A survey of 54,000 travelers by the online travel guide TripAdvisor said Beijing trails only Moscow when it comes to the unhelpfulness of its locals, the unfriendliness of its taxi drivers and the poor quality of its taxi services.
By contrast, Tokyo was ranked in the same poll as the best destination in the world — a fact that isn't likely to help the apparently generally dour disposition of Beijingers. China nurses century-old historical grievances and a rivalry with Japan that in recent years has erupted in diplomatic quarrels and occasional violence.
Visitors to Beijing wouldn't be overly shocked at TripAdvisor's findings.
Never mind the relatively simple problem of a taxi shortage, which many global cities face. Most people living in the city would have a horror story or three of taxi drivers who tamper with meters (or "forget" to turn them on so they end up charging passengers more at the end) to fleece unsuspecting tourists.
It's common fare to find drivers who refuse to drop passengers at requested stops, just because it's more convenient for the driver to stop elsewhere. Such drivers have been known to bark at passengers: "Just walk!" Local expatriate-friendly magazines often include tips to beware of taxi scams.
Neither is it hard to imagine an unhelpful Beijing local, though in part this might be a linguistic gap.
Tourists not armed with rudimentary Chinese or a guide might find it difficult to get anyone to stop to help with directions. And it's easy to imagine people being shocked by public behaviors in Beijing: Queuing isn't exactly a Chinese thing, even in the swankiest of Beijing shopping districts, while spitting in public definitely is.
It's not just tourists who have found Beijing inhospitable: Local sports teams have also been known more for their thin skin than their sportsmanship when hosting foreign sports teams.
The problem of air pollution also appears to be driving down Beijing's appeal, according to some statistics.
Of course, for every tale of an unfriendly local, a Beijinger might be able to match it with one of a horrible tourist or laowai, the local term for an expatriate. It's not all brickbats. Beijing is often praised for being one of the safest cities in the world. Its wealth of cultural and historical sights also win plaudits. Like any city, it has its share of heartwarming Samaritans and unexpected kindnesses, as well as willingness to celebrate life—even amid the smog.
Source: Wall Street Journal
from China Travel & Tourism News http://ift.tt/1iB6EFm
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