Beijing
Beijing
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
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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
🍜 Food Highlights Locally recommended
Discover local food highlights in Beijing
Local Food Highlights
Hand-picked local dining picks in Beijing
Local Recommend
12 placesBeijing Kitchen
Various locations
Ju Qi
Various locations including Wangfujing
Li Qun Roast Duck
11 Qianmen St, Xicheng District
Affordable
14 placesHua Jia Yi Yuan
8 Dongzhimen South St, Dongcheng District
Shi Cheng Yi Wei
28 Sanlitun Rd, Chaoyang District
Du Shi Shaomai Guan
58 Xinjiekou Dajie, Xicheng District
Street Food
8 placesFangzhuanchang No.69 Zhajiang Noodles
Dongcheng District, Nanluoguxiang No.1
Huguosi Snacks
Xicheng District, Huguosi Street
Yaoji Fried Liver
Dongcheng District, Dongsi Bei Dajie
🍜 Explore all food in Beijing
Michelin, Black Pearl, Local Recommend - 3-tier filter
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🗺️ Three-in-One Food Map
Layer controls: Michelin stars, Black Pearl rankings, and local recommendations
“Help me plan Food Highlights in Beijing”
🏛️ Top Attractions (54 places)
Discover the best attractions in Beijing
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Forbidden City
HistoricalThe 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
Great Wall (Badaling)
HistoricalThe 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
Temple of Heaven
CulturalA 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
Summer Palace
CulturalThe 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
Tiananmen Square
HistoricalThe 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
“Help me plan Top Attractions in Beijing”
🚇 Getting Around
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¥ depending on distance
- • Peak hours: 7:00-9:00, 17:00-19:00 - expect crowds
- • Metro maps available in English at stations
- • Line 1 (red): Runs east-west through city center
- • Line 2 (blue): Circular line passing major sites
- • Line 5 (orange): Connects southern districts
- • Line 10 (purple): Major cross-district line
- • Airport Express Line: Connects city center to PEK (25¥)
- • Daxing Line: Connects to new Daxing Airport (25¥)
- • First train: 05:00, Last train: 23:00 (varies by line)
- • Women-only cars available on some lines during peak
🚌 Bus
- • Extensive network covering areas not served by metro
- • Single ride: 2¥ (flat fee for regular buses)
- • Air-conditioned buses: 3¥
- • Night buses: 2-5 yuan depending on distance
- • Download Beijing Transport app for real-time info
- • Route numbers: 1-99 for main lines, 100+ for secondary
- • Elderly/disabled: Free with proper ID
- • Tips: Have exact change ready, or use transit card
🚕 Taxi
- • Starting fare: 13¥ (first 3km)
- • Waiting: 0.8¥ per minute
- • Night surcharge: 20% extra (23:00-05:00)
- • Always insist on meter use
- • Didi app works well for English speakers
- • Long distance trips: 2.3¥ per km after 15km
- • Congestion fee: May apply during rush hours in central area
- • Electric taxis increasingly common (same rates)
- • Airport to city center: 100-150¥ by taxi
🚴 Bike
- • Mobike, Hello bikes widely available
- • Unlock: 1-2¥, then 0.5-1¥ per 15 minutes
- • Bike lanes common, follow traffic rules
- • International credit cards work with Alipay/WeChat
- • Designated parking zones required for shared bikes
- • Electric bikes available (need license plate)
- • Caution: Traffic can be chaotic, stay alert
“Help me plan Getting Around in Beijing”
🏨 Where to Stay
Browse 180 vetted hotels across 6 categories in Beijing
“Help me plan Where to Stay in Beijing”
💳 Payment & Money
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¥ and 100¥ 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
UnionPay
China's domestic card network, widely accepted at ATMs and merchants
How to Use:
- 1. Works at any ATM accepting UnionPay cards
- 1. Accepted at most stores, hotels, and restaurants
- 1. International cards often work with UnionPay terminals
Tips:
- • Can withdraw RMB directly from international cards
- • Widely accepted at all banks
- • Lower fees than credit cards for cash withdrawals
Foreign Exchange
Currency exchange at banks and exchange offices
How to Use:
- 1. Official exchange counters at airports
- 1. Bank branches with exchange services
- 1. Major hotels often have exchange services
Tips:
- • Airport exchange counters offer poor rates
- • Bank of China and ICBC give better rates
- • Bring passport for all exchanges
💳 Recommended Payment Apps
Switch to English mode in app settings if you see Chinese interface. Both Alipay and WeChat Pay support foreign credit cards.
“Help me plan Payment & Money in Beijing”
📶 SIM & eSIM
Stay connected with data.
📱 eSIM (Recommended)
eSIM is the easiest way to get data in China. No physical SIM needed - activate instantly on arrival.
💡 Pro Tips
- • eSIM works best if your phone supports it (iPhone XS+ and most Android flagships).
- • Download eSIM apps before arriving in China.
- • Airalo and Holafly offer China-specific plans with unlimited data options.
“Help me plan SIM & eSIM in Beijing”
📱 Essential Apps
Download these before you arrive.
📱Essential Apps for Beijing
Download these apps before arriving in China.
Essential messaging, payments, mini-programs, and social platform for daily life in China. Supports English interface.
China's dominant payment app. Pay anywhere, transfer money, access government services. Full English support available.
Link your foreign card to WeChat Pay for QR code payments at stores and restaurants throughout China.
Book taxis, private cars, and rides with English interface. Supports international credit cards and English destination input.
Navigate with turn-by-turn directions in English. Search places using English. Works offline with download.
Order food delivery, browse restaurant menus (with translation), find deals. Has English menu feature for local restaurants.
The ultimate Chinese learning companion. Camera OCR, flash cards, example sentences. Essential for reading menus and signs.
Point your camera at Chinese text for instant translation. Download offline Chinese language pack.
Chinese social platform with local recommendations, reviews, and travel guides. Great for finding hidden gems and local tips.
Easy train ticket booking with English interface. Supports international credit cards.
The Yelp+Groupon of China. Browse restaurant reviews, find deals, and book tables. English interface available.
Best rates for currency exchange. Get a Wise card for travel with real exchange rates and low fees in China.
Stay connected in China with affordable eSIM data plans. No physical SIM needed. Supports China data packages.
High-precision navigation, real-time traffic updates, and walking directions. Popular among locals.
More accurate than Google for nuanced Chinese. Great for menu translation and conversations.
Unlimited data plans for China. Easy setup, instant activation. Perfect for travelers who need reliable internet.
Major food delivery platform with wide restaurant coverage. Track your order in real-time.
Scan QR codes to enter metro stations in Shanghai and other cities. Links to Alipay/WeChat Pay.
💡Download before arriving—app stores may be restricted.
“Help me plan Essential Apps in Beijing”
🎎 Cultural Tips (32 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.
Number Taboos
High PriorityThe number 4 is considered extremely unlucky (sounds like 'death'). Avoid giving gifts in sets of 4. The number 8 is very lucky (sounds like 'prosperity'). 6 signifies smoothness. 9 signifies forever.
Color Symbolism
High PriorityWhite and black represent mourning/death - avoid wearing to celebrations. Red represents luck and joy - appropriate for festive occasions. Yellow was imperial color - wear respectfully.
Gift Giving Taboos
Medium PriorityAvoid giving clocks (sounds like 'death'), scissors (cutting ties), or pears (sounds like 'separation'). Umbrellas sound like 'scattering'. Wrap gifts in red - avoid white or black wrapping for celebrations.
Chopstick Etiquette
High PriorityNever stick chopsticks vertically in rice (funeral ritual). Don't point with chopsticks or wave them around. Don't pass food directly chopstick-to-chopstick (used in funeral rites).
Seating Arrangements
Medium PriorityThe host faces the door; most honored guest sits to the left of host. Wait for 'please eat' before starting. The guest of honor will be offered the first serve. Leave some food to show you're satisfied.
“Help me plan Cultural Tips in Beijing”
🚨 Emergency Contacts (18 contacts)
Important phone numbers in Beijing
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⚠️ In an emergency, call the appropriate number immediately. English-speaking operators may be available in China.
💡 Foreign travelers in China should also save +86-10-12308 — the Consular Protection Hotline, a 24/7 English line run by China’s Foreign Ministry.
Quick Dial (Inside China)
Note: The SOS button in the bottom-right corner of any page provides instant access to emergency services with translation and GPS location sharing.
🌐 For Foreign Visitors (Reachable Internationally)
These numbers work from outside mainland China. They are the right first-call for tourists who lose their passport, are arrested, need medical help with a foreign card, or face any other emergency.
Consular Protection Hotline
Intl24-hour consular protection hotline for foreigners in China. Call for lost passports, arrest, accidents, or other consular support.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hour Service
Intl24-hour service line of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Tourist Complaint & Help
IntlNational tourism complaint line and tourist assistance.
Cultural Market (IP)
IntlReport cultural-market violations (tourist traps, unlicensed guides).
Government Service
IntlGeneral-purpose government service hotline; many cities answer in basic English.
Traffic Police Service
IntlTraffic police general service line.
🏥 Hospitals
Beijing United Family Hospital
2 Xiangjiang Mid Rd, Chaoyang District
English-speaking staff, accepts international insurance
Peking Union Medical College Hospital
1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District
Best public hospital for complex cases
Beijing Friendship Hospital
95 Yong'an Rd, Xicheng District
Well-known for tropical medicine and liver diseases
Beijing Tiantan Hospital
119 West Rd, Fengtai District
Famous for neurosurgery and neurology
🏛️ Embassies & Consulates
US Embassy Beijing
55 Anjialou Rd, Chaoyang District
For US citizens: 24h line +86 10 8531 3000
UK Embassy Beijing
11 Guanghua Rd, Chaoyang District
For UK citizens: 24h consular emergency line
Japan Embassy Beijing
1 Liangmaqiao Rd, Chaoyang District
Japanese citizens can also use +86 10 8561 3119 for emergencies
Australian Embassy Beijing
21 Dongzhimenwai St, Chaoyang District
24h emergency line for Australian citizens
German Embassy Beijing
9 Sanlitun Dongzhimenwai Rd, Chaoyang District
For German citizens: 24h emergency line available
French Embassy Beijing
60 Tianzelu Rd, Chaoyang District
For French citizens: consular services and emergency assistance
Canadian Embassy Beijing
10 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District
24h emergency line for Canadian citizens
Russian Embassy Beijing
4 Dongzhimen Beizhan, Dongcheng District
For Russian citizens: consular services available
Italian Embassy Beijing
1 Sanlitun Dongzhimenwai Rd, Chaoyang District
For Italian citizens: emergency assistance available
📞 Other Emergency Numbers
Beijing Emergency Center
Various locations citywide
English operators available at some locations
Beijing Public Security Bureau
Qianmen area
Tourist police stations at major attractions
Beijing Fire Brigade
Various stations
Also handles rescue operations
Beijing Tourist Police
Various locations at major attractions
English-speaking officers at key tourist areas including Tiananmen, Qianmen, and Badaling Great Wall
Beijing Tourist Complaint Hotline
Citywide coverage
For tourist complaints, refunds, and emergency assistance
“Help me plan Emergency Contacts in Beijing”