The problem was the special HOLIDAY that caused the absolute havoc in Beijing. The streets are jam packed so this is a situation that would not occur other than during that special holiday time. I was in Beijing during the same holiday and it was amazing we walked to the Forbidden City area and it was wall to wall people. I have been to Beijing with Regent multiple times and this was a unique and unusual occurence that would not happen in February.

Marc it takes about 3 hours to get to Beijing. When we went it was not debarkation but a special overnight complimentary package so not sure what they will charge for a transfer. There will be quite a few of us so I was going to arrange our own transportation to take those staying in Beijing overnight and we could also carry on to the airport.

There are a couple of okay hotels at the airport and with that early flight that is where i would stay. Ken and I are spending three nights - two in town probably at the Penninsula (Eugene found this great value for a great hotel) and then one night at the airport we also have an early flight.

You will need a chinese visa.