Beijing

Key highlights of Beijing:

• Rich imperial history spanning over 3,000 years
• Iconic landmarks like the Great Wall and Forbidden City
• Thriving arts and culture scene
• World-renowned cuisine, including the famous Peking duck
• Efficient public transportation system
• Gateway to exploring other parts of China

Some History First

Beijing’s rich history spans millennia, shaping the city into a living museum:

• 1045 BC: First recorded as a city named Ji
• 221 BC: Unified under the Qin Dynasty
• 1271-1368: Served as the capital of the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty
• 1406-1911: Capital of the Ming and Qing Dynasties
• 1949: Became the capital of the People’s Republic of China

Notable historical events:

• Construction of the Great Wall (various dynasties)
• Building of the Forbidden City (1406-1420)
• Boxer Rebellion (1899-1901)
• May Fourth Movement (1919)
• Hosting the 2008 Summer Olympics

Beijing Today

Modern Beijing is a global metropolis that showcases China’s rapid development:

• Population: Over 21 million inhabitants
• Economy: Major center for politics, culture, and international exchange
• Education: Home to top universities like Peking University and Tsinghua University
• Technology: Growing hub for startups and tech companies

Key sectors:

• Government and public administration
• Finance and business services
• Information technology
• Cultural and creative industries

Is Beijing Safe?

Beijing is generally considered a safe city for tourists and residents alike. However, as with any large metropolitan area, it’s important to exercise common sense and take standard precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas
• Watch out for pickpockets in busy places and on public transport
• Use official taxis or reputable ride-hailing services
• Respect local laws and customs
• Air quality: Check daily air pollution levels and take necessary precautions
• Emergency numbers: 110 for police, 119 for fire, 120 for ambulance

Where is Beijing?

Beijing is strategically located in northern China:

• Situated on the northern edge of the North China Plain
• Coordinates: 39.9042° N, 116.4074° E
• Bordering regions:
  • Hebei Province to the north, west, and south
  • Tianjin Municipality to the southeast
• Nearby mountains: Yanshan to the north and Xishan to the west

Fun fact: Beijing is one of the oldest cities in the world and has been the political center of China for much of the past eight centuries.

What is the Best Time to Visit Beijing?

Beijing experiences four distinct seasons, each offering a unique perspective on the city:

• Spring (March to May): Pleasant temperatures and beautiful cherry blossoms
• Summer (June to August): Hot and humid with occasional rainfall
• Autumn (September to November): Ideal time to visit with comfortable weather and clear skies
• Winter (December to February): Cold and dry with occasional snow, offering a unique perspective on the city

Best months to visit: April, May, September, and October

Tips for visitors:

• Avoid national holidays like Chinese New Year and Golden Week, as attractions can be extremely crowded
• Check the lunar calendar for traditional festivals that might enhance your visit
• Consider air quality when planning outdoor activities, especially in winter

How to Get to Beijing & Around

Getting to Beijing:

• By air: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is the main gateway
  • New: Daxing International Airport (PKX) opened in 2019, serving as a secondary hub
• By train: High-speed rail connections to major Chinese cities
• By bus: Long-distance buses from neighboring provinces and cities

Getting around Beijing:

• Subway: Extensive and efficient metro system covering most of the city
• Buses: Comprehensive network, including sightseeing buses
• Taxis: Abundant but be aware of potential language barriers
• Ride-hailing: Apps like DiDi (similar to Uber) are popular
• Bicycles: Bike-sharing programs available for short trips

Pro tip: Purchase a Beijing Transportation Smart Card for convenient use across multiple transport modes.

Things to Do in Beijing

Discover top attractions and activities in Beijing:

1. The Great Wall of China: Various sections accessible from Beijing, including Mutianyu and Badaling
2. Forbidden City: Former imperial palace and now the Palace Museum
3. Tiananmen Square: World’s largest public square and site of many historical events
4. Temple of Heaven: Ancient imperial worship site with stunning architecture
5. Summer Palace: Vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces
6. Lama Temple: Most renowned Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet
7. 798 Art District: Contemporary art scene in a former industrial area
8. Hutongs: Traditional alleyways offering a glimpse into old Beijing life
9. Olympic Park: Site of the 2008 Summer Olympics, featuring the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube
10. National Museum of China: One of the world’s largest museums

Don’t miss: Taking a traditional rickshaw tour through the hutongs for a unique perspective on Beijing’s history and culture.

Where To Stay In Beijing

Beijing offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference:

Luxury:

• The Peninsula Beijing
• Waldorf Astoria Beijing
• Rosewood Beijing

Mid-range:

• Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-Town
• Novotel Beijing Xin Qiao
• Sofu Hotel

Budget:

• Beijing Downtown Backpackers
• Peking Station Hostel
• Leo Hostel

Best areas to stay:

• Dongcheng District: Central location with easy access to major attractions
• Chaoyang District: Modern area with embassies, business centers, and expat communities
• Xicheng District: Home to many historical sites and government offices
• Sanlitun: Popular for nightlife and international dining options

What To Eat In Beijing

Beijing’s cuisine is a delightful mix of imperial traditions and regional flavors:

Must-try local dishes:

• Peking Duck: Beijing’s most famous dish, crispy roast duck served with pancakes
• Jiaozi: Dumplings filled with meat or vegetables
• Zhajiangmian: Hand-pulled noodles with soybean paste sauce
• Lamb Hot Pot: Popular winter dish, especially in the Muslim Quarter
• Ludagun: Traditional sweet rice roll with soybean flour

Where to eat:

• Quanjude: Famous for Peking duck since 1864
• Baoyuan Dumplings: Colorful and tasty dumplings
• Huguosi Snack Bar: Traditional Beijing-style snacks
• Ghost Street (Gui Jie): Long street filled with restaurants, open late
• Wangfujing Snack Street: Try exotic street food and local delicacies

Pro tip: Don’t miss out on Beijing’s vibrant street food scene, but be cautious and choose vendors with good hygiene practices.

Entry & Exit Requirements

Visitors to Beijing must comply with China’s entry regulations:

• Visa: Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter China
  • Check with the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate for specific requirements
  • Some visitors may be eligible for visa-free transit for stays up to 144 hours
• Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay
• Health: Proof of COVID-19 vaccination and negative test results may be required (check current regulations)
• Customs: Be aware of restricted and prohibited items

Important: Always check the most up-to-date information from official sources before your trip, as requirements may change.

What To Pack For Your Trip

Ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay in Beijing by packing these essentials:

• Clothing:
  • Layers for variable weather conditions
  • Modest attire for visiting religious sites
  • Comfortable walking shoes for exploring
• Travel adapter (China uses 220V, 50Hz with Type A and Type I plugs)
• Pollution mask or N95 respirator for days with poor air quality
• VPN service for accessing blocked websites (set up before arrival)
• Hand sanitizer and tissues
• Portable charger/power bank
• Reusable water bottle (avoid tap water)
• Basic medications and first-aid items
• Sunscreen and hat
• Translation app or phrasebook

FAQs