Beijing Travel Guide

Beijing is worth a week of your time in China to explore its historic heritage. However, this city is relatively recent in China's history, having served as the imperial capital for about the last 800 years. The empire's centre of gravity used to be further south in Xi'an, which is also worth a visit.

Visit Calendar

Getting in

Beijing has 2 international airports. The older Capital airport northeast of the city has the most international connections and has a train line into the city. The newer Daxing airport to the south just opened recently with fewer overseas connections but they also have a high-speed train line. If flying in from abroad, Daxing is less crowded as its international schedule is not busy yet.

Where to stay

Beijing is huge, and its historical attractions are dispersed around the city. Several imperial parks are in the northwestern outskirts, whereas the Great Wall is a day trip out of town. As long as you stay near a metro station within the 2nd ring, getting around shouldn't be a major issue. You will rely on the metro regardless of where you live anyway.

Getting around

The metro network is extensive with cheap fares and you can reach pretty much all major attractions with it. However, interchanges can require very long walks and rush hour crowds are insane. Sometimes, buses are a better bet if you need to otherwise change metro lines a few times but it is hard to locate information in English. Mapping a most efficient route would require knowledge of Chinese through one of its mapping engines such as Baidu.

How to pay

Ordinary Chinese DO NOT use cash anymore but rely on their phones for QR codes through Alipay or WeChat. Even small shops, street vendors and beggars can handle mobile payments. Set these up before you leave for China and make sure you have a data plan while on the ground. With these 2 apps, you can pay admission fees, meals, and even your metro rides easily across the country.

Structuring your visit

A first visit to China should include Beijing, Shanghai and Xian. High-speed trains make intercity travel a lot easier, but for foreigners, getting a ticket can be a challenge. If you cannot secure a ticket on the official website, try Trip.com. Note that there are no discounts for advanced travel and tickets are only released within 2 weeks of departure. A proper trip to all 3 cities would take 2 weeks.

Off the beaten track

If you would like a more detailed visit to the northern part of China, consider visiting :

  • Qingdao - German colonial influence
  • Dalian - Russian influence
  • Changchun - capital of the Japanese puppet state during World War II
  • Harbin - incredible winter festival

    • These are the must-see places for your first trip to Beijing.

    Forbidden City

    National Museum

    Do secure your tickets beforehand for both the palace and the museum. Budget half a day for each and prepare to have tired feet! Keep in mind many of the artifacts that were part of the imperial court were shipped to Taiwan when the Nationalist party fled the imminent Communist victory. Hence, a visit to the Forbidden City is not complete unless you also make your way to their corresponding museums in Taipei and Chiayi.

    Great Wall

    There's always a debate on which section of the Great Wall to visit. Badaling is the easiest since it's right on the high-speed train line, but is the most crowded. Mutianyu is my preferred choice because it's not too far, manageable for a day trip, and has unrestored sections for that authentic look. It is a long exercise day so do plan a sumptuous dinner afterwards.

    Houhai

    Hutongs

    The Houhai area has turned quite touristy with plenty of bars. However, it is still worth a walk around the lake and to visit Prince Kung's historic home. Similarly, the hutongs in this neighbourhood have also been commercialized, so while you tour Nanluogu Xiang, do venture off into the side streets which have remained residential. Also, do go up the Drum and Bell Towers for a magnificent view.

    Meanwhile, Qianmen is a complete reconstructed Disneyland with shops set amidst historic-looking buildings. There is nothing historic about any of these structures but there are a few old brand names with new stores here that are worth a peek.

    The New Qianmen

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