Beijing

Beijing Travel Guide

Welcome to Beijing, the capital city of China! As one of the world’s most populous cities, Beijing offers a unique blend of traditional culture, historical landmarks, and modern attractions. This guide is designed to help you navigate this fascinating city and make the most of your trip.

Places to Go

Historical Landmarks

  • The Forbidden City: The largest palace complex in the world, built in 1406 to serve as the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. (Must-see attraction)
  • The Great Wall of China: One of the most impressive architectural achievements in history, this ancient fortification stretches over 13,000 miles across China.
  • Tiananmen Square: The heart of Beijing’s city center, featuring monuments to Chairman Mao and the National Museum of China.

Cultural Attractions

  • The Temple of Heaven: A stunning example of Ming dynasty architecture, built in 1420 as a place for emperors to pray for good harvests.
  • The Summer Palace: A vast imperial park with beautiful gardens, temples, and lakes.
  • The Hutongs: Narrow, winding alleys that crisscross the city, offering a glimpse into traditional Beijing life.

Modern Attractions

  • The National Aquatics Center (Water Cube): A futuristic sports venue built for the 2008 Olympics.
  • The China Central Television Tower (CCTV Tower): A sleek skyscraper with panoramic views of the city.
  • The Wangfujing Shopping Street: One of Beijing’s most famous shopping streets, lined with high-end boutiques and restaurants.

Activities

Outdoor Activities

  • Take a stroll along the Forbidden City’s moat: Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and beautiful gardens surrounding this ancient palace complex.
  • Rent a bike and ride in the Temple of Heaven park: Explore the scenic trails and take in the sights and sounds of nature.
  • Visit the Beijing Zoo: A popular spot for families, featuring giant pandas, giraffes, and other exotic animals.

Cultural Experiences

  • Attend an opera performance at the Peking Opera Theatre: Experience the traditional music, dance, and acrobatics that make up this unique art form.
  • Take a cooking class: Learn how to prepare traditional Chinese dishes like dumplings, noodles, or stir-fries.
  • Visit a local market: Browse the stalls selling everything from souvenirs to fresh produce.

Where to Eat

Traditional Restaurants

  • Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant: A legendary spot for Peking duck, served in a historic building with elegant decor.
  • Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant: Another popular restaurant serving this iconic dish.
  • Old Beijing Hot Pot Restaurant: A cozy spot for hot pot enthusiasts.

Modern Restaurants

  • The Cut: A trendy steakhouse with high-quality meats and sides.
  • The Bird’s Nest Cafe: A chic cafe serving coffee, pastries, and light bites in a stylish atmosphere.
  • Ming Court: A modern Chinese restaurant with creative dishes and elegant decor.

Where to Stay

Luxury Hotels

  • The Four Seasons Hotel Beijing: A 5-star hotel located in the heart of the city, offering stunning views and top-notch service.
  • The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing: Another high-end hotel featuring luxurious rooms and excellent amenities.
  • The Peninsula Beijing: A stylish hotel with elegant decor and a prime location.

Mid-Range Hotels

  • The Novotel Xinqiao Hotel: A 3-star hotel offering comfortable rooms and good services at an affordable price.
  • The Ibis Jinzhou Hotel: A budget-friendly option with clean, functional rooms and basic amenities.
  • The Home Inn Beijing Wangfujing Hotel: A simple yet convenient spot for travelers on a tight budget.

Things to Know

Weather

Beijing’s climate is continental, with hot summers (June-August) and cold winters (December-February). Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are mild and pleasant.

Language

Mandarin Chinese is the official language of Beijing. While many locals speak some English, it’s still a good idea to learn basic phrases like “hello” (nǐ hǎo), “thank you” (xiè xiè), and “excuse me” (duì bù qǐ).

Currency

The Renminbi (RMB) is the official currency of China. You can exchange your money at banks, hotels, or currency exchange offices.

Safety

Beijing is generally a safe city for tourists, but petty theft and scams are not uncommon. Be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas, and never leave valuables unattended.

Transportation

Public Transportation

  • Subway: The best way to get around the city, with six lines and over 150 stations.
  • Bus: An affordable option for shorter journeys.
  • Taxi: A convenient but sometimes congested mode of transportation.

Ride-Hailing Apps

  • Didi Chuxing (Uber): One of China’s largest ride-hailing services.
  • Tencent’s Shenzhou Taxi App: Another popular ride-hailing app.

Tips and Tricks

Learn Some Chinese Characters

Learning basic characters like "" (nǐ hǎo, hello) and "" (xiè xiè, thank you) can go a long way in communicating with locals.

Bring Comfortable Shoes

Beijing is a city built for walking, so make sure to bring comfortable shoes for exploring the sights.

Respect Local Customs

When visiting temples or other cultural sites, be sure to dress modestly and respect local customs.

Don’t Tip

Tipping is not expected in China, but if you do want to show appreciation for good service, a small tip (5-10 CNY) would be appreciated.