City Overview
Beijing, the capital of China, is a city where ancient history meets modern development. With over 3,000 years of history, it's home to some of China's most iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Temple of Heaven.
Best Time to Visit
April to May and September to October are the best times to visit, with pleasant weather and clear skies.
Climate
Beijing has a continental climate with hot summers and cold, dry winters. Spring and autumn are mild and comfortable.
Rich History
Over 3,000 years of history with numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites
Iconic Landmarks
Home to the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Temple of Heaven
Cultural Hub
Vibrant arts scene, traditional opera, and world-class museums
Must-Visit Attractions
Forbidden City
The imperial palace complex that served as the home of emperors for nearly 500 years. A UNESCO World Heritage site with over 8,000 rooms.
Book tickets online in advance. Closed on Mondays except public holidays. Visit early morning to avoid crowds.
Recommended Itineraries
1-Day Itinerary
Day 1
- Morning: Visit Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City
- Afternoon: Explore Jingshan Park for panoramic views
- Evening: Stroll through Wangfujing Street and enjoy local snacks
Meals: Lunch: Traditional Beijing duck. Dinner: Local street food.
Accommodation
Recommended Areas
- Dongcheng District (near Forbidden City)
- Xicheng District (near Houhai)
- Chaoyang District (modern area with shopping)
Accommodation Types
Beijing offers a wide range of accommodation from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Traditional courtyard hotels (siheyuan) offer a unique experience.
Booking Platforms
International platforms like Booking.com and Agoda work well. For local options, use Ctrip (携程) but you may need help with Chinese interface.
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Food Guide
Local Dishes
Peking Duck
The most famous dish in Beijing, roasted duck served with pancakes, scallions, and sweet bean sauce.
Recommended Places: Quanjude, Da Dong
Recommended Restaurants
- Quanjude - Famous for Peking duck since 1864 (High-end)
Food Notes
Beijing cuisine is known for its rich flavors and imperial heritage. Be prepared for strong flavors and generous portions.
Transportation
Getting There
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) serve the city. High-speed trains connect Beijing to major cities across China.
Within the City
Beijing has one of the world's largest subway networks (28+ lines). Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Didi) are widely available. Bicycle sharing is popular for short distances.
Transportation Tips
Get a transportation card (Yikatong) for convenient subway and bus travel. Download the Beijing Subway app for route planning.
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Shopping
Shopping Items
- Silk products
- Jade jewelry
- Traditional Chinese paintings
- Tea (especially jasmine tea)
- Cloisonné (enamelware)
Shopping Places
Wangfujing Street, Silk Street Market, Panjiayuan Antique Market
Shopping Tips
Bargaining is common in markets. Be polite but firm. Most shops accept mobile payments.
Practical Information
Language Help
Mandarin Chinese is the official language. Learn basic phrases: Hello (你好 nǐ hǎo), Thank you (谢谢 xiè xie), How much (多少钱 duō shǎo qián). Translation apps like Google Translate work but may need VPN.
Currency & Payment
Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB). Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are dominant, though cash is accepted by regulation—carry some small bills for taxis and small shops. Credit cards are mainly taken in hotels and upscale restaurants.
Emergency Contacts
Police: 110, Medical: 120, Fire: 119. Tourist Hotline: 12301
