Things To Do
in Tongzhou

Noodles topped with a thick soybean-meat sauce — a Beijing staple widely available in Tongzhou's eateries and noodle shops.

Must-Try!

A savory pancake folded with egg, sauces and crunchy fillings; commonly sold at breakfast stalls and near transport hubs.

Steamed or boiled dumplings with pork, lamb or vegetable fillings — popular at family restaurants and markets.

While Beijing-wide, many local restaurants offer versions of roast duck; good places are canal-side or full-service local roast houses.

Small vendors near parks and transport hubs selling jianbing, dumplings, skewers and sweet snacks — ideal for tasting local street flavors.

Neighborhood markets where you can buy fresh produce, smoked and pickled items, and small cooked-food stalls; try savory pancakes and steamed buns.

A simple '你好' (nǐ hǎo) and a slight nod or smile are common; handshakes are acceptable in more formal encounters.

Wait for the host to begin eating or indicate seating order; sharing dishes is common, and it’s polite to try a bit of each offering.

Keep voices moderate on public transport and in parks; avoid overt displays that draw attention. Respect queues and form orderly lines where indicated.

Ask permission before photographing people, particularly older residents or children; avoid photographing official buildings or security installations.

Tipping is not customary in most of China; small tips are not expected at restaurants, but upscale hotels and international venues may accept or include service charges. For guides or drivers, a small thank-you gift or polite extra is appreciated but not obligatory.

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate daily transactions; international credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and malls but less so at small shops and markets — carry some cash (RMB) and install mobile payment apps if possible.

Mild temperatures and blooming trees along the canal; occasional dust storms or windy days in March — bring a light jacket and a mask if pollen or dust are affecting you.

Hot and occasionally humid with July and August being the warmest months; expect afternoon showers and busy weekend crowds at parks and Universal Resort — stay hydrated and seek shade.

Crisp, clear days and pleasant temperatures make this the best time for outdoor activities and photography; bring layers for cooler mornings and evenings.

Cold and dry with temperatures often below freezing; snow is possible though not prolonged — pack a warm coat, hat and gloves for outdoor exploring.

Main international airport to the north of the city; accessible to Tongzhou by airport shuttle, taxi or combination of Airport Express and metro lines — travel time depends on traffic but typically 45–90 minutes.

Newer major airport to the south; reachable by high-speed rail, airport shuttle buses or taxi; journey to Tongzhou usually takes 1–1.5 hours depending on chosen route and traffic.

Long-term residents and families who live and work in the district; many are involved in local businesses and services.

Growing population of younger workers and government employees drawn by new offices and residential developments in the sub-center.

Workers from other provinces who support construction, retail and hospitality sectors; contribute to the district's diverse urban workforce.

Visitors coming for family attractions such as Universal Beijing Resort, cultural sites, and weekend leisure activities.

Vegetarian options are available (stir-fried vegetables, tofu dishes, noodle soups) but may not always be labeled — ask staff using the word '素' (sù) for vegetarian and confirm no meat stock is used.

Vegan choices are more limited; communicate clearly about animal products, and choose simple vegetable dishes or request salads and tofu-based plates.

Look for halal-certified restaurants (清真) or Muslim-owned eateries in the city; otherwise stick to vegetable-based dishes and avoid mixed-meat dishes.

Carry a translated note listing allergens in Chinese; many small vendors have limited allergy awareness, so preparation is advised.