once you pass under the arch, look over your shoulder and you'll see Chairman Mao's famous, imposing mural staring right back at you.
In front of you is Tiananmen Square, or the Square of Heavenly Peace. Westerners might choke on the name, given the 1989 atrocities that ended pro-democracy rallies here. Those should never be forgotten, but it will also amaze you to see this is a friendly, if not peaceful, one-mile square.
Watch the families flying kites. Help the children in Chicago Bulls regalia practice English. Pretend not to notice when the Rickshaw driver overcharges you for a wild ride through rush-hour traffic (again, about $12). When you're ready, use that card to get you back to your starting place.
You've just had one of the most amazing budget travel days on earth.
