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Your Travel Guide

Beijing - China

Television:

Television is well loved by the Chinese.  As well as the sixteen national channels run by CCTV, every province produces its own local channels (in Beijing, BJTV has thirteen).  You can also receive some channels from neighbouring provinces, greatly increasing the amount of programming available to the viewer.

Newspapers:

Just like with Television, each province produces its own newspapers, as well as selling a few national ones as well (e.g. ‘The People's Daily' (人民日报), and the English language ‘China Daily').  Most papers only cost one or two RMB thanks to the copious numbers of adverts, making journalism cheaply available to all.

Radio:

Much as in other areas, the radio can be heard all over the country, Beijing not excluded.  Beijing is covered by a multitude of radio stations.

Foreign Language News:

Other than the two widely available English language government mouthpieces, CCTV 9 and The China Daily, there are very few other foreign language news outlets.

Inside The China Daily, you can find the monthly ‘China Pictorial'.  On the radio waves, the only foreign language frequency is Radio China International, which offers programmes in a range of major languages.

Large international hotels ought to stock a range of international dailies such as the Wall Street Journal, as well as offering foreign TV broadcasts such as CNN and BBC in the rooms.

The numerous cultural centres in town offer literature and occasional screen showings from the relevant country (e.g. the Insituto Cervantes and the Alliance Française).

There are some English language periodicals on life in Beijing, the best known ones being That's Beijing and City Weekend.  They offer a round up of new openings and features on aspects of the city.  They sport well complied glossaries of things to do, and places to go at the back.  They are available in foreign orientated bars, restaurants, clubs and hotels.

Internet :

Internet coverage is widespread, and you're never far away from an internet café (网吧).  Connection to the internet is cheap, costing from only two or three RMB an hour.  You will need to show your passport before getting online. 

If you are looking for a wireless connection, there are many bars and cafes such as Starbucks that offer complimentary connections.  The Mayor of Beijing envisages of citywide wireless coverage by the Olympic Games.