Beijing China

Ultimate Travel Guide to Beijing, China

Table of Contents

  1. Places to Visit
  2. Activities
  3. Where to Eat
  4. Where to Stay
  5. Things to Know
  6. Transportation
  7. Tips and Useful Information
  8. Culture and Etiquette
  9. Safety Tips
  10. Language and Communication

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1. Places to Visit

The Great Wall of China (长城)

  • One of the Seven Wonders of the World, a must-visit attraction in Beijing.
  • You can visit Mutianyu or Badaling sections for an unforgettable experience.

Forbidden City (故宫)

  • The Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty.
  • A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it houses 500 years of history and art treasures.

Tiananmen Square (天安门广场)

  • The symbolic center of China, home to the National Museum of China and the Monument to the People’s Heroes.

Temple of Heaven (天坛)

  • A religious complex visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual rituals of prayer to Gods of Heaven for good harvest.

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2. Activities

Hutongs and Siheyuan (胡同与四合院)

  • Traditional alleyways and courtyard residences, offering a glimpse into Beijing’s old urban layout.
  • Take a rickshaw tour for an authentic experience.

Summer Palace (颐和园)

  • A stunning palace complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting beautiful gardens, lakes, and pavilions.

Olympic Park (奥林匹克公园)

  • Home to the 2008 Summer Olympics venues such as the Bird’s Nest Stadium and Water Cube.

Acrobat Show (杂技秀)

  • Experience amazing feats of agility and skill performed by talented acrobats at various venues around Beijing.

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3. Where to Eat

Peking Duck (北京烤鸭)

  • A must-try dish, often served with pancakes, scallions, and sweet bean sauce.
  • Popular restaurants include Quanjude and Bianyifang.

Dumplings (饺子)

  • Enjoy traditional Chinese dumplings at places like Donghuamen Snack Street or Jiaozi Wang.

Hot Pot (火锅)

  • A popular social dining experience where you cook ingredients in a simmering pot of broth at your table.
  • Try Xianyudian or Haidilao for delicious hot pot experiences.

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4. Where to Stay

Luxury Hotels

  • The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street
  • The Peninsula Beijing
  • The Opposite House

Mid-Range Hotels

  • Holiday Inn Express Beijing City Centre South
  • Courtyard by Marriott Beijing Northeast
  • Novotel Beijing Peace

Budget Hostels and B&Bs

  • Jolly St.Hostel
  • Red Lantern Youth Hostel
  • The Hutong

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5. Things to Know

  • Weather in Beijing can be extremely cold (below freezing) in the winter, and very hot and humid in the summer.
  • Beijing is a metropolis with modern infrastructure but air pollution may occasionally be an issue.
  • Taxis are plentiful but it’s best to use ride-hailing apps like Didi or Grab for convenience.
  • The currency used in China is Chinese Yuan (CNY).

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6. Transportation

Subway (地铁)

  • Beijing has an extensive and easy-to-use subway system that connects most popular tourist destinations.
  • Make sure to download a map of the metro lines before you travel.

Taxis (出租车)

  • Taxis are widely available in Beijing, but it’s best to use ride-hailing apps for convenience and to avoid potential language barriers.

Buses (巴士)

  • Buses can be a budget-friendly option for getting around the city, but they may be more difficult for tourists to navigate without knowledge of Chinese.

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7. Tips and Useful Information

  • Carry cash as not all places accept credit cards.
  • Download a reliable translation app for communication purposes.
  • Be mindful of cultural norms, such as removing your shoes before entering someone’s home or temple.
  • Always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
  • Make photocopies of important travel documents and leave one set with someone at home.

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8. Culture and Etiquette

Greetings (问候)

  • In China, people usually greet each other by shaking hands or bowing slightly, depending on the situation.
  • Use a respectful tone of voice when speaking to older individuals or those in authority.

Gift-Giving (送礼物)

  • Gifts are often exchanged during special occasions such as New Year’s Day and birthdays.
  • Avoid gift wrapping paper with black or white motifs, as these colors symbolize mourning in Chinese culture.

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9. Safety Tips

Street Food (街边小吃)

  • Be cautious when eating street food to avoid any potential health issues.

Scams (骗子)

  • Be wary of scams, especially those involving counterfeit goods or currency exchanges.
  • Always verify the authenticity of vendors and products before making a purchase.

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10. Language and Communication

Mandarin (普通话)

  • Mandarin is the most widely spoken language in China, although many people also speak local dialects such as Beijinghua.
  • Learning basic Mandarin phrases can greatly enhance your experience in Beijing.