The Controversial ‘Convention Center’ in Beijing, China: And Taking Taxi Drivers’ Knowledge with Caution
In general, the geographical knowledge of taxi drivers are invaluable particularly to the first-time traveler. At times though – knowingly or unwittingly – they may pretend to know the exact destination that the passenger wants to go to. Let me share my story of how our taxi driver brought us to a wrong venue half an hour away from our intended destination.
Joining a group of Asian researchers and academics, I went in 1995 to Beijing, the current capital city of China (officially the People’s Republic of China with acronym PRC). I presented a scientific paper during the Fourth Asian Fisheries Forum held from 16-20 October 1995. Although we enjoyed the forum and the eventual city tour at various historic places like Great Wall (Figure 1) and Tiananmen Square (Figure 2), finding first the forum’s venue proved to be disastrous.
Beijing, China, October 1995.
The venue was ‘Beijing International Convention Center’ or BICC, which is located at 8 Beichen E Rd, YaYunCun, Chaoyang (Figure 3). Unfortunately, we had a problem verbally communicating the venue’s name and exact location in English with the passing taxi drivers. Thus, we could not get a ride and we were already running late for the opening program. Finally, we wrote the venue’s name on a piece of paper. After a few more unsuccessful attempts, one taxi driver said he knew the place. In passable English, he relayed something like “Convention Center I know.”
We happily hopped in the taxi and felt quite relieved that we would make it on time. Our understanding was the ‘Beijing International Convention Center’ was only a few minutes ride from our hotel. Thus, we started to get worried when 15 minutes had passed and we still had not yet arrived at our destination. When we asked him how much longer, he sheepishly smiled and said “very near.”
After around 15 more minutes of driving, he finally said that we had arrived. We were puzzled as we were expecting a large conference facility with international delegates roaming around. Then, he pointed to what looked like a mall with the signage ‘Convention Center’. Thus, after more than half an hour drive, the taxi driver brought us to the wrong destination at the other side of the City (Figure 4)!
with our surprised look as passengers brought to the wrong venue.
Lesson learned: Always take a taxi driver’s knowledge with caution. He can be very helpful – but be can also be presumptuous as what happened to us.
Copyright © 2019 Michael D Pido
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Even communication is not a problem here in Philippines, I’ve also experienced same couple of times before sir Mike. Good thing there’s grab now, where you can post the actual address while searching for a driver. Thanks to never ending innovation! #ThanksGOD.
Hi Rick! You are correct that getting into your destination these days have become easier due to technology. My posting though happened more than two decades ago. Thanks for following my blogs