Beijing
北京
Beijing, the capital of China, is a city where ancient history meets modern dynamism. Home to the Forbidden City, Great Wall, and countless imperial treasures, it offers an unparalleled journey through 3,000 years of Chinese civilization. Today, Beijing blends traditional hutong neighborhoods with gleaming skyscrapers, world-class cuisine, and a thriving arts scene.
📍 Overview
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
Best visited in spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather. Summers are hot and humid, winters cold and dry. Spring often sees sandstorms. Pack layers for variable temperatures.
Top Highlights
Quick Facts
🏛️ Must-Visit Attractions
Discover the best attractions in Beijing
Forbidden City
Historical故宫博物院
The former imperial palace complex, home to 24 emperors over 500 years. Contains 980 buildings and over 1 million cultural artifacts.
Book tickets online in advance. Arrive early to avoid crowds. Audio guides available in multiple languages. Wear comfortable shoes.
📍 4 Jingshan Front St, Dongcheng District
Get Directions →Great Wall (Badaling)
Historical八达岭长城
The most visited section of the Great Wall, offering spectacular views and well-preserved fortifications.
Avoid weekends if possible. Take a guided tour for better historical context. Bring water and snacks. The wall is steep - wear good walking shoes.
📍 Yanqing District, 60km north of Beijing
Get Directions →Temple of Heaven
Cultural天坛
A Ming dynasty religious complex where emperors prayed for good harvests. UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning circular architecture.
Best visited in early morning when locals practice tai chi. The echo wall is fascinating - try whispering at different points.
📍 1 Tiantan Rd, Dongcheng District
Get Directions →Summer Palace
Cultural颐和园
The largest royal garden in the world, featuring the stunning Kunming Lake and Long Corridor with painted scenes.
Rent a boat on the lake for a different perspective. The Long Corridor has over 14,000 paintings. Visit the tea house for authentic Chinese tea experience.
📍 19 Junshan Gonglu Rd, Haidian District
Get Directions →Tiananmen Square
Historical天安门广场
The world's largest public square, surrounded by important government buildings and cultural monuments.
Bring passport for security check. Visit early morning for flag-raising ceremony at sunrise.
📍 Xicheng District
Get Directions →798 Art District
Cultural798艺术区
A former military factory turned into Beijing's premier contemporary art hub, featuring galleries, studios, cafes, and street art.
Best on weekends when more galleries open. Combine with nearby 751 D-Park for industrial heritage. Great for souvenir photos.
📍 2 Jiuxianqiao Rd, Chaoyang District
Get Directions →Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)
Cultural雍和宫
The largest and most well-preserved Tibetan Buddhist temple in Beijing, with stunning architecture and 18-meter Buddha statue.
One of Beijing's most active temples. Arrive early to experience monk chanting. Best visited in morning for fewer crowds.
📍 12 Yonghegong St, Dongcheng District
Get Directions →Beihai Park
Cultural北海公园
A historic imperial garden featuring the iconic White Dagoba, beautiful lakes, and traditional pavilions.
Walk around the lake and up to the White Pagoda for classic Beijing views. Combine with nearby Houhai bar area.
📍 1 Wenjin St, Xicheng District
Get Directions →Great Wall (Mutianyu)
Historical慕田峪长城
A fully restored section with 22 watchtowers, offering a less crowded alternative to Badaling with cable car access.
Less crowded than Badaling. Book a tour or take Bus 916 from Dongzhimen. Bring layers as it is windy at the top.
📍 Mutianyu Village, Huairou District, 70km north
Get Directions →Peking Opera Night Show
Cultural梨园剧场
Experience traditional Chinese opera with face-changing, martial arts, and singing at this dedicated theater.
Book through hotel concierge or travel agency. Photos allowed before the show but not during. Great cultural introduction.
📍 Hepingli, Dongcheng District
Get Directions →Nanluoguxiang
Cultural南锣鼓巷
A historic hutong alley with trendy shops, street food, bars, and traditional courtyard residences.
Visit in the evening for atmosphere. Explore side alleys for authentic hutong life. Try fried rice cake and sugar paintings.
📍 Nanluoguxiang, Dongcheng District
Get Directions →🍜 Food & Restaurants
Michelin stars, Black Pearl rankings, and local favorites
🗺️ Three-in-One Food Map
Layer controls: Michelin stars, Black Pearl rankings, and local recommendations
Xin Rong Ji
新荣记
Three Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in Zhejiang cuisine with exceptional seafood dishes.
Signature Dishes
Jiu Ji
拾久
Modern Chinese fine dining with creative presentation and traditional flavors.
Signature Dishes
Ling Long
ling-long
One Michelin star Taiwanese cuisine with avant-garde presentation by Chef Jason Wang.
Signature Dishes
Imperial Treasure
御宝轩
Three-diamond Black Pearl Cantonese restaurant with exquisite dim sum and premium seafood.
Signature Dishes
Beijing Kitchen
北京厨房
Popular local spot for authentic Beijing cuisine, especially duck.
Signature Dishes
Quan Ju De
全聚德
Legendary Peking duck restaurant established in 1864. The definitive Beijing duck experience.
Signature Dishes
Bianyifang
便宜坊
Oldest Peking duck restaurant (established 1855) with traditional hang-roasting method.
Signature Dishes
Ju Qi
局气
Popular chain serving authentic Beijing home-style dishes in traditional atmosphere.
Signature Dishes
Hua Jia Yi Yuan
花家怡园
Historic restaurant in a converted courtyard, known for imperial-style dishes.
Signature Dishes
Li Qun Roast Duck
利群烤鸭
Famous hole-in-the-wall Peking duck restaurant favored by celebrities, no-frills authentic experience.
Signature Dishes
Da Dong
大董
Michelin-starred restaurant revolutionizing Peking duck with modern techniques and lighter, crispier skin.
Signature Dishes
🚇 Transport Guide
Getting to and around Beijing
Getting to Beijing
Major international airports worldwide
💡 Daxing is newer with better facilities. PEK is closer to city center. High-speed trains from many cities.
Shanghai (4.5h), Xian (4.5h)
💡 High-speed trains are comfortable and punctual. Book through 12306 app or station.
Getting Around
🚇 Metro
- • 27 lines covering all major attractions
- • Single ride: 3-10 CNY depending on distance
- • Peak hours: 7:00-9:00, 17:00-19:00 - expect crowds
- • Metro maps available in English at stations
🚌 Bus
- • Extensive network covering areas not served by metro
- • Single ride: 2 CNY (flat fee)
- • Some air-conditioned buses cost more
- • Download Beijing Transport app for real-time info
🚕 Taxi
- • Starting fare: 13 CNY (first 3km)
- • Waiting: 0.8 CNY per minute
- • Night surcharge: 20% extra (23:00-05:00)
- • Always insist on meter use
- • Didi app works well for English speakers
🚴 Bike
- • Mobike, Hello bikes widely available
- • Unlock: 1-2 CNY, then 0.5-1 CNY per 15 minutes
- • Bike lanes common, follow traffic rules
- • International credit cards work with Alipay/WeChat
🏨 Where to Stay
Hotels for every budget in Beijing
Waldorf Astoria Beijing
北京华尔道夫酒店
💡 Book directly for best rates. Consider weekend packages.
The Peninsula Beijing
北京王府半岛酒店
💡 Check Peninsula Academy for exclusive experiences.
Grand Millennium Beijing
北京千禧大酒店
💡 Weekend rates often lower. Check travel sites for deals.
Hilton Beijing
北京希尔顿酒店
💡 Hilton Honors members get better deals.
Lakefront Hotel
北京亮马河酒店
💡 Chinese travel apps often have good deals.
💳 Payment Guide
How to pay in Beijing
Alipay
Most widely accepted mobile payment in China
How to Use:
- 1. Download Alipay app before arrival
- 1. Link international credit card (Visa/Mastercard accepted at many merchants)
- 1. Or open a Chinese bank account for full features
- 1. QR code payment at most merchants
Tips:
- • Many small vendors only accept Alipay/WeChat
- • Download before arrival as app stores may not have it
- • Keep some cash as backup
- • Foreign cards may not work for person-to-person transfers
WeChat Pay
Second most popular payment method, integrated with social app
How to Use:
- 1. WeChat app required
- 1. Link international card through WeChat Pay
- 1. Scan QR code to pay
- 1. Some merchants prefer WeChat over Alipay
Tips:
- • English interface available in settings
- • Some apps require WeChat for authentication
- • Good for restaurants and taxis
Cash (RMB)
Still accepted everywhere, essential for markets and small vendors
How to Use:
- 1. Exchange at airport or bank
- 1. ATMs widely available (may charge fees for foreign cards)
- 1. 500 CNY and 100 CNY notes most common
Tips:
- • Keep small bills for tips and small purchases
- • Bureau de change at airports offer poor rates
- • ICBC and Bank of China ATMs accept foreign cards
International Credit Cards
Accepted at hotels, large restaurants, and international chains
How to Use:
- 1. Visa and Mastercard widely accepted at upscale venues
- 1. May require passport verification
- 1. Exchange rates applied by your bank
Tips:
- • Call your bank to enable international transactions
- • Notify them of travel plans to avoid fraud alerts
- • Some places add foreign transaction fees
🎎 Cultural Tips
Essential cultural knowledge for Beijing
Greetings & Titles
high priorityUse 'ni hao' (hello) and 'xie xie' (thank you). Address people by surname + title (e.g., Wang Xiansheng for Mr. Wang). Handshakes are common in business settings.
Dining Etiquette
high priorityWait to be seated. Don't stick chopsticks vertically in rice - it resembles funeral rituals. Leave some food on your plate to show you've had enough. Tipping is not expected.
Business Card Exchange
medium priorityPresent and receive business cards with both hands. Take a moment to read the card before putting it away respectfully.
Photography Rules
medium priorityAsk permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas. Some attractions prohibit photography inside. Military areas are always off-limits.
Bargaining
medium priorityBargaining is expected at markets and small shops. Start at 30-50% of the asking price. Be friendly - it's a social activity. Walk away if you can't agree.
🚨 Emergency Contacts
Important phone numbers in Beijing
⚠️ In case of emergency, call the appropriate number immediately. English operators may be available.
Quick Dial
Note: The SOS button in the bottom-right corner of any page provides instant access to emergency services with translation and GPS location sharing.
🏥 Hospitals
Beijing United Family Hospital
和睦家医院
2 Xiangjiang Mid Rd, Chaoyang District
English-speaking staff, accepts international insurance
Peking Union Medical College Hospital
北京协和医院
1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District
Best public hospital for complex cases
🏛️ Embassies & Consulates
US Embassy Beijing
美国驻华大使馆
55 Anjialou Rd, Chaoyang District
For US citizens: 24h line +86 10 8531 3000
📞 Other Emergency Numbers
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