Introducing Beijing
Charming Beijing
Beijing, the capital and one of my country's "Four Ancient Capitals," is a modern, international metropolis integrating China's politics, economy, culture, and technology, yet it also exudes its unique ancient charm.
The bustling bustle of traffic and the quiet seclusion of scattered alleyways; the world's languages converge in the CBD and Sanlitun, while by the shores of Shichahai, elderly people with a distinct Beijing flair play the erhu and sing Peking opera. Perhaps it's the imperial atmosphere, lingering for millennia, the magic of the imperial capital that draws you in, leaves, and wonders when you'll see it again.
Climate and best time to travel
Spring and autumn are the best seasons to travel to Beijing.
From March to May , the temperature is suitable, flowers are in full bloom, and you can also go to the suburbs to climb the Great Wall and visit ancient temples.
September to October is the best time to enjoy the red leaves and ginkgo trees when the weather is clear and cool.
Recommended number of days and locations for visiting
Forbidden City
If you don't know the places where the emperors have been, and the life of the old emperors of the feudal dynasties, you are unworthy of being the descendants of China.
Ming Tombs
Tomb robbing treasure land, make a fortune, ha ha
Happy Valley
Play the game of Heroes of Heaven and Earth 10 times and experience the feeling of death in advance
Summer Palace
Learn the magical secrets of Feng Shui and choose a good "home" for yourself
Bird's Nest
The venue for the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games is also the place where the world gets to know China. If you say you have been to the Bird's Nest, foreigners will definitely support you.
Prince Gong's Mansion
Heshen's residence is the most complete Qing Dynasty palace among the existing palaces in China.
Badaling Great Wall
“If you haven’t climbed the Great Wall, you are not a true man.” Going to Beijing without climbing the Great Wall is as unimaginable as going to Shanghai without visiting the City God Temple.
Lama Temple
Pray, pray for salvation, and have a car, a house and a wife in your next life
Shichahai
If you don't go to the most charming places in old Beijing, you will feel embarrassed to tell people that you have been to Beijing.
Sanlitun Bar Street
The most fashionable place in Beijing, you must be a trendsetter
Most Popular FAQs for Beijing
What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?
Beijing is the capital of China with over 3,000 years of history. It has been the political and cultural center of several dynasties, most notably the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace. Today, Beijing serves as the political, educational, and cultural hub of modern China, balancing historical heritage with rapid urban development.
Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?
- By Air: Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport connect with global destinations.
- By Train: High-speed rail links Beijing to cities like Shanghai, Xi’an, and Tianjin.
- By Metro: Extensive subway network covers most attractions (e.g., Line 1 for Tiananmen and Forbidden City, Line 4 for Summer Palace).
- By Bus/Taxi: Widely available and affordable, though traffic can be heavy.
- Walking/Biking: Many historic areas like hutongs are best explored on foot or bicycle.
What are the opening hours and best times to visit?
- Most attractions open between 8:00–17:30, but exact times vary by site.
- Best seasons: Spring (April–May) and Autumn (September–October) for pleasant weather.
- Avoid peak times: National holidays (especially October Golden Week) are very crowded.
What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?
- Forbidden City: around 60 RMB, tickets must be booked online in advance.
- Great Wall (Mutianyu): around 45 RMB, tickets can be purchased on-site or online.
- Temple of Heaven: 15–34 RMB depending on access.
- Summer Palace: around 30–60 RMB depending on sections.
- Tickets are available via official websites, WeChat mini-programs, or travel platforms.
Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?
For major attractions like the Forbidden City, booking online in advance is mandatory and recommended at least 1–7 days before. For other attractions, same-day purchase is usually possible, but weekends and holidays may require earlier booking.
Are there any free entry days or discounts (students, seniors, children)?
- Students and seniors often receive half-price discounts with valid ID.
- Children under certain height (usually under 1.2m) enter free.
- Occasional cultural heritage days (e.g., May 18 International Museum Day) may offer free entry.
What documents are required (ID, passport, vaccination, etc.)?
- Foreign visitors must present a passport for ticket booking and entry.
- Chinese citizens use national ID cards.
- Vaccination proof is not usually required for entry into attractions.
Is the attraction open all year round or closed on certain days/holidays?
Most major attractions in Beijing are open year-round, but some sites may close on Mondays (e.g., museums). Opening hours may shorten during winter. Always check the official website before visiting.
How much time is needed to fully explore it?
- Forbidden City: 3–4 hours minimum.
- Great Wall (Mutianyu): Half a day to a full day.
- Temple of Heaven: 1–2 hours.
- Summer Palace: 3–4 hours or half a day.
- Exploring Beijing overall: At least 4–5 days recommended to see highlights.
What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?
- Forbidden City: Hall of Supreme Harmony, Imperial Garden, Palace of Heavenly Purity.
- Great Wall: Watchtowers, cable car viewpoints, less-crowded hiking trails.
- Temple of Heaven: Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Echo Wall.
- Summer Palace: Kunming Lake, Long Corridor, Marble Boat.
- Hutongs: Courtyard houses, Drum Tower, Bell Tower.
Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?
Yes, guided tours are widely available in English, Chinese, and other major languages. Audio guides can be rented at most attractions or downloaded as mobile apps.
What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?
- Jingshan Park hilltop for panoramic view of the Forbidden City.
- Mutianyu Great Wall watchtowers for mountain views.
- Summer Palace’s Seventeen-Arch Bridge at sunset.
- Tiananmen Square for sunrise flag-raising ceremony.
Are there restrictions (bags, cameras, drones, tripods, dress code)?
- Large bags are often not allowed inside the Forbidden City.
- Drones are prohibited in most areas.
- Tripods may require special permits in sensitive sites.
- Modest dress recommended when visiting religious sites.
What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?
- Forbidden City: Enter through Meridian Gate, walk north to the Imperial Garden.
- Great Wall: Take cable car up at Mutianyu, walk between towers 14–23.
- Temple of Heaven: Start at south gate, walk north to Hall of Prayer.
- Summer Palace: Begin at East Palace Gate, circle Kunming Lake.
Can I re-enter with the same ticket?
Most attractions do not allow re-entry with the same ticket, so plan your visit accordingly.
Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?
- Tiananmen Square is open 24 hours for evening strolls.
- Some Great Wall sections offer night tours (e.g., Simatai).
- Seasonal lantern festivals and cultural shows are held at parks and temples.
Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?
Beijing’s top attractions are often crowded, especially during weekends, holidays, and mornings. The least crowded times are weekdays, early mornings, and off-season months (November–March).
What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?
All major attractions have toilets, souvenir shops, food vendors, and rest areas. Some sites like the Summer Palace also have tea houses and small restaurants inside.
Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?
Yes, major attractions like the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven have ramps and wheelchair access, but the Great Wall is challenging for elderly and disabled due to steep steps.
Are baby strollers or wheelchairs allowed/provided?
Yes, strollers and wheelchairs are allowed. Some attractions provide rental services, especially the Forbidden City and Summer Palace.
Are there cloakrooms or lockers for bags?
Yes, lockers and cloakrooms are available at major sites like the Forbidden City and Summer Palace.
Is there Wi-Fi inside?
Free public Wi-Fi may be available in certain tourist areas, but coverage can be limited. Mobile data is more reliable.
Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted. Some ticket offices accept international credit cards, but carrying some cash is recommended.
Are there ATMs nearby?
Yes, ATMs are widely available near major tourist sites and in commercial areas.
What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?
- Quanjude Roast Duck (famous for Peking Duck).
- Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant.
- Local noodle shops and street food vendors in hutong areas.
- Modern cafes in Sanlitun and Wangfujing areas.
Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?
- Yes, many restaurants in Beijing offer vegetarian dishes.
- Halal restaurants can be found in Niujie (Ox Street) area, home to Beijing’s largest mosque.
- Vegan-friendly cafes are increasingly available in central districts.
What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?
- Luxury: The Peninsula Beijing, Waldorf Astoria Beijing.
- Mid-range: Novotel Beijing Peace, Park Plaza Wangfujing.
- Budget: Hutong hostels and guesthouses near Nanluoguxiang.
What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?
- Forbidden City + Tiananmen Square + Jingshan Park.
- Temple of Heaven + Pearl Market.
- Summer Palace + Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan).
- Great Wall day trip from Beijing city.
Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?
- Yes, souvenir shops sell cloisonné, silk products, paper cuttings, Peking Opera masks, and Chinese teas.
- Wangfujing and Panjiayuan Antique Market are popular shopping spots.
What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?
- Metro and buses connect most attractions directly.
- High-speed trains from Beijing South and Beijing West stations to other cities.
- Domestic flights from Beijing Capital and Daxing airports for longer trips.
What cultural etiquette or rules should I be aware of?
- Respect historical relics; do not touch or climb restricted areas.
- Queue patiently in lines.
- Be polite when taking photos of locals.
- Bargain in markets, but not in official shops.
Are there dress codes or behaviors to avoid (e.g., no touching relics)?
- No strict dress code, but modest clothing is advised at religious sites.
- Avoid climbing restricted walls or touching antiques.
- Maintain quiet and respectful behavior in temples.
Are there ceremonies, performances, or seasonal events held here?
- Flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square every morning.
- Temple fairs during Chinese New Year.
- Mid-Autumn Festival and Lantern Festival events in parks.
What are the local legends, stories, or fun facts about this place?
- The Forbidden City is said to have 9,999 rooms, symbolizing heavenly perfection.
- The Temple of Heaven was where emperors prayed for good harvests.
- Beijing’s hutongs are home to centuries-old courtyard traditions.
What movies, books, or famous people are connected to this place?
- “The Last Emperor” movie was filmed inside the Forbidden City.
- Writers like Lao She set many works in Beijing’s hutongs.
- Beijing is linked to emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
How does this site reflect the local culture or history?
Beijing reflects both imperial China’s grandeur and modern China’s progress. Ancient palaces, temples, and walls symbolize dynastic power and cultural tradition, while bustling shopping streets and modern art zones show the city’s evolving identity.
Are there safety concerns (pickpockets, scams, unsafe areas)?
- Beijing is generally safe, but beware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
- Avoid “tea house scams” where tourists are tricked into overpaying.
- Only use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps to avoid fraud.
Are there first aid stations or emergency services nearby?
Yes, major attractions have first aid stations and staff assistance. Hospitals and police stations are available in central Beijing.
What should I wear/bring (comfortable shoes, sunscreen, umbrella, water)?
- Comfortable walking shoes for large sites like the Forbidden City and Great Wall.
- Sunscreen, hat, and water in summer.
- Warm clothing in winter, as temperatures can be below freezing.
- Umbrella or raincoat in rainy season (July–August).
Is it safe to visit at night or in the off-season?
Yes, Beijing is generally safe at night, with well-lit areas around major attractions. Winter months are off-season, less crowded, and safe, though cold weather requires preparation.
