Lonely Planet Beijing City Map (Maps & Atlases)

Rating:
Summary: Convenient and Durable Though a Bit Dated
Review: As one who just returned from four years in the city and is planning to return in a few months, I began a futile search for a completely updated map of Beijing and found this one. The search proved futile because the map makers always seem to be at least 2-4 years behind the times, which in Beijing time is like a decade or more in the States. Keep in mind that this map, while useful, reflects this time lag. For example, it does not show Ping An Li, a major east-west running street northwest of the city center, as a continuation of Dianmen to the east, which runs by Beihai Lake. Instead, it indicates that hutongs (alley streets) intervene. To be fair, none of the other maps depict this accurately either (and this street has been in this expanded form for at least 6 years).

However, this map is laminated, which will allow it to last much longer in a city where fine sand sometimes prevails and grime often works its way into everything. Moreover, it is user-friendly because all of the locations are in a combination of English and Pinyin and the layout enables both to be easier to read (especially in poorly lit taxis). For the sake of taxicab drivers (and users who cannot pronounce Pinyin), it would be even more helpful if it also included Chinese characters of major roadways, etc. Still, the inset maps of major tourist sites are nice and convenient and it's durable laminated surface makes it easy to open and close when you're in a hurry. Recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Thumbs Down if you are a serious traveler
Review: I thought I was getting a 'real' map ... unfold it, spread it out on the kitchen table type Big map with details. Not the case. The actual Map dimensions of Beijing and surrounding area, when unfolded, is ONLY 9 in. x 11 3/8 in. Only 1 in. bigger than standard print paper.

There are MORE streets WITHOUT names than there are with. Then on the other side is the same size Blow up of Central Bejing.. Small! Again, not good on details. A magnifying glass is needed to find most of the other sights that Lonely planet did put on the map..... but then there no names of the streets to be able to find the sights .. only larger streets are listed.

I only give it 3/4 of a star for showing the Subway stops with their name.
I give them 2/4 of a star for laminating. There just wasn't much to laminate.
I give them 3/4 of a star for the map index




Rating:
Summary: Typical LP map - very handy for planning a first trip
Review: If you're off to Beijing for the first time, then this map is for you. The bicycle tour is the best part and the map is pretty comprehensive with most of the touristy things you'd like to see on a map. The map is typical of most LP maps but lacks a Metro map which would be handy to have. Of course, use this map in conjunction with a good Beijing city guide and a Metro map, and you're all set.