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Overview
Beijing has served as China's capital for most of the past seven centuries, and the weight of that history is visible at every turn — in the vast ceremonial axis of the Forbidden City, in the ring roads that replaced the old city walls, and in the courtyard houses that survive in pockets between modern high-rises. It is a city of roughly 21 million people that functions simultaneously as seat of government, cultural heartland, and rapidly evolving metropolis.
The city sits on the northwestern edge of the North China Plain, backed by mountains to the north and west. This geography shapes its climate — cold, dry winters with occasional snow, hot and humid summers, and famously pleasant springs and autumns. Air quality varies seasonally; the municipality has made measurable progress over the past decade, though checking current AQI readings before outdoor-heavy days is still advisable.
Visitors tend to be surprised by the city's scale and by how much genuine neighbourhood life survives in its older districts. The hutongs — narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard compounds — around Nanluoguxiang, Shichahai, and Dongcheng are not merely tourist attractions but still-functioning residential quarters worth exploring slowly on foot or by bicycle.
Before You Go
Visas
Entry requirements for China depend on your nationality and can change with relatively little notice. Do not rely on any single source for current rules. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section for general guidance and verify your specific situation directly with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country, or the official National Immigration Administration of China.
Health
No vaccinations are universally mandated for entry, but consult a travel medicine clinic well before departure for personalised advice. Standard travel health insurance that includes medical evacuation is strongly recommended — quality private hospitals in Beijing are available but can be expensive for uninsured patients.
Connectivity
Many international websites and apps — including Google services, most Western social media platforms, and certain VPN applications — are inaccessible from mainland China. Download offline maps (several China-specific mapping apps work well), arrange any communication tools you need before arrival, and inform yourself about the legal context around VPN use in China before travelling.
Money
Mobile payment apps (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate daily transactions, and some smaller vendors accept little else. Linking a foreign card to these apps has become more straightforward in recent years but verify current options before travel. ATMs accepting international cards exist at major banks and airports — confirm your card's international access with your bank in advance. Carry some cash as a backup.
Getting There
By Air
Beijing is served by two commercial airports. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is the long-established hub northeast of the city, handling most international and domestic routes. Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), which opened in 2019 and is located to the south, handles a growing share of traffic, primarily from domestic carriers and select international routes. Check which airport your flight uses carefully, as they are far apart and served by different transit links.
Both airports are connected to central Beijing by dedicated express rail services. The Capital Airport Express connects PEK to the city's subway network. Daxing is linked by the Daxing Airport Express. Journey times and fares should be verified on arrival boards or official transport authority sources, as both may be updated.
By Rail
Beijing is a major hub of China's high-speed rail network, with frequent services to Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and dozens of other cities. The city has several main railway stations — Beijing Station, Beijing West, Beijing South (the high-speed hub), and Beijing North — so confirm which station your service uses when booking. Tickets can be purchased through the official China Railway booking platform or at station windows; foreigners can collect pre-booked tickets at stations with their passport.
Getting Around
Subway
Beijing's metro system is one of the most extensive in the world, with numerous lines covering most areas of tourist interest including the Forbidden City area (Tiananmen), the Temple of Heaven, the Olympic Park, and the hutong districts. It is clean, frequent, affordable, and generally the most reliable way to move around the city. Signs and announcements are in both Mandarin and English. Tap cards (available at station service centres) are more convenient than buying individual tickets.
Bus
The city bus network is comprehensive and cheap but can be confusing without reading Chinese. It is used mainly by locals and long-term residents rather than first-time visitors.
Taxi and Ride-Hailing
Licensed taxis are metered; ensure the meter is running at the start of your ride. Having your destination written in Chinese characters is useful, as many drivers do not speak English. DiDi, the dominant ride-hailing platform, operates in Beijing and has an English-language interface — verify current app availability and payment options before travel.
Bicycle
Several bike-share schemes (including Meituan and Hello Bike) operate citywide. They require a local mobile payment app to unlock. Cycling is a practical and enjoyable way to explore flat central areas and the hutongs.
Car
Foreign driving licences are not valid in China. International visitors cannot independently rent and drive a car without a Chinese driving permit. Hire a car with a driver if road-based exploration is needed.
Things to See & Do
Imperial Beijing
The Forbidden City (Palace Museum) at the heart of the city was the imperial palace for both the Ming and Qing dynasties and is one of the largest surviving palace complexes in the world. Timed entry tickets are required and typically sell out well in advance — book through the official Palace Museum website before arrival. Directly south, Tiananmen Square is one of the world's largest public squares. The Temple of Heaven, in the south of the city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an early-morning gathering point for locals practising tai chi, dancing, and other exercises.
The Great Wall
Several sections of the Great Wall are accessible as day trips from Beijing. Mutianyu is widely considered a good balance of accessibility and preservation; Jinshanling appeals to those seeking longer hiking and fewer crowds. Badaling is the most visited and most heavily restored section. Travel time, access options, and conditions vary by section — verify current transport links locally or through your accommodation.
Parks and Hutongs
Beihai Park, adjacent to the Forbidden City, is a classical imperial garden centred on a lake. Jingshan Park, just north of the Forbidden City, offers the city's best elevated view over the palace complex. The hutong neighbourhoods of Dongcheng — particularly around Nanluoguxiang, Wudaoying, and the Drum and Bell Tower area — reward unhurried walking. The National Museum of China on Tiananmen Square is among the world's largest museums by floor area and covers Chinese history comprehensively; entry is free but registration is required.
Contemporary Culture
The 798 Art District, in the northeast of the city, occupies a repurposed factory complex and houses galleries, studios, and design spaces. The National Centre for the Performing Arts (informally called "The Egg") presents opera, orchestral, and theatrical performances — check its official programme for current listings.
Food & Drink
What to Eat
Beijing's most iconic dish is Peking duck (北京烤鸭), roasted in a wood-fired oven and served with thin pancakes, spring onion, cucumber, and hoisin sauce. Several long-established restaurants in the city are known for this dish; asking your hotel for a current recommendation is a reliable approach. Other local staples include zhajiangmian (noodles in fermented soybean paste with pork), jianbing (savoury crêpes, a popular street breakfast), and lamb hot pot in the Mongolian style.
Beijing is also an excellent city for regional Chinese cuisines from across the country — Sichuan, Cantonese, Shanghainese, Yunnan, and Xinjiang restaurants are all well represented. The city has a mature international dining scene, particularly in the Sanlitun and Chaoyang districts.
Eating Out
Neighbourhood restaurants and food streets tend to offer better value and more authentic food than hotel dining. The Guijie (Ghost Street) area in Dongcheng is a dense concentration of restaurants open late into the night. Food delivery apps are ubiquitous among residents but less practical for short-term visitors without local payment methods.
Drink
Teahouses offering traditional Chinese tea service are found throughout the city and worth a visit. Beer is widely available and inexpensive. Baijiu, a strong distilled spirit, is the national drink and ubiquitous at formal meals. A small but growing craft beer and specialty coffee scene has emerged in areas like Sanlitun and Gulou.
Shopping
Beijing offers a wide range of shopping, from major international luxury malls to specialist markets. The Wangfujing pedestrian street in central Dongcheng is a mainstream commercial area with department stores, chain shops, and a well-known snack street. The Silk Market (Xiushui) and Panjiayuan Antique Market are popular with visitors — note that goods marketed as antiques or name-brand items at tourist markets may not be genuine, and export of real Chinese antiques is subject to legal restrictions.
For craft items, teas, and traditional goods, the areas around Liulichang (a street historically associated with art supplies and antiques) and the hutong neighbourhood shops offer more curated options. Electronics and technology goods are widely available; confirm warranty and compatibility with your home country before purchasing.
Bargaining is expected in markets but not in fixed-price shops and malls. Prices in tourist-facing markets often start much higher than the expected final price.
Practical Information
Emergency Numbers
For any emergency in China, the general emergency number is 110 (police), 120 (ambulance), and 119 (fire). These are free calls from any phone. Verify these numbers on arrival as standard practice.
Health Facilities
Beijing has both public hospitals and international-standard private hospitals and clinics catering to expatriates and visitors. Your hotel concierge or travel insurer's assistance line can direct you to an appropriate facility. Carry a copy of your insurance documents and emergency contact numbers at all times.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (药店, yàodiàn) are common throughout the city. Major chains stock a broad range of medications. Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medication you require, as exact brand equivalents may not be available.
Electricity
China uses 220V/50Hz electricity. Sockets are predominantly Type A (two flat pins) and Type I (two diagonal flat pins), though the Type A socket is common enough that North American plugs often fit without an adapter. Carry a universal adapter to be safe.
Tap Water
Do not drink tap water in Beijing. Bottled water is inexpensive and widely available. Most hotels provide bottled water in rooms.
Safety
Beijing is generally considered a safe city for travellers by international standards. Violent crime targeting tourists is uncommon. Petty theft and scams are the primary concerns.
Common scams in tourist areas include "art student" approaches (strangers who befriend tourists and lead them to a gallery where they are pressured to buy overpriced artworks), tea ceremony invitations that result in inflated bills, and unofficial taxi services at airports and stations that charge far above metered rates. Using only metered taxis or verified ride-hailing apps, and being cautious of unsolicited friendly approaches in tourist areas, reduces these risks significantly.
Road traffic in Beijing can be chaotic, and crossing streets requires attention even at marked crossings. Air quality on high-pollution days can affect people with respiratory conditions — check the AQI forecast and carry a quality mask (N95 or equivalent) if needed.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Beijing is a city of deep historical consciousness, and understanding a little of that context enriches any visit. As the seat of imperial power for dynasties stretching back to the Yuan, and now the capital of the People's Republic, the city carries a weight of symbolism that shapes its public spaces, its architecture, and its residents' self-image.
Public decorum is generally expected at historical and political sites. Dress modestly at temples and religious sites; loud or disruptive behaviour is frowned upon. Photography restrictions exist at some sites, including certain areas of the Forbidden City — look for signage and respect the rules.
Acknowledging basic courtesies goes a long way. A few words of Mandarin — greeting, thank you, and excuse me — are appreciated even if your Chinese is minimal. Tipping is not a standard practice in Beijing and is not expected at restaurants or in taxis, though it is becoming more common in upscale hotels. Pointing with a single finger is considered impolite; an open hand gesture is preferred.
