HIGHER and HIGHER: Chapter III

BEIJING: OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW

Summary:
The Haier Brothers visit the Great Wall and the Temple of Heaven. They see how the old Beijing is making room for the new. The brothers soon find themselves caught up in the Olympic frenzy, but this time on two wheels. Oh yeah, and they get into a Kung Fu fight.




Chapter III FAQ:

How did you get back onto the Great Wall?
We stood on the shoulders of the women and children. Together, the Haier Brothers and the woman and children defeated the Great Wall, but we did not show this in the film due to camera difficulties.

How near is the Badaling portion of the Great Wall to downtown Beijing?
An hour to an hour and a half by bus. The ride is cheap, about a dollar. Simply catch bus 919 from the old gate of Degshengmen, a half kilometer from Jishuitan subway stop.

What days do you most often see the music groups at the Temple of Heaven?
Go there weekends, Sundays especially.

Are the Hutongs safe?
Yes, as long as there are no Kung Fu masters milling about. Such occurrences are rare though.

Where can I rent a bike in Beijing?
All over the place. If you're stumped, ask a hostel or hotel. They'll have suggestions. We really do recommend bikes in Beijing. It's amazing how much the city shrinks with two wheels. Without them, Beijing for us was just too big.

How do I get tickets to see the Olympic road bike race?
It's one of the few events you can catch without spending a dime. Just find a spot along the conceived route posted on the Beijing 2008 Web site (google it.)

Can you bike to Laoshan from downtown Beijing?
Sure. It takes about an hour, but the trails on the hill are a blast. It's amazing the park is in Beijing actually. There are routes for all levels of riders. Just don't take a wrong turn, crash and tumble into the wild reefer bushes, especially if your an Olympic athlete. The IOC will get you.