Things To Do
in Beijing
Beijing, the capital city of China, is a vibrant metropolis rich in history and culture, featuring ancient sites such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall alongside modern architectural wonders. It is a political, educational, and cultural center, playing a pivotal role in the nation's development while simultaneously preserving its historical heritage.
The city is renowned for its exquisite cuisine, bustling markets, and expansive parks, making it a dynamic blend of the old and the new.
- "Ni hao" - Hello
- "Xie xie" - Thank you
- "Zao an" - Good morning
- "Zai jian" - Goodbye
- "Shen me" - What?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $25 - $75
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day early by visiting the Badaling section of the Great Wall. Enjoy the breathtaking views and take plenty of photos as you walk along the ancient structure.
After lunch, head to the Mutianyu section for a quieter experience. You can take a cable car up for stunning sights and then hike down through the scenic area.
Return to the city and enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. Try the famous Peking duck to end your day.
Begin your day at Tiananmen Square, where you can learn about its historical significance. Then, stroll over to the Forbidden City to witness imperial architecture.
Explore the vast halls and courtyards of the Forbidden City and learn about the lives of emperors. Don't forget to check out the beautiful gardens within the palace.
Head to Wangfujing Street for some mouth-watering street food. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and shop for snacks or souvenirs.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history, with landmarks like the Great Wall and Forbidden City.
- Strong economic growth and opportunities across various industries.
- Extensive public transportation network that makes commuting accessible.
- Vibrant food scene with a wide variety of local and international cuisines.
- Educational opportunities with numerous universities and international schools.
- High levels of air pollution affecting health and quality of life.
- Crowded urban environment leading to congestion and noise.
- Cost of living can be high, especially in central areas.
- Strict government regulations and limited political freedom.
- Language barrier for non-Mandarin speakers can be challenging.
Best Activities in Beijing
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful countryside and historic landmarks with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Ride through the narrow alleyways of Beijing's traditional neighborhoods, known as hutongs, and experience the local flavor and culture of the city.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the well-maintained gardens, pavilions, and scenic lakes of this imperial retreat.
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this park, particularly during the autumn season with its vibrant foliage.
Relax and take in the charm of the traditional Chinese architecture and vibrant atmosphere around the tranquil Houhai Lake.
Tours
Uncover the best of Beijing with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Beijing
Visit one of these nice places.
The Great Wall offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and is a must-visit for photography enthusiasts.
This ancient imperial palace complex provides excellent photo opportunities of traditional Chinese architecture and grand courtyards.
The temple grounds and iconic circular structures are ideal for capturing the beauty of traditional Chinese design.
Jingshan Park offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Forbidden City and Beijing skyline from its hilltop pavilions.
Food in Beijing
Beijing Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try dish, featuring tender, crispy-skinned duck often served with pancakes, sweet bean sauce, and thinly sliced scallions. Quanjude and Dadong restaurants are renowned for their Peking duck.
Must-Try!
A popular breakfast item, this savory crepe is filled with egg, crispy fried dough, pickled vegetables, and a flavorful sauce. Look for street vendors in the morning for an authentic experience.
This noodle dish features thick wheat noodles topped with a savory, thick soybean paste-based sauce, often accompanied by cucumbers and shredded pork. Dongbeipullao and Xian Lao Man are recommended spots for this dish.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Beijing better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling food market offering a wide array of traditional street foods such as scorpion skewers, candied fruit, and lamb kebabs. Adventurous eaters will find plenty to sample here.
Open in the evenings, this market is famous for its exotic snacks like fried insects, hot pot skewers, and stinky tofu. It's a great place to experience Beijing's diverse street food culture.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Beijing, it is important to be mindful of personal space, as people tend to stand closer when talking and may not be as accustomed to the concept of personal space as in some Western cultures. Being respectful of this cultural norm shows consideration for others.
Addressing people with their titles and last names is a common practice in Beijing and demonstrates respect for hierarchy and social status. It is important to use titles such as 'Mr.' or 'Mrs.' and their last name when initially addressing someone.
Respecting traditional customs such as offering and receiving gifts with both hands, using formal language and greetings, and showing courtesy in interactions with others is highly valued in Beijing. Adhering to these customs shows respect for the local culture and traditions.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Beijing with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Beijing
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not expected in most places in Beijing, China. It is not a common practice in restaurants, hotels, or taxis. However, upscale and international establishments may include a service charge in the bill.
Payment in Beijing, China is predominantly done using mobile payment platforms such as WeChat Pay and Alipay, which are widely accepted by merchants. Cash is also commonly used, especially in smaller businesses and markets.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Beijing.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and frequent sandstorms
Hot and humid weather, occasional heavy rain, and the peak tourist season
Cool and clear weather, vibrant autumn foliage, and fewer tourists
Cold and dry with occasional snow, ideal for experiencing winter activities and fewer crowds
Beijing at Night
Hiking in Beijing
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A well-preserved section of the Great Wall of China, offering scenic views and hiking opportunities along the ancient fortifications.
A popular natural park in Beijing featuring wooded mountains, hiking trails, and stunning views of the city, especially during the autumn foliage.
One of the most famous and easily accessible sections of the Great Wall, suitable for both casual walkers and serious hikers.
Located in the northern suburbs of Beijing, the Jundu Mountains offer various trails for hiking, as well as opportunities for rock climbing.
While primarily a ski resort, Nanshan offers hiking trails during the warmer months, with beautiful mountain scenery.
A scenic urban hike that takes you through some of Beijing's most historic areas, ending at the picturesque Beihai Park.
A lesser-known hiking spot that offers lush scenery and trails suitable for a day of exploration away from the city's bustle.
Located about 100 kilometers from Beijing, Shidu features river valleys, ancient rock formations, and a variety of hiking paths.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Beijing through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Beijing by plane.
The main international airport serving Beijing, located about 32 kilometers northeast of the city center.
Located about 120 kilometers southeast of Beijing, it serves the Tianjin area and some international flights.
Approximately 250 kilometers southwest of Beijing, serving Shijiazhuang, the capital of Hebei Province.
Located about 1,000 kilometers west of Beijing, serving the city of Xi'an and is one of the major airports in central China.
Around 1,000 kilometers south of Beijing, serving Hangzhou and is an important airport in eastern China.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Beijing, comprising over 90% of the population.
A Muslim ethnic group that is significant in Beijing, known for their unique customs and practices.
An ethnic group historically significant in Beijing, with a smaller population today.
An ethnic group with roots in Inner Mongolia, present in Beijing.
A small demographic group in Beijing, known for their cultural distinctiveness.
Includes groups such as Uighurs, Zhuang, and Korean, which collectively form a minor portion of the population.
A diverse group of individuals from various countries living in Beijing for work, study, and tourism.
The Soul of Beijing
Discover the essence of Beijing through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is extremely popular in Beijing, with numerous local teams and a strong following for the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and NBA events.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Beijing, with many amateur and professional teams, as well as a passionate fan base that supports the Chinese national team.
Table tennis holds a significant place in Chinese culture, and Beijing has many clubs and recreational spaces for both casual and competitive play.
Badminton is widely played in Beijing, with many indoor and outdoor facilities available for players of all levels.
Marathon events have gained immense popularity in Beijing, attracting both local and international runners, with the Beijing Marathon being one of the most prominent.
Chinese martial arts, including Kung Fu and Tai Chi, are deeply rooted in tradition and widely practiced in the city, both for sport and cultural preservation.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Beijing.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Beijing cuisine heavily features meat, many modern restaurants and international eateries offer vegetarian and vegan dishes. Yunnan and Buddhist vegetarian restaurants are particularly good options.
Gluten-free options may be a bit limited in traditional Chinese fare, but specialized international restaurants and health food stores in expat-friendly areas like Sanlitun offer gluten-free choices.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Beijing with these cultural adventures.
