Introduction

Welcome to the most comprehensive Beijing travel guide available online. If you’re reading this, you’re likely planning your first trip to China’s capital — or perhaps your second, drawn back by the city’s magnetic pull. Either way, you’ve come to the right place.

Beijing is not merely a tourist destination; it is an encounter. With 3,000 years of history as a city and 800 years as a capital, every corner of Beijing breathes stories. Yet it is also a city of the future — home to cutting-edge tech hubs, world-class contemporary art, and a transportation infrastructure that puts most Western cities to shame.

This in-depth guide expands on the essentials covered in our Beijing main hub page and delves deeper into the practicalities, hidden corners, and strategic planning that will transform your trip from “good” to “unforgettable.” Whether you have 48 hours or two weeks, this guide will help you navigate Beijing with the confidence of a seasoned traveler.

Planning Your Beijing Trip

How Many Days Do You Need in Beijing?

The honest answer: at least 4–5 days to see the essentials without rushing. Here’s our recommended breakdown:

• 2 Days: Great Wall (Mutianyu) + Forbidden City + Temple of Heaven. You’ll be exhausted, but you’ll see the highlights.
• 4 Days: Above, plus Summer Palace, hutong exploration, 798 Art Zone, and a Peking duck dinner.
• 7 Days: Above, plus day trips (Chengde or Pingyao), museums, acrobatics show, and time to simply wander.

Visas and Entry Requirements (2026 Update)

China’s visa policy has undergone significant liberalization in recent years. As of 2026:

• 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit: Citizens of 53 countries (including US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most EU nations) can enter Beijing, Shanghai, and other major cities visa-free for up to 144 hours (6 days) when arriving from and departing to a third country. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
• Tourist Visa (L Visa): For stays longer than 6 days, apply at a Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country. Processing takes 4–5 business days. A single-entry visa valid for 3 months costs approximately $140.
• Visa on Arrival: Not available for most nationalities. Obtain your visa before travel.

Pro tip: If you’re combining Beijing with other China destinations, a double-entry or multiple-entry visa is worthwhile. It allows you to pop into Hong Kong or Mongolia and return to mainland China without a new visa.

Money: How Much Does a Beijing Trip Cost?

Category	Budget (¥)	Mid-Range (¥)	Luxury (¥)
Accommodation (per night)	150–400	500–1,500	2,000+
Meals (per day)	80–150	200–500	800+
Attractions (total)	300–500	500–800	800+
Transport (local, per day)	30–50	80–150	300+ (Didi)
Daily Total (per person)	400–700	1,000–2,000	3,500+

Note: Luxury figures assume 5-star hotels, private guides, and fine dining. Budget figures assume hostels, street food, and public transport.

Getting to Beijing: Detailed Transportation Guide

Flights to Beijing

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) collectively connect Beijing to every major city on earth.

From North America

• New York (JFK/EWR): 13.5–14 hours nonstop to PEK. Airlines: Air China, United.
• Los Angeles (LAX): 12.5 hours nonstop. Airlines: Air China, China Eastern, United.
• San Francisco (SFO): 12 hours nonstop. Airlines: Air China, United.
• Toronto (YYZ): 13 hours nonstop. Airlines: Air Canada, China Eastern.
• Vancouver (YVR): 11 hours nonstop. Airlines: Air Canada, China Southern.

From Europe

• London (LHR): 10 hours nonstop. Airlines: Air China, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic.
• Paris (CDG): 10.5 hours nonstop. Airlines: Air China, Air France.
• Frankfurt (FRA): 9.5 hours nonstop. Airlines: Air China, Lufthansa.
• Amsterdam (AMS): 9.5 hours nonstop. Airlines: KLM, Xiamen Air.

From Australia/New Zealand

• Sydney (SYD): 11 hours nonstop. Airlines: Air China, Qantas.
• Melbourne (MEL): 11.5 hours nonstop. Airlines: Air China, Sichuan Airlines.
• Auckland (AKL): 12.5 hours (1 stop). Airlines: Air New Zealand, China Southern.

Airport to City Center: Detailed Options

From Capital Airport (PEK)

Method	Cost (¥)	Time	Pros	Cons
Airport Express Train	25	30 min	Fast, reliable, avoids traffic	Doesn’t go everywhere; may need transfer
Taxi	100–150	45–90 min	Door-to-door	Traffic can be severe; driver may not speak English
Didi (Ride-hailing)	90–140	45–90 min	App-based, fare estimate shown	Needs Chinese phone number for full version
Airport Shuttle Bus	24–30	60–120 min	Cheap	Slow, limited routes

From Daxing Airport (PKX)

Method	Cost (¥)	Time	Pros	Cons
Daxing Airport Express	35	20 min to Caoqiao	Fast, modern	Must transfer to subway to reach most hotels
Taxi	150–250	60–120 min	Door-to-door	Expensive; traffic
Didi	140–220	60–120 min	Convenient	Surge pricing possible

Our recommendation: Take the Airport Express and transfer to the subway. It’s the most predictable option and avoids Beijing’s notorious traffic jams.

Getting Around Beijing: The Complete Guide

Beijing Subway Mastery

The Beijing Subway is the backbone of urban transport. Here’s what you need to know:

Buying Tickets:

• Single-ride ticket: Buy at vending machines (some have English interface) or staffed booths. ¥3–¥9 depending on distance.
• Yikatong Card: A rechargeable NFC card. ¥20 refundable deposit + whatever credit you load. Tap in and out. Available at Customer Service centers in all stations.
• Alipay/WeChat Pay: Both apps now support subway QR codes. Open the app, select “Transport” (出行), and scan the QR code at the gate. This is what locals use.

Subway Etiquette:

• Queue on the right side of escalators; walk on the left.
• Offer your seat to elderly, pregnant, or disabled passengers (look for the yellow seats).
• Eating and drinking on the subway is technically prohibited (though widely ignored).

Key Lines for Tourists:

• Line 1: Runs east-west through the city center. Stops at Tiananmen East/West, Wangfujing, and Xidan.
• Line 2: The loop line circling the city center. Useful for getting to Lama Temple (Yonghegong Station).
• Line 4: Goes to the Summer Palace (Beigongmen Station) and the National Library.
• Line 5: Goes to the Temple of Heaven (Tiantan East Gate Station).
• Line 10: The outer loop. Connects to the Airport Express at Sanyuanqiao.

Rush Hour Warning: Lines 1, 2, 5, and 10 are inhumanely crowded during rush hour (7:00–9:00 AM, 5:00–7:00 PM). If you can avoid traveling during these times, do.

Didi: The Uber of China

Didi is indispensable in Beijing. Here’s how to use it as a foreigner:

1. Download “DiDi-Rider” (the international version) from the App Store/Google Play. It supports English and accepts international credit cards, but coverage is sometimes spotty.
2. Better option: Have your hotel concierge help you set up the Chinese Didi app (didiglobal.com has an English mini-program within WeChat). Alternatively, use the “DiDi” mini-program inside Alipay, which has a passable English interface.
3. Screenshot your destination in Chinese and show it to the driver when they arrive. The pin drops in Didi are sometimes imprecise.

Cost Estimates:

• Within city center: ¥15–¥40
• To/from airport: ¥100–¥200
• Surge pricing applies during rain and rush hour.

Buses: When and How to Use Them

Beijing’s bus network is vast but challenging. Route signs are in Chinese; drivers rarely speak English. However, buses are incredibly cheap (¥2 flat fare, ¥1 with Yikatong) and can be useful for short trips.

Tourist Bus Lines:

• Tourist Bus 1: Connects Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and Beihai Park.
• Tourist Bus 2: Goes to the Temple of Heaven and Panjiayuan Market.
• Tourist Bus 3: Connects to the Summer Palace.

These buses have English signage and are designed for visitors. For everything else, stick to the subway or Didi.

Walking and Cycling in Beijing

Beijing is surprisingly pedestrian-friendly in certain districts. The hutong neighborhoods (Dongcheng and Xicheng districts) are best explored on foot. Sidewalks are generally wide, though they can be crowded with delivery scooters and street vendors.

Bicycle Rentals:

• HelloBike / Meituan Bike: Require Chinese payment methods and a local phone number. Not practical for most tourists.
• Hotel Bikes: Many mid-range and upscale hotels offer complimentary bike rentals. Ask at the front desk.
• Bike Tours: Several companies offer guided bike tours of the hutongs. Highly recommended as a half-day activity. Search on [GetYourGuide affiliate link] for options.

Where to Stay: Detailed Neighborhood Guide

Choosing the right neighborhood is crucial to your Beijing experience. Here’s our detailed breakdown:

Dongcheng District: The Historic Core

Best for: First-time visitors who want to walk to major attractions.

Vibe: Historic, dense, authentic. You’re in the thick of it — the Forbidden City is right there, hutongs are at your doorstep, and the energy is constant.

Pros: Unbeatable location. Walk to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Wangfujing, and Nanluoguxiang. Authentic Beijing atmosphere.

Cons: Expensive. Narrow streets mean hotels can be hard to reach by car. Noise levels can be high.

Recommended Hotels:

• Luxury: Aman at Summer Palace (technically in Haidian but worth the splurge), The Peninsula Beijing.
• Mid-Range: Hotel Kapok Beijing, Novotel Beijing Xin Qiao. [Book now: Booking.com affiliate link]
• Budget: Leo Hostel, Cheeckinn Forbidden City Branch.

Chaoyang District: Modern Beijing

Best for: Nightlife lovers, shoppers, business travelers.

Vibe: Sleek, international, energetic. Home to the CBD, Sanlitun (the nightlife hub), and the diplomatic quarter.

Pros: Excellent restaurants and bars. Easy Didi access. Many international brand hotels.

Cons: Far from historic sights (30–45 min by subway to the Forbidden City). Less “authentic” Beijing feel.

Recommended Hotels:

• Luxury: Four Seasons Beijing, Rosewood Beijing.
• Mid-Range: Hilton Beijing (Wangfujing area, technically on the border of Dongcheng/Chaoyang), EAST Beijing.
• Budget: Penta Hotel Beijing, various Airbnb options.

Xicheng District: The Local Experience

Best for: Travelers seeking an authentic, residential Beijing experience.

Vibe: Quieter than Dongcheng, with beautiful hutong areas around the Shichahai Lake. Popular with local families.

Pros: Beautiful hutong scenery. Great local restaurants. Close to Beihai Park and the White Dagoba.

Cons: Fewer high-end hotels. Some distance from the subway.

Recommended Hotels:

• Mid-Range: The Orchid, a boutique hotel in a renovated hutong courtyard. [Check rates on Booking.com]
• Budget: Beijing Saga Hotel (Lama Temple Branch), various courtyard guesthouses.

Haidian District: The Scholar’s Choice

Best for: Budget travelers, those visiting the Summer Palace or universities.

Vibe: Academic, leafy, relaxed. Home to Tsinghua and Peking Universities, plus the Summer Palace.

Pros: Quieter and greener than central Beijing. Cheaper hotels. Close to the Summer Palace and Old Summer Palace.

Cons: 45–60 minutes from the city center by subway. Fewer dining and nightlife options.

Recommended Hotels:

• Mid-Range: Holiday Inn Beijing Haidian, Tsinghua Campus area hotels.
• Budget: Various budget chains (HanTing, Home Inn) throughout the district.

Eating in Beijing: The Definitive Food Guide

Beijing’s food culture is as layered as its history. This section expands on our Beijing Food Guide with deeper detail.

Breakfast Like a Beijinger

Breakfast in Beijing is serious business. Here’s what to eat and where:

Jianbing (煎饼): The ultimate Beijing breakfast. A crispy crepe made from mung bean flour, spread with egg, scallions, cilantro, chili sauce, and a deep-fried cracker (baocui), then folded and handed to you in wax paper. Costs ¥8–¥15. Find a stall with a line of locals — that’s your quality indicator.

Douzhi (豆汁) and Jiaoquan (焦圈): Douzhi is a fermented mung bean drink with a sour, funky flavor that challenges even adventurous eaters. It’s traditionally paired with jiaoquan (crunchy, donut-like rings). This is old Beijing’s comfort breakfast. Try it at Jin Ding Xuan near Nanluoguxiang.

Baozi (包子): Steamed buns filled with pork, beef, or vegetables. A basket of six costs ¥12–¥20. Qingfeng Baozi (chain) is a reliable, clean option for your first try.

Congee (粥) and Youtiao (油条): Congee joints are everywhere. Order a bowl of rice porridge (plain or with meat/vegetables) and dip your youtiao (fried dough stick) into it. Comfort food at its simplest.

Lunch: Quick, Delicious, and Cheap

Zhajiangmian (炸酱面): Wheat noodles topped with a rich sauce made from fermented soybean paste, minced pork, and a colorful array of raw vegetable strips (cucumber, radish, bean sprouts). Mix it all together and enjoy. Haiwanju (multiple locations) does an excellent version for ¥30.

Dumplings (饺子): Beijing-style dumplings are often boiled (as opposed to Shanghai’s soup dumplings). Pork and chive (猪肉韭菜) is the classic filling. A plate of 15 costs ¥25–¥40. Try the dumpling chain “Xian Laoman” or any local dumpling shop.

Kung Pao Chicken (宫保鸡丁): This Sichuan dish has a distinct Beijing interpretation — less spicy, more sweet-and-sour. Every restaurant serves it; the version at “Made in China” (Grand Hyatt Beijing) is exceptional.

Dinner: The Main Event

Peking Duck (北京烤鸭): This deserves its own section. The ritual: the chef wheels a cart to your table and carves the duck with surgical precision. You take a thin pancake, brush it with sweet bean sauce (tianmianjiang), add scallions and cucumber, place a few pieces of duck skin and meat, roll it up, and eat. The duck skin should be glass-crisp; the fat should melt on your tongue.

Where to go:

• Quanjude (Qianmen): The oldest (1864). The duck is good; the atmosphere is touristy. ¥300–¥500 per person.
• Da Dong: The “new Beijing” style. Less fatty, artistic presentation, upscale setting. ¥600–¥900 per person.
• Sijiminge (Side Palace): Local favorite. No English menu, no pretension, excellent duck. ¥200–¥300 per person.
• Li Qun Roast Duck Restaurant: Hidden in a hutong near the Temple of Heaven. No reservations; arrive by 5:30 PM. Cash only. The most “authentic” experience.

Hot Pot (火锅): Perfect for Beijing’s cold months. A simmering pot of broth sits in the center of the table; you dip thin slices of meat, vegetables, and tofu into it. Xiabu Xiabu is the budget chain (¥80 per person); Haidilao is the premium chain famous for its obsessive service (¥150–¥250 per person).

Street Food and Night Snacks

Guijie (Ghost Street): An entire street (East Section of Dongzhimen Inner Street) dedicated to late-night dining. The signature dish is spicy crayfish (小龙虾), eaten with plastic gloves. Best after 10 PM. Take subway Line 2 to Dongzhimen, exit C.

Chuan’r (串儿): Lamb skewers grilled over charcoal and dusted with cumin and chili powder. The best chuan’r experience is at a streetside stall with plastic stools and beer. Haidian’s “Yuanmingyuan West Road” area has excellent options.

Tanghulu (糖葫芦): Hawthorn berries on a stick, coated in hardened sugar. A winter specialty. ¥5–¥10 from any street vendor.

Attractions: Beyond the Top 10

Our Beijing Attractions guide covers the essentials. Here are the deeper cuts — places that don’t always make the top 10 lists but reward your time.

Lama Temple (Yonghegong)

A functioning Tibetan Buddhist temple that is both spiritually active and architecturally stunning. The incense-filled air, the massive sandalwood Buddha statue (18 meters tall, carved from a single log), and the devout worshippers make this one of Beijing’s most atmospheric sites.

• Tickets: ¥25.
• Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
• Transportation: Subway Line 2 or 5 to Yonghegong Station.
• Tip: Go on a festival day (check the lunar calendar) to see the temple at its most vibrant.

The Capital Museum

Often overlooked in favor of the National Museum, the Capital Museum is superb — less crowded, better curated, and focused specifically on Beijing’s history. The ancient porcelain collection alone is worth the visit.

• Tickets: Free (book via WeChat 7 days ahead).
• Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Closed Mondays.

CCTV Headquarters (Big Pants)

Rem Koolhaas’s twisted, loop-shaped skyscraper is one of Beijing’s most distinctive modern landmarks. While you can’t enter the offices, the surrounding area (in Chaoyang’s CBD) is great for architecture photography. The building is especially striking at night when it’s lit up.

Shichahai and Houhai Lake

A picturesque area of three connected lakes surrounded by willow trees, hutong neighborhoods, and bars. By day, it’s a lovely place for a walk. By night, the lakeside bars pump loud music and serve overpriced beer — fun, if touristy. In winter, the lake freezes and becomes a massive ice-skating rink.

Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall

Located near Tiananmen Square, this museum houses a massive scale model of Beijing (1:750) that shows every building in the city. It’s oddly fascinating and offers a great overview of how the city is planned. Tickets: ¥30.

Shopping in Beijing: A Detailed Guide

Silk Street Market (Xiushui)

Six floors of stalls selling silk, pearls, cashmere, luggage, and counterfeit luxury goods. It’s touristy, yes, but it’s also an experience. Bargaining is not just allowed — it’s expected. Some tips:

• Start at 30% of the asking price. The vendor will laugh. That’s fine. Negotiate up to about 50% of the original ask.
• Be polite but firm. Smiling helps.
• Walk away. If the price isn’t right, start walking. They’ll often call you back with a better offer.
• Cash vs. Alipay: Cash is traditional for bargaining, but most vendors now accept Alipay. Foreign cards are not accepted.

Panjiayuan Antique Market

Open weekends (Friday–Sunday, best on Sunday morning). This is where you’ll find “antiques” (some genuine, many not), Cultural Revolution memorabilia, jade, calligraphy, and vintage photographs. Even if you don’t buy anything, the people-watching is superb.

Authentication note: Unless you’re an expert, assume everything is a replica. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth buying — the “imitation” jade pendants and calligraphy scrolls make great souvenirs.

Liulichang Street

A historic street dedicated to traditional Chinese culture — calligraphy supplies, ink stones, brushes, rice paper, and antique books. It’s quieter and more dignified than the markets. If you’re interested in Chinese literature or art, this is a must-visit.

Sanlitun Taikoo Li

Open-air, high-end shopping in Beijing’s trendiest district. International luxury brands, stylish locals, and excellent people-watching. Even if you’re not buying, the architecture and atmosphere are worth a visit.

Practical Tips: The Details That Matter

Connectivity and SIM Cards

Staying connected in China is more complicated than in most countries due to the Great Firewall. Here’s your options:

Option 1: Roaming with a VPN. If your home carrier offers China roaming, you can use a VPN to access blocked services. This is the simplest option but can be expensive.

Option 2: Buy a Chinese SIM card. China Unicom and China Mobile both sell SIM cards to foreigners. You’ll need your passport. A 30-day unlimited data plan costs about ¥200. The catch: the SIM card will not bypass the Great Firewall (you’ll still need a VPN).

Option 3: Portable Wi-Fi (MiFi). Rent a portable Wi-Fi device at the airport or via Klook. It creates a Wi-Fi hotspot that you can connect your phone to. Costs about ¥30/day. The device usually comes with a China Unicom SIM and works well.

Our recommendation: Install a reputable VPN (ExpressVPN, Astrill, NordVPN) on your devices before you arrive in China. Once you’re in China, downloading a VPN is difficult (the app stores are blocked). Then buy a Chinese SIM card or use roaming for data.

WeChat and Alipay: Setting Up Before You Arrive

Ideally, set up Alipay’s international version before you travel. Download “Alipay+” from your app store, register with your phone number, and link a foreign credit card. It won’t work everywhere, but it covers about 70% of merchants.

WeChat Pay is more complicated for foreigners — you need a Chinese bank account to fully activate it. However, some tourists have success with the “WeChat Pay HK” version if they have a Hong Kong phone number.

Tipping in Beijing

Tipping is not customary in China. In fact, it can cause confusion — some locals may chase after you to return the “forgotten” money. The exceptions:

• High-end hotels: A tip of ¥10–¥20 for bellhops and housekeeping is appreciated but not expected.
• Private tour guides: ¥50–¥100 per day if you’re satisfied.
• Restaurants: No tipping. If a service charge (typically 10–15%) is added to your bill at upscale restaurants, that’s the tip.

Toilets in Beijing

Let’s address the elephant in the room. Public toilets in Beijing range from pristine (in malls, airports, and new attractions) to… challenging (in older areas and public parks).

Tips:

• Carry tissue paper. Many public toilets don’t provide it.
• Download the “Toilet” mini-program in WeChat. It maps nearby clean toilets.
• Look for the “Western-style toilet” symbol. Squat toilets are still common. If you can’t use a squat toilet, look for the wheelchair-accessible stall — it almost always has a Western-style toilet.
• Mall toilets are your friend. When in doubt, walk into any shopping mall. Their toilets are clean and well-stocked.

Air Quality and Health

Beijing’s air quality has improved dramatically in recent years, but pollution remains a concern, especially in winter.

Checking AQI: Download the “AirVisual” app or check aqicn.org. An AQI below 100 is good; 100–200 is moderate; above 200 is unhealthy.

What to do on high-pollution days:

• Wear an N95 mask outdoors.
• Consider rescheduling outdoor activities (Great Wall hikes, hutong walks) to another day.
• Keep windows closed in your hotel. Most mid-range and upscale hotels have air purifiers in rooms.

Hospitals with English-speaking staff:

• Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU): Expensive but excellent. Accepts many international insurance plans.
• Peking Union Medical College Hospital: The most prestigious hospital in China. International clinic available.

Sample Itineraries

For a detailed 3-day itinerary, see our Beijing Itinerary page. Here’s a 7-day expanded version:

Days 1–2: The Imperial Core

• Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Jingshan Park, Beihai Park.

Day 3: The Great Wall

• Full day at Mutianyu (or Jiankou for the adventurous).

Day 4: Temples and Hutongs

• Lama Temple, Confucius Temple, hutong walk in the Wudaoying area, dinner in Gui Street.

Day 5: Art and Modern Beijing

• 798 Art Zone, Sanlitun shopping, Chaoyang Theater acrobatics show.

Day 6: Day Trip

• Chengde Mountain Resort (high-speed train, 3 hours round-trip).

Day 7: Museums and Farewell Dinner

• Capital Museum or National Museum, final Peking duck dinner, nightcap at a hutong cocktail bar.

Conclusion

Beijing is a city that reveals itself slowly. The first time you stand in the center of the Forbidden City, the scale is almost too much to process. But by day three, when you’re confidently ordering jianbing from a street stall and navigating the subway without hesitation, the city begins to feel like yours.

Use this guide as your foundation, but don’t be afraid to stray from it. Some of the best Beijing experiences — a spontaneous invitation to join a mahjong game in a hutong, stumbling upon a hidden courtyard cafe, watching a sunset from an unmarked rooftop — can’t be planned. They can only be discovered.

We hope this guide helps you navigate Beijing with curiosity, confidence, and an open heart. For more specific information, explore our dedicated guides:

• Beijing 3-Day Itinerary
• Best Hotels in Beijing
• Getting Around Beijing
• Beijing Food Guide
• Beijing Top Attractions
• Day Trips from Beijing