No one can deny the fact that after the Beijing Olympics 2008, tourists desired to have a walk in China. The way China proved its capability to conduct the games, the doors to China are flushing with people wanting to know more about this country and its culture.
Certainly, Beijing would be the starting point (and might be the end point too) for foreign visitors. It is the capital of China and the second most populous city. It is home to all government offices. It is home to the most wonderful places on earth- From the Great Wall of China, the Great Hall of the People, the Silk Market, Tiananmen Square, the National Museum of China, the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, the Panda House, the Forbidden City, and a long list. It has a lot to offer to everyone.
If you get an opportunity to visit Beijing for an official purpose, then you should not miss the opportunity of seeing this wonderful city in a very short span. It depends on how much time you are getting minus your official work. But if you want a real crisp and yet full visit of the city, then you should go for tour agencies who offer exclusive China Private Tours. They organize City tours in City Buses and Taxis. Beijing is a Cycle city. People always prefer cycling. So you could also use a cycle to roam about. There are special Half Day Bicycle tours too. But it is a large city with a complex Transportation System and lots of sites to visit. Moving in Beijing in taxis is also not very safe as there are illegal taxis too and they may charge you more for nothing. There are chances of you getting ransacked or pickpocketed or at the least, misdirected. And last but not the least, language is a problem. Of course, your office might have trained you in some basic mandarin, but then, you cannot tell. Therefore, it is better, if you have someone who you could rely upon as time is a constraint for you!
You should go for some private tour agencies that would help you with the local transport. Go to chinatourstailors.com and mail them your details. Go through their testimonials and see for yourself. They have special staff trained to cater to foreign delegates. They will help you right from visas to your boarding and lodging. After all, experience China, the Chinese way! It is not every day that you go to China!