Beijing
Imperial landmarks, hutong life, and modern art scenes in China's historic capital.
Essentials
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms, mild weather
Fall (September-November): Golden autumn, clear skies
Avoid: Summer (hot, humid) and Winter (cold, smog)
Climate
Temperature: -10°C to 35°C (14°F to 95°F)
Rainfall: Most rain in July-August
Air Quality: Variable, check AQI before outdoor activities
Getting There
Airport: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
High-speed Rail: From Shanghai (4.5h), Guangzhou (8h)
Metro: Airport Express Line to city center
Getting Around
Metro: Extensive network, ¥3-10 per trip
Bus: ¥1-2, covers areas not served by metro
Taxi: ¥13 starting fare, use DiDi app
Bike: Shared bikes available throughout city
Top Spots
Forbidden City (故宫)
What: Imperial palace complex with 600 years of history
Why: UNESCO World Heritage site, largest ancient palace complex
Tip: Book tickets online, arrive early to avoid crowds. Allow 3-4 hours.
Great Wall at Mutianyu (长城)
What: Ancient defensive wall, one of the world's most impressive structures
Why: UNESCO World Heritage site, breathtaking views
Tip: Take cable car up, walk down. Best in spring/autumn.
Summer Palace (颐和园)
What: Imperial garden with lake, pavilions, and temples
Why: UNESCO World Heritage site, perfect for leisurely walks
Tip: Rent a boat on Kunming Lake, visit Long Corridor.
Hutong Neighborhoods (胡同)
What: Traditional narrow alleys with courtyard houses
Why: Experience authentic Beijing life, local culture
Tip: Take a rickshaw tour, visit a local family.
Temple of Heaven (天坛)
What: Imperial complex where emperors prayed for good harvests
Why: UNESCO World Heritage site, stunning architecture
Tip: Visit early morning to see locals doing tai chi.
798 Art District (798艺术区)
What: Former factory complex turned contemporary art hub
Why: Modern art galleries, cafes, creative atmosphere
Tip: Visit on weekends for art markets and events.
Eat & Drink
Peking Duck (北京烤鸭)
Where: Quanjude, Da Dong, or local restaurants
Price: ¥100-200 per duck
Tip: Order whole duck, eat with pancakes and hoisin sauce
Hotpot (火锅)
Where: Haidilao, Xiaolongkan, or local chains
Price: ¥50-100 per person
Tip: Choose your spice level, try both meat and vegetables
Jiaozi (饺子)
Where: Local dumpling shops, Din Tai Fung
Price: ¥20-50 per plate
Tip: Try different fillings: pork, shrimp, vegetarian
Tea Houses (茶馆)
Where: Lao She Teahouse, traditional tea houses
Price: ¥50-150 per person
Tip: Experience tea ceremony, try different tea varieties
Street Food
Where: Wangfujing, Nanluoguxiang, food markets
Price: ¥5-20 per item
Tip: Try jianbing (crepes), lamb skewers, stinky tofu
Day Plans
24-Hour Beijing
Breakfast at local café
Try jianbing (Chinese crepe) and soy milk
Forbidden City
Explore the imperial palace complex (3-4 hours)
Lunch at nearby restaurant
Try Peking duck or local noodles
Tiananmen Square
Visit the world's largest public square
Hutong walking tour
Explore traditional neighborhoods by rickshaw
Dinner at local hotpot
Experience communal dining culture
Wangfujing night market
Try street food and shopping
48-Hour Beijing (Day 2)
Morning at Temple of Heaven
Watch locals doing tai chi and dancing
Great Wall at Mutianyu
Half-day trip to the wall (4-5 hours total)
Return to city, rest
Refresh at hotel or café
Summer Palace
Evening visit, boat ride on lake
Dinner at 798 Art District
Modern restaurants and art galleries
Practical Information
Transportation Tips
- Get a transportation card (一卡通) for metro and buses
- Use DiDi app for taxis (like Uber)
- Download Beijing metro app for real-time updates
- Beware of unlicensed taxis at tourist sites
Payment
- WeChat Pay and Alipay widely accepted
- Carry some cash for small vendors
- Credit cards accepted at hotels and large restaurants
- Set up mobile payment before arrival
Safety Tips
- Beijing is generally safe for tourists
- Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas
- Keep passport and valuables in hotel safe
- Check air quality before outdoor activities