About Beijing
Beijing is where ancient China meets modern superpower ambition. The Forbidden City, the largest palace complex on earth, sits at the geographic and spiritual heart of the city. Beyond it stretches a maze of hutongs — centuries-old alleyways lined with courtyard homes and noodle joints — slowly disappearing as glass towers rise around them. The Great Wall is an hour away, snaking across mountain ridges in both directions. In between, the city hums with political weight, extraordinary museums, and a food scene anchored by Peking duck, hand-pulled noodles, and dumplings so good they need no context. Winter is bitter cold, spring brings sandstorms from the Gobi, summer is humid and packed — late September to November is the sweet spot: blue skies, crisp air, and the Great Wall at its most cinematic.
Highlights
Forbidden City at opening time before tour groups arrive Mutianyu section of the Great Wall — fewer crowds, toboggan descent Peking duck at Quanjude or Da Dong — a non-negotiable meal Nanluoguxiang hutong — browse, eat jianbing, watch the city breathe Temple of Heaven — early in the park, locals doing tai chi and flying kites; the halls open later 798 Art District — converted Bauhaus factory complex, galleries and coffee
Plan My Trip with Ava
Neighbourhoods
Practical Info
Entry rules depend on your nationality. Check before you travel: Official entry information
Chinese Yuan (CNY, also RMB). Credit cards are widely accepted in the city, but carry cash for small vendors and rural areas.
Tipping is not customary in China and can even be refused. In high-end hotels or on tours, small tips may be accepted but are not expected.
Beijing is generally safe with low violent crime, but be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas and scams targeting tourists, especially around tourist hotspots.
Local SIMs from China Mobile or China Unicom are sold at the airport and in their stores.
Mandarin Chinese is the official language; English is spoken by some in tourist areas and hotels but is not widely understood.
Useful phrases Mandarin12
No traveller tips yet. Be the first to share one.
Related Guides
Share a tip.