China Local Travel Guide - Beijing
Destination profileBeijing is the capital of China, which has a history of about 3,000 years, and it has a deep historical and cultural heritage. Tiananmen Square and the Great Hall of the People bear witness to China's modern history. The Forbidden City, the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven show the unrivaled royal style of Beijing in the past. Beijing is also a modern and fashionable cosmopolitan city, and the night view of Sanlitun and Shichahai is unforgettable.
Local Must Experience1. Explore the Forbidden City Museum and watch the flag-raising in Tiananmen Square
After watching the flag-raising ceremony in Tiananmen Square in the early morning, you will walk into the Forbidden City Museum to feel the charm of ancient Chinese royal architecture, enjoy the famous sites such as the Hall of Supreme Harmony, and experience a cultural journey through history.
2. Hiking on the Great Wall and enjoying the view from above
Choose Badaling or Mutianyu Great Wall for hiking, walk along the winding wall, climb up the beacon tower to see the mountains from afar, and feel the historical weight of the Great Wall and the natural scenery. Of course, there are also the Simatai Great Wall and the Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall to visit.
3. Hutong Biking and Courtyard Exploration
Rent a bicycle and ride freely through the old hutongs of Beijing, visit the well-preserved courtyard houses and learn about the lifestyle and traditional culture of the old Beijingers.
4. Rafting in the Royal Gardens
Take a boat ride in the Summer Palace, swim in Kunming Lake, enjoy the 17-hole Bridge, the Buddha's Fragrant Pavilion and other attractions, and feel the serenity and beauty of the Royal Garden. You can also rent a boat in Beihai Park and canoe on the lake, enjoying the White Pagoda and the scenery of the lake and mountains, and enjoying the peaceful natural time.
5. Universal Studios Beijing Fantasy Tour
Experience the excitement and joy of various theme parks, the fantasy and charm of the movie world, and various exciting rides at Universal Studios Beijing.
6. Peking Opera and Chinese Opera Performance
Go to Chang'an Grand Theater or Mei Lanfang Grand Theater to enjoy a wonderful Peking Opera performance, feel the unique charm of the national art, and you can also draw Peking Opera face paint by yourself. Enter the Laoshe Teahouse or the Huguang Guild Hall and enjoy a cup of tea and a traditional Chinese opera or comedy show to experience the culture of old Beijing.
7. Authentic Beijing Cuisine
There is a wide variety of authentic Beijing food, ranging from imperial pastries to popular snacks, from restaurants to street stalls, you can taste Beijing roast duck, marinated pork, shabu-shabu, fried noodles and other specialties.
8. Qianmen Shopping and Wangfujing Night Market
Stroll along Qianmen Street, visit old stores, buy souvenirs and feel the commercial culture of old Beijing. In the evening, stroll through Wangfujing Night Market. Young people also like to go to Nanluoguxiang and other interchanges to find unique stores and gifts.
9. Enjoy the Red Leaves on Fragrant Hill in Autumn
Go to Fragrant Hill Park in autumn to enjoy the red leaves all over the hill, feel the beauty and poetry of autumn, and take pictures of the gorgeous natural landscape.
tips1. Reservations for Beijing Attractions: Reservations are usually required for entry to popular attractions in Beijing, such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the National Museum; tickets are purchased by name, and there is a daily limit on the number of visitors, so those who do not have a reservation may not be able to enter the site. Reservations are also required to visit Peking University and Tsinghua University, while most other attractions have changed to a non-required reservation system. Attention has been successfully booked Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum, the Forbidden City, Sun Yat-sen Park and other attractions located in Tiananmen Square, you can enter Tiananmen Square with the reservation record in the morning, afternoon and lowering of the flag in the three time slots, you want to watch the flag-raising ceremony need to be a separate booking.
2. Tips for security check at popular attractions: There may be strict security check procedures at popular attractions, so it is recommended to pack light and try not to carry flammable and explosive items such as lighters to reduce waiting time.
3. Suggested travel by subway: Beijing traffic is more congested, it is recommended to take the subway to avoid traffic jams on the road.
4. Pay attention to differentiate between departure and arrival airports and stations: Beijing has two airports, Capital Airport, which is closer to the city and Daxing Airport, which is farther away from the city, so you need to see clearly which airport you are departing from and arriving at when purchasing air tickets. In addition, there are 5 common high-speed rail stations and train stations, so be sure to check the names of the stations to avoid delaying your trip.
5. Beijing is dry, pay attention to skin care and moisturizing: Because the climate in Beijing is dry all year round, if you come to Beijing from the south, it is recommended to drink more water and pay attention to skin care and moisturizing.
How to play.
Beijing, the capital of China, is rich in historical heritage and modern landscapes, such as the Summer Palace and the Forbidden City Museum and other historical attractions of deep cultural value, as well as entertainment and recreational paradise such as Universal Studios Beijing Resort, making it a fascinating city where a thousand years of ancient charm and modern prosperity are intertwined.
Beijing Universal Resort blends rich Chinese cultural elements and innovative rides to provide a unique entertainment experience for visitors. There are seven themed scenic spots in the area, featuring a variety of rides and performances to satisfy the needs of visitors of all ages.
The Palace Museum
The Palace Museum in Beijing, formerly known as the Forbidden City, represents the imperial palaces of the Ming and Qing dynasties and boasts a large number of ancient buildings and precious relics. The Forbidden City, with its exquisite architectural complex and rich historical and cultural values, is the focus of the visit.
Badaling Great Wall
The Badaling Great Wall is known for its treacherous terrain and magnificent scenery, and is regarded as the essence of the Ming Great Wall. Its barrier is trapezoidal in shape, and you can experience different perspectives and views by ascending the Great Wall from different entrances.
National Museum of China
The National Museum of China is of high historical and cultural value and research significance. The museum has a rich collection covering a wide range of categories from ancient times to modern times, especially featuring the basic display of “Ancient China” and “Road to Rejuvenation” as well as thematic and temporary exhibitions.
Summer Palace
The Summer Palace, formerly known as the Garden of Clear Ripples, was the palace and garden of the emperors of the Qing Dynasty, blending the design techniques of Jiangnan gardens, with Kunming Lake and Wanshou Mountain as the base, its garden architecture and natural landscape complement each other. Its garden architecture and natural landscape complement each other well. The Buddha's Fragrance Pavilion, the Promenade, the Stone Boat and the Seventeen-hole Bridge in the garden are all very representative buildings, each of which carries a wealth of historical and cultural value, and is a historical and cultural attraction not to be missed when visiting Beijing.
Night Tour Tips
The night in Beijing is like a colorful painting. Whether it's the historic district and culinary atmosphere of Shichahai, the light show and cultural symbols of the Bird's Nest, or the mysterious deep-sea world of the Aquarium, each place displays a unique charm and offers endless fun to explore.
Accommodation areaBeijing is a historic yet modern and vibrant city that offers travelers a wide variety of lodging options. Whether it's a lively area close to major attractions or a quiet, upscale neighborhood, Beijing has a wide range of hotels to meet the needs of different travelers.
Local CuisineBeijing cuisine is known for specialties such as roast duck, popped tripe, enchilada, sheep scorpion and fried noodles, showcasing rich flavors and unique preparation techniques.
Pre-travel must-see
Climate
Beijing has a continental monsoon climate with four distinct seasons: warm spring, hot and rainy summer, sunny fall, and cold and snowy winter. There is a large temperature difference between day and night in Beijing; January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of about -5°C, while July is the hottest month, with an average high temperature of 30°C or more. Precipitation is mainly concentrated in the summer months, sometimes with heavy rain.
When traveling to Beijing, it is recommended to wear layered clothing to cope with temperature changes. In winter, thick sweaters, wool undershirts, long wool underwear, windbreakers and down jackets are recommended, as well as non-slip shoes. In summer, lightweight, breathable clothing is appropriate, and carry a raincoat in case of sudden showers. In spring and fall, a mix of lightweight and warm clothing is recommended, as temperatures can vary widely. For weather extremes, such as intense UV radiation in the summer or dry, windy weather in the spring, sunscreen, hats and moisturizers are recommended. In winter, when it is cold and dry, scarves, hats and gloves are recommended to keep you warm.
Customs and Taboos
Be aware of etiquette when taking photos in Beijing, especially when photographing people or in crowded places. Always ask permission before taking personal photos and avoid taking photos of government and military buildings unless you have explicit permission.
Great Transportation
Beijing's transportation infrastructure is excellent, with airports, train stations, and coach stations being key to the city's connectivity.
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): Located in the Shunyi district, about 32 kilometers from the city center, travelers can reach the city center by taking the Airport Express, which is the faster way but requires a subway transfer. Cabs and airport shuttles also provide direct access to all parts of the city.
Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX): located in the Daxing district, it is larger and has a higher passenger flow. It is 46 kilometers from Tiananmen Square. The airport is connected to the city center via the Jingxiong Intercity Railway and the subway Daxing Airport Line, providing fast and efficient transfers.
Train Stations: Beijing's train stations are located in different areas of the city, providing efficient and convenient services for travelers to and from Beijing. Some of the train stations with large passenger volume are Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station, Beijing South Railway Station and Beijing North Railway Station.
Long-distance Bus Stations: Convenient for travelers wanting to get to neighboring cities and provinces, there are eight major stations serving a variety of destinations. Liuliqiao Passenger Transportation Hub and Sihui Long-distance Bus Station are among the notable stations, offering transportation to cities such as Tianjin, Zhangjiakou and Chengde.
Minor Transportation
Beijing's subway system is a very efficient means of transportation, especially during rush hours when it is far faster than other modes of transportation. The subway lines cover a wide area, with 25 currently operating lines and 2 Airport Express lines connecting the city, suburbs and major attractions. Fares are very affordable, starting at just 3 RMB, and transfers are easy, with announcements in both English and Chinese.
Beijing's bus system is an important part of local transportation and offers many types of bus services, including downtown buses, night buses, suburban buses and sightseeing buses. Fares start at 2 RMB or are priced according to the distance traveled, and great discounts are available with the Beijing Municipal Transportation One Card.
Best Time to Travel
The best time to visit Beijing is from September to November in the fall, when the weather is pleasant, the city is decorated with beautiful fall foliage, the temperature is moderate and there are relatively few tourists, making it an ideal time to sightsee and enjoy the city's beauty.
Spring (April-May) is also recommended, with mild temperatures and blooming flowers, although it can be a bit windy at times.
Warm tips: During peak travel periods such as summer (July-August) and China's National Day, it is recommended to book accommodation at attractions in advance and make reasonable travel arrangements.
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