About Beijing
Beijing, China's sprawling capital, is a mesmerizing blend of ancient imperial grandeur and modern dynamism. At its heart lies the Forbidden City, a vast palace complex that served as the imperial seat for five centuries, surrounded by Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest public plazas. Just north of the city center, the Summer Palace offers serene lakes and classical gardens, while the iconic Great Wall snakes across the mountainous outskirts, with Mutianyu and Badaling being the most accessible sections. Beijing's cultural soul is found in its labyrinthine hutongs (ancient alleyways), where traditional courtyard homes stand in contrast to the futuristic architecture of the CBD and the Olympic Park. The city is a culinary paradise, famous for Peking duck, and a hub for Peking opera and traditional tea houses. As a political and cultural epicenter, Beijing provides an unparalleled journey through China's past, present, and future.
Things to do in Beijing
Beijing: All Inclusive 3-Day Top Highlights Private Tour
From $560
5.0 (275)
Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall Private Tour
Beijing to Xi'an See Terracotta Warriors with Bullet Train Round Trip Transfer
Beijing Capital Airport Layover Mutianyu Great Wall Private Tour
Jinshanling Private Tour with Night View of Simatai and Gubei Water Town from Beijing
From $261.32
5.0 (102)
All-inclusive Private Day Tour to Mutianyu Great Wall
From $188
5.0 (91)
Mutianyu Great Wall Private Day Tour With English-Speaking Driver
Beijing :Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Private Tour
Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall Private Tour with Options
From $80
5.0 (68)
Mutianyu Great Wall And Summer Palace Private Day Tour
Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef
From $20
5.0 (65)
Private Day to T-Square, Forbidden city, Temple of heaven, Summer palace Tour
From $182
5.0 (64)
Private Tour to Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City
Mutianyu Great Wall 5-Kilometer Guided Hike with Uphill Cable Car
From $65
5.0 (57)
Beijing Culture: Tea Ceremony, Heritage Instrument & Calligraphy
From $78.6
5.0 (57)Places to visit in Beijing
希尔顿欢朋酒店
希尔顿欢朋酒店, 北苑东路辅路, 100012 Chaoyang District, China
长沙宾馆
长沙宾馆, 大屯北路, Datun, 100101 Chaoyang District, China
水晶酒店
水晶酒店, Datun road, Datun, 100101 Chaoyang District, China
中奥马哥孛罗大酒店
Marco Polo Parkside Hotel, 安立路, Datun, 100101 Chaoyang District, China
国天招待所
NAOC Guest House, Beichen West Road, Aoyuncun, 100101 Chaoyang District, China
旗帜
旗帜, Datun North Road, Aoyuncun, 100101 Chaoyang District, China
奋进
奋进, 30 Shuangqing Road, Xueyuanlu Subdistrict, 100084 Haidian District, China
同质异构
同质异构, 30 Shuangqing Road, 100084 Haidian District, China
世界
世界, 30 Shuangqing Road, 100084 Haidian District, China
如家酒店
Home Inn, 北沙滩路, Aoyuncun, 100083 Chaoyang District, China
星程酒店
星程酒店, Shuangqing Road, Xueyuanlu Subdistrict, 100091 Haidian District, China
含经堂
含经堂, 独木桥, 青龙桥街道, 100084 Haidian District, China
上下天光
上下天光, 福缘门路, 青龙桥街道, 100871 Haidian District, China
茹古涵今
茹古涵今, 万泉河路, 青龙桥街道, 100871 Haidian District, China
如家酒店
Home Inn, 逸清南路, Xueyuanlu Subdistrict, 100091 Haidian District, China
Travel Tips for Beijing
Getting Around
Beijing's subway system is extensive, efficient, and inexpensive, covering most tourist sites. Buses are cheap but can be crowded and challenging without Chinese language skills. Taxis are abundant and affordable; ensure they use the meter. Ride-hailing apps like Didi Chuxing (similar to Uber) are widely used. Bicycles and e-bikes are available for rent via apps like Meituan or Hello Bike. Walking is great for exploring hutongs and city centers.
Best Time To Visit
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer mild temperatures, clear skies, and comfortable weather, ideal for sightseeing. Autumn is particularly beautiful with fall foliage. Summer (June-August) can be hot, humid, and crowded. Winter (December-February) is cold and dry, with occasional smog, but fewer tourists and possible snow on the Great Wall.
Local Customs
Greet with a nod or handshake rather than hugs. Present and receive items, especially business cards, with both hands. Avoid direct criticism or sensitive political topics. Dress modestly when visiting temples or official sites. Tipping is not customary and can be refused; it's practiced only in high-end international hotels or tour guides. Respect queues, though crowding is common. When dining, the host often orders for the group.
Safety Information
Beijing is generally very safe with low violent crime. Be vigilant against petty theft in crowded tourist areas like Wangfujing or the Silk Market. Common scams include overpriced tea ceremonies, 'art student' gallery tours, and counterfeit goods sold as genuine. Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps. Political demonstrations are extremely rare and should be avoided. Traffic can be chaotic; exercise caution when crossing streets.
Health Information
Beijing has high-standard medical facilities, including Peking Union Medical College Hospital and international clinics. Air pollution can be a concern, especially in winter; sensitive travelers should monitor AQI and consider masks. Tap water is not drinkable; use bottled water. Ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Medical services are generally good but can be expensive for foreigners without travel insurance. Pharmacies are widely available.
Languages Spoken
Mandarin Chinese
Quick Facts
Currency
Chinese Yuan (CNY)
¥
¥
Timezone
Asia/Shanghai +08:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+86
Electricity
Driving Side
Right
Population
21.9 million
Area
16410.54 km²
Government
Municipality directly under the central government, with a Mayor and Municipal People's Congress
ISO Code
CN-22