Capital Airport Express (PEK)
Runs from Beijing Capital International Airport to Sanyuanqiao and Dongzhimen, connecting to the subway.
Beijing Travel Guide
China's capital holds some of the country's greatest monuments: the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and the Temple of Heaven. It suits history and culture lovers who want grand imperial sites, hutong alleys and a proper Peking duck dinner.
Plan your Beijing trip
We never take payment — compare, then book on the official partner site.
At a glance
- Currency
- CNY (¥)
- Power & plugs
- 220V · Type A/C/I
- Driving side
- Right
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Local language
- 中文(简体)
- How long to stay
- 4 to 5 days
Emergency numbers
When to go
September-October is clear and mild, the best time to go; April-May is also good but can bring dust storms. Summers are hot and rainy and winters very cold and dry. National Day week (around October 1) and Chinese New Year are extremely crowded.
Airport to the city
Daxing Airport Express (PKX)
Links Beijing Daxing International Airport to Caoqiao and the city subway. Allow about an hour to the center including transfers.
Taxi
Use only the official taxi rank and make sure the meter runs. Show your hotel address in Chinese.
Getting around
Subway
Huge network, cheap fares and English signs. Every station has a bag check, so allow extra time.
Mobile QR Payment for Transit
Use the transit QR code inside Alipay or WeChat Pay for the subway and buses. Single tickets can also be bought with cash.
DiDi Ride-hailing
Also bookable inside Alipay, so you don't need to explain your destination verbally. Easier than hailing a taxi.
Shared Bikes
Great for hutongs and the lakes; scan the QR code with Alipay or similar to unlock.
Where to stay
Wangfujing / Dongcheng
Good for: First visit, sightseeing base
Close to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen, with shopping and dining. Always busy.
Qianmen / Dashilar
Good for: Old Beijing feel
Historic shopping streets south of Tiananmen Square, near the Temple of Heaven.
Houhai / Nanluoguxiang
Good for: Hutongs, evening strolls
Lakeside bars and courtyard guesthouses in the alleys. Can be noisy at night.
Sanlitun / Chaoyang
Good for: Modern city, nightlife
Near the embassy district, with stylish malls, restaurants and bars. Farther from the historic sites.
Top sights
Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
The imperial palace of the Ming and Qing emperors; advance real-name booking with your passport is required and often sells out. Closed Mondays except holidays.
Tiananmen Square
One of the world's largest squares; entry requires your passport and a security check. Pair it with the Forbidden City.
Great Wall (Mutianyu or Badaling)
Mutianyu is less crowded and has a cable car; Badaling is easier to reach but very busy. Plan a full day.
Temple of Heaven
Where emperors prayed for good harvests, famous for the Hall of Prayer. Morning visits show locals doing tai chi.
Summer Palace
A vast imperial garden around Kunming Lake that takes at least half a day. Wear comfortable shoes.
Hutongs (around Nanluoguxiang)
Old residential alleys best explored by bike or rickshaw. Side lanes are quieter than the main street.
Jingshan Park
The hill just north of the Forbidden City offers the classic view over its roofs. Cheap entry and lovely at sunset.
798 Art District
Former factories turned into galleries and cafes. Many galleries close on Mondays.
What to eat
Peking Duck
Crispy roast duck wrapped in thin pancakes, the city's signature dish. About 200-400 yuan (~US$28-55) per duck, best shared.
Zhajiangmian
Noodles tossed with savory fermented bean sauce and fresh vegetables. About 25-40 yuan (~US$3.50-5.50) a bowl.
Mutton Hotpot (Shuan Yangrou)
Thin lamb slices dipped in a copper pot and sesame sauce, Beijing-style hotpot. About 100-150 yuan (~US$14-21) per person.
Jianbing
A breakfast street crepe with egg and a crispy cracker inside. About 10-15 yuan (~US$1.50-2).
Jiaozi (Dumplings)
Boiled dumplings with endless fillings. About 20-40 yuan (~US$3-5.50) a plate.
Daily budget (per person)
Budgetabout 300-400 yuan (~US$42-55) per day: hostel, local eateries, subway
Mid-rangeabout 800-1,000 yuan (~US$110-140) per day: 4-star hotel, duck dinner
Comfortabout 2,000 yuan+ (~US$280+) per day: 5-star hotel, private car tours
Sample itinerary
- Day 1
Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, sunset views from Jingshan Park, then Peking duck near Wangfujing.
- Day 2
A full day at the Mutianyu Great Wall (cable car or hike), then mutton hotpot back in town.
- Day 3
Temple of Heaven in the morning, Summer Palace in the afternoon, then an evening stroll around Houhai and Nanluoguxiang.
- Day 4
Hutong bike tour in the morning, 798 Art District in the afternoon, then dinner and shopping in Sanlitun.
Local tips
- Google, YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp and many other foreign apps are blocked. Roaming or an eSIM bought abroad usually bypasses this; for maps, Amap or Baidu Maps are more accurate than Google.
- Mobile payment dominates. Foreigners can link international cards to Alipay and WeChat Pay; set them up and verify before you arrive.
- Major sights such as the Forbidden City and National Museum require advance real-name booking; always carry your passport.
- Visa rules (visa-free entry and transit exemptions) change often, so check the latest policy before you travel.
- Expect security checks at subway stations and sights; don't carry lighters or knives.
- There is no tipping. Avoid friendly strangers inviting you to tea tastings or art exhibitions, a common tourist scam.
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Prices and times are approximate as of 2026-09 and may change. Always re-check visa and entry rules with official sources before you travel.