Things You Can’t Do in China

Travis Sherwin/Orlando

There are a lot of signs around Beijing telling you what you cannot do. It’s probably no more than in America, but it’s really spelled out here.

Here’s list of what you can’t do at the Summer Palace, a popular historical tourist attraction:

You Can't Do This

No motorcycle riding.

No picking flowers.

No sitting on the railings.

No taxis.

No littering.

No playing of music.

No rollerblading.

No ballplaying.

No guns.

No dogs.

No fireworks.

No open fires.

On my way out, I noticed this sign:

What Does This Mean?

Mady, my new friend and translator, said it means, “No open fires in cars.” Who knew that open fires in cars were so popular that you needed a sign to prevent them? (There’s a good chance this sign’s true meaning is lost in translation.)

The wait for a cab as we left the Summer Palace was impossibly long, so I chose to ride in this:

Traditional Rickshaw

It’s a common sight on the streets of Beijing – a traditional rickshaw. We hired the driver to take us to a restaurant for lunch. He told us the ride would be $20 yuan.

Price Haggling

After arriving at the restaurant, the driver told us, “Oh, no, it’s not $20 yuan, it’s $20 yuan per person.”

Mady wasn’t very pleased, but we agreed that the guy probably needed it given the condition of his rickshaw.

And $40 yuan is only $6.70 in U.S. dollars.

-Travis

Interesting Transportation – Part 2

Travis Sherwin/Orlando

I continue to be amazed by the different types of transportation in Beijing.

This is a typical modern rickshaw. You see a lot of these on the streets.

Modern Rickshaw

If you want to get where you’re going sooner, pick the rickshaw below. It’s motorized!

Another Rickshaw

I found this truck in an Olympic area. I think it’s a sanitation truck. I doubt you’d see one of these driving through the Beijing ‘hood.’

Sanitiation Truck?

Then, there’s this guy. I don’t know what he’s hauling, but I’ll bet it’s everything he owns.

Very Overloaded!

And, if you really want to cruise around the capital of China in style, you’ll pick up one of these:

Ferrari Dealership

It could be yours for a few million yuan. I haven’t seen anything remotely this exotic driving around, but someone must own one. This dealership is right around the corner from my hotel.

-Travis

3-Wheelers

Travis Sherwin/Orlando

Bicycles are big in Beijing. Especially the 3-wheelers. You could call them China’s version of the Ford F-150.

The streets are filled with them. They weave through traffic. They battle for space with cars. They ignore traffic signals. And you never know what you’ll see in the back.

Check out this lady. I took her picture as she was going the wrong way through a major intersection with junior in tow. Nerves of steel. She acted like she does this everyday.

Woman with child

The Chinese do not discriminate. This dad had no problem doing the same thing. Ignoring the orchestra of honking horns, he kept motioning people to just go around.

Man with child

Then there’s this gentleman. He took the safe route and walked his bike though a busy intersection. Either that, or he was just too tired to pedal.

Man with trash

And finally, my favorite. This guy is clearly overworked and underpaid. I think he’s a gardener. In the back of his 3-wheeler was a tank, a hose and a lawn mower engine. I believe he pedals around a nearby park and waters the plants. These drivers were furious that he walked his bike down the middle of the road and held up traffic.

Man in trouble

In the above controversy, one driver laid on his horn the entire time. Had to be at least two minutes.

Bike life in Beijing. What a great spectator sport!

-Travis

Signs That You Need a Translator

Travis Sherwin/Orlando

As you would expect, there are a lot of signs I can’t read in Beijing. Can you read them?

Get your number two pencil ready, and let’s see how you do.

Welcome to Beijing?

Slower traffic keep right?

Hot coffee?

Restroom?

 Answers: (from my new friend and excellent translator Jessie)

1 – Airport ahead 1000 meters and then turn right.

2- No delays from Wong He Bridge to Tai Yang Gong Bridge.

3 – Drivers only allowed to get beverages from the refrigerator.

4 – Restroom. (Okay, I cheated. I had to get one right. I cut off the English word at the bottom of this sign.)

-Travis

The Five Day Forecast

Travis Sherwin/Orlando

Ever since I knew I was headed to Beijing, I have been very interested in the stories regarding the air quality and visibilty. Remember the picture of the Great Wall of China from my previous post?

The Great Wall from 20,000 ft.

 

One of the flight attendants on my plane told me in the 15 times she has worked this flight, she has never seen it this clearly before.

On the day I arrived, I thought it was very obvious the Chinese  government limited the number of drivers on the roads and closed many factories.

Day 1

On Day 2, National Stadium looked spectacular from our live shot location.

Day 2

Day 3 arrived and it started getting hazy…

Day 3

Now, day 4 is here and look – it’s getting worse.

Day 4

Day 5? Let’s hope the skies clear. The Opening Ceremony is only four days away, and it would be a shame if people couldn’t see the great show the Beijing Olympic Committee has planned.

-Travis