Tours
Beijing rewards every style of traveller: from imperial palace circuits and Great Wall hikes to hutong rickshaw rides and Peking Duck food walks. Guided tours — private or small-group — take the complexity out of navigating China's vast capital and ensure no highlight is missed.
Covering four UNESCO heritage sites — Badaling Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Lama Temple — with private car transfers throughout, a stay at the iconic Wangfujing hotel, and curated dining at four classic restaurants including the Imperial Cuisine Museum and Quanjude Peking Duck.
Facts
Key Facts at a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Currency | Chinese Yuan (CNY / RMB) |
| Country Code | +86 |
| Nearest Airport | Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) / Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) |
| Best Time to Visit | September–October (autumn); April–May (spring) |
| UNESCO Status | Multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites incl. Forbidden City (1987), Great Wall (1987), Temple of Heaven (1998), Summer Palace (1998), Ming Tombs (2003) |
| Famous For | Great Wall, Forbidden City, Peking Duck, Hutong alleys, 2008 & 2022 Olympic Games |
Attractions
Beijing is an open-air museum of 3,000 years of civilisation. It holds five UNESCO World Heritage Sites within city limits and blends colossal imperial monuments with intimate hutong alleyways, sacred temple gardens, and world-class modern architecture. No other Chinese city concentrates so much history in one place.
Great Wall of China (长城)
Chairman Mao famously declared that one who has not climbed the Great Wall is not a true hero, and few visitors disagree once they stand atop its battlements. The Mutianyu section, 70 km northeast of central Beijing, offers beautifully restored ramparts, a cable car for easy access, and far fewer crowds than Badaling. Go early in the morning for mist-draped, crowd-free panoramas.
Forbidden City (故宫)
The world's largest surviving palace complex served as the imperial home of 24 Ming and Qing emperors from 1420 to 1912. Its 980 buildings, vermilion walls, and gilded rooftops sprawl across 72 hectares at the heart of the city. Now the Palace Museum, it houses over a million imperial artefacts. Book timed-entry tickets weeks in advance, especially for peak season.
Tiananmen Square (天安门广场)
The world's largest public square, covering 440,000 m², is flanked by the Gate of Heavenly Peace bearing Mao's portrait, the National Museum of China, and the Great Hall of the People. Witnessing the precision flag-raising ceremony at sunrise is a deeply moving experience that draws thousands of visitors daily. Free entry; arrive 30 minutes before dawn for the best position.
Summer Palace (颐和园)
This magnificent royal garden and lakeside retreat served as the Qing court's summer escape from the sweltering city heat. Kunming Lake covers three-quarters of the 290-hectare site; the Long Corridor — a painted arcade stretching 728 metres — is lined with thousands of intricate murals. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, it is most beautiful in late spring and autumn.
Temple of Heaven (天坛)
Built in 1420, this imperial altar complex was where Ming and Qing emperors performed elaborate ritual sacrifices to Heaven, praying for good harvests. The circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests — triple-eaved, azure-tiled, and perfectly proportioned — is one of China's most iconic structures. Arrive in the morning to join local residents doing tai chi and ballroom dancing in the surrounding park.
Top 10 Things to Do
Lace up sturdy shoes and walk a section of the world's greatest fortification. Mutianyu is the top choice for most visitors: restored battlements, a toboggan slide down, and spectacular mountain scenery. Book a morning slot to beat tour groups and catch the mist rolling off the hills.
Dedicate at least half a day to wandering the Palace Museum's 980 buildings, imperial gardens, and vast treasury. Download the official audio guide app before entering. Climb Jingshan Park's Wanchun Pavilion directly north for the best aerial view of the gold-roofed complex.
Rising before dawn to see the People's Liberation Army raise the national flag in Tiananmen Square is a powerful experience. The ceremony aligns precisely with local sunrise. Arrive 30–40 minutes early to secure a prime spot directly in front of the flagpole — no ticket required.
Hop aboard a dragon boat or hire a rowboat on the Summer Palace's vast Kunming Lake for a leisurely view of Longevity Hill and the 17-Arch Bridge. Spring and autumn mornings are magical — lotus blossoms in summer add a bonus layer of colour. Tickets include lake access.
Arrive early to see elderly Beijingers practising tai chi, ballroom dancing, and traditional opera in the cypress-shaded park surrounding the temple. The circular Echo Wall has fascinating acoustic properties. Allow 2–3 hours to take in the full complex at a relaxed pace.
Squeeze through Beijing's ancient alleyway networks — the hutongs — by pedicab rickshaw for a ground-level glimpse of old courtyard life. The Nanluogu Xiang and Shichahai areas are the most atmospheric. Jump off to browse indie boutiques, sip craft tea, and peek into restored siheyuan courtyards.
No trip to Beijing is complete without a whole roasted duck — amber-lacquered skin, carved tableside, and wrapped in paper-thin pancakes with hoisin sauce and shredded spring onion. Quanjude near Qianmen has been serving the dish since 1864; Da Dong is the favourite for modern presentation.
Experience China's highest performance art at the Liyuan Theater (nightly Beijing Opera at 19:30) or catch jaw-dropping acrobatics at the Chaoyang Theatre. Visitor-friendly venues have English subtitle screens. Book tickets through your hotel concierge or directly at the venue box office.
Weekend mornings at Panjiayuan are a treasure hunter's paradise: 4,000-plus stalls selling antiques, Cultural Revolution posters, jade carvings, calligraphy brushes, and Mao memorabilia. Arrive before 8:00 am for the freshest stock. Bargaining is expected — start at a third of the asking price.
With over 1.4 million artefacts spanning 5,000 years of Chinese history and art, the National Museum on the east side of Tiananmen Square is one of the world's largest museums. Entry is free but requires advance online registration. Allow at least a full morning; highlights include the bronze and jade galleries.
Transportation
Beijing is China's supreme transport hub. Two international airports, four main railway stations, an extensive metro network of 27+ lines, and dense expressway connections make getting to and around the capital straightforward — though rush-hour traffic (08:00 and 18:00) demands patience. The subway is always the fastest option within the urban core.
Beijing has two major airports: Capital International Airport (PEK), 25 km northeast of Tiananmen Square, and Daxing International Airport (PKX), 53 km south. Both serve international and domestic routes. Capital Airport is reached by Airport Express train (30 min, ¥25); Daxing by the Daxing Airport Express metro line.
Beijing South Railway Station is the main hub for high-speed services: Shanghai (4.5 hrs), Xi'an (4.5 hrs), Tianjin (30 min), and Guangzhou (8 hrs). Beijing West Station handles trains to Hong Kong (8 hrs via high-speed). Beijing Station serves northeastern routes. Book early on China's official rail platform (12306.cn).
Long-distance coach services connect Beijing with surrounding provinces. Liuliqiao, Dongzhimen, and Sihui bus terminals are the main intercity hubs, serving destinations including Tianjin, Chengde, and Baoding. Buses are cheaper than trains but slower; useful for towns not well-served by rail.
Beijing has no major sea port, but scenic boat rides are available at the Summer Palace's Kunming Lake, Houhai Lake in the Shichahai area, and along a restored stretch of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal in Tongzhou. These are leisure cruises rather than intercity transport, ideal for a relaxed afternoon.
The Beijing Metro has 27 lines covering virtually all major attractions; a single journey costs ¥3–10. City buses are comprehensive and cheap (¥2 flat fare). DiDi (ride-hailing) is essential for late nights or luggage-heavy trips. Shared e-bikes (Meituan, Hello) are convenient for short hops. Avoid taxis during rush hour.
Foreign visitors need a Chinese driving licence — International Driving Permits are not accepted on their own, making self-drive impractical for most tourists. Book a private car with driver through your hotel or reputable platforms. For day trips to the Great Wall or Ming Tombs, a hired car with guide is the most efficient option.
Weather
Beijing sits in a temperate monsoon climate zone with four sharply distinct seasons. Winters are cold and very dry; summers are hot and bring the bulk of the annual rainfall — over 70% of precipitation falls in July and August. Spring brings warming temperatures but frequent dust and sandstorms blowing in from the Mongolian plateau. Autumn is widely regarded as the finest season: crisp air, clear blue skies, and comfortable temperatures.
Monthly Climate at a Glance
| Month | Low °C | High °C | Rain mm | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -9 | 2 | 3 | Cold & dry |
| Feb | -7 | 5 | 7 | Cold, sunny spells |
| Mar | 0 | 13 | 10 | Windy, dusty |
| Apr | 8 | 21 | 25 | Warm, sandy winds |
| May | 14 | 27 | 30 | Warm & pleasant |
| Jun | 19 | 32 | 70 | Hot, rain builds |
| Jul | 22 | 31 | 175 | Hottest & rainy |
| Aug | 21 | 30 | 145 | Hot & stormy |
| Sep | 14 | 25 | 50 | Ideal, clear skies |
| Oct | 7 | 18 | 20 | Mild & sunny |
| Nov | -1 | 8 | 8 | Cool & dry |
| Dec | -8 | 2 | 2 | Cold & dry |
Live Weather
Travel Tips
Most nationalities require a Chinese visa obtained in advance from a Chinese embassy or consulate. Since 2024, China has expanded its visa-free programme to 38+ countries for short stays of 15–30 days — check if your passport qualifies. Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) offers a 144-hour transit visa exemption for eligible nationalities transiting between third countries.
WeChat Pay and Alipay are the dominant payment methods in Beijing — many small vendors and street food stalls are now nearly cashless. Both apps now accept foreign Visa/Mastercard cards linked directly; set this up before or just after arrival. Cash (RMB) remains accepted as a legal fallback and is useful at markets and rural sites.
China's Great Firewall blocks Google (Maps, Gmail, Search), Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and most Western news sites. Install and activate a reliable VPN — such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN — before boarding your flight to China, as VPN download sites are also blocked from within the country. Note that VPN use is technically restricted, but widely used by foreign visitors.
Tourist SIM cards (China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom) are available at Beijing Capital and Daxing airports, offering data packages from ¥50–150 for 7–30 days. Bring an unlocked phone. Several international eSIM providers (Airalo, Nomad) offer data-only plans that work in China, including access to services behind the firewall — a convenient option.
Mandarin Chinese is the official language; the local Beijing dialect (Pekingese) adds a distinctive "er" sound to many syllables. English is spoken at major hotels, tourist sites, and upscale restaurants, but is very limited in hutong neighbourhoods and street markets. Download Google Translate's Chinese offline pack (before arrival) or install the Pleco dictionary app.
The Forbidden City, Great Wall, and Summer Palace require advance online ticket booking — sell-outs are common, especially during Chinese Golden Weeks (1–7 May and 1–7 October) and the National Day week in October. Avoid these periods if possible. Autumn (September–October) offers the most pleasant weather with relatively manageable crowds outside of Golden Week.
Exchange currency at Bank of China branches, ICBC, or authorised hotel desks for reliable rates. Airport exchange counters are convenient but less favourable. ATMs are abundant throughout Beijing and accept foreign Visa/Mastercard; look for UnionPay-networked machines for the best rates. Keep a supply of small-denomination RMB notes (¥10, ¥20) for street food vendors and hutong shops.
Beijing is a very safe city for tourists with low violent crime. Do not drink tap water — buy bottled water, which is inexpensive and available everywhere. Air quality (AQI) can occasionally be poor, particularly in winter; download an air quality app and carry an N95 mask for heavy smog days. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Emergency numbers: 120 (ambulance), 110 (police).
Dining
Beijing's culinary scene is one of China's richest — anchored by the legendary Peking Roast Duck and imperial court cuisine, yet equally celebrated for its earthy northern flavours, hand-pulled noodles, street dumplings, and sizzling crêpes. Dining ranges from century-old roast duck institutions to vibrant hutong snack lanes serving hundreds of bite-sized specialities.
Local Specialities
Beijing Roast Duck (北京烤鸭)
Slow-roasted over fruitwood until the skin turns lacquered and crackling crisp, served with paper-thin pancakes, spring onion, cucumber, and rich hoisin sauce. Quanjude and Bianyifang are the city's most historic addresses for this icon.
Zhajiangmian (炸酱面)
Thick wheat noodles topped with a slow-cooked soybean and pork paste, garnished with julienned cucumber, radish, bean sprouts, and edamame. Beijing's everyday comfort food, found in neighbourhood noodle shops across every district.
Jiaozi (饺子)
Plump crescent-shaped dumplings stuffed with pork-cabbage, lamb-fennel, or three-delicacy fillings — boiled, pan-fried (guotie), or steamed. A northern Chinese staple and essential part of any Beijing dining experience.
Jianbing (煎饼)
Beijing's iconic breakfast crêpe — thin mung-bean batter with cracked egg, sesame seeds, and spring onion, folded around a crispy wonton cracker with hoisin, chilli sauce, and coriander. Freshly made at street carts each morning across the city.
Recommended Restaurants
Founded in 1864 and the world benchmark for Peking Roast Duck. The theatrical tableside carving ritual, crisp-skinned duck, and delicate pancake accompaniments make Quanjude a once-in-a-visit landmark — book ahead for the Qianmen flagship.
Chef Dong Zhenxiang's celebrated modern take on Peking Duck uses a leaner, crispier bird with artistic plating and refined Chinese dishes. Multiple locations including Tuanjiehu and Nanxincang — consistently acclaimed and Michelin-noted.
Beijing's most famous food lane with dozens of stalls serving century-old snacks — from sugar-glazed hawthorn skewers to scorpion-on-a-stick. An essential evening adventure within walking distance of the Forbidden City.
Shopping
Wangfujing Street (王府井大街) is Beijing's premier pedestrian shopping boulevard, running 810 metres near the Forbidden City. Department stores, international brands, Chinese tea shops, and souvenir outlets line the street. Open daily approximately 09:00–22:00; the adjacent snack street adds street-food entertainment after dark.
Panjiayuan Flea Market (潘家园旧货市场) is the must-visit for antiques, vintage Mao-era collectibles, jade, folk crafts, and Cultural Revolution posters. Open Saturdays and Sundays from 04:30; casual visitors can come from 08:00. Bargaining is expected — offer a third of the initial asking price and negotiate from there.
Classic Beijing souvenirs include cloisonné enamelware (景泰蓝), hand-painted snuff bottles, silk items, jade carvings, lacquerware, and Liulichang calligraphy brushes. For food gifts, look for tanghulu (candied hawthorn), dried jujubes from Miyun, and Beijing-style pastries. Liulichang Cultural Street is the best address for authentic craft shopping.
Taikoo Li Sanlitun is Beijing's most stylish open-air mall, home to international luxury brands, independent designers, and Apple's flagship store in the Chaoyang embassy district. SKP (华贸购物中心) on Jianguomenwai Ave is the city's most prestigious luxury department store, stocking the full range of European fashion houses.
Nightlife
Beijing's nightlife balances raucous international bar strips in Sanlitun with a richer traditional evening culture of teahouses, Beijing Opera, and acrobatic shows. Most clubs and bars keep going until 02:00–04:00, while traditional performance venues wrap up by 21:30.
Beijing's most international nightlife district in Chaoyang — dozens of bars, rooftop lounges, and EDM clubs cater to every taste. The surrounding Taikoo Li complex adds upscale cocktail bars and restaurant dining.
Inside the Jianguo Qianmen Hotel, Liyuan stages nightly Beijing Opera in a teahouse-style setting with English subtitle screens — the most foreigner-friendly venue in the city. Sip jasmine tea while watching ornate costumes and face-painted performers.
A mellower alternative to Sanlitun — string-lit terraces, live folk-rock music, and cold Tsingtao beer while watching reflections on the willow-fringed imperial lake in Shichahai. Doubles as a hutong exploration on foot.
Videos
Explore Beijing through cinematic travel videos showcasing the Great Wall at sunrise, Forbidden City interiors, hutong life, and the city's vibrant modern energy.
Map
Explore Beijing's city centre, imperial attractions, hutong districts, and key transport hubs on the interactive map below.
