Beijing

北京 (Běijīng)

Imperial Capital of the Middle Kingdom

North China4-6 days for major attractions, 7-10 days for deeper explorationeasy

"Experience the beating heart of Chinese civilization, where ancient imperial grandeur meets modern dynamism in perfect harmony."

Overview & History

Overview

Beijing, the eternal capital, stands as the political, cultural, and spiritual center of China. Home to emperors for over 800 years, this magnificent city seamlessly blends 3,000 years of history with cutting-edge modernity, offering visitors an unparalleled journey through time.

Historical Significance

From its origins as Ji during the Zhou Dynasty to becoming the Yuan capital of Khanbaliq under Kublai Khan, Beijing has been the stage for Chinese history's greatest moments. The Ming and Qing emperors built the Forbidden City here, creating the world's largest palace complex and establishing Beijing as the eternal seat of Chinese power.

Culture & Character

Beijing embodies the essence of Chinese culture - from the philosophical depth of Confucian temples to the artistic mastery of Peking Opera. The city preserves ancient hutong neighborhoods while fostering contemporary art, creating a unique cultural ecosystem where tradition and innovation dance together.

Must-See Attractions

Forbidden City

紫禁城 (Zǐjìnchéng) • historical

The world's largest palace complex, home to 24 emperors across Ming and Qing dynasties

Highlights:

Hall of Supreme HarmonyImperial GardenTreasure GalleryClock Exhibition

Visit Duration: 4-6 hours

Tickets: 60 RMB (peak), 40 RMB (off-season), advance booking required

Best Time: Early morning (8:30 AM) to avoid crowds

Great Wall at Mutianyu

慕田峪长城 (Mùtiányù Chángchéng) • historical

Best-preserved section of the Great Wall near Beijing, showcasing Ming Dynasty fortifications

Highlights:

Cable car accessRestored watchtowersMountain sceneryLess crowded than Badaling

Visit Duration: 5-7 hours (including travel)

Tickets: 45 RMB entrance + 100 RMB cable car

Best Time: Spring and autumn for clear mountain views

Temple of Heaven

天坛 (Tiāntán) • religious

Where emperors performed annual ceremonies to ensure good harvests

Highlights:

Hall of Prayer for Good HarvestsCircular Mound AltarEcho WallImperial Vault of Heaven

Visit Duration: 2-3 hours

Tickets: 15 RMB park + 20 RMB attractions

Best Time: Morning to see locals practicing tai chi and traditional activities

Summer Palace

颐和园 (Yíhéyuán) • historical

Qing Dynasty imperial garden showcasing Chinese landscape architecture

Highlights:

Kunming LakeLongevity HillMarble BoatLong Corridor with 14,000 paintings

Visit Duration: 3-4 hours

Tickets: 30 RMB (peak), 20 RMB (off-season)

Best Time: Late afternoon for golden hour photography

Hutong Districts

胡同 (Hútòng) • cultural

Traditional alleyways preserving old Beijing lifestyle and architecture

Highlights:

NanluoguxiangShichahai areaCourtyard housesLocal street food

Visit Duration: 2-4 hours

Tickets: Free to explore, rickshaw tours 40-60 RMB

Best Time: Evening when locals gather and street food vendors are active

Local Cuisine

Peking Duck

北京烤鸭 (Běijīng Kǎoyā) • 200-500 RMB per duck

The iconic Beijing dish - crispy-skinned duck served with pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce

Where to Try:

Quanjude (全聚德)Bianyifang (便宜坊)Da Dong

Dietary Notes:

Contains gluten (pancakes)Not suitable for vegetarians

Jianbing

煎饼 (Jiānbing) • 8-15 RMB

Beijing's beloved breakfast crepe with egg, crispy crackers, scallions, and savory sauce

Where to Try:

Street vendorsMorning marketsHutong breakfast stalls

Dietary Notes:

Contains glutenCan be made without egg for vegetarians

Zhajiangmian

炸酱面 (Zhàjiàngmiàn) • 15-30 RMB

Beijing's signature noodles with savory soybean paste sauce and fresh vegetables

Where to Try:

Local noodle shopsHutong restaurantsHai Bowl

Dietary Notes:

Contains glutenTraditional version has pork, vegetarian options available

Transportation

Getting There

Beijing Capital Airport (PEK)

Main international gateway, 32km northeast of city center

Cost: Airport Express: 25 RMB, Taxi: 80-120 RMB, Didi: 60-100 RMB

Duration: Airport Express: 30 minutes, Taxi: 45-90 minutes depending on traffic

Tips:

• Book Airport Express tickets in advance
• Avoid rush hours 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM
• Didi is often cheaper than taxi

High-Speed Rail

Beijing South Station connects to major cities nationwide

Cost: Shanghai: 553 RMB (2nd class), Xi'an: 515 RMB, Guangzhou: 862 RMB

Duration: Shanghai: 4.5 hours, Xi'an: 4.5 hours, Guangzhou: 8 hours

Tips:

• Book tickets 30 days in advance
• Bring passport for ticket collection
• Arrive 30 minutes early

Getting Around

Beijing Subway

Extensive metro system covering all major attractions and districts

Cost: 3-9 RMB per ride depending on distance

Duration: Varies, but generally fastest way around the city

Tips:

• Download Beijing Subway app
• Rush hours are extremely crowded
• Keep ticket until exit
• Some announcements in English

Taxi & Didi

Convenient door-to-door service, Didi (Chinese Uber) widely used

Cost: Starting fee: 13 RMB, then 2.3 RMB per km

Duration: Varies greatly with traffic

Tips:

• Have destination written in Chinese characters
• Didi app has English interface
• Avoid travel during rush hours
• Always use the meter

Plan Your Journey

Find Your Imperial Accommodation

After walking through the halls where emperors once lived, rest in accommodation that continues Beijing's tradition of gracious hospitality.

From luxury hotels near the Forbidden City to traditional hutong courtyard stays, discover the perfect base for your Beijing adventure.

Search Beijing Hotels →

Fly to the Heart of China

Follow the same routes that brought Marco Polo and countless other adventurers to this magnificent imperial capital.

Connect to Beijing's world-class airports and begin your journey to the capital that has welcomed travelers for over 800 years.

Find Flights to Beijing →

Experience China's High-Speed Rail

The same efficiency that built the Great Wall now powers the world's most advanced railway system.

Travel like a modern emperor on China's incredible high-speed rail network, connecting Beijing to every corner of the Middle Kingdom.

Book Train Tickets →

Practical Information

Best Time to Visit

April-May and September-October for pleasant weather and manageable crowds

Budget Estimates

Budget: 200-350 RMB per day (hostel, local food, public transport)

Mid-Range: 500-800 RMB per day (mid-range hotel, mixed dining, some taxis)

Luxury: 1500+ RMB per day (luxury hotel, fine dining, private transport)

Climate & Weather

Continental monsoon climate with four distinct seasons

Essential Info

Time Zone: China Standard Time (CST), UTC+8

Electrical: 220V, 50Hz, Type A, C, and I plugs

Internet: Free WiFi in hotels and many cafes, mobile data widely available, VPN recommended for international sites

All Destinations

Shanghai

上海 (Shànghǎi)