Beijing Travel Guide: What you need to know when you first arrive in Beijing

Beijing, the capital of China, has a history of more than 3,000 years and combines traditional and modern charm. The Great Wall, the Forbidden City and other iconic buildings are must-see places for first-time visitors to China.

Basic information: area 16,410.54 square kilometers, population about 2189, time zone GMT + 8.

Climate: temperate monsoon climate, short spring and autumn, long winter and summer, April to June, September to October is the best time to visit.

Transportation: Two major international airports (Beijing Capital Airport and Daxing Airport) connect the world; Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station, Beijing South Railway Station and other railway stations facilitate domestic travel.

Accommodation: there are standard star hotels, boutique hotels, hostels, hutong quadrangle and other options.

Food: gather the national flavor, integrate the northern characteristics.

Shopping: to meet the diverse needs of fashion, electronic products, traditional handicrafts and so on.

Recommended must-see attractions

The Palace Museum: the imperial palace of Ming and Qing Dynasties, the largest palace complex in the world, with a large number of artistic treasures.

The Great Wall: an ancient defensive fortification about an hour’s drive from Beijing, a landmark of China.

Summer Palace: the world’s largest imperial garden, with pavilions and terraces and lakes and mountains.

Tiananmen Temple: the sacred place of imperial sacrifice, with unique architectural style and profound cultural connotation.

Beihai Park: an ancient royal garden, feel elegant and quiet.

Beijing Ancient Observatory: Witness the development of ancient astronomy.

Hutong: a characteristic alley to experience the old Beijing style.

Art District 798: Modern Art Center, full of creative vitality.

Tian ‘anmen Square: the city center, with important buildings and cultural places.

Wangfujing, Qianmen Street: traditional commercial street, can buy souvenirs, taste of special snacks.

Good places to shop

Xinguang World: more than 1,000 international brands gathered, with restaurants.

Jinyuan Yansha Shopping Center: large scale, more than 1,000 shops.

Santongli, Sanlitun: a gathering place for fashion brands, including restaurants and cinemas.

Xidan Joy City: the largest shopping center in Xidan, with a special cinema and cosmetics store.

Food experience

Peking duck: crispy skin and tender meat, paired with pancakes and side dishes.

Fried sauce noodles: noodles with fried sauce and vegetables.

Bean juice fried ring: a combination of specialty drinks and fried noodles.

Donkey Rolling: glutinous rice bean paste dessert.

Braised: Pig offal and stewed with fire.

Stir-fried liver: pork intestine and liver with thickened sauce, better with baozi.

tips

Language: Mainly speak Mandarin, many tourist areas have English services, master simple Chinese is more convenient.

Payment: cash, mobile payment, foreign card swiping and other ways are universal.

Cultural etiquette: Pay attention to etiquette, pay attention to dining and visiting etiquette.

Season preparation: carry appropriate clothes and supplies according to the season. 

I hope this guide will help you enjoy your trip to Beijing!