Beijing Travel Guide: Your Complete Guide to China's Imperial Capital
Everything you need to know: Great Wall access, Forbidden City tickets, safe street food, WeChat Pay setup, scam prevention, and hidden gems locals love
Discover Beijing's best attractions, authentic food, budget tips, and safety advice. In-depth travel guide for Western visitors to China's ancient capital.
Why Beijing? Quick Overview
Everything Western visitors need to know before booking
3,000 Years of History
Walk through 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Forbidden City and Great Wall
Imperial palaces, ancient temples, and dynasties that shaped civilization
Authentic Peking Duck & Street Food
From Michelin-starred restaurants to safe street food markets
Fine dining, street food, everything available
Budget-Friendly ($50-150/day)
Affordable luxury: 5-star hotels at $80/night, metro rides at $0.50
Deep version guide includes WeChat/Alipay payment setup guide
Beyond Tourist Traps
Deep version guide includes practical anti-scam tips to avoid being cheated
Common local scams, overcharging, and more
🏔️ Planning a Road Trip in Western China?
Get our FREE high-altitude driving safety guide before you go!
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Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Beijing
With prices, transport directions, and insider tips to avoid crowds
1. The Great Wall at Mutianyu
$10 entrance + $15 cable carLess crowded than Badaling, with restored sections and cable car access. Walk along 2,000-year-old fortifications with mountain views.
🚇 How to get there: Bus 916 from Dongzhimen (2 hours) or private tour $40-60
💡 Pro tip: Go early (8am) to avoid crowds. Wear hiking shoes. Sections 6-23 are best for photos.
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2. Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
$9 (book online 10 days ahead)World's largest palace complex with 980 buildings. Home to 24 emperors during Ming and Qing dynasties. Audio guides available in English.
🚇 How to get there: Subway Line 1 to Tiananmen East, 5-min walk
💡 Pro tip: Enter from south (Tiananmen), exit north. Avoid Mondays (closed). Bring passport for ticket.
3. Temple of Heaven
$2 park entry, $5 inner templeWhere emperors prayed for harvests. Watch locals practice tai chi, play traditional instruments, and dance in the park (free entertainment!).
🚇 How to get there: Subway Line 5 to Tiantan Dongmen
💡 Pro tip: Visit 6-8am to see morning exercises. The Echo Wall is a must-try acoustic wonder.
4. Summer Palace
$5 entrance, $8 combo ticketImperial garden with Kunming Lake, marble boat, and Long Corridor (world's longest painted gallery at 728m).
🚇 How to get there: Subway Line 4 to Beigongmen
💡 Pro tip: Rent a boat ($10/hour) or walk the Long Corridor. Sunset views are spectacular.
5. 798 Art District
Free (galleries may charge $3-5)Former factory turned contemporary art hub. Galleries, cafes, street art, and English-speaking artists. Free to explore.
🚇 How to get there: Subway Line 14 to Jiangtai, then 10-min walk
💡 Pro tip: Best on weekends. Combine with nearby Sanlitun for nightlife. Instagram paradise!
Practical Travel Tips for Beijing
Answers to the most common questions from Western travelers
Is WeChat Pay/Alipay mandatory? Can I use credit cards?
Most restaurants and shops prefer mobile payments, but tourist sites accept cash (CNY) and some take Visa/Mastercard. Our guide includes step-by-step WeChat Pay setup for foreigners (requires Chinese bank account OR use Tour Pass feature for tourists). ATMs are everywhere - Bank of China has best rates.
Is it safe for foreigners to travel alone in Beijing?
Yes! Beijing is one of Asia's safest capitals for foreigners. Violent crime is rare. Main concerns: pickpockets in crowded subways (keep bags front), tea house scams near Forbidden City (decline unsolicited invites), and fake taxis (use Didi app). Our deep version guide lists common precautions and anti-scam tips.
Where to stay? Hotels with English-speaking staff?
Dongcheng District (near Forbidden City) or Chaoyang (business district) are best. Recommended: PEK Hotel ($60/night, rooftop bar), The Opposite House ($200, design hotel), or Airbnb in hutongs ($40). All major chains (Hilton, Marriott) have English staff.
How to get from airport to city?
Airport Express train to city center: $4, 30 minutes, runs 6am-11pm. Didi (Chinese Uber) costs $20-30. Beijing subway has English signs and announcements.
Can I eat street food safely? Vegetarian options?
Yes! Look for busy stalls (high turnover = fresh food). Wangfujing Snack Street is touristy but safe. For authentic eats: Guijie Street (ghost street) for crawfish, or Qianmen for dumplings. Vegetarian? Buddhist restaurants are everywhere - try 'King's Joy' (Michelin-starred veggie).
Common scams to avoid?
Tea ceremony scam is the most common - fake students invite you to a tea house, then the bill is $200+. Our deep version PDF guide includes detailed descriptions of all common scams and how to avoid them.
My Personal Experience in Beijing
I am a native Southern Chinese, and I love to travel. I worked for a few years after graduation and have been a freelancer for a total of 15 years now. During this time, I've traveled to many places across China and taken countless photos. I share my most genuine feelings and hope to assist our international friends with their travel in China.
I have been to Shanghai three times in total.
The first time was a business trip right after graduation. I stayed in Pudong near the financial district. The contrast between the futuristic skyline and traditional neighborhoods amazed me. However, I found the fast-paced lifestyle quite overwhelming as a Southerner used to a more relaxed pace.
The second time, I spent a week exploring the city properly. I walked along the Bund at night, got lost in the French Concession's tree-lined streets, visited Yu Garden, and took the Maglev train. I also discovered amazing xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) in local restaurants that tourists rarely find.
Shanghai is a must-visit destination for foreign friends because it perfectly represents modern China while preserving its colonial heritage. It's the country's financial hub and offers a unique blend of East-meets-West culture. The city is incredibly foreigner-friendly with English signage, international restaurants, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Shanghai's infrastructure has improved dramatically. The metro system now covers the entire city, making it easy to get anywhere. Air quality has gotten better with stricter environmental policies. The waterfront areas have been beautifully renovated, and new cultural venues like museums and art galleries open regularly. These changes make Shanghai one of Asia's most livable cities.
The above represents some of my genuine personal experiences. I hope you will have even more amazing experiences in Shanghai. This website will launch an online interactive feature soon. We welcome your questions and encourage you to share your own stories! We will curate and select the best comments to regularly feature in a "Visitor Stories" column.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Beijing
Real questions from travelers planning their trip
Q1: What are the biggest mistakes Western visitors make in Beijing, and how can I avoid them?
Mistake #1: Not booking Forbidden City tickets in advance (sells out 10 days ahead in peak season). #2: Going to Badaling Great Wall (overcrowded) instead of Mutianyu. #3: Eating at tourist restaurants near Tiananmen (overpriced, mediocre). #4: Not downloading VPN before arrival (Google, Facebook blocked). #5: Assuming everyone speaks English (learn 5 basic phrases). #6: Overpacking itinerary (Beijing traffic is brutal - allow buffer time).
Q2: As a foreigner, how long can I stay in China visa-free? Where can I check this information?
Visa-free duration varies by nationality (typically 15-30 days for eligible countries). Check official sources: a) Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China - Consular Service website, b) National Immigration Administration of China official platform, c) Chinese Embassy/Consulate in your home country. Requirements and eligible countries change frequently, so always verify before booking flights.
Q3: Do I need travel insurance for China, and what should it cover?
Yes, highly recommended! Your insurance should cover: medical emergencies (hospitals may require upfront payment), medical evacuation, trip cancellation/interruption, lost luggage, and personal liability. Ensure it covers adventure activities if you plan hiking (Great Wall) or skiing. Some policies exclude pre-existing conditions. Recommended providers: World Nomads, SafetyWing, or Allianz. Cost: $30-80 for a week. Keep policy documents offline as you may not access cloud storage without VPN.
Q4: Is Didi (China's Uber) safe and easy for foreigners?
Yes! Didi is safe, affordable, and foreigner-friendly. Download the app before arrival and link an international credit card or Alipay/WeChat Pay. The app has English interface. Drivers may not speak English, but the app translates your destination. Safety features: GPS tracking, driver ratings, emergency button. Cost: 50-70% cheaper than taxis. Pro tip: Screenshot your destination in Chinese to show drivers if needed. Avoid unlicensed 'black cabs' at airports.
Q5: Do all hotels accept foreigners, or are some 'Chinese only'?
Not all hotels can accept foreigners - they need a special license to register foreign passports. International chains (Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt) and most 3-star+ hotels in major cities are licensed. Budget hostels and small guesthouses may not be. Always confirm when booking: look for 'accepts foreign guests' or ask directly. Bring your passport - hotels must register you with local police within 24 hours (standard procedure, not concerning).
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