Plan your Beijing trip with top attractions, authentic local food, transport tips, and practical advice for first-time visitors.
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Beijing in a Glance
Must-See Classic Attractions
In-Depth Experience
A Culinary Taste of Beijing
Transportation & Accommodation
Best Time to Travel & Monthly Highlights
Practical Travel Tips
Your Beijing Trip Recommendation
Beijing in a Glance: A City You Don’t Need to “Understand” But You Can “Feel”
Beijing boasts a history of over 3,000 years, serving as the capital for more than 800 years. It is China’s political and cultural center, but more importantly—it is a living city.
Whether you’re a history buff, a food enthusiast, or simply looking for a change of scenery, Beijing can surprise you. Moreover, it’s incredibly inclusive: you can stroll through the Forbidden City in sneakers, or enjoy a more satisfying meal at a street stall than at a restaurant.
Classic attractions in Beijing that you can’t miss
The Palace Museum: Six Hundred Years of Royal Daily Life
The Forbidden City is not a single palace, but a vast architectural complex that housed 24 emperors. You don’t need to memorize the names of every hall; simply appreciate its architectural aesthetics.
Practical Information
- Tickets: Peak season (April–October) 60 RMB, off-season 40 RMB; 10 RMB extra for the Treasure Gallery and Clock Gallery.
- Reservations: Tickets must be purchased in advance through the “Palace Museum” WeChat mini-program or official website; tickets may not be sold on-site.
- Time: It is recommended to allow at least 4 hours; open Tuesday to Sunday, closed Monday.
- Entrance: The only entrance is the Meridian Gate (South Gate). Entering from Tiananmen Square requires passing through two security checks.
Personal suggestion
- After entering through the Meridian Gate, don’t head straight for the central axis (the line between the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Palace of Heavenly Purity). First, walk towards the Hall of Military Prowess to the west or the Hall of Literary Glory to the east; there will be far fewer people there.
- Want to take photos of the Forbidden City without people? Go to the vicinity of the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility or the Qianlong Garden area.
- The exit is the Gate of Divine Might (North Gate). Don’t rush to hail a taxi after exiting—Jingshan Park is right across the street. It only takes 10 minutes to climb up, where you can overlook the entire Forbidden City, especially beautiful at sunset.
Great Wall: Which section should I choose? How do I get there?
“He who has not climbed the Great Wall is no true man.” Only by experiencing it firsthand can one truly appreciate the awe-inspiring nature of this wonder of the world.
Badaling: The most famous and well-equipped (with cable cars and wheelchair accessible), but also the most crowded. Suitable for travelers with limited time or those traveling with elderly people or children. A direct 20-minute high-speed train ride from Beijing North Station or Qinghe Station.
Mutianyu: Beautiful scenery, denser vegetation, and fewer tourists than Badaling. Offers cable cars and toboggan runs (the downhill toboggan run is very fun). Suitable for those who want a more relaxed experience without the crowds. It’s convenient to hire a car or join a small group day tour from the city center.
Simatai: The most pristine and precipitous, preserving its Ming Dynasty appearance. Some sections are very steep and require physical fitness. It’s adjacent to Gubei Water Town, making it a good option for overnight stays. Suitable for hiking enthusiasts.
Temple of Heaven: A Dialogue Between the Emperor and Heaven
The Temple of Heaven was where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties offered sacrifices to Heaven, but today it is also a “community park” for Beijing residents to exercise in the morning. The three-tiered blue glazed tile eaves rise sequentially, symbolizing Heaven, Earth, and all things.
Suggested Itinerary
- Tickets: Combined ticket (includes Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Echo Wall, and Circular Mound Altar) 34 RMB in peak season, 28 RMB in off-season. A single entrance ticket does not grant access to the core buildings.
- Enter from the South Gate and walk north along the route used by the emperors for sacrifices: Circular Mound Altar → Imperial Vault of Heaven → Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. This helps you understand the order of the rituals.
- Go around 6 AM; you’ll see locals dancing, playing shuttlecock, and writing calligraphy on the ground. This is more interesting than the architecture itself.
Summer Palace: Royal Garden
The Summer Palace is China’s largest imperial garden, blending the elegance of southern gardens with the grandeur of northern landscapes.
How to play without getting tired
- The park is extremely large, and you can focus on three areas: the front of Longevity Hill (Fragrance Pavilion and Dispelling Clouds Hall), Kunming Lake (take a boat ride), and the Long Corridor (the world’s longest painted corridor).
- Taking a boat trip is highly recommended—the view of the Fragrant Buddha Pavilion from the lake is unique. Boat tickets are inexpensive (around 30-40 RMB).
- If you come in winter, the lake will be frozen over, so boating won’t be possible, but you can experience ice skating in the park.
- Tickets: Peak season 30 RMB, combined ticket 60 RMB (includes Suzhou Street, Tower of Buddhist Incense, etc.); Off-season (winter) 20 RMB, combined ticket 50 RMB.
Tiananmen Square: The Country’s Alley
This is the world’s largest city square, surrounded by the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum, and the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall. The daily flag-raising ceremony at sunrise and the flag-lowering ceremony at sunset are very solemn.
Important Notes
- The flag-raising time varies daily; check the “National Flag Website of the People’s Republic of China” or use your mobile weather app for sunrise time.
- If you want to be in the front row, arrive at least 2-3 hours early (or even earlier in summer). Security checks are very strict; do not bring lighters, knives, or liquids (you may be asked to take a sip from your water bottle).
- The square and surrounding area are sensitive areas; carry your passport (original) at all times.
- Visiting the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall requires queuing. It is usually open in the morning and is free, but you need to check your bags. Dress appropriately (do not wear tank tops or slippers) and keep quiet.
Hutongs and Courtyards: Delving into the Capillaries of Beijing
Delving into the network of hutongs is the only way to truly feel the pulse of old Beijing.
How to make the experience more comfortable
- Nanluoguxiang’s main street has become a crowded commercial food street, so I wouldn’t recommend it. However, its side alleys (such as Yu’er Hutong and Mao’er Hutong) are quieter.
- Wudaoying Hutong is younger, with independent cafes, bars, and designer shops, perfect for an afternoon stroll.
- Yangmeizhu Xiejie, near Qianmen, preserves old buildings and also has bookstores, galleries, and boutique guesthouses.
- Want to hear some stories? You can take a pedicab ride, but negotiate the price beforehand (usually 50-100 RMB per half hour).
Please note: Do not enter residents’ courtyards to take photos without permission, and do not make loud noises in the alleys. Respect private life.
Gubei Water Town: If you want the Great Wall + hot springs + starry sky
This isn’t an ancient site, but a meticulously constructed northern-style water town resort area, right next to the Simatai Great Wall. It’s perfect for staying overnight, experiencing exploring the ancient town during the day and climbing the Great Wall to stargaze at night.
How to play
- The night tour of the Simatai Great Wall is a highlight—the walls are illuminated by lights, and you’re surrounded by stars.
- In winter, you can soak in hot springs (some hotels have their own). In summer, you can take a rowing boat ride.
- Ticket price: 140 RMB; discounts are available for hotels within the scenic area.
Universal Beijing Resort: An Immersive Paradise for Movie Fans
If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, Transformers, or Minions, this place is worth a whole day. The most unique feature is the “Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness” themed area, which is exclusive to this site worldwide.
Important Note: We strongly recommend purchasing tickets and booking your park entry date in advance through the official app to avoid queues at the ticket counter and to check real-time queue times. Weekdays tend to be less crowded. The park is large, so please wear comfortable clothing and sneakers, and plan which attractions you most want to experience.
In-depth experience: not just watching, but participating.
Watch a Peking Opera
Peking Opera is more than just “Chinese opera”—it features facial makeup, martial arts, acrobatics, and a unique singing style. You might even have the opportunity to paint your own Peking Opera facial makeup.
Where to watch:
- Chang’an Grand Theater: Tourist-friendly, with English subtitles.
- Zhengyici: An ancient wooden theater with a great atmosphere; performances are relatively short (around 1 hour).
- Huguang Guild Hall: An old guild hall converted into a modern theater; you can enjoy tea while watching a performance.
Cycling in Beijing
Beijing’s flat terrain and well-planned roads make it ideal for cycling. Shared bikes (Meituan, Hello) are very cheap, costing 1 yuan per half hour. You can pay with Alipay or WeChat by scanning the QR code (you need to link a credit card or top up your account).
Recommended Routes
- From Shichahai to Drum Tower and then to Yonghe Temple: Winding through the hutongs and old city, ideal for evening rides.
- Chang’an Avenue Night Ride: From Tiananmen Square to Jianguomen, enjoy the wide bike lanes and the brightly lit Chang’an Avenue. Fewer people after 10 PM.
Find your favorite items in the old markets and time-honored shops.
You can find a souvenir that catches your eye among the old book stalls and antique shops at the Panjiayuan Antique Market (which is busiest on weekend mornings); or you can buy your favorite souvenirs at some time-honored shops.（The food in the picture is from the internet.）
A Culinary Taste of Beijing: What to Eat & How to Order
The essence of Beijing cuisine isn’t “high-end,” but rather “down-to-earth.” Each of the following items can be found in ordinary restaurants or snack shops at reasonable prices.
Peking duck
The essence of Peking duck lies in its crispy skin, thin pancakes, sweet bean sauce, and cucumber and scallion shreds. You can visit the following restaurants:
- Siji Minfu: High cost-performance ratio, good service, many branches (the Palace Museum branch is recommended, but expect long queues).
- Da Dong: More refined, roast duck with “eight kinds of seasonings”, slightly more expensive.
- Bianyifang: Oven-roasted duck (different from hanging oven), more juicy.
How to eat: A roast duck usually comes with two pancakes. If there are two people, ordering half a duck (or a whole duck) plus a vegetable dish is enough. The waiter will demonstrate how to roll it—don’t put too much sauce, it will be too salty.
Fried Sauce Noodles（炸酱面）
The noodles are hand-rolled, the sauce is made by simmering pork belly and soybean paste, and the side dishes include shredded cucumber, bean sprouts, green beans, and shredded radish.
Recommended dishes: Fangzhuan Factory No. 69 Zha Jiang Mian (noodles with soybean paste), Haiwanju (large bowl, hearty).
Tip: If you find the sauce too salty, add more vegetable toppings. Some restaurants offer “hot noodles” (noodles served hot, not cold) or “cold noodles” (noodles served cold); rinsing is recommended in summer.
Instant-boiled Mutton（涮羊肉）
The broth is made with water, ginger slices, goji berries, and red dates, allowing you to enjoy the original flavor of the lamb. The dipping sauce consists of sesame paste, chive blossoms, fermented bean curd, cilantro, and chili oil. The lamb slices are cut extremely thin and cook in boiling water for only a dozen seconds.
Established brands: Donglaishun (a century-old establishment with a tourist-friendly environment), Nanmen Hot Pot (good reputation, multiple branches).
Lu Zhu Huo Shao（卤煮火烧）
This is a snack made by stewing pig lungs, pig intestines, fried tofu, and flatbread (unleavened flatbread) together in a rich broth. It sounds a bit “dark,” but it’s very clean and has no fishy smell.
Recommended shops: Beixinqiao Braised Offal Shop (24 hours, long queues at night), Menkuang Hutong Centennial Braised Offal Shop (located in Qianmen, popular with tourists but stable).
Snack and Breakfast Challenge
- Donkey Roll: A glutinous rice roll filled with red bean paste, rolled in soybean flour, sweet but not cloying.
- Aiwowo: Glutinous rice balls coated with coconut shreds or sesame seeds, filled with hawthorn or jujube paste.
- Tang Erduo: Deep-fried honey-glazed pasta, very sweet, eaten with tea.
- Douzhi: Fermented mung bean juice, sour and slightly rancid, like Chinese yogurt (but stronger). Served with fried dough rings and pickled vegetable shreds. If you’re curious, go to the old Ciqikou Douzhi shop or Jinfang Snack Shop, but don’t order a large bowl—try a small one first.
Food Street
- Niujie Street: Halal cuisine, including Jubao Yuan hot pot, Hongji snacks (fried cakes, beef buns), and Baiji rice cakes. Popular Friday nights.
- Guijie Street: Spicy crayfish, grilled fish, and spicy frog. Lively nightlife, but the food is on the spicy side. Those who don’t eat spicy food can order the “garlic flavor.”
- Qianmen Street: Tourist-oriented, but also has time-honored establishments such as Du Yichu shaomai (named by Emperor Qianlong) and Tianxingju fried liver.
Transportation and Accommodation: How to get there & Where to stay
Airport to the city
- Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): Closer to the city center. Taking the Airport Express (25 RMB, to Dongzhimen/Sanyuanqiao) is cheaper than a taxi and avoids traffic jams. A taxi to the city center costs approximately 80-120 RMB (including tolls).
- Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX): Very new, very far. Taking the Daxing Airport Line subway (35 RMB, to Caoqiao, then transfer to Line 10) is the fastest. A taxi costs 150-200 RMB.
Ride-hailing: Download the Didi Chuxing app. You can register with an international mobile number and support Visa/Mastercard. Alternatively, you can directly open the “Didi” mini-program in Alipay/WeChat.
City transportation
- Subway: Route maps and station announcements are in English. Tickets can be purchased using automatic ticket machines (cash and credit cards accepted) or by scanning a QR code with your mobile phone (download the “Yitongxing” App or Alipay’s “Ride Code”).
- Bus: Cheap but prone to congestion, and there are no English announcements. Not recommended for first-time visitors.
- Shared bikes: Abundant. Real-name authentication is required—scan with Alipay or WeChat, and you’ll be asked to fill in your passport number. Approximately 1.5 yuan per hour.
- Walking: Many scenic spots in Beijing are concentrated in one area, such as Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, and Beihai Park, all within walking distance. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Accommodation area selection
Dongcheng/Xicheng District (Core Old City): Close to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and hutongs. Suitable for first-time visitors and those who want to be within walking distance of major attractions. Hotel prices range from hostels to high-end. Recommended areas include Qianmen, Dongsi, and Gulou.
Chaoyang District (Guomao, Sanlitun): Modern with numerous international chain hotels (Hyatt, InterContinental, etc.), and a wide selection of restaurants and bars. Suitable for business travelers or those who enjoy a more urban atmosphere.
Boutique Hotels/Guesthouses in Hutongs: Such as “Gucheng Laoyuan” and “Duge Siheyuan,” these are more expensive (1500+ RMB/night) but offer a unique experience. Note: Sound insulation and heating in older buildings may not be as good as in modern hotels.
Near Beijing Railway Station/Beijing South Railway Station: Convenient if you plan to travel by train to other cities (such as Shanghai or Xi’an). However, the surrounding area can be chaotic.
Best time to travel & monthly highlights
- April–May and September–October: Prime season. Temperatures range from 15–25°C, with mostly sunny days and moderate humidity. The only downside is the large number of tourists and high prices for airfare and hotels.
- June–August: Hot (30°C+), sometimes with heavy rain, but lush vegetation, and the lotus flowers in the Summer Palace are in bloom. Be sure to protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated. Indoor activities (museums, shopping malls) are good options.
- November–March: Cold (temperatures can drop to -10°C), but with stunning snowscapes—the Forbidden City and Great Wall after a snowfall are breathtaking. Fewer tourists and cheaper airfare. However, note that sections of the Great Wall may be closed due to snow, and the lake in the Summer Palace may freeze over. Down jackets, hats, and gloves are necessary.
Monthly Highlights
- January: Ice and snow activities. The Kunming Lake ice rink and Shichahai ice rink in the Summer Palace are open for skating and ice sledding.
- February: Spring Festival temple fairs. The Ditan Temple Fair and Longtan Lake Temple Fair, among others, will be held, featuring dragon and lion dances, acrobatic performances, folk handicraft displays, and local snacks, offering a strong festive atmosphere.
- April: Yuyuantan Cherry Blossom Festival.
- December: Xizhimen Catholic Church and the Harry Potter area of Universal Studios Beijing will be decorated for Christmas, with special events such as a “Snowy Hogwarts” themed area. Major shopping malls and parks will hold New Year’s Eve countdown events to welcome the new year.
Practical travel tips
Language and Communication
Language and Communication Mandarin is the official language. Most young people can speak basic English, but taxi drivers, small restaurant owners, and police officers may not. The following phrases are useful:
- Hello / Nǐ hǎo
- Thank you / Xièxiè
- Excuse me / Qǐngwèn… (You can say “Excuse me, the restroom?”)
- How much? / Duōshao qián?
- This / Zhège (pointing at something)
- No spicy / Bú yào là
- I need to pay / Wǒ yào mǎi dān (used when paying the bill)
Translation Apps: Download Google Translate (offline package), or Baidu Translate (faster in China).
Internet & Mobile Phone
Your foreign SIM card can usually roam, but speeds may be slow and expensive. A better recommendation is:
- Buy a local SIM card (China Unicom/China Mobile/China Telecom) at the airport; you’ll need your passport. For short trips, consider a “tourist card” (e.g., 15 days for 150 RMB, including 30GB).
- Alternatively, rent a portable WiFi device (available on Klook and Ctrip).
VPN: Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc., are not directly usable in mainland China (except for some hotels and roaming). If you need them, be sure to install a working VPN (such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN) before departure and test it. Don’t wait until you arrive in Beijing to download them.
Payments and Currency
- Cash is still important: most small restaurants, farmers’ markets, taxis, and tourist stalls accept cash. It’s best to exchange some small denominations (10, 20, and 50 yuan).
- Mobile payments: Almost everyone uses Alipay or WeChat Pay. You can try linking an international credit card—Alipay supports Visa/Mastercard, but there may be fees and limits. Another option: have a Chinese friend transfer money to you as a “red envelope,” or pay cash in small shops.
- Credit cards: Large shopping malls, star-rated hotels, and upscale restaurants accept Visa/Mastercard, but many places only accept UnionPay. Don’t rely solely on credit cards.
Tipping: There is no tipping culture in China. It’s not necessary to tip. This applies to taxis, restaurants, and hotels. If the service is exceptionally good, you can leave some change, but it’s not required.
Safety and Health
- It’s not recommended to drink tap water directly. Buy bottled water (very cheap, 1-2 yuan) or bring your own kettle to boil.
- Smog: Air pollution can be severe in winter. You can download the “AirVisual” or “Zaiyi Air” app to check the PM2.5 index. If the index is high (>150), wear an N95 mask.
- It’s best to bring your own cold and stomach medicine—prescription drugs are not readily available.
Your Beijing Trip Recommendation
If you want to turn these into a route that truly suits you, or if you want someone to combine attractions, food, and off-the-beaten-path experiences into a convenient itinerary based on your pace, interests, and length of stay, we can arrange it for you.
Recommended classic Beijing travel：
5-Day Beijing and Xi’an Private Tour
7-Day China Private Tour: Beijing, Xi’an & Shanghai Highlights
The links to tourist attractions in this article are from: China Travel Book
