Internet Access If you don't have your own laptop, most hotels have computers with internet access or can point you to the closest place. There are many small internet cafe's around Beijing which open and close without warning so best to ask. Dialup access from your own computer If you have your own computer you will find dialing the internet from a phone line very easy. You don't need an ISP (internet service provider). The government provides a global ISP in the phone system. Try one of these two dialup options: Phone number: 16900 Login: 169 Password: 169 or Phone number: 16300 Login: 163 Password: 163 The phone line gets billed which is why you don't need an account. Ask your hotel how much they charge for dialing up the internet. I stayed in The Red House Guest House in 2004 and they charged Y5/hour and local calls were free. Wireless access from your laptop Wireless access is found in many café's in Beijing. Most Starbucks have it including the one in Hohai, pictured below where you can sit outdoors beside the lake and people watch while you surf. Many other cafe's offer wireless internet access - ask at your hotel for ones near you. More on communications in Beijing: Getting a local SIM Card/phone number for your mobile phone Making long distance calls Experiences/comments from readers: The SPC Cafe on Jian Hua Nan Lu,(2 blocks down the road across from Friendship Store), has free wireless access from your own computer or the one they have there and serve a better cup of coffee than Starbucks in my opinion. It is a very comfortable space to hang out. Name: JD Date: Sun Sep 12 11:34:23 2004 Had no trouble finding places to get on the internet in Beijing. Easier than most cities in the west. Name: Robert Boyken Date: Sun Jun 27 03:14:41 2004 I got on with my laptop through the phone line. Thanks for the good advice. Name: Dr. Spock Date: Sat Jun 19 12:31:26 2004 Know a good place to get on the 'net in Beijing? Your Name Your Comment